Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

Chichen Itza is one of the pre columbian cities of the Mayan Civilization. Its located in the state of Yucatan in Mexico. This archeological site has many ruins of the Mayan Temples, one of them is the El Castillo or its also called as the Temple of Kukulkan, this has been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A lot of people around the world estimated to about 1.2 million tourists visit Chichen Itza every year.

El Castilo or the Temple of Kukulkan

La Iglesia

Chichen Itza was an important capital of the Mayan Empire during the Classic (AD 600 - 900) & early Post Classic (AD 900 - 1200) period. It is now the center of worship & pilgrimage for the Maya. Because its one of the new seven wonders of the world, it has gained a lot of popularity increasing the tourists to this place every year. Chichen Itza is about 200 km (2.5 hrs bus travel time) from the Cancun Hotel Zone. Its a one day trip from Cancun. Though its just 2.5 hrs from Cancun, its sad to see that only about 5-6% of the tourists to Cancun will make it to Chichen Itza.

North east view of El Castillo

How to reach Chichen Itza:

Chichen Itza is about 200 km from Cancun & about 1500 km from the country's capital Mexico City.

From Cancun:

There are a lot of Tourist Companies which offer an all inclusive day trip from Cancun Hotel zone to Chichen Itza. All inclusive mostly includes the Air Conditioned bus transportation from Hotel, box breakfast, Lunch Buffet, Water Bottle, English & Spanish Guide. The price range from USD 70 - 110 depending the places covered & the type of travel/service.

From Mexico City:

The most convenient way to reach Chichen Itza from Mexico City is to fly to Merida which takes about 1 hr 40 mins & then take a taxi or bus transportation to Temple of Kukulkan which is 120 km & takes about 1 hr 30 mins.