UNESCO World Heritage Maya city and one of the New Seven Wonders, home to the El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court and the Sacred Cenote.
Chichen Itza was a major Maya and Toltec-influenced city between roughly 600 and 1200 CE. El Castillo, the 24 m stepped pyramid dedicated to Kukulcan, is aligned so that a serpent-shaped shadow descends its north stairway at the spring and autumn equinoxes. Climbing the pyramid is no longer permitted.
The site also includes the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory (El Caracol) and the Sacred Cenote. Foreign adult entry was reported at about MXN 676 (USD 39) in 2026, combining federal and state fees. Many tours add a cenote swim and lunch in Valladolid.
| Distance | About 200 km west of Cancun |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2.5-3 hours each way by road; about 2 hours by Tren Maya to Chichen Itza station |
| Getting there | Tren Maya from Cancun Airport station to Chichen Itza station (tourist fare about MXN 351, USD 20), then a short shuttle to the site |
| Difficulty | Easy - flat paths, little shade |
| Address | Km 120 Carretera Merida-Valladolid, 97751 Piste, Yucatan |
How to get there
- Tren Maya
- ADO coach to Piste
- Guided day tour with hotel pickup
- Rental car via toll highway 180D
Suggested itinerary
- Early Tren Maya or tour departure from Cancun, site opening at 8AM, El Castillo and the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors, optional cenote swim nearby, late lunch in Valladolid, return by evening
Location
Km 120 Carretera Merida-Valladolid, 97751 Piste, Yucatan
20.6843, -88.5678 View on map
Highlights
- El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan)
- Great Ball Court
- Sacred Cenote
- El Caracol Observatory
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening to avoid midday heat
- Bring cash pesos for entry and souvenirs
- Wear a hat and sunscreen; shade is minimal
- Handicraft sellers line the paths and bargaining is expected
When to visit
A weekday morning in the dry season gives the lightest crowds.
Accessibility
Main paths are flat and mostly accessible, though uneven stone and gravel can be difficult for wheelchairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Chichen Itza worth a day trip from Cancun?
Yes; it is the most-visited Maya site in the region and reachable in about 2 hours by Tren Maya or 2.5-3 hours by road.
How much is entry?
Foreign adults were reported to pay about MXN 676 (USD 39) in 2026; fees change annually, so confirm at the gate.