Chichen Itza Tickets
4.4(2.2K Ratings)

Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá Tours

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Chichen Itza Pyramid of Kukulcan with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan site in Mexico.






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Estelle Bass

Estelle

Apr 2021
I went with my kids on this tour. Really appreciate the reduced ticket price for kids. The guide was excellent, he also knew how to make the tour interesting for children which was a huge bonus.
Lisa Walton

Lisa

May 2021
Had a great time on this tour. Wanted to visit the Chichen Itza since a long time and I finally got a chance to go. We decided to take the guided tour as we wanted to know everything there was to know on our visit. The guide did not dissapoint. He was thourough and well versed and knew all the history of the place.
Shannon Padilla

Shannon

Apr 2021
The guide was great and the app is amazing. The tickets were emailed instantly and all the details are specified so there is no confusion. Plus there customer service is amazing.
Jean Webster

Jean

Apr 2021
A friend recommended me this app and honestly it has been very nice . Helped a lot on our trip to nex Mexico. Took a number of tours from here it was excellent.
Thomas Cerasuolo
US

Thomas

United States
May 2025
The driver, Jesus, was partcularly skilled. The ride was perfect for such a long journey. Both Frank and Mayo were nice and informative I had a great time!
Paulo Rodrigues
PT

Paulo

Portugal
May 2025
Kevin's work and energy, the quality of the bus journey and the plan for the day. Could be better the star of the day in Playa del Carmen (point zero)
Nora Shaw

Nora

May 2021
We were planning to go to just Chichen Itza but this tour sounded really fun so we voted for this. Did not dissapoint. Had a ball swimking at the cenote.
Amy Payne

Amy

Apr 2021
Loved the tour. Had some issues figuring out the meeting points but customer service was very helpful and kind . The guide was fluent in spanish and my soanish friend could enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Why choose a Chichén Itzá tour from Playa del Carmen

Tourist exploring ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

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.

bus to chichen itza
Iguana perched on ancient stone ruins at Tulum archaeological site, 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.

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen

  • 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.
Directions to Chichén Itzá
  • 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.
Tourist guide explaining Chichen Itza temple history to visitors in front of ancient pyramid, Mexico.
  • 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

Chichen Itza pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan architecture.

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.

Tourist exploring Chichen Itza Ball Court, ancient Mayan site in Mexico.
Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan columns and carvings.
Cenote near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing natural limestone formations and turquoise waters.
El Caracol (The Observatory)

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

What is the best way to reach Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen?

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.

Are Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen the same?

Playa del Carmen is a city in the larger Riviera Maya region, and thus, they are not exactly the same.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

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.

What are the operating hours of Chichén Itzá?

Chichén Itzá is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with the last entry permitted at 4pm

Is it possible to climb the pyramids at Chichén Itzá?

No, climbing the iconic pyramid, El Castillo, is prohibited to preserve the structure and ensure visitors’ safety.

Are guided tours available?

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.

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