Yucatán · Mexico

Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

The pyramid of Kukulcán, one of the new seven wonders, the colonial city of Valladolid, the cenotes of eastern Yucatán and the ruins of Ek Balam.

Yucatán e Campeche (península maia)

In the photo: Temple of Kukulcán, Chichén Itzá

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Chichén Itzá is in the center of the Yucatán peninsula, about 120 km from Mérida and 200 km from Cancún. It is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico and one of the best-known sites of the Maya world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and chosen in 2007 among the new seven wonders of the world. The image that represents it is the pyramid of Kukulcán, called El Castillo, with four stairways and about 30 meters in height.

The city reached its peak between the 9th and 12th centuries and mixes Maya architecture with influences from central Mexico, visible in the Temple of the Warriors, the large ballcourt and the feathered serpents carved in stone. To the north, a path leads to the Sacred Cenote, the large sinkhole where offerings were made.

Valladolid, about 40 km to the east, is the most used base for visits. It is a colonial town of colorful houses, with a shaded main square, the church of San Servacio and the Franciscan convent of San Bernardino. Around it are several cenotes, such as Zací, inside the town, and Suytun and Ik Kil on the outskirts, and to the north the ruins of Ek Balam.

Pisté, the village next to Chichén Itzá, has hotels and restaurants for those who want to enter the archaeological zone right at opening.

This destination brings together 1 city: Valladolid.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Chichén Itzá and Valladolid is

Limites: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún (CUN), in Cancún · 160 km to Valladolid

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida (MID), in Mérida · 160 km to Valladolid

Check before booking. The most used airports are Cancún (CUN), about 160 km from Valladolid, and Mérida (MID), about 160 km. There are direct buses from both to Valladolid and Chichén Itzá, and the Tren Maya has stations in Valladolid and in Chichén Itzá.

Yucatán · Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

Valladolid

Valladolid is a colonial town in eastern Yucatán, about 40 km from Chichén Itzá, founded by the Spaniards in 1543. It has low houses painted in bright colors, the main square with the church of San Servacio and the Calzada de los Frades, which leads to the convent of San Bernardino de Siena. Within the town is the cenote Zací, and nearby are Suytun, Xkekén and Samulá. It is the most used base for Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam.

The local experience

Things to do in Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

Valladolid · Yucatán · Church and convent

Convento de San Bernardino de Siena

16th-century Franciscan convent in the Sisal neighborhood, at the end of the Calzada de los Frades, with a church featuring a fortified façade, a cloister and a cenote in the courtyard.

Valladolid · Yucatán · Cenote

Cenote Zací

Semi-open cenote in the center of Valladolid, a few blocks from the main square, with rock walls, stalactites and deep green water.

Valladolid · Yucatán · Cenote

Cenote Suytun

Cave cenote about 8 km from Valladolid, with a stone walkway to a circular platform in the middle of the water, sometimes lit by a beam of light from the ceiling.

Valladolid · Yucatán · Archaeological site

Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam

Maya city north of Valladolid, with the Acropolis and the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', decorated with stucco sculptures of winged figures and a large monster mouth.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From November to March it is usually less hot, and the strong sun is more bearable at the ruins. April and May are the hottest months. From June to October there is more rain, with afternoon downpours. At the equinoxes in March and September, the serpent shadow on Kukulcán’s staircase draws crowds.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days: one for Chichén Itzá and a cenote, another for Valladolid and Ek Balam. With three days you can visit more cenotes without rushing. Many make the trip as a day trip from Cancún or Mérida, which tends to be tiring.

Which city to stay in

Valladolid, in the historic center around the main square and along the Calzada de los Frades, has inns in colonial mansions, restaurants and the bus station; it is about a 40-minute drive from Chichén Itzá. Pisté, next to the archaeological zone, has simpler hotels and some with gardens, to get to the ruins at opening. There are also hotels in old haciendas and near the cenotes.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

Valladolid or Pisté: where to sleep to visit Chichén Itzá?

Valladolid has more accommodation and restaurant options and a colonial town to stroll. Pisté is next to the ruins and makes it easier to arrive at opening, but has little activity at night.

Can you climb the pyramid at Chichén Itzá?

No. Climbing El Castillo has usually been prohibited for years, and the structures are viewed from the outside.

What is the equinox phenomenon at Chichén Itzá?

In the late afternoons near the equinoxes of March and September, the shadow of the steps forms triangles of light on the north staircase of El Castillo, resembling the body of a serpent descending toward the carved head at the base.

Can you do Chichén Itzá as a day trip from Cancún?

Yes, but it is about 200 km each way and the day becomes long. Staying in Valladolid or Pisté allows you to arrive early, before the tour buses.

Which cenotes are near Chichén Itzá?

Ik Kil is about 3 km from the ruins. In Valladolid and the surrounding area are Zací, Suytun, Xkekén and Samulá, among others.

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