How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun?

Is it to far? How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun? and some tips to get there.

Chichen Itza is one of the most important Mayan cities. Getting there from Cancun takes approximately 3 hours, depending on the transportation you use and the stops you make along the way.

Tourists usually arrive in Cancun when visiting the Riviera Maya for the first time; it is a connecting point to any destination, be it Tulum, Isla Mujeres, or Valladolid. Its central location makes it easy to get around.

There is no doubt that touring the traditional Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the main attractions of the Mexican Caribbean. Located in the west of Yucatan, it is one of the main archaeological sites in Mexico and the world. It belongs to the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, endorsed by UNESCO. Among its vestiges, you can observe the remains of the Mayan culture, known for its written language, art, architecture, and contribution to the universal numerical system.

Important information about Chichen Itza

Cancun is about 200 km from the historic Mayan city of Chichen Itza, which is approximately 3 hours by car. Please note that the archaeological site opens at 8:00 hrs and closes at 17:00 hrs. However, access is not allowed if you arrive an hour before closing. Once inside you can use the lookers and toilets.

For Mexicans, access to the Mayan ruins is around $202 Mexican pesos, and for foreigners $481 Mexican pesos.

It should be noted that at least half a day is required to really appreciate the historical site.

Means of transport

The big question is to know which means of transport suits you best according to what you plan to do for this tour. But don’t worry, later, we will give you some tips so that you can enjoy this magnificent tour.

By bus

There are several ways to travel, one of the cheapest is through the bus companies. However, we do not recommend it much if you look for comfort and quality in the service. The approximate price for a round trip is 660 Mexican pesos or 33 dollars. We suggest you buy in advance for this type of service, as sometimes you get a discount if you buy 2 days in advance.

Booking a Tour

On the other hand, if you decide to go with a tour group or take a bus, you will be at the mercy of the schedule and time allotted by the tour provider. Which usually tends not to be enough as they have other activities that include visiting the local cenotes.

You may have to wait for other tour members who will not be ready when the bus arrives at your hotel. This can make the process very tedious, and it is easy to get frustrated.

Staying in Valladolid

If having to obey a Cancun to Chichen Itza tour schedule and waking up early and picking everyone up at their respective hotels and accommodation doesn’t appeal to you, then heading to Valladolid is a great option.

Valladolid is about 20 minutes by bus from the historic site and is an exciting city in its own right and has a lot to offer and is definitely worth a visit. Sometimes the tourist bus can take 3 hours or a little longer.

Rent a car

Another option for those who don’t enjoy taking buses, tours or relying on outside companies as their primary means of transport, a good option is to rent a car. It is the most efficient way to make the most of the day if you don’t want to spend the night in Valladolid. The toll road will only cost you 230 pesos each way and take you a comfortable two hours. The streets are exceptional, so the 200 km are easy to drive.

As you can see, getting to Chichen Itza from Cancun is not as far as it seems; there are several means of transportation to choose from; you just have to plan your itinerary well according to your needs and budget and opt for the best option for you. Be sure that this tour is an experience not missed in the Riviera Maya.