“Time is circular. So is stone.” — Ancient Mayan concept reimagined
Chichen Itza isn’t just ruins; it’s a map of a worldview. A city built in harmony with the stars, the seasons, and the gods. Every step pyramid, every ball court, and every carved jaguar is part of a code the Maya once lived by.
This place was once one of the most powerful cities in the Yucatán, a center for trade, astronomy, war, sacrifice, and ceremony. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But it still holds layers of meaning far beyond the tourist crowds.
So why walk it?
Standing before El Castillo during the equinox is more than a photo op; it’s watching a serpent made of sunlight slither down the stairs. Because a 20-pound ball once decided the fate of players in the Great Ball Court. And because the Sacred Cenote isn’t just a sinkhole, it’s an ancient offering.
Your self-guided walking tour helps you uncover the deeper stories behind the stones right when you reach them. Move at your pace. Skip the crowds. Bring the myths to life.
Highlights along your path include:
The iconic Temple of Kukulcán, aligned to the equinox and shaped with stunning precision
The sprawling Great Ball Court, where victory and ritual collided
The chilling Wall of Skulls, where stone tells of sacrifice
The Platform of Eagle and Jaguar Warriors, etched with symbols of elite power
The White Road leads to the Sacred Cenote, a site of spiritual offerings
The Temple of Warriors and the Hall of a Thousand Columns, once bustling with ceremony and community
The Observatory, or El Caracol, is a testament to Maya knowledge of the stars
And finally, the beautifully detailed Nunnery and Church, mysterious in name but rich in architecture.
Before you go:
Bring water, good shoes, and a sense of wonder. This isn’t just a walk through ruins; it’s a walk through time.
Hello, Bonjour, Bonjour, and Hola – Explore Chichén Itzá Trials in English, French, German, and Spanish!
All languages are available to you when you purchase the tour.
Chichen Itza Entrance Ticket
When at the Chichen Itza, buy the ticket from the final entrance for $42. OR Buy “Skip the Line” tickets here: https://www.chichenitza.com/tickets
Chichen Itza Timings
You can visit the site from 8:30 AM – 5 PM. However, the cut-off time to enter the site is 4 PM. So plan accordingly.
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Where To Start?
Starting Point Address: Parador Turístico de Chichén Itzá, 97751 Yucatan, Mexico
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Ancient Walls of Chichen Itza
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El Castillo : The Pyramid of Kukulkan
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The Great Ball Court
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North Temple
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Steam Baths
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Tzompantli : The Wall of Skulls
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Platform of the Eagle and Jaguar Warriors
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The Platform of Venus : The Platform for Offerings
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Sacbe One : The White Road
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Sacred Cenote : The Sacrificial Waters
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Temple of the Great Tables
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Temple of the Warriors
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The Hall of Thousand Columns
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The Ossuary : The High Priest’s Grave
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El Caracol : The Observatory
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The Red House : Casa Colorada
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The Nunnery : Las Monjas
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The Church : La Iglesia
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East Wing of the Nunnery
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Chichen Itza is an archaeological site of an ancient city in Yucatan, Mexico.
Due to their relatively close proximity, tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza are plentiful. Tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza can range in prices from fifty-five to seventy-five USD per person.
Chichen Itza and Cancun are 120 miles apart.
Slightly further than Cancun, Tulum is 151 miles from Chichen Itza.
Playa del Carmen is about 110 miles from Chichen Itza, it will take drivers about two hours to get from one place to the other.
The weather is the best from November to March in Yucatan, Mexico. The summer months can be oppressively hot, and the rainy season begins after June, which would make for a wet and miserable tour of the ancient city. If you’d like to avoid the large crowds of visitors touring Chichen Itza, visit closer to November.
The first step that you will want to make when flying solo to Chichen Itza is to pick your timing. The best time of year to visit Chichen Itza is from November to March, as these are the months when you will have the most mild temperatures for your visit, avoiding the heat and rain. If you want to avoid crowds, you should arrive right at 8 am when the park surrounding the temple opens.
To prepare for your tour of chichen Itza, bring along a good pair of walking shoes, something to eat, and most importantly, plenty of water.
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven wonders of the world. It is an exceptional display of the genius of the Mayan people and a glimpse into Mexicos’ fascinating history. It is well worth a tour.
Chichen Itza occupies about four square miles and there is a lot to see. On a tour of Chichen Itza, you can anticipate about three hours of standing and walking.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
