Explore the Yucatan
Destinations
Discover the incredible sites and towns you can visit alongside Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient Mayan city was one of the largest in the region, and the iconic El Castillo pyramid is a masterpiece of Mayan engineering with 365 steps representing the solar calendar.
Valladolid
Valladolid is one of Mexico's 'Pueblos Mágicos' — a charming colonial town located just 30 minutes from Chichen Itza. Its colorful streets, historic churches, and authentic culture make it a perfect complement to your archaeological adventure.
Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. This stunning open-air cenote features hanging vines, waterfalls, and crystal-clear turquoise water at a constant 75-78°F. Sacred to the ancient Maya, it's located just minutes from Chichen Itza.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is a stunning Mayan archaeological site where you can still climb the main pyramid — the Acropolis. At nearly 100 feet tall, the climb rewards you with panoramic 360° views of the Yucatan jungle. It's one of the few Mayan sites where this is still permitted.
Cancún
Cancún is Mexico's most popular tourist destination and the most common departure point for Chichen Itza tours. Located 120 miles from the archaeological site, Cancun offers world-class beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
Mérida
Mérida is the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula and the closest major city to Chichen Itza. This vibrant colonial city offers rich Mayan heritage, authentic cuisine, and a more local Mexican experience compared to the resort towns of the Caribbean coast.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant beach town on the Riviera Maya coast, known for its pedestrian Fifth Avenue, white-sand beaches, and lively nightlife. It's one of the most popular departure points for Chichen Itza tours, located approximately 2-2.5 hours from the archaeological site.
Tulum
Tulum is a bohemian beach paradise known for its clifftop Mayan ruins, cenotes, and eco-chic atmosphere. Located about 2 hours from Chichen Itza, it's a popular departure point for travelers seeking to combine beach relaxation with archaeological exploration.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya stretches along 100 miles of Caribbean coastline from Cancun to Tulum. This tropical paradise is home to world-class resorts, ancient Mayan sites, cenotes, and eco-parks — making it the perfect base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenote Suytún
Cenote Suytún is one of the Yucatan's most photogenic cenotes, famous for its dramatic single beam of sunlight that pierces through the cave ceiling to illuminate the circular stone platform in the center of the pool. Located near Valladolid, it's a perfect addition to any Chichen Itza visit.
Cenote Oxmán
Cenote Oxmán is a stunning open-air cenote located at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxmán, just outside Valladolid. Known for its hanging vines, rope swing, and beautiful hacienda grounds, it offers a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to Cenote Ik Kil.