Entrance Fee…It Depends If You Are Yucateco, Mexican, or Foreigner
The admission fee to Chichén Itzá in 2025 changes depending on your nationality and where you live. There are three main categories:
- Foreign visitors (non-Mexicans): The general admission is 671 MXN, which includes both the federal INAH fee and the state fee charged by Yucatán.
- Mexican citizens: The price is much lower, at 298 MXN, combining the federal and state fees.
- Yucatán residents (Yucatecos): Locals receive a special discounted rate of only 100 MXN.
And here’s something very important: for Mexican nationals, entrance is completely free every Sunday. This makes weekends a popular time for locals to visit, while foreigners will still need to pay the regular fee.
What Is the Best Day to Visit Chichén Itzá?
If you are Mexican and your goal is to save money, the best day to visit is Sunday, because admission is completely free. From that perspective, the “worst” day for a local visitor would be Saturday — if you wait just 24 hours, you don’t pay anything.
For foreigners, however, Saturday is often the best day. Many Mexicans prefer to skip Saturday and wait for Sunday’s free entry, which means the site can feel less crowded for international travelers.
From Monday to Friday, the experience is usually quite similar, with steady but manageable crowds.
In short: for Mexicans looking to save, Sunday is the best day. For visitors wanting fewer crowds, Saturday tends to be the smartest choice.
What Is the Best Way to Get to Chichén Itzá by Driving Your Own Car?
To really understand the drive to Chichén Itzá, picture a triangle: Cancún at the north point, Playa del Carmen in the middle of the base, and Tulum at the south point. Chichén Itzá sits at the tip of this triangle. From each of these three places, the drive is almost the same: about 2 hours and 15–20 minutes if you drive at a steady and safe speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
- From Cancún or Playa del Carmen: The safest and fastest option is the cuota toll road. It’s shorter, has less traffic, and is much safer than the free road. The toll is about $35 USD each way (so around $70 round trip).
- From Tulum: There is no toll highway. You’ll need to take the regular road, which is one lane each way — cars going and coming back on the same road. Because of this, I highly recommend leaving early in the morning for safety and to avoid traffic.
Most travelers, after visiting Chichén Itzá, continue to Valladolid, which is about 40 minutes away. On that stretch, I suggest taking the free road instead of the toll road. It’s practically the same distance, it’s free, and I don’t consider it unsafe.
Along the way, you’ll also find a few local restaurants. One well-known spot is “La Tía de Cagua”, a fonda in the small town of Cagua. Personally, I don’t think it’s anything extraordinary, but it’s famous, so I’ll mention it as an option — though not necessarily as my recommendation
What Is the Best Way to Visit Chichén Itzá: Driving Your Own Car, a Regular Tour, or a Private Tour?
Before answering, let me be clear: I, Keshi, specialize in organizing private tours. That said, I’ll explain each option honestly, with pros and cons, so you can make the best decision for yourself. If you’ve been reading through this blog, you’ll notice I always try to be transparent, straightforward, and never manipulate the information.
In reality, the best way to visit depends on your budget and the level of comfort you’re looking for.
- Driving your own (or rented) car:
This is a good option if you want full freedom. You choose your own timetable, stop at the cenote you prefer, and eat at the restaurant you like. Depending on how many people are in the car, it can also be cheaper than joining a tour. One person alone pays all the costs, but with four or five people, the price per person goes down. In this blog I’ve already shared the entrance fees and toll costs, so you can do the math and divide it among your group. - Regular shared tours:
These can be worthwhile when you are traveling solo or as a couple. The price is fixed per person, regardless of whether you’re one or five. However, shared tours are very generic: you follow a fixed itinerary with a predetermined cenote and restaurant. The bigger issue is that some itineraries are designed around low-cost stops or even places where the operators earn extra commissions (souvenir shops, tequila tastings, etc.), which can take away from the real experience. - Private tours:
This is like having the best of both worlds: the freedom of a car with the comfort of a guided tour. There are no unnecessary stops, and everything is tailored to what you want — as long as you discuss it with your operator in advance. Of course, it is more expensive than going on your own, since it includes the vehicle and a professional guide who stays with you all day, door to door. Private tours are in a luxury category, and not everyone can afford them. For younger travelers, driving themselves or joining a shared tour might make more sense. For others who have worked hard and want to treat themselves, a private tour is an unforgettable experience.
On my own private tours to Chichén Itzá, one of my biggest differences is that I respect your time and your trust. There are no hidden costs, no tricks, and no forced stops. Just a straightforward, honest experience.
How Much Does a Guide Cost at Chichén Itzá?
Prices for official guides at the entrance of Chichén Itzá are set and can vary slightly depending on the language. To make it simple, let’s calculate using an exchange rate of 20 pesos = 1 USD:
- Guide in Spanish: 1,100 MXN (about $55 USD)
- Guide in English: 1,300 MXN (about $65 USD)
- Guide in Italian, French, German, or Portuguese: 1,400 MXN (about $70 USD)
Keep in mind that exchange rates may fluctuate, but this gives you a reliable idea of the costs.
If I Don’t Want a Tour and I Don’t Want to Rent a Car, What’s Better: Taking a Taxi or Hiring a Transportation Service?
Taxis:
The real issue with taxis is both the cost and the uncertainty. Prices are calculated per group of four passengers:
- For up to 4 people, the cost is about 4,700 MXN one way.
- At an exchange rate of 20 pesos = 1 USD, that’s roughly $235 USD one way, or $470 USD round trip.
- For 5 to 8 people, the price doubles.
- For 9 to 12 people, the price triples.
So the more passengers, the more expensive it gets. And remember, this doesn’t always include extras like tolls, parking, waiting time, or unexpected stops. Taxi drivers often introduce these charges along the way, which is why I don’t recommend this option.
Transportation Services (Private Vans):
In comparison, professional transport companies are more reliable and usually more affordable once you pass four passengers. For example:
- A van for 1 to 11 people costs around $550 USD round trip, fixed price, no hidden costs.
- A larger van for up to 18–19 people costs around $750 USD round trip, and the price doesn’t change whether you’re carrying just a couple or a full group.
With a transport service, you know the cost upfront, you avoid surprises, and you travel more comfortably.
What Time Does Chichén Itzá Open and What Is the Best Time to Arrive?
Chichén Itzá officially opens at 8:00 a.m., but the smartest move is to arrive 10 minutes earlier, around 7:50 a.m. This way, you can be ready at the Ticket Center line before the gates open, avoiding long waits.
If you arrive exactly at 8:00, you’ll still need to queue and then enter — which already costs you valuable time.
Why do I recommend being there at opening time? Two big reasons:
- Photos: Arriving early gives you the rare chance to take pictures of yourself with the pyramid of Chichén Itzá in the background, without crowds of people in your shot.
- Weather: At 8:00 a.m., the temperature is much cooler compared to 10:00 a.m., making your visit far more comfortable.
In short, getting there just before opening means less waiting, better photos, and a much more enjoyable start to your day.
