Why choose a Chichén Itzá tour from Playa del Carmen
Visit an iconic Mayan site
A pre-Columbian city built by the Maya, Chichén Itzá is one of the most well-known remnants of the Mayan civilization and a must-visit in Mexico.
Things to know before booking tours from Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá
Located about 194km from Riviera Maya, reaching Chichén Itzá will take you about two and a half hours. Some tours also offer pick-ups from shared meeting points in Playa del Carmen, a city in the Riviera Maya region. Going from Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá will take you about two hours and fifteen minutes.
If you choose a guided tour, such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Lunch, you’ll also get the benefit of round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point or directly from your hotel, depending on which option you choose.
If you choose the Skip-the-Line ticket, you’ll be able to explore the site at your own pace. This could take anywhere between 1-3 hours, depending on how much you want to learn about the site.
On the other hand, if you choose a guided tour that also includes a visit to other attractions such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch or the Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch, you’ll need a minimum of 8 hours from start to finish.
These longer tours also typically include a Mexican buffet-style lunch that includes dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) or lime soup.
The Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour starts early in the morning, giving you early access to the site before the crowds build. This tour, however, ends before noon, and thus doesn't include a meal.
Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá: Choosing the ideal tour
Experiences
Key Features
Book Now
From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid |Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Entry to Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch
Entry to Chichén Itzá & another archaeological site | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Going from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá by car is one of the most comfortable options you can choose. You can take toll highway 180D westward to reach the site. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay a toll of about $385 MXN one-way.
You can also take a bus from Playa del Carmen that takes you directly to Chichén Itzá or includes a transfer in Valladolid. The whole ride will take you about 3-4 hours, including stops, but the air conditioning makes this a comfortable journey.
The best way to explore Chichén Itzá is to choose a guided tour. These offer transfers in an AC coach from a shared meeting point or from your hotel, and also give you the benefit of a bilingual guide who offers key insights into the site’s history.
Recommended tours:
Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Lunch
Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch
Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch
Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour
From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
The best time to go for your Chichén Itzá tour
Weekdays vs weekends: Chichén Itzá can get incredibly busy, especially over the weekends. Moreover, Mexican citizens and residents also enjoy free entry on Sundays. This makes weekday mornings the best time to book Chichén Itzá tickets when the weather’s at its best and the site is less crowded.
Peak season vs low season: The best time to go from Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá in terms of weather is during the dry season (November to April), more specifically in winter (December to February). This is when the weather is comfortable, which also makes this a busy period. However, reaching the site early can help you skip the queues and crowds.
Key highlights of Chichén Itzá
El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)
A massive step pyramid that aligns with the sun during the equinoxes, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps.
Key tips for the perfect visit to Chichén Itzá
Visit the site on a weekday as far as possible, as weekends and Sundays can get extremely busy.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of organizing your own transportation to and fro, opt for a guided tour. These include round-trip transfers from shared meeting points or from your hotel.
A visit to Chichén Itzá can involve a lot of walking, so a pair of comfortable shoes and plenty of water are a must.
Make sure to wear respectful attire, as this is a heritage site. Avoid keeping shirts unbuttoned and don’t wear swimsuits. However, you can carry a swimsuit if your tour includes visiting a sacred cenote.
Avoid littering the site and climbing the various structures.
While you’ll find several souvenir shops around the site’s vicinity, the shops near the parking lot offer cheaper options.
Frequently asked questions about Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá tours
If you want to go to Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen, you can choose to travel by car, bus, or opt for a guided tour that includes round-trip transfers.
Playa del Carmen is a city in the larger Riviera Maya region, and thus, they are not exactly the same.
Yes, you can book various Chichén Itzá guided tours and skip-the-line tickets in advance. This way, you’ll avoid waiting in the ticket and tax queues, allowing you to spend more time exploring the site.
Chichén Itzá is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with the last entry permitted at 4pm
No, climbing the iconic pyramid, El Castillo, is prohibited to preserve the structure and ensure visitors’ safety.
Absolutely! You can choose from various guided tours on Headout. Some also combine a guided tour of the site along with visits to other archaeological sites such as Coba, Ekʼ Balam, and even cities like Valladolid.
From happy customers
Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Carmen
United StatesJan 2026
5/5
Digital tickets. Very easy. Visiting Chichen Itza was my husband's childhood dream. It came true on his 60th birthday.
Aubrey
United StatesJan 2026
5/5
The tickets i bought were perfect and made my visit so much easier. I did not have to wait an hour in line and i got to walk around wherever i wanted to having no tour guide. It was very nice to have the freedom.
Joséphine
FranceFeb 2026
5/5
The expererience is very nice. The excursion has to be done with your friends to enjoy the beach club ambiance ! We totally recommend it and wish to do it again !!
Philip
United StatesFeb 2026
5/5
Fantastic experience. My guide was phenomenal and knew his information and communicated very well in English. It was the best part of my trip to Mexico
Denisse
Jan 2026
5/5
I loved having Martha as our guide. She was amazing, and as well as being a local, she had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Romina
ArgentinaJan 2026
5/5
What I liked most about the tour was the information provided by the guides. The meeting point was convenient and everyone was punctual.
Jurgita
United KingdomDec 2025
5/5
We did really enjoy the tour. Professional team.
Our tour gide was Jonathan and he was amazing. We highly recommend Amigo Tour!
Anya
Aug 2025
5/5
Went solo and met cool people. The guide explained everything twice, just in case. Loved the stories about ancient Mayan kings.
4.4(2,654)
Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá Tours
Last minute availability.
Best deals & discounts
24/7 support across the globe
A UNESCO-listed Mayan wonder, Valladolid, and a dip in a sacred cenote, all in one day.
Day out: Enjoy a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO-listed site & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, free time in the colonial city of Valladolid, and a dip in a sacred cenote.
You’ll get: An expert bilingual guide, a buffet-style lunch, direct round-trip transfers from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, and a delicious lunch.
Chichén Itzá: Tour the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá as you discover its key landmarks, including El Castillo, and learn about its history, culture, and astronomical genius.
Valladolid: Stroll through the serene, cobblestoned streets of Valladolid, a colonial town known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
Sacred cenote: Beat the sharp Yucatán sun with a dip in a gorgeous cenote, and enjoy a buffet lunch and a local tasting experience to keep you going.
Inclusions
#
Entry to Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and a sacred cenote
Bilingual expert guide (English and Spanish)
Round-trip transfers in an AC coach from your hotel in Playa del Carmen
Buffet-style lunch
Exclusions
#
Local taxes worth US$39 per adult and US$6 per child
Mandatory life vest rental of US$9
What to bring
Carry a valid ID or passport to validate your tickets.
Make sure to carry adequate cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, to pay for any food, souvenirs, or tips along the way.
Carry a swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip in the cenote.
What’s not allowed
Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed at Chichén Itzá
Pets and service animals are not allowed at the site.
You’re not allowed to touch or climb any of the monuments at Chichén Itzá.
Carrying large bags inside the site is prohibited.
You’re not allowed to bring food and drinks into Chichén Itzá.
Accessibility
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.
Additional information
Your ticket price doesn’t include local taxes worth US$39 per adult and US$9 per child. You will need to pay these on-site via credit card.
Renting a life vest is mandatory if you plan on swimming in the cenote. This will cost you US$9.
The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
Your tour includes travel insurance.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A visit to two Mayan sites, a refreshing cenote swim & a sumptuous meal, all in one ticket.
Day out: Soak in the wonders of two of the most iconic Mayan cities as you discover their history with your professional guide. Swim in a sacred cenote, and enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal with seamless transfers from Playa del Carmen.
You’ll get: A guided tour of Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, and air-conditioned transfers for the utmost convenience.
Chichén Itzá: Wander through this UNESCO-listed site, a reminder of the grandeur and genius of the Maya. Explore key highlights like the Great Ball Court, El Castillo, and more.
Ek Balam: Explore this ancient Mayan site, one of the few where you can climb an ancient Mayan structure for panoramic views of the Yucatán landscape.
Upgrades: Select a tour with hotel pick-ups directly from your hotel in Cancún for a seamless experience with all logistics taken care of.
Inclusions
#
Entry to Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam, and a sacred cenote
Bilingual expert guide (English and Spanish)
Free time to explore Ek Balam
Round-trip transfers in an AC coach
Transfers from a common meeting point in Playa del Carmen (as per option selected)
Transfers from your hotel in Cancún (as per option selected)
Buffet-style lunch
Exclusions
#
Local taxes worth US$66 per adult and child
Mandatory life vest rental of US$9
What to bring
Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.
Bring along your swimsuit for the cenote experience.
Make sure to carry enough cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
What's not allowed
Keep in mind that drones are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
Unfortunately, your pets cannot join you on this experience.
You cannot carry food & drinks into Chichén Itzá.
Carrying large bags or luggage isn’t allowed.
Accessibility
This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.
Additional information
The tax for the archeological sites (Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam) is US$66 in total and must be paid on-site (only via credit card).
Mexican citizens and residents can get a discount, subject to presenting their official ID.
Renting a life vest is mandatory to swim in the cenote. You’ll need to pay US$9 on site for this.
The ticket price includes travel insurance.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
NaN
From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
A UNESCO-listed Mayan wonder, Valladolid, and a dip in a sacred cenote, all in one day.
Day out: Enjoy a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO-listed site & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, free time in the colonial city of Valladolid, and a dip in a sacred cenote.
You’ll get: An expert bilingual guide, a buffet-style lunch, direct round-trip transfers from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, and a delicious lunch.
Chichén Itzá: Tour the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá as you discover its key landmarks, including El Castillo, and learn about its history, culture, and astronomical genius.
Valladolid: Stroll through the serene, cobblestoned streets of Valladolid, a colonial town known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
Sacred cenote: Beat the sharp Yucatán sun with a dip in a gorgeous cenote, and enjoy a buffet lunch and a local tasting experience to keep you going.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
12 hr.
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included
Guided Tours
NaN
From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch
A visit to two Mayan sites, a refreshing cenote swim & a sumptuous meal, all in one ticket.
Day out: Soak in the wonders of two of the most iconic Mayan cities as you discover their history with your professional guide. Swim in a sacred cenote, and enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal with seamless transfers from Playa del Carmen.
You’ll get: A guided tour of Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, and air-conditioned transfers for the utmost convenience.
Chichén Itzá: Wander through this UNESCO-listed site, a reminder of the grandeur and genius of the Maya. Explore key highlights like the Great Ball Court, El Castillo, and more.
Ek Balam: Explore this ancient Mayan site, one of the few where you can climb an ancient Mayan structure for panoramic views of the Yucatán landscape.
Upgrades: Select a tour with hotel pick-ups directly from your hotel in Cancún for a seamless experience with all logistics taken care of.