If you are planning to visit Chichen Itza, the smartest decision you can make is to stay in Valladolid. Only 40 minutes by car, it is the closest city to the wonder of the world, and it allows you to arrive early, avoid the extreme midday heat and return to a place with life, restaurants and cenotes, instead of staying in the desolate surroundings of the archaeological site.
Transport Options
By Car (Own or Rental)
Distance: 42 km | Time: 40 minutes on the free highway (no toll)
The most direct route is via the free highway 180. It is a straight, well-signed and safe road. There is also a toll highway, but it is not worth it for such a short distance: the toll is around $100 MXN and only saves 5-10 minutes.
Parking at Chichen: approximately $80 MXN.
By Colectivo (Public Transport)
Colectivos depart from the Valladolid bus terminal (Calle 39 between 44 and 46) headed to Chichen Itza. The cost is approximately $40-50 MXN per person. They leave every 30-60 minutes, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. The last one back departs around 5 PM, so do not risk it.
By ADO (First Class Bus)
ADO offers direct Valladolid-Chichen Itza service. Price around $80-100 MXN. More comfortable than the colectivo, with air conditioning, but with limited schedules.
Guided Tour from Valladolid
Several operators offer tours from Valladolid that include transport, certified guide and sometimes a cenote stop. Price from $600-900 MXN per person. At Casa Xu'unan we organize tours with local guides who know the history better than anyone.
Private Transport
A private taxi or transport service costs between $500-700 MXN round trip (per vehicle, not per person). It is the most comfortable option for 2-4 people.
Chichen Itza Entrance Prices (2026)
- INAH entrance (federal): $614 MXN for foreigners / $272 MXN for nationals
- State entrance (Yucatan): $517 MXN additional for foreigners / $130 MXN nationals
- Total foreigners: ~$1,131 MXN | Total nationals: ~$402 MXN
- Children under 13 and Yucatan residents: free admission on Sundays
Note: prices are updated annually. Check the official INAH website before going.
Hours
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM)
Best time to visit: arrive at 8:00 AM sharp. Tours from Cancun and Riviera Maya arrive between 10:30 and 11:30 AM, so between 8 and 10 AM you have the site much more peaceful.
Tips for a Perfect Visit
- Leave Valladolid at 7:00 AM to arrive at 7:45 and be among the first to enter
- Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. There is no shade on most of the route
- Hire a guide from Valladolid, not at the entrance; prices are better and quality equal or superior
- Mondays are the least crowded days
- Do not buy crafts inside the site; in Valladolid the same pieces cost half
- Bring cash for the entrance and extras; card terminals frequently fail
Why Valladolid is a Better Base than Cancun
Tours from Cancun involve 3 hours on a bus each way, arriving at Chichen at noon with 40 C heat and thousands of people, and 3 hours back. From Valladolid it is 40 minutes, you arrive fresh and early, and the rest of the day you can explore cenotes or enjoy the city. There is no comparison.
Stay in Valladolid
Casa Xu'unan is 40 minutes from Chichen Itza. Have an early breakfast with us, head to the wonder of the world, and return to relax in our tropical garden with pool. Dona Susi gives you exact directions and helps organize your transport. That simple.
