From Cancun to Chichen Itza Tour: The Ultimate Mayan Road Trip Guide

A tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza means a perfect blend of Caribbean relaxation and ancient Mayan history. The road takes you through the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, where jungle-shrouded temples and crystal-clear cenotes await your discovery.

There are some places you can't miss in this adventure. Can you guess which ones they are?

The Route Overview

• Total Distance: Approximately 200 km (124 miles).
• Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops.
• Recommended Trip Duration: Full day (12-14 hours) or overnight stay (highly recommended).

Starting Point: Cancun

The tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza starts in Cancun, known for its pristine beaches and the best international atmosphere in the hotel zone. Before heading out, grab an early breakfast and ensure your rental car has a full gas tank.

Departure Time Recommendation: Leave by 7:00 AM to avoid traffic and have ample time at Chichen Itza before the midday heat and crowds arrive.

You can rent a car at Cancun International Airport, Booking.com, Kayak, Europcar, and other platforms.

The Drive: Cancun to Valladolid

• Route: Take Highway 180D (toll road/cuota)
• Distance: 160 km (100 miles)
• Time: 1.5 hours

The toll road is well-maintained and offers a faster, more direct route. While slightly more expensive than the free road (180), it saves valuable time and provides a smoother ride.

Stop 1: Valladolid

• About 30-90 minutes.
• Distance from Cancun: 160 km (100 miles).
• Time from Cancun: 1.5 hours.

This colonial city makes for a perfect intermediate stop. Must spots:

• Zaci Cenote: Located just a few blocks from the central square, this cenote offers a refreshing swim opportunity.
• San Gervasio Cathedral: Admire the Spanish colonial architecture of this historic church facing the main plaza.
• Francisco Canton Rosado Park: Stroll through this charming central square and sample local snacks. El Atrio del Mayab is the perfect restaurant for local food for a reasonable price. Xcatic chicken and Mayan Rolls are a must. After your meal, sit in the center of the plaza and enjoy ice cream made by local vendors.

Valladolid to Chichen Itza

• Route: Continue on Highway 180
• Distance: 40 km (25 miles)
• Time: 40 minutes

Stop 2: Chichen Itza

• About 3-4 hours.
• Distance from Valladolid: 40 km (25 miles).
• Time from Valladolid: 40 minutes.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
• Recommended Arrival: By 10:30 AM at the latest.

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza requires plenty of time to explore properly. Essentials include:

• El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan): The iconic pyramid standing at the center of the site, featuring 365 steps (one for each day of the year) and remarkable acoustic properties. Here, you can clap in front of the stairs, and the pyramid will respond with a sound similar to the call of a Quetzal.
• Great Ball Court: The hugest and best-preserved ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, measuring 168 meters long and 70 meters wide.
• Temple of the Warriors: An impressive structure surrounded by hundreds of carved columns.
• Sacred Cenote: A natural sinkhole that served as a site for Mayan rituals and sacrifices.
• Observatory (El Caracol): Like other structures of the Mayan culture, this one also has astronomical functions; the openings in its walls were oriented towards Venus and other stars.
• Group of the Thousand Columns: Remains of a large public space surrounded by 200 columns. The columns were built between 900 A.D. and 1200 A.D. and show the remains of stucco covering, which would have been painted in different colors

Insider Tip: Hire a certified guide at the entrance (around $40-60 USD for a group) for deeper insights into Mayan history and the significance of each structure.

• Optional Side Trip: Ik Kil Cenote
• Distance from Chichen Itza: 3 km (1.8 miles)
• Time from Chichen Itza: 5 minutes
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

This spectacular cenote is 60 meters in diameter and drops 40 meters below ground level. Hanging vines and small waterfalls create an otherworldly atmosphere. Swimming is permitted, so bring a swimsuit and towel.

Extra: Before swimming in any cenote, it is necessary to rinse your body to avoid contaminating the water with creams, sunscreens, deodorants, and other chemicals.

Alternative Return Route: The Coba Road

For those with extra time or planning an overnight stay, consider taking a more scenic route back to Cancun via Coba. The most honest recommendation is to include this route in the Cancun to Chichen Itza Tour.

• Route: Take Highway 109 from Valladolid to Coba, then Highway 180 back to Cancun
• Additional Distance: Adds about 40 km (25 miles) to your journey
• Additional Time: Adds about 1 hour of driving time plus sightseeing
• Bonus Stop: Coba Ruins (2 hours)
• Distance from Chichen Itza: 90 km (56 miles) via Valladolid
• Time from Chichen Itza: 1.5 hours

Unlike Chichen Itza, at Coba, you can still climb the main pyramid (Nohoch Mul), which stands 42 meters tall and offers panoramic jungle views. The site encompasses several smaller temple complexes connected by ancient white stone roads (sacbeob).

Practical Tips

• Start Early: Leaving Cancun by 7:00 AM ensures you'll reach Chichen Itza before the largest crowds and most intense heat.
• Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, towels, and plenty of water.
• Cash: Bring pesos for entrance fees, toll roads, and smaller vendors who may not accept cards.
• Guided Tours vs. Self-Drive: While guided tours from Cancun are convenient, driving yourself offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace and visit additional sites.
• Overnight Option: Consider staying in Valladolid's center to explore more sites without rushing. Hotel El Meson del Marques is a 5-star hotel. It offers authentic colonial and local charm.

FAQS

How much does it cost to get a to Chichen Itza Tour?

• Toll Road: Approximately 300 pesos ($15 USD) each way.
• Chichen Itza Entrance: 617 pesos ($30 USD) for foreigners.
• Valladolid Cenote Zaci: 30 pesos ($1.50 USD).
• Ik Kil Cenote: 150 pesos ($7.50 USD).
• Parking at Sites: 50-80 pesos ($2.50-4 USD) per site.
• Guide at Chichen Itza: 600-1200 pesos ($30-60 USD) per group.

How much time should I spend on this tour?

Timing Summary:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Cancun
• 8:30 AM: Arrive in Valladolid, explore the town
• 10:00 AM: Depart Valladolid
• 10:40 AM: Arrive at Chichen Itza
• 2:00 PM: Lunch and possible visit to Ik Kil Cenote
• 4:00 PM: Begin return journey
• 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Cancun

Cancun to Chichen Itza Tour worth it?

This journey through Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders of the ancient Mayan civilization. Whether you make it a day trip or extend it over multiple days, the road from Cancun to Chichen Itza promises memories that will last a lifetime.