A UK traveller's guide
Prices in £ GBP for guidance, converted from the official Mexican peso ticket. Always check the INAH website for the current published prices before you travel.
Open every day, 08:00 – 17:00. Last entry 16:00. Arrive at opening time to beat the tour-bus crowds from Cancún.
Around £35 per adult (combined federal + Yucatán state fees). Children under 13 and Mexican residents pay less. Sunday is free for Mexican citizens — expect a very busy site.
November – March for cooler, drier weather. The spring equinox (around 20 March) is spectacular but very crowded.
2 – 3 hours to see the main structures at a relaxed pace. Add time for a cenote swim afterwards.
Getting there
About 2h 30m by car via the 180D toll road (~£25 tolls each way). ADO coaches run direct daily for around £20 each way.
About 1h 30m by car — the closest major city. ADO coaches from Mérida CAME station are frequent and inexpensive.
About 2h 45m. Many hotels offer coach day-tours combining the ruins with a cenote swim and lunch.
What to bring
- · High-factor sun cream and a wide-brim hat
- · At least 2 litres of water per person
- · Light, long-sleeved clothing for shade
- · Insect repellent, especially near the cenote
- · Comfortable walking shoes — the ground is uneven
- · A little cash in Mexican pesos for parking / snacks
A note on respect
Chichén Itzá is a sacred site to the modern Maya people. Do not climb the buildings, remove stones, or fly drones without a permit. Every visitor helps preserve it for the next generation.