Hello there! We have just come back from Mexico, and Chichén-Ítza was definitely one of the best places we’ve ever visited. Called “one of the new seven wonders of the world”, Mayan ruins is a must visit when in Cancun. However, there are so many things that I was not aware of or couldn’t find when I was making preparations for the trip (I am a major planning nerd), so here is everything you need to know about Chichén-Ítza:

• From Cancun to Chichén-Ítza by car: freeway or tollway?
  The difference is more or less 1.5 hours and 400 pesos one way. I would suggest using tollway: the money that you pay for the road will save you a lot of time that you can spend exploring the ruins. If you choose this option, make sure to bring enough cash with you. Also, keep in mind that Chichén-Ítza is open from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., so 1.5 hours that you save by using tollway make a big difference after all.
• Public parking or private entrance?
  After you enter Yucatan, you will see a rest area with the information stand where the guides will tell you about the ruins, provide with a free map and talk about two options to enter Chichén-Ítza. There will be 1000 reasons to buy a private entrance package, BUT! I would suggest going for a free one, because: there is plenty of free parking spots availible, it took us 10 mins max in line to purchase tickets (we went on Saturday), and the free parking is way closer to the entrance than a paid one. Also, if you have a Mexican passport, you will save additional $$.
• The cost:
  The entry to the Mayan ruins is 242 pesos, and the price goes down to 162 pesos for Mexicans. I would highly recommend paying in pesos and getting a tour guide for the best experience.

Other things to consider:

• there are only a few food options availible in the park, so bring enough water and at least some snacks with you;
• you are not allowed to swim in the Cenotes of Chichén-Ítza, so swimsuit is not something you’d worry about;
• comfortable shoes and sunscreen is a must;
• be ready to deal with salespeople from the moment you leave your car;
• stop by “Hacienda Xaybe“ on the way back for a traditional food of Yucatan.

Thanks,
Gena.