3 excursions to visit Chichen Itza in Mexico

Chichen Itza is the mythical archaeological site of the Yucatan Peninsula that demonstrates the power of the Mayan civilization at its peak.

Visiting Chichen Itza is therefore one of the must-do activities To be done during any trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico.

Between its iconic central pyramid and other extravagant buildings, this Mayan city is impressive to discover.

Using the services of an excursion agency means having the comfort of being guided and learning the unique history of this place as you visit this must-see site in the region.

Chichen Itza, a magnificent archaeological site

Chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza is an ancient city rich in Mayan civilization history.

The archaeological site of Chichen Itza was built in two different eras with a peak between the 9th and 13th centuries, making it one of the most impressive today.

The central pyramid of Kukulcan is certainly a major attraction, although the other temples and buildings are not to be overlooked when visiting the site.

Thanks to its ingenious construction in harmony with the stars, the Pyramid of Kukulcan is a true masterpiece of architecture.

During the spring and autumn equinoxes, at noon, it is possible to see a snake descending from the pyramid formed by a play of shadows and lights.

Astronomy, the calendar, and architecture were very important knowledge for the Mayas who used science on a daily basis.

In addition to its central pyramid, Chichen Itza also features numerous buildings, temples, and extraordinary sites.

The Chichen Itza ball court is a unique feature. With its dimensions being disproportionate to other known courts, it stands out in the region.

The Observatory, the Temple of the Thousand Columns or the Temple of the Warriors are just some of the other buildings on the site with a story to discover.

Which tour to choose to visit Chichen Itza?

Visiting the archaeological site of Chichen Itza with a guide is the guarantee of learning more about this extraordinary place and unraveling all the mysteries of the Mayan civilization.

To choose your tour agency, it is best to research the criteria to consider in advance and not just go for the cheapest option, as you might end up with some unpleasant surprises.

The key points to check are:

• Price transparency: are the prices all-inclusive or is there an additional tax to pay?
• The size of the group: a small group is always more pleasant for enjoying the visit fully
• The guide's language: a French-speaking guide makes it possible to understand all the information conveyed by the guide
• The number of languages spoken: a multilingual group is slower because the guide translates all its explanations into two or three languages.
• Visiting hours: arriving early at the site allows you to enjoy Chichen Itza without the crowds

I will introduce you to three different excursions, each with its own specificities for visiting the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.

Pixan Riviera: Visiting Chichen Itza in French

The local tour agency Pixan Riviera is the benchmark for Francophone tours in the Riviera Maya in Mexico.

Pixan Riviera offers this excursion in Chichen Itza combined with the discovery of a cenote and a visit to the city of Chichen Itza.

The undeniable advantage of this agency is that their visits are conducted in the company of a French-speaking guide. Perfect for learning all about the history of Chichen Itza and the Mayan civilization.

The excursion is done in groups of a maximum of 15 people, which is a real advantage compared to most agencies that arrive with large buses and hordes of tourists.

Another strong point is that the agency arrives as soon as the site opens, which prevents the crowds and the heat! The site has very few shaded areas and the perceived temperature can quickly reach 40 degrees in the middle of the day.

The excursion includes two other stops after the visit of the site: the Cenote Saamal and the city of Valladolid.

Ocean Tours

Ocean Tours also offers its own version of the excursion to Chichen Itza, a cenote discovery and a visit to the city of Valladolid.

The cost of the Chichen Itza excursion is paid directly at your hotel on the Riviera Maya.

The agency offers the visit of the archaeological site in small groups with a guide speaking English or Spanish.

The often bilingual guide translates his explanations into both languages so that all travelers can understand his explanations. Unfortunately, French is not on the agenda.

The day continues with a stop at Cenote Oxman for a swim and a buffet-style lunch featuring local food.

The Oxman cenote is a very popular cenote among tourists and tour operators and it is often crowded with visitors.

Finally, a 45-minute stop allows you to enjoy some free time in the charming colonial city of Valladolid.

Be aware of the price of the Chichen Itza excursion displayed by Ocean Tours, which does not include a $20 US dollar tax to be paid in cash on the day of the excursion.

Cancun Adventures

The agency Cancun Adventures also offers a tour of Chichen Itza with a visit to a cenote and a tour of Valladolid.

Discovering Chichen Itza with a guide from Cancun Adventures allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Mayan civilization.

But beware, the guide’s comments will not be in French but in Spanish and English. Whoever says two languages, says twice as much time spent on building and therefore inevitably more prompt comments.

To cool off after visiting the archaeological site, Cancun Adventures offers the discovery of a cenote nearby, but very touristy. A typical regional buffet is offered as well as international dishes.

The day ends with a visit to the colonial city of Valladolid and its central square, lined by the Cathedral of San Servacio.

Attention, the entrance fees to Chichen Itza are not included in the price of the excursion offered by Cancun Adventures. You will have to pay an additional $35 USD on the day of the excursion to purchase your entrance ticket.

Image source: Yann Morel