By far the best known of the numerous ancient Mayan ruins located throughout Mexico, Chichen Itza is an impressive sight that grants visitors extraordinary access to the various structures and history of the area. For those looking to take a break form the all inclusive scene in Cancun, a visit to Chichen Itza is a great alternative. Located approximately 175 kilometers to the west makes it a longer trip than some other popular Mayan ruins such as Tulum, but getting there is easy and there are several convenient options available to tourists wanting to take a visit.
Tour Groups Traveling to Chichen Itza
Throughout Cancun there are a number of tour companies offering day trips to the site. These vary in cost and many trips also include stops to some of the other attractions along the way (most usually include lunch as well), but even if it takes most of the day it is well worth the time spent.
When booking a tour group, most hotels in Cancun offer a secure and competitive package deal. This is a good way to travel for anyone that wants to sit back and take in the scenery without having to worry about renting a car and navigating their way around Mexico. Several shopping malls and merchants around Cancun also offer similar packages that may be cheaper than the hotels, however some may not be as well organized or even legitimate. There are several good deals to be had, but travelers choosing this option should proceed with caution.
Visiting Chichen Itza By Car
For the slightly more adventurous tourist, renting a car and driving to Chichen Itza is an excellent option. This avoids some of the hassles that can come with making the trip with a large tour group. It also allows visitors to spend as much or as little time at the archeological site as they wish, which may be advantageous since many of the tours groups are forced to keep to a tight schedule. There are plenty of tour guides and a great deal of historical information available at the site for various fees, as well as useful information posted at various locations around the site. There is also a large tourist center and small restaurant located at the entrance of the site. At the time of this article, the cost to enter was $111 pesos.
Likely the most convenient way to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun by car is the Autopista 180D. This is a toll road that is well maintained and safe and easy to navigate. There is not much to see on this route other than some of the forest / jungle landscape, but taking this road will get you to the site faster and easier than some of the alternate routes. When taking this road it is best to fill up on gas before leaving. There are a few gas stations along the way, but this route does not have as many exits as some might be used to.
The toll road crosses two Mexican provinces, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. There is a standard military check point at the crossings, but for the most part the soldiers stationed there are courteous and not in the business of hassling tourists. The total cost of the tolls adds up to approximately $30 USD each way. To avoid currency complications, it's best to pay in pesos if possible.
The alternative route is a rural road that is more scenic and is located very close to the toll road, but it is also a more hectic route that takes drivers through many small towns and villages along the way. There may be a lot more to see when taking this route and this may be appealing to some, however there is also greater potential for traffic problems and other general nuisances. It can also be some what stressful for drivers unfamiliar with Mexico.
Whether it’s by car or by tour bus, taking the time to visit Chichen Itza is a worth while experience. Seeing it in person will show every visitor why this was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Dylan Flanagan - Dylan Flanagan is a freelance writer based in Toronto, Canada. With a diverse range of work and life experience, he now writes on a ...
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