Chichen Itza is considered one of Mexico’s most visited vacationer locations and is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It has lately been named as one of many new Seven Wonders of the World; a splendidly ironic title in the event you take into account it has been round for over 1000 years. While you might not have heard of historic Chichen Itza, you’d most likely recognise its iconic central pyramid, El Castillo.
I had the pleasure of visiting Chichen Itza on a one-day tour from Cancun throughout my latest journey to Mexico. The tour was supplied by way of the Moon Palace Golf Resort and Spa and included every part from transfers and admission to lunch and a information. Every little thing was taken care of, that means I may look ahead to a stress-free journey.
For those who’re considering of visiting Chichen Itza, right here’s a run down of what to anticipate earlier than you get there…
Be ready for a drive
For those who’re travelling from coastal cities corresponding to Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen, be ready for fairly a drive. To get to Chichen Itza you have to to take a drive in-land into the bordering state of Yucatan, which is in a totally totally different time zone (1 hour behind). It took 3 hours for us to drive from Cancun, which was a hefty journey to say we needed to return on the identical day, however in the long run it was completely price it!
Tulum – 2 hours
Playa del Carmen – 2.5 hours
Cancun – 3 hours
There’s far more to Chichen Itza than only one pyramid
Chichen Itza’s most well-known web site is the El Castillo pyramid, however there’s a lot extra to see than simply this iconic construction. Chichen Itza is an historic Mayan metropolis, so there are many totally different ruins across the web site, which all served a special function locally. The ruins are unfold out on a web site of 5 sq. kilometers, so permit your self a minimum of just a few hours there to wander spherical with out dashing. And girls, be sure to’re sporting flat footwear!
There might be crowds
Being probably the most in style vacationer sights in the entire of Mexico, it comes as no shock that it’s best to anticipate crowds. Everybody who turns as much as Chichen Itza is after the ‘cash shot’; a photograph of them in entrance of El Castillo, however it’s close to sufficient not possible to get one with out a stray vacationer or 2 within the background. Coach excursions arrive from round 11am, so in the event you’re travelling there independently make sure you arrive good and early to beat the crowds. For those who’re coming as a part of a coach tour like I did, you’re finest off ready til later within the afternoon to get your all-important photograph.
You’re higher off with a information
You would equip your self with 10 information books and do tonnes of analysis, however having a information brings Chichen Itza to life. They’re filled with fascinating tales and info that actually allow you to think about how Chichen Itza would have been all these years in the past. Additionally they know the most effective order to go to issues, ensuring you don’t miss something. Our information was referred to as Eric and he was with us all through the entire day, even from choose up at The Moon Palace. He spoke with a lot data and keenness in regards to the historic Mayan historical past that you simply couldn’t assist be enchanted by the sights and environment.
Convey money for procuring alternatives
The pathways connecting the assorted totally different ruins in Chichen Itza are all lined with stalls and distributors promoting crafts, artwork, pottery, carvings, clothes, rugs and far more. Whether or not you see it as vacationer tat or hand-made treasures, a lot of the objects on sale are regionally made, so it’s an excellent alternative to choose up some real Mexican souvenirs.
You’ll be able to really feel such as you’re being a bit hassled at occasions by the distributors, however in the event you’re not a agency ‘no thanks’ ought to do it. If you’re , simply make sure you by no means settle for the primary value you’re given, the distributors expect to barter!
What else to carry: digital camera, sun shades, solar cream, flat footwear, money for any procuring (Mexican pesos and American {dollars} are each accepted)
So is it price visiting Chichen Itza regardless of all of the hype and crowds of vacationers? I might say sure. The sight of the El Castillo is completely spectacular, and discovering all the different websites is a mini journey in itself. Visiting Chichen Itza is one thing I’ll always remember, and is one large tick off my ever-growing journey bucket listing!
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This tour was supplied by Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa as a part of a content material marketing campaign with lowcostholidays