The Chichen Itza Story Part 2
We made it! In a previous post I mentioned how I almost missed seeing Chichen Itza, but thankfully despite our set-backs we pulled it together and got to the ancient city. We went as part of an organized tour through our hotel, but you can adventure there on your own if you are feeling adventurous. It is quite remarkable to see in person, however as any tourist site, it was very busy and commercialized.
Overview Of the Day
We arrived by large motor coach to a busy parking lot. Our coach parked and remained in that same location until our designated meeting time at the end of our tour. Our group was given the option of taking an umbrella, a bottle of water and an ear set to hear the tour guide. Personally I hate those ear sets – they are always a hassle when you’re trying to take photos and look around. My husband and I both took one to hear more clearly, and it was worth it to get the history behind Chichen Itza. We were given some free time to look around, and a designated time to meet back at the coach. It sounds pretty straightforward in summary! However, there were a number of things that would have been good to know in advance.
Here are 5 tips to help you maximize your Chichen Itza experience:
- If you are driving yourself, try to get there as early as possible. We had no control over when we arrived to Chichen Itza as we were part of a tour. We arrived at 10am and it was already busy. I’m talking coaches full of tour groups busy.
- There is minimal shade and it can get very hot. The main area is an open field and there are only trees around the perimeter of Chichen Itza. It gets extremely hot standing out in the centre grass area. That area is also where the tour guide stops to talk about the city and do a sound demonstration. This is where the umbrellas come in handy!
- There are endless booths of locals selling souvenirs. These booths also happen to be in the shade. So if you are looking to cool down in peace, think again! For the most part we weren’t bothered by anyone trying to sell us stuff. We also didn’t shop for souvenirs. As soon as you show interest in anything, you’ll have a hard time getting out of there without it.
- Restrooms are only in the main building. If you are out exploring the ancient city and need a restroom you’ll have to walk back to the main entrance to Chichen Itza. I don’t believe you can get back in once you go through the exit. So, make sure you use the restrooms before you go in.
- Big bags are not supposed to be allowed in. Our tour advised all bags except small purses weren’t allowed in, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Or maybe it wasn’t an enforced rule. There were a number of smaller bags, and we saw people with regular-sized backpacks as well. Trust me, the less stuff you have to lug around in the heat, the better. I’m glad I brought a small purse to carry water and a snack though. Visiting Chichen Itza made us hungry and thirsty!
So if you’re planning a visit to this ancient city, I hope these tips help you maximize your visit!
18 comments
I went to Chichen Itza in 1993, during my college spring break. I would add #6 = don’t go there hung over. 🙂 Seriously, this is great, useful advice. Thanks!
Haha yes! Totally agree. We went on a booze cruise the night before at Xoximilco and there was lots of tequila flowing. I didn’t drink at all though, I didn’t want to ruin my day at Chichen Itza and I was tired enough already because we got in so late. I feel so old writing that!
Haven’t been there yet, but your pictures and description has started the itch inside me to plan something for this now. Thanks for the share.
Glad to hear it! Hope you get there one day.
Great tips. It is on our list, but as you said the touristy part keep it pushing down the list. Will June be a sensible month to visit it, since you mentioned it is very exposed?
Thanks! I think any of the summer months would be even hotter, we went in February and it was 30 degrees. If you’re prepared with hats, sunscreen and lots of water you can probably survive! 🙂
I went to Chichen Itza and totally agree with your tips. It gets packed early, so I wouldn’t arrive too late. Plus the sun’s scorching there, so I wouldn’t want to get burned or dehydrated in the Mexican sun. A wonderful site to see however.
Agree! Such a great experience despite the heat and crowds.
Just to pick up on your point 5, big bags are not allowed onto the actual grounds but they do provide lockers for you. When I went I had my backpack with me as I was traveling from Merida to Cancoon. What was you overall experience of Chichen Itza ? I don’t want to leave a negative comment so I’ll leave my personal option of it out haha – But you’re right about the lack of shade and those vendors lining to the paths – Did you head down to the cenote at all ?
Yes I did see some lockers there, but not too many (especially if everyone visiting needed to use one). We opted to leave our bag on the bus since they were locking it up for us. I really enjoyed visiting to see the ruins and hear the history because I love the historical and cultural attractions when I travel. I didn’t like all of the merchants selling things that had nothing to do with Chichen Itza or the history… just a money grab. We did but I didn’t get any pictures because I was just enjoying my time!
Those step pyramids look really cool! I wouldn’t be surprised if I feel like I’m Indiana Jones when I’ll visit there. 🙂
Yes! It would be a good setting for an Indiana Jones movie!!
Great tips especially when it comes to heat. That can ruin a day very quickly. We try to do the most popular attraction as early as we can if we can to avoid the masses of people present. I think I would like the audio guide on this tour…. maybe. My husband likes learning about history and there is definitely some history here.
We normally try to be at attractions as early as possible too… to avoid the heat (my husband is very fair and doesn’t love the sun) and to avoid the crowds if possible. Lots of history and interesting facts to be heard!
Chichen Itza was one of my highlights when I visited Mexico last year – though I wish I’d had some of these tips in the back of my mind before I went! I should have taken a hat, as we were stood out in the sun in the middle of the day, and I got soooooo hot! 🙁 x
It really does get much hotter than you would think!
This looks like a really nice adventure ^_^ Can’t wait to finish visiting Europe and start exploring some countries that are more exotic hahaha The tips are indeed pretty useful, although the fact that it can get really hot there doesn’t sounds to appealing for me
Yeah it was very hot. My husband did not like that part at all!