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Cancun might be known for its beaches, but beyond the popular vacation destination, the Yucatan Peninsula as a whole is known for its captivating nature, charming small towns, and, more than anything, its fascinating Mayan ruins.
Millions of travelers fly into Cancun every year to be able to visit some of these ancient archeological sites, and one stands out above all the rest, and that is Chichen Itza.
What many may not realize is that Chichen Itza actually has its own airport, and Americans will soon be able to fly directly to Mexico’s most famous archeological site near Cancun for the first time ever.
The Chichen Itza Airport
Although not nearly as busy as Cancun Airport, there is an airport located just minutes from the world-famous Chichen Itza.
It’s about 10 minutes away from the popular archeological site in the Kaua municipality in the Mexican state of Yucatan.
Currently, the airport only serves about 1,000 passengers a year.
What’s Going To Be Different?
Right now, only private flights are served by the Chichen Itza Airport, but there’s a deal in the works that would allow commercial flights to use the airport as well.
This would allow international flights to connect to the Chichen Itza Airport.
According to Jose Miguel Garcia Vales, the airport’s director, the deal is in its final stages and will start competing with other airports in the region as early as next year.
The Famous Chichen Itza Archaeological Site
Chichen Itza is a very well-known, important pre-Columbian Mayan archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
The archeological site features impressive, well-preserved ruins, including a huge main pyramid called El Castillo, colorful buildings, a ball court, and an observatory, and it even has its own cenotes.
When To Visit Chichen Itza
Millions of tourists travel to the Yucatan Peninsula every year specifically to see Chichen Itza.
Many of these travelers visit during peak season, which runs from mid-December through the beginning of April.
This is the best time to visit because the weather is cooler, but it’s also much more crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best times to visit are the slower months, like May, June, September, and October.
This allows you to avoid the hotter months as well.
Chichen Itza’s Location
Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Yucatan.
It’s about 2.5 hours from Cancun by car and just over 2 hours from both Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The Chichen Itza archeological site is spread out over about 4 square miles.
Other Places To Visit Near Chichen Itza
Once you can fly to Chichen Itza, there are several nearby places worth visiting.
The charming town of Merida, which is popular among tourists looking for a more authentic experience, is only about 1.5 hours away.
Additionally, the Magic Town of Valladolid is less than 30 minutes away.
Both will give you a glimpse into a more traditional side of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
How To Get To Chichen Itza Before International Flights Are Available
Commercial International flights from the U.S. to Chichen Itza Airport are not available quite yet, but there are other ways to visit.
Cancun Airport has great connectivity with U.S. airports, and several flights fly from the U.S. to the recently completed Tulum Airport as well.
From either of those airports, you can book transportation, a tour, or even take the Maya Train to get to this fascinating Mayan archeological site.
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