#26 - Chichen Itza, Mexico
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R2 Must DOs...
R2 PASSes...
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R2 Thoughts...
January 2007. Chichen Izta is the "most well preserved of the many Mayan ruins in Mexico and Central America" and is on both the Hillman Top 100 Wonders List and UNESCO's World Heritage List. So, when Dora was sent to Cancun for work, we jumped at the chance to mix a little pleasure with business and visit Chichen Itza. We went during the off season so the weather was mild and there were no crowds. We had plenty of time to get "solo" shots in front of El Castillo (the pyramid) and pretty much everything else - which made Dora extremely happy as making sure other people don't get in her "shot" is one of her pet peeves. Unfortunately, though, they do not allow people to climb to the top anymore so that was a bummer.
Chichen Itza is about a 2-3 hour drive from Cancun and the best way to get there is by joining one of the many tour groups. If you are staying at one of the resorts or nicer hotels, your concierge can recommend a few. Shop around for the cheapest one on the hotel's list as these buses will be clean, air conditioned and usually provide lunch at a local restaurant along the bus route. If you want to save a few extra pesos, you can risk one of the tour bus lines being pandered on the street but the buses are usually older, not cooled and dirty. The draw back to going with any tour group is that you have to do things on their timetable - you can't linger longer at the places you like or leave sooner at the places you don't. If this is an issue for you, consider staying at one of the local resorts and walking into the park. Renting a car and driving on your own is NOT recommened by anyone.
If you travel to Chichen Itza on your own or your ride does not provide lunch, pack your own if at all possible. The food at the park is pricey and not very good. There are also several street vendors scattered throughout the park who are prepared to rip unassuming toursist off so be prepared to bargain with them. It helps to understand or have a Spanish speaking person in your group who will translate what they are saying about you. ;-). If one is unwilling to bargain with you or gets pushy/rude WALK AWAY. There are plenty of other places to buy the same souvenirs.
Bottom line: Chichen Itza is a must see archaeological/historical site and can be done comfortably as a single "day trip" from any resort in Cancun.
