Don’t Miss It! One Of The World’s Top Experiences Is Near Cancun

Share The Article

Last Updated

Cancun may well be the leading tourist destination in Mexico, welcoming guests to luxurious resorts and pristine Caribbean beaches lapped by turquoise waters, but impressive service aside, it’s lacking in one thing, and one thing only:

Culture.

Tourists In Chichen Itza, Mexico, Latin AmericaTourists In Chichen Itza, Mexico, Latin America

Built as a resort hub in the late 70s, it doesn’t have the centuries of accumulated heritage to back it up as nearby Izamal, Merida, and other colonial-era cities do, but that’s not to say visitors can’t experience Mexico’s ancient culture if flying to Cancun.

In fact, one of Mexico’s best-known historical sites, recently voted one of the world’s top experiences by TripAdvisor, is a short two-hour drive from Cancun, and it can easily be seen as a day trip:

Why Is Chichén Itzá So Fascinating?

Chichen Itza Ruins, Mexico, Latin AmericaChichen Itza Ruins, Mexico, Latin America

One of Mexico’s prized 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Chichén Itzá is an archeological complex in northeastern Yucatán, a peninsula commonly associated with the legendary Mayans, and other native cultures that predominated in Mexico prior to the arrival of Spanish settlers.

Seeing as most of it lies in ruins today, it’s easy for visitors to forget Chichén Itzá was once a thriving settlement from its construction around 600 AD, to the its demise in the 13th-century, but the sheer size of the site gives us an indication of its importance back then.

Mayan Ruin In Chichen Itza, Mexico, Latin AmericaMayan Ruin In Chichen Itza, Mexico, Latin America

There are more than 20 building groups within the complex, with a whopping 26 Mayan buildings to see, with varying levels of preservation, and as they’re connected by 75 tourist-friendly roadways, you can explore the area in full on foot.

It’s far from being the oldest Mayan site in existence, nor the most historically-significant, but it’s distinguished for being one of the best-preserved, centered around a monumental Temple of Kukulcan, locally known as El Castillo (or ‘The Castle’).

Tourist woman enjoying Chichen ItzáTourist woman enjoying Chichen Itzá

This temple is also a step pyramid richly decorated with stone carvings, and if you’re there this fall, when the autumn equinox is set to take place on September 22, you may be lucky enough to witness Chichén Itzá’s greatest manmade wonder:

When the sun casts its light against the northwestern edge of the pyramid, it produces a serpent-shaped shadow that seems to be descending the temple––yet another testament to the architectural prowess of the Mayans.

Base Of A Mayan Pyramid In Chichen Itza, MexicoBase Of A Mayan Pyramid In Chichen Itza, Mexico

Other structures include the Great Ball Court, the Skull Platform, where the severed heads of enemies used to be displayed, the Platform of the Eagles and the Jaguars, and the Temple of the Warriors, guarded by a series of columns depicting Mayan heroes.

Recently, a brand new section of ruins has opened to the public for the first time: Chichén Viejo, a secluded compound of villas and palatial temples that once belonged to the Mayan elites, including the 1,372-year-old Temple of Stuccoes, among the oldest in the city.

This Is The Best Tourist Experience For Tourists In Cancun

Chichen Itza, MexicoChichen Itza, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is located 122 miles west of Cancun, and if you’re driving, it should take you 2h30 to get there, but between the well-documented car rental scams at Cancun Airport, and the unpredictable traffic, we wouldn’t recommend you go on your own.

Instead, you should book Sat Mexico Tour’s ‘Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid: All-Inclusive Tour‘, that includes not only entry into the mystical ancient city, but also stops at a turquoise sinkhole nestled in the Mexican jungle, and the charming, Spanish-built town of Valladolid for lunch.

Young woman back view wearing hat walking throung the arch corridor in the historical part of Valladolid town, Mexico (1)Young woman back view wearing hat walking throung the arch corridor in the historical part of Valladolid town, Mexico (1)

Pickup is possible from the Hotel Zone, where most Americans will be based during their trip.

The activity includes a live tour guide who will answer all your burning questions about the site and the Mayan civilization–a perk you wouldn’t get traveling solo.

At a duration of 12 hours, it is one of the most comprehensive excursions offered from Cancun, as well as one of the cheapest, starting from $29.50 to $59.00 per person on Get Your Guide, depending on season and seat availability.

Cathedral Of San Gervasio Surrounded By Palm Trees In Valladolid, A Pueblo Magico, Magical Town In The Yucatan State Of Mexico, Latin AmericaCathedral Of San Gervasio Surrounded By Palm Trees In Valladolid, A Pueblo Magico, Magical Town In The Yucatan State Of Mexico, Latin America

According to TripAdvisor, this tour is ranked among the world’s top experiences, and in Cancun specifically, it ranks as the best in the city, based on thousands upon thousands of (mostly-positive) traveler reviews.

It is recommended by over 96% of travelers, indicating universal acclaim.

Are There Alternative Tours?

While it’s been ranked best on TripAdvisor, Sat Mexico Tour’s Chichén Itzá excursion is not the only one currently being offered from Cancun:

Aerial shot of Cancun resortsAerial shot of Cancun resorts

Their competitor TRIP ALLIANCE promotes an alternative Chichén Itzá experience coupled with lunch in the much-smaller, traditional Mayan town of Kaua instead of Valladolid, and one-hour of swimming at Ik Kil Cenote, from $32.20––64.40.

If it’s the Ancient Mayan World that piques your interest, and you’re not particularly keen on visiting smaller ethnic towns along the way, then Amigo Tours LATAM‘s Cobá & Chichén Itzá Trip with Cenote & Lunch might appeal to you, starting from $61.64.

Group Of Tourists Stood Atop An Ancient Pyramid In Coba Overlooking The Jungle In The Yucatan Peninsula, MexicoGroup Of Tourists Stood Atop An Ancient Pyramid In Coba Overlooking The Jungle In The Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Additionally, a new passenger train has launched from Cancun to Chichén Itzá, making it easier for independent travelers to commute without resorting to car rentals or guided activities if they’re not fans of big tour groups.

The archeological site is only 2h21 away from Cancun, nearly halfway between the resort zone and the Yucatanese capital of Merida, yet daily departures are limited.

If you plan on visiting Chichén Itzá as a day trip, we’d advise you to double-check the current timelines on the official website.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate »