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Guide to Chichén Itzá
CHICHÉN ITZÁ · ITINERARY

Chichén Itzá (Mexico) in 3 days – Complete itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Mayan archaeology, cenotes, colonial towns

The itinerary begins in Chichén Itzá, spending time at the archaeological site and its main points of interest, then moves on to Valladolid, a practical base for exploring the historic center and Cenote Suytun. The third day continues to Ek Balam and ends in Izamal, with a longer transfer that requires a well-planned departure. To keep the sequence of stops, it’s a good idea to overnight in Valladolid after the first day and choose transportation for the last leg in advance. Opening hours, access, and fees are indicative: check the latest information on official sites before departing.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
1.9 km · 24 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 1.1 km · 14 min
  2. 788 m · 10 min

Day 1 – Chichén Itzá and its iconic landmarks

08:00–16:30 Archaeological walking tour

Explore the main monuments of Chichén Itzá and end your visit in the Sacred Cenote area.

08:00

Chichén Itzá Archaeological Site

Plan around 2–3 hours for the complex, getting there by car, taxi, or bus from Valladolid (about 45–60 minutes, depending on the service). See the Kukulkán Pyramid, the Ball Court, and the ceremonial platforms; as a rough budget, allow about 600–900 MXN for admission, with rates that may vary depending on the visitor category and the ticket components.

Check official website for opening hours, access arrangements, and fees; bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.

11:30

El Caracol Observatory

Reach El Caracol on foot via the site’s internal paths, allowing about 10–20 minutes from the central area and 30–45 minutes to view the building and surrounding remains. The circular structure is associated with Maya astronomical observations: appreciate its shape and its position within the complex. The visit is included in the site ticket, with no indicative additional cost.

Follow the marked trails and respect any restricted areas.

12:30

Sacred Cenote

Continue on foot for about 10–15 minutes to the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole linked to the site’s rituals and history; allow 20–30 minutes for the viewpoint and surrounding area. The cenote is visited from the outside and is not a swimming stop; access is normally included in the complex visit, with no indicative separate fee. After the visit, plan lunch and transfer to Valladolid, which usually takes about 45–60 minutes.

Do not climb down or cross the barriers: follow staff instructions.

Day 2 – Valladolid and the Suytun Cenote

09:00–17:00 Walking and short transfer

Discover the historic center of Valladolid and visit a cenote in the surrounding area without changing base.

09:00

Valladolid Historic Center

Explore the center on foot, using the main square and the surrounding colonial streets as your reference; allow 1–1.5 hours for a stroll with photo stops. From Chichén Itzá it usually takes about 45–60 minutes by car or bus. Walking around the center has no entry fee; budget about 50–150 MXN for a drink or a light break.

For museums or buildings with regulated access, check opening hours and fees separately.

10:45

Convent of San Bernardino de Siena

Reach the convent on foot from the center, with a walk of about 15–20 minutes, and set aside 45–60 minutes for the façade, the areas open to visitors, and the historic context of the Sisal neighborhood. The Franciscan building dates back to the colonial period and offers an interesting look at the region’s religious architecture. Expect an approximate cost of 0–100 MXN, depending on the accessible areas and any activities or contributions.

Check the official website or with the venue for the latest visiting conditions.

13:00

Cenote Suytun

After lunch, head to the cenote by taxi or private transfer: from downtown Valladolid the trip takes about 15–25 minutes. Plan for 1–1.5 hours for entry, a swim if allowed, and time for photos; admission is roughly 150–300 MXN, with any services or rentals paid separately. Return to Valladolid in the afternoon, allowing time for another short transfer.

Bring cash and a swimsuit; check in advance the swimming rules, access conditions, and updated fees.

Day 3 – Ek Balam and Izamal

07:30–18:30 An intense day with a long transfer

Visit Ek Balam in the morning and reach Izamal in the afternoon, arranging the transfer between the two places in advance.

07:30

Ek Balam Archaeological Site

Leave Valladolid early: the drive or taxi ride takes about 25–35 minutes, while public transport can take longer. Spend around 2–3 hours at the site, paying attention to the Acropolis, the sculptures, and the reliefs; expect an approximate admission fee of 400–650 MXN, subject to changes and ticket components. Bring water and sturdy shoes suitable for trails.

Check the official website for access conditions, tickets, and any restrictions on monuments.

12:00

Izamal (The Yellow City)

Continue to Izamal by car or private transfer: the journey can take around 2–3 hours, often via the Valladolid area; if using public transport, check connections and travel times in advance. Spend 2–3 hours strolling among the yellow facades, squares, and streets of the center, budgeting about 50–150 MXN for a simple food stop. Exploring public spaces is free, while entry to buildings or museums may have separate costs.

If you need to return the same day, book transportation and check connections beforehand; otherwise consider staying overnight in Izamal.

Estimated budget

Admissions to Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam1.000–1.550 MXN per person
Entrance and services at Cenote Suytun150–350 MXN per person
Local transport and transfers between stops1.500–5.000 MXN per person
Meals and drinks for 3 days900–2.100 MXN per person
Accommodation for 2 nights1.600–5.000 MXN per person

Amounts expressed in Mexican pesos (MXN), indicative per person and subject to change depending on the season, chosen transport, type of accommodation, and ticket category; they do not include flights or any personal expenses. Check prices and visiting conditions on official sites before departing.

Practical tips

  • For Chichén Itzá, arrive early and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: much of the visit takes place outdoors.
  • Check official websites for opening hours, availability, entry rules, and prices for archaeological sites and cenotes.
  • For transfers, check the frequency and connections of public transport in advance; a car or private transport can make the day easier at Ek Balam and Izamal.
  • Keep cash in Mexican pesos for taxis, small purchases, and local services, without assuming that everyone accepts card payments.