Pink flamingos in a lagoon on the Yucatán Peninsula — Chichen Itza travel guide background

Chichen Itza Tours from Cancun Compared

Chichen Itza Travel Guide

Practical, up-to-date tips for your visit to Chichen Itza and the Yucatán Peninsula — the best time to go, the cenotes nearby, Valladolid, what to wear, the equinox and how to plan a road trip from Cancun.

A traveller among agave plants under a blue sky in the Yucatán

Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza

When to visit Chichen Itza: the dry and rainy seasons, the busiest holidays, the equinox, and the best time of day to beat the heat and the tour buses.

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An open cenote with a waterfall of rainwater and a wooden platform near Chichen Itza

Cenotes Near Chichen Itza

The best cenotes near Chichen Itza and Valladolid — Ik Kil, Yokdzonot, Suytun, Zací, Oxmán and more — plus rules, prices and tips for swimming.

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The Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal rising above the forest on a Yucatán road trip

7-Day Yucatán Road Trip from Cancun

A 7-day Yucatán road trip from Cancun: Valladolid, Chichen Itza at opening time, cenotes, Ek Balam, Río Lagartos, Izamal, Mérida and Uxmal — with driving times.

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A colourful colonial street in Valladolid, Yucatán

Valladolid: The Town Next to Chichen Itza

Valladolid, Yucatán: what to see, where to swim, what to eat and why staying a night here is the best way to visit Chichen Itza before the crowds.

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A round Maya stone building among the trees at Coba

Chichen Itza vs Tulum vs Coba

Chichen Itza, Tulum or Coba? How the three most visited Maya sites near Cancun compare in size, setting, travel time, crowds and price — and which to choose.

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A smiling traveller in a sun hat and sunglasses at a Maya ruin in the Yucatán

What to Wear to Chichen Itza

What to wear and bring to Chichen Itza: clothes for the heat, shoes, sun protection, cenote gear, cash and the things you are not allowed to bring.

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The stepped pyramid of El Castillo at Chichen Itza with the serpent-head stairway

The Chichen Itza Equinox

The Chichen Itza equinox explained: when and where to see the serpent shadow on El Castillo, how crowded it gets and how to plan your visit.

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A roadside juice stand under a palm roof, a typical stop on a drive through the Yucatán

Driving in the Yucatán

Driving in the Yucatán and Quintana Roo: toll roads, speed bumps, petrol stations, insurance, police checkpoints and night driving — tips for the drive to Chichen Itza.

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El Castillo at Chichen Itza behind agave plants on a sunny winter day

Chichen Itza at Christmas and New Year

Visiting Chichen Itza over Christmas and New Year: is it open on 25 December and 1 January, how busy it gets, booking tours early and how to beat the holiday crowds.

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The cathedral of San Servacio in Valladolid with palm trees on a sunny winter day

Chichen Itza in December and January

Chichen Itza in December and January: the weather, cold fronts, holiday crowds, prices and what to pack for a winter trip from Cancun.

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The pyramid of El Castillo at Chichen Itza in the late afternoon light, before the night show

Chichen Itza Night Show

The Chichen Itza night show, Noches de Kukulcán: what the light and sound show is, when it runs, how to get tickets and how to get there and back after dark.

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