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When most people think of popular vacation destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and, of course, Cancun, the first thing that comes to mind is brilliant white sand beaches and aqua-blue water as far as the eye can see.
This is, after all, what draws millions of tourists to the region every year, but many travelers also visit this region in search of fascinating Mayan history that can be explored by visiting the region’s numerous Mayan ruins sites too.
For those travelers, a long-awaited Chichen Itza museum is set to open before the end of the month that will allow visitors to further explore this captivating archeological site.
The Great Chichen Itza
If there was ever a Mayan archeological site that you should visit and you only get to choose one, it should be the great Chichen Itza.
Dating back to the early to mid-5th century, according to the most recent estimates, Chichen Itza was and still is one of the most important Mayan cities of its time.
Now a massive archeological site, Chichen Itza is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
@victorialeandra This is why Chichen Itza is one of the 7 world wonders 😍👀 #mexicotravel #travelmexico #chichenitzamexico ♬ original sound – VICTORIA LEANDRA
The Museum
More than a decade ago Chichen Itza had an on-site museum that displayed everything from sculptures to carvings and tools to pottery.
That museum has since been closed to the public and now a new one has been constructed that will be bigger and better than ever and will open to the public on February 28th of this year.
Much of what will be showcased in this museum will be new findings excavated both at the site, as well as items found during the construction of the nearly 1,000-mile Mayan Train route.
@mikeamessina Exciting museum news for Chichén Itzá! #chichénitzá #chichénitzáyucatánméxico #museum #mexico #kukulkan #elcastillo #maya #mayan #ancienthistory #history #historytok ♬ Chichen Itza (Original Mix) – Balearia & Balearia
Structures To See At Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza has always been a fascinating archeological site and the original structures are a must-see.
Some of the most impressive structures include the Church, the Ball Game, the Temple of the Warriors, the El Caracol Observatory, and the Market Place.
The most important structure at Chichen Itza, though, is El Castillo, also known as the Kukulcan Pyramid, which stands nearly 100 feet tall.
@itsworthit_official Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Just one look at its incredible and culturally-rich architecture makes it clear why it’s one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico . #Lovemylife #Worldtraveler #Adventure #Adventures #Alwaysonthemove #Keepitreal #Dopeplaces #Sickshot #Rollwithit #Getyours #Outofyourcomfortzone #Dropin #Traveliseducation #Travelismedicine #Getoutofthehouse #Trynewthings #Justenjoyit #Bekind #mexico ♬ original sound – ItsWorthIt_official
New Section Of The Site That Will Be Open To Tourists
Along with the opening of the museum, a new section of Chichen Itza is open to the public.
This section, named Chichen Viejo, is about a mile from Chichen Itza’s main site.
Recent excavations of the site have turned up a huge and impressive compound that is rumored to have been inhabited by Mayan elites.
@maudiazm ✅ ESTO seguro no lo haz visto #chichenviejo #chichenitza #chichenitzamexico #chichenitzayucatan #chichenitzapyramid #chichenitza7wonder #kukulkan #kukulcan ♬ sonido original – Mauricio Díaz Montalvo
Chichen Itza’s Location
Chichen Itza is located in the state of Yucatan, which borders the state of Quintana Roo.
Quintana Roo is the home state of popular vacation destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Because of the close proximity, the trip to the archeological site is only a little over two hours from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
@quynhnie_boo Magnificent archaeological site to be able to witness this. #chichenitza #mexico #wondersoftheworld #traveltiktok #travellife #elcastillo #historicallandmark #history #templofkukulcan #pyramid ♬ Live Your Beautiful Life – Gray Griggs
Visiting Chichen Itza
The cost to visit the Chichen Itza archeological site is about $39 for general admission for visitors 13 and over and around $6 for children under 13.
The site is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
There is also a night tour offered on weekends that is priced at around $41 for Friday and Saturday tickets and about $26 for Sunday tickets.
@travelgalpal 📍Chichén Itzá, Mexico #travel #traveltiktok #traveltok #chichenitza #mexico #solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveler ♬ La Bamba (Traditional Mexican Music) – ZeroCrossingRecords
How To Get To Chichen Itza
There are several different Chichen Itza archeological site tours offered from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Tours are one of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza because they offer a lot of value for the cost.
Many offer hotel pickup and drop off, a tour guide, a stop at a cenote, and lunch for between $60 – $70, though some do not include the Chichen Itza entry fee.
You can also take the Maya Train to Chichen Itza, which costs between about $17 and $27 per person, depending on ticket class.
If you want to tour the site on your own, this is the best way to get to this fascinating archaeological site that will soon also have a new museum.
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