New Rules At Chichen Itza Travelers Need To Know For 2025

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So, Chichén Itzá is on your 2025 travel list? Excellent choice. This place is more than just a historic site; it’s one of the literal Seven Wonders of the World.

The ancient Mayans somehow designed it to cast a shadow that looks like a serpent slithering down the steps… and we’re still trying to figure out how they pulled that off without a laptop.

But before you pack your day bag and hop in that tour van, let’s talk rules. There are some fresh ones this year, and some old ones that visitors still get wrong (we’ve seen it firsthand). We at The Cancun Sun want to help you avoid all the facepalm moments and enjoy your visit like a seasoned travel pro.

🚧 Brand New Rule #1: No More Getting Up Close and Personal With El Castillo

This one’s huge—literally. The big pyramid, El Castillo, now has a 50-foot buffer zone around it. Roped off. No walking right up to it.

You can still take stunning photos and soak in the magic, but that moment where you’d stand right at the base for the ultimate vacation shot? That’s no longer allowed.

This change rolled out in April 2025 after some folks couldn’t resist trying to climb it (despite years of warnings). So now, there’s a visual boundary with ropes and posts keeping everyone at least 15 meters back. And honestly, good move. The pyramid’s over a thousand years old—it’s probably earned a little personal space by now.

🌞 Brand New Rule #2: Equinox and Big Event Days = Surprise Closures

Planning your visit around the Spring or Fall Equinox? Love that. It’s when the famous shadow-serpent illusion happens—and it’s absolutely jaw-dropping.

But heads up: INAH is now enforcing tighter restrictions on those peak days.

Back in March 2025, they completely closed off the “Serie Inicial” section and even shut the Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá during the busiest Equinox day.

And they didn’t exactly give a ton of warning. Moral of the story: if you’re visiting during a major event, pack some patience and expect that not everything will be open.

😬 Classic Rules That Still Catch People Off Guard

Now for the ones that have been around forever—but somehow still get people into trouble every single day.

1. No climbing. Not even a little.
Since 2008, it’s been strictly illegal to climb any structure at Chichén Itzá. If you try, the National Guard will remove you, and the fine? Up to $16,000 USD. There are way better souvenirs than a court date.

2. Drones are out.
You can’t fly a drone here. Period. Doesn’t matter if it’s just “for a few shots” or if it fits in your pocket. Unless you’ve got a special federal permit (and let’s be real, you probably don’t), your drone could get confiscated—and the fine is steep.

3. No tripods or professional camera gear.
This includes selfie sticks being used like monopods. If your setup looks even slightly pro, you’ll need a special permit and have to pay a fee. Best to keep things handheld and simple.

4. You’ll get two ticket stubs—and you better keep both.
This one confuses people every time. When you pay the entrance fee, your money is split into two separate charges: one federal (INAH), and one state (Yucatán’s CULTUR). That means you’ll get two different ticket slips. Keep them both on you—inspectors at checkpoints may ask to see them.

5. No large bags or booze allowed.
Backpacks? Nope. Only small purses and shoulder bags are allowed inside the main site. Anything bigger has to go in a locker near the entrance. And alcohol is a hard no—no margaritas in the ruins, sorry.

🧠 Why These Rules Matter (Even If They’re Annoying)

We get it. Nobody wants to feel like they’re at airport security while walking through ancient ruins.

But these rules aren’t just about red tape—they’re about protecting a once-in-a-lifetime site that millions of people visit every year. A little structure helps keep the wonder from turning into a circus.

And let’s be honest, nobody wants to be the person who ends up in a viral video being booed for breaking the rules. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen.

🎒 The Quick “Don’t Screw Up” Checklist

Here’s everything you’ll want for a smooth trip to Chichén Itzá:

• ✅ Small shoulder bag or purse
• ✅ Comfortable shoes (not sandals, unless you like blisters)
• ✅ Water bottle (preferably refillable)
• ✅ Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the sun does not mess around)
• ✅ Your two ticket stubs (yes, really)

Final Thoughts From the Team

We love Chichén Itzá. It’s one of those rare places that lives up to the hype. You feel the history in the air, and every step around the ruins reminds you of just how brilliant the Mayan civilization really was.

So go, soak it in, take your photos, and let the magic hit you—but follow the rules. Not just so you don’t get fined, but so we all get to enjoy this place for years to come.

And if you’re wondering what time to go, where to grab lunch after, or how to dodge those giant bus tour crowds, drop us a message. We’ve got your back.

See you out there!

— The Cancun Sun ✌️

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