Chichen Itza – The Largest Archaeological Site in the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico and the Riviera Maya have so many beautiful and exciting things to do. There are literally thousands of sites to see and places to go. However, if there’s one thing you should do when visiting Mexico, it should be a visit to the world-renowned site of Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is Mexico’s largest archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula including the  Riviera Maya. UNESCO classified this site as a World Heritage Site, and is now considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of The World. With status’ like these, Chichen Itza is a must see for anyone travelling to Mexico.

Numerous ruins encompass the Kukulkan Pyramid in the Archaeological site. This pyramid is the main attraction of Chichen Itza with heights staggering up to 79 feet. Also, the pyramid is perfectly symmetrical, and the ancient Mayan people who once ruled the region built it with immaculate precision.

Chichen Itza is the favorite archaeological site in Mexico for tourists

You can easily reach the archaeological site from surrounding cities such as Cancun, which is around 100 miles away. Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, meaning it can get quite busy with crowds. The best time to see it is at opening time in the morning before the tourist buses arrive. Upon arriving, make sure to apply sunscreen, as there is very little shade. As well, bring enough water and wear proper footwear, as you will be doing a lot of walking. With that said, the site is something truly special, with so much beauty, architecture and history surrounding the Mayan culture. It’s a must see on anyone’s bucket-list.

Tourists who visit the site learn so much about the ancient city and the Mayan Culture through a very informative information center; as well as through friendly and knowledgeable tour guides. Tourists can also explore the ruins on their own without a tour guide. The entrance fee is $242 MXN. If you choose to go with a tour it’s not much more and varies in price.

As well, if you are traveling from the popular destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, there are various tour packages that bring you to the site and surrounding areas. If you’re more adventurous and prefer to site see on your own, you can either rent a car or take the ADO bus from the major cities in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Upon arriving, tourists can purchase various souvenirs from the gift shop or from numerous stands amongst the ancient city.