5 ways to Get From Tulum to Chichen Itza – Prices & Info + Top Rated Tours [2023]

If you are planning a trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza, keep reading! In addition to covering all the ways to get you from Tulum to Chichen Itza, I also talk about the best tours from Tulum, what not to miss, and all that other good stuff.

If you are based in Tulum, read on, as you will learn a lot about the best way to visit Chichen Itza to make your trip memorable.

How to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza

There are many different ways to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza. Pick the one that fits your travel style the best and will get you the most time to explore.

1. Tulum to Chichen Itza by car rental

When I visit Chichen Itza, I prefer to rent a car. That way I can leave as early as I want, explore the ruins for hours and leave when I want, spending the rest of the day visiting nearby cenotes, or going to Valladolid for a nice lunch or dinner, at my own pace.

It’s best to arrive at Chichen Itza right when it opens, or even a bit earlier so you can be at the head of the line to pay for your tickets.

Parking is available right by the entrance to the ruins for 80 MXN (4USD), or you can leave the car on the road outside for free if there is space.

But I love comfort so when I got there I was one of the first and parked right in front of the entrance.

Once you get to Chichen Itza, you can hire a guide to take you through the park.

You’ll learn so much more with a guide and the trip through the complex will be way more interesting.

This is one area where it isn’t worth pinching pennies!

►But if you don’t feel like following a guide for 1 hour or 2, you can also get yourself a self-guided tour as well for just 7 USD – click here to learn more

Car Rental to Chichen Itza Costs

• A car rental from Tulum Quintana Roo costs 60 to 70 USD per day
• Gas costs between 20 to 40 USD per tank
• Toll fees budget for about 686 MXN (35 USD) return trip – although you could always choose to return to Tulum on local roads. The slower pace can be fun, and you might encounter hidden gems you wouldn’t otherwise notice.

Or you can book directly on Discovercars.com. I recommend this site because it let you compare prices among different car rentals and you can pick the most convenient for you or the best car. Depending on what are your priorities.

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They also offer their own full insurance. Just make sure you read the fine prints before confirming a rental.

Unfortunately renting a car in Mexico implies doing some extra work and read well about the car rental policies and what’s included. But worry not because I have got you covered.

► You can also read my post on How to rent a car in Tulum for more details.

2. Tulum to Chichen Itza by tour

Another very popular option is to do a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum. Joining a tour from Tulum to Chichen Itza, it frees you from the hassle of having to organize everything.

You just sit and relax while listening to your guide and mingle with other like-minded travelers.

A tour to Chichen Itza is a great option if you are short of time and you want to make the most out of one day, you are traveling alone and you want to share this experience with others, or you just don’t want to be bothered driving or going by bus.

There are many tour options leaving from the Riviera Maya. Almost all the tours are day trips.

If you choose a group tour, expect to only spend two to three hours at Chichen Itza.

If that sounds too rushed, you may want to consider a rental car option, go with a private tour, or choose a private transfer( also covered further below) .

Top-Rated Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

There are many different tours from Tulum! Some of them go directly to the ruins, and others make lots of other stops along the way.

► Valladolid, Chichen, and Cenote Tour

This is a great tour option that will give you 30 minutes to explore the town of Valladolid, a good three hours at Chichen Itza, and then an hour to swim, cool off and relax at Cenote Samal.

► Chichen Itza Ruins Tour

This express tour will take you straight from Tulum to Chichen Itza and back. Many tours try to pack in as many stops as possible, which makes the whole day feel tiring and rushed. Sometimes it’s nicer just to do one thing and do it well. If that sounds like you, consider taking this express tour from Tulum.

► Chichen Itza, Cenote, & Valladolid

If you’d like to spend a couple of hours at Chichen Itza, time swimming in a cenote, and visit the Spanish colonial town of Valladolid, this tour is a perfect choice! Transportation is included, but water is not. Be sure to take plenty with you, as it gets very hot!

► Cenotes, Valladolid, Chichen Itza Night Show

If you’re more interested in swimming and seeing the sights in Valladolid than you are in spending hours exploring Mayan ruins, consider the Chichen Itzá Night tour.

This tour leaves the Riviera Maya around 10 am. You’ll spend three hours swimming at Cenote Hubiku, followed by a Mexican buffet lunch.

Your next stop is the Tequila Museum Don Tadeo, where the tequila is made from 100% agave, just as it was years ago. You can also explore the town of Hubiko when you’ve finished the tour and tequila tasting.

The fun doesn’t stop there, on this pack-it-all-in tour. Next, you’ll spend an hour exploring the Spanish colonial streets of Valladolid.

As night falls, you’ll make your way to Chichen Itza, where you’ll watch the light and sound show projected onto El Castillo.

Something to keep in mind:

✓ The light show on El Castillo is in Spanish.

✓ Expect to get back to your hotel 12 hours or more after leaving. This is a long day, but it sounds like fun.

Tips for Choosing a Chichen Itza Tour

✅ Take a look at the itinerary. Some tours go directly to Chichen Itza and back, others make three or four stops along the way.

The more stops, the more time you’ll be spending traveling on the tour bus. Consider your energy levels and what is most important for you to see and do.

✅ Double-check what is included in the Chichen Itza tour price. Some include the tickets to everything, others only include the entrance fee to the cenotes, but not to the archaeological site.

✅ Some tour guides will give you background history on the heritage site on your way from the Riviera Maya. This is great! It helps the hours pass more quickly.

✅ If you don’t find the information on the description of the tour, don’t be shy, to contact the operator and ask the following questions:

• 🤔 Is there a tour guide?
• 🇺🇸 Will the guide speak English?
• 🌮 Is a buffet lunch included? If not, will there be time to buy food somewhere?
• ❄️ Is the bus air-conditioned?
• 💧 Is water included?
• ⏰ Is the meeting time and location clear?

Getting from Tulum to Chichen Itza by public transportation

3. Take the ADO Bus from Tulum to Chichen Itza

If you enjoy traveling local style and want to have a bit of an adventure, you can go from Tulum to Chichen Itza by bus. I recommend you take the ADO bus. It leaves Tulum at 9:17 am and gets to Chicken Itza at 12:17. Tickets cost between 200 and 300 Mexican pesos.

To go back to Tulum the ADO bus leaves from Chichen Itza at 4 pm. (price around 243 MXN )

Keep in mind that this option is not the smartest one nor the most convenient. In fact, you spend 5 hrs total on a bus and you will only see Chichen Itza, while if you go on a tour or by car, you will be able to visit more sites in one day.

But there is another option. See below.

4. Take the ADO bus to Valladolid and then a Colectivo to Chichen Itza

As I mentioned before, the only disadvantage to taking the bus is that you won’t get to Chichen Itza until noon.

One way around this is to spend a night or two in Valladolid before visiting Chichen Itza. Up to 15 ADO buses go from Tulum to Valladolid every day.

You can then catch a “colectivo” from Valladolid to Chichen Itza. These leave all day long and take 45 minutes. Some of the earliest ones leave at 7 am. That way you can get to Chichen Itza right when it opens and beat the crowds!

This way you can make the most of your time and visit Valladolid and the nearby cenotes, which are worth seeing.

Another option is to stay in a hotel in Pisté, or even right inside this ancient Mayan city. I’ll talk later in this post about hotel options if you prefer spending a couple of nights in the area instead of doing a Chichen Itza day trip.

5. Book a private transfer

If you don’t feel comfortable driving a rental car, you can opt for a private transfer. Viator offers private transfers with English-speaking drivers.

You can sightsee along the way and go at your own pace, but still get to Chichen Itza early enough to catch the cooler time of day.

This is convenient if you are around 3 people at least. The van cost 340 USD for up to 13 people.

Tulum to Chichen Itza Facts

Distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is 150 kilometers from Tulum.

Is Chichen Itza closer to Tulum or Cancun?

Chichen Itza is closer to Tulum than it is to Cancun. It will take you about 50 minutes longer to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza than if you were leaving from Tulum.

Traveling Time from Tulum to Chichen Itza

If you’re going in a rental car or private transfer, the trip from Tulum should take about 2 hours.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus ride to Chichen Itza from Tulum takes about three hours.

Is it safe to travel from Tulum to Chichen Itza?

Yes! The ADO buses from Tulum to Chichen Itza are both safe and comfortable. You can travel without worry on this local and trusted transportation.

Chichen Itza Archaeological site overview

Chichen Itza is an archaeological site featuring spectacular Mayan ruins that date back to the 5th Century A.D. It’s one of the most famous attractions in Mexico.

Not only is it a UNESCO world heritage site, but it was also voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.

The ruins themselves are covered in intricate bas-relief carvings of everything from jaguars and eagles to human skulls and Mayan deities.

Sacred City

Chichen Itza was a sacred city, mostly because of its proximity to cenotes. If you don’t know what a cenote is, it is basically a place where an underground river eats away at the rock, forming a water-filled underground cavern.

They are worldwide known as sinkholes, but in the Yucatan Peninsula are called cenotes because of the name the spanish conquerors understood from the Mayans. The original name is in fact “t’zonot’.

Sometimes the roof of the cavern breaks open, exposing the water to the sky. They are often circular, sometimes very deep, and were considered sacred by the Maya.

They were places for ceremonies but also the only source of water as in the Yucatan Peninsula there are no rivers on the surface.

Water Sorcerers

The Mayan people communed with the gods of Xibalba through the sacred cenote at Chichen Itza, performing rituals, throwing offerings of jade into the water, and even sacrificing humans to appease the gods. Perhaps, for this reason, they were called “water sorcerers.”

Top Sights to See at Chichen Itza

Whether you are doing a day trip, or plan to spend a full eight hours enjoying the ruins, it’s good to know what places to put on your “must-see” list!

Pyramid of Kukulcan

It would be impossible to go to Chichen Itza without seeing the Pyramid of Kulkulcan, also known as El Castillo, also because it’s so huge and majestic that you cannot exactly miss it.

This iconic pyramid is on all of the posters, and for good reason. It is one of the biggest pyramids in the Mayan world, and certainly one of the most extraordinary.

The balustrades on the staircase were formed to look like a giant serpent slithering down towards the underworld. A large mask of the rain god Chaac tops the entrance to the rectangular temple at the top.

It’s quite a sight!

The Temple of Venus

The Temple of Venus also called The Venus Platform is also very interesting. As you walk around it, you can see protruding snakeheads, representing the god Kukulcan. There are also fish swimming around the body of a serpent.

The planet Venus appears on many of the raised panels as a stylized calendar in the form of a knot. In the recessed spaces, Venus appears next to jaguar claws and serpent jaws.

The Observatory

The Chichen Itza Observatory, also called “El Caracol” (the snail) is a very unique building. It’s one of the very few circular buildings built by the ancient Maya. Archaeologists believe it was used to observe the heavens.

The ancient Maya have been called the “Lords of Time.” They were excellent astronomers, able to track the movement of the sun, moon, and Venus.

They predicted lunar and solar eclipses and accurately calculated the solar year.

The astronomers of the Itzá peoples were also their priests. For them, religion and the movement of the heavens were inextricably linked.

The Nun’s House

This archaeological complex includes a church and what may have been a cloister where priestesses were trained.

It has a unique style and is decorated to an insane degree. You could spend a long time just staring at the outside and picking up all the little details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Chichen Itza and Tulum in one day?

It’s definitely possible to make a day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza or to visit Chichen Itza and go from there to Tulum.

But although you could see both places in one day, it would be a real rush, and you will end up exhausted and without really appreciating either of them.

Extensive Archaeological Complex

Even though most of the pictures of Chichen Itza only show one pyramid (the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan) there’s much more to the ruins. There are five kilometers of restored temples and another twenty kilometers of ruins hidden in the forests, not to mention a sacred cenote.

Do yourself a favor and don’t rush!

Take Your Time, Get Your Money’s Worth

If you’ve gone to the effort to visit Chichen Itza, you might as well make it worth your while. Get your money’s worth out of the entrance fee, pepper your tour guide with questions about this or that pyramid, swim in a cenote, and eat Yucatan cuisine for lunch.

End your day in Tulum relaxing in your cute hotel, and then spend time the next day exploring Tulum.

► Check out my Tulum Itinerary for more suggestions.

Tulum ruins vs Chichen Itza: which one is better?

If you’re trying to decide between the Tulum ruins and Chichen Itza, that’s a hard choice!

Both are famous Mayan ruins. Ideally, you should visit both! If that’s not an option, at least not for this trip, then decide based on what else you’ll see, where you’ll be, and how much traveling you want to do.

If you’re already in Tulum and don’t want to spend more time on the road, maybe you should stick with the Tulum ruins.

The cool thing about them is that they are the only ruins along the Riviera Maya. Pyramids plus beach views equal a recipe for awesome.

That said, if you are up for the drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza, I’m sure you’ll have an incredible day. Chichen is famous for good reason. It’s being actively restored, the pyramids are intricate, varied, and astounding.

Whether you choose to visit the Tulum ruins, Chichen Itza, or both, it’ll be a good choice. Worst case, you save one of them for your “Next Visit to Mexico” bucket list.

How much does Chichen Itza cost?

To get access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site, you must pay:

• Adults: $533 MXN per person
• Children (3-12): $80 MXN per person
• Mexican Citizens: $237 MXN per person
• Locals (Yucatan ID): $80 MXN per person

TIP: Do you have a permanent residence in Mexico? If so, you can get in for FREE on Sundays and save your pesos for the guide!

Hire a guide for about 40 USD.

Kukulcan Night Experiences require a separate ticket, which you can buy starting at 3 pm every day. This experience costs $600 MXN.

When is the best time to visit Chichen Itza?

Although it is hot and muggy in Chichen Itza pretty much year-round, the weather is nicest from November until about April with blue skies and lower humidity levels.

There are the most crowds in December and January, so a visit in November, February, or March, will give you the nicest combination of weather and fewer crowds.

What to take when visiting Chichen Itza

It can get very hot when you walk around Chichen Itza, so it is always a good idea to come prepared for heat, sun exposure, and humidity. I recommend you pack:

✅ Light wicking clothing

✅ Comfortable walking shoes

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Hat, sunglasses, or even an umbrella

✅ Refillable water bottle

✅ Bathing Suit

✅ Camera/Phone (but no tripods)

✅ Insect repellant (remember to shower it off when you go visit a cenote, before getting in the water)

✅ Mexican Pesos to pay all entrance fees

✅ Passport with immigration card – nowadays immigration officers are doing random checks and stopping busses along the road checking if you are here with a valid permit whether it’s a tourist or resident. So make sure you don’t lose your immigration card.

Note: If you have professional camera equipment, the park officials are going to ask you to show proof of a photography permit.

What NOT to take to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen

Some items are either not allowed in Chichen Itza, or require special permits or charges. Avoid problems and fees and skip packing the following items:

🔴 Food
🔴 Drinks other than water
🔴 Professional Camera Equipment – you can take any DSLR camera but tripods are not allowed
🔴 Drones (you need a special permit that you have to apply for a few weeks in advance and pay hundreds of $$)

If you are a professional photographer and would like to take your equipment to Chichen Itza, you can apply for a permit through the INAH office.

Can you climb the pyramids at Chichen Itza?

You cannot climb the pyramids at Chichen Itza. In the past, many visitors DID climb the pyramids, but it was causing damage.

I actually managed to enter in the tunnel inside the El Castillo when I visited almost 20 years ago (yes, I am that old😆).

Just picture 8,000 people a day traipsing up and down the pyramids and you can understand why they can’t allow this anymore!

Fortunately, there is still so much to see and appreciate, even from the ground.

Can you swim in the cenote at Chichen itza?

The Cenote at Chichen Itza, also called the Sacred Cenote, is not okay for swimming. One reason is for safety because there is a lot of plant growth that could snag you when you’re swimming. The other reason is that it’s a sacred place.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to swim in a pool where archaeologists have found over 200 skeletal remains… that’s just too creepy for my taste!

And the water is not as transparent as it’s usually in a cenote. It’s really murky and, well so many reasons why you cannot swim and neither you would want to.

Still, really want to swim in a cenote?

You absolutely can! There are tons of cenotes all across the Yucatan peninsula, with many of them scattered near Chichen Itza or the nearby city of Valladolid.

Swimming in the heat is refreshing as it is, but swimming in a deep stone pool rimmed in dangling vines is even more amazing. I highly recommend you visit at least one cenote before you head back to Tulum.

How much does it cost to swim in a cenote?

Entry tickets to these sinkholes start at 150 pesos but expect to pay more for the most popular ones.

🔵Which cenotes should I visit along the way?🔵

There are many of these water-filled sinkholes around Chichén Itzá and Valladolid City. After an early morning exploring the main tourist site, enjoy these amazing Mexico cenotes.

🔵 Ik Kil

The closest cenote is called Ik Kil, and it’s only a ten-minute drive from the entrance. It’s a great way to cool off after a full day in the blazing heat. You’ll have to pay a small fee, but it is worth it.

🔵 XCajum

Drive about 25 minutes from Chichen Itza and you’ll discover a large cenote with lovely turquoise water. While you’re there, you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. There are even lockers where you can store your belongings. Perfect!

🔵 Lol-Ha 

Lol-Ha is another lovely sinkhole that you may wish to explore. To get there, you must drive 30 minutes from the Chichen ruins. Cliff jumps off the sides (or use the stairs), and swim in the deep blue waters of this incredible natural site.

🔵 Zaci

If you plan to visit Valladolid (about 45 minutes from Chichen Itza), you may want to stop for a swim in Cenote Zaci. It is half-covered by an over-reaching cavern and has aqua-colored water.

🔵 San Lorenzo Oxman

This sinkhole is located right on the outskirts of Valladolid, so expect a 40-minute drive to this location in Mexico. It is a popular spot, so you won’t have it to yourself, but it is very beautiful. The estate it is on dates back to the 18th century and there is even a swimming pool there (though you’ll have to pay extra for that).

To get to San Lorenzo, you’ll walk down a long winding staircase. Enjoy swimming in the blue-green water. You can even swing on ropes and make a big splash.

🏨Where to stay near Chichen Itza🏨

There are several nice hotels right outside of Chichen Itza which you can consider during your visit.

🏨 Hotel Chichen Itza

Hotel Chichen Itza is a three-star hotel located in the town of Pisté, just one mile from the ruins. It has all the amenities you’d expect, including a pool, wifi, TV, parking, and a great restaurant. This is a perfect jumping-off point to explore Chichen Itza.

► Read more and check availability on Booking.com | Expedia

🏨 Hotel Puerta Chichen

Hotel Puerta Chichen is another hotel in Pisté (the closes town to Chichen Itza). It has a swimming pool as well, which is the way to go if you ask me!

► Read more and check availability on Booking.com | Expedia

🏨 Hacienda Chichen Resort

The nice thing about Hacienda Chichen Resort is that it’s pretty much right outside the entrance. The Hacienda has extensive gardens, an on-site chapel, air conditioning, free parking for your car, and of course, a swimming pool.

► Read more and check availability on Booking.com | Expedia

🏨 Villas Arqueológicas Chichen Itza

The Villas Arqueológicas is one of the hotels closest to the Chichen Itza entrance. It is a pretty economical price, but still comfortable. It’s a good option if you don’t want to take a paid tour from Playa del Carmen.

► Read more and check availability on Booking.com | Expedia

Where to eat near Chichen Itza

Although you can find food for sale within the Chichen Itza complex, it tends to be over-priced. Eat lunch or dinner at these restaurants instead.

Restaurante Oxtun

This restaurant is very convenient, located just outside the main entrance to Chichen Itza. They have reasonable prices, free wifi, and a nice setting.

They offer great Yucatec Mayan selections such as Sopa de Lima and tacos.

However, they also offer burgers, pasta, pizza, and steak for those who want more familiar flavors.

The Mexican Chicken

If you have the time and would like some truly authentic Mexican cuisine, visit The Mexican Chicken in the nearby town of Pisté.

This great family-run restaurant gives you big portions for the price. It isn’t fancy but their fire-roasted chicken is mouth-watering.

Besides, Pisté is a nice spot to escape from the tourist hordes and enjoy authentic Mexico.

La Palapa Restaurante Tinum

La Palapa Tinum is another unassuming Mexican restaurant with amazing dishes. They have scrumptious Cochinita Pibil, tender beef and chicken fajitas, and supremely tasty chips and salsa. They even offer vegan options.

Conclusion Chichen Itza from Tulum

Now you everything about how to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum! Will you rent a car, go on the bus, or opt for one of the Chichen Itza tours? No matter what you decide, you’ll have a wonderful trip from Tulum.

Pack your pesos, and plenty of water, and get ready for an awesome time in this ancient Mayan city.

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