We woke up at 7am, and we took the fist bus from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá (1h- $31), I can’t recommend you this enough, It’s really essencial to arrive as earlier as possible. Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most visited attraction, I don’t need to say much more than that.. do I 🙂
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, so independently of what kind of traveller you are; solo travel, backpacker, all-inclusive, etc. you will end up there like everybody else.. Chichén Itzá is an icon and its central location in the peninsula of Yucatan, makes it incredible accessible. And don’t think that because is the largest archeological site in Yucatan you can’t fell the heaps of people, believe me.. this place gets seriously overcrowded, and you can feel it 🙂
Although I generally tend to prefer exploring lesser-visited places that are situated a little further off the main tourist path, Chichen Itza still makes a perfect day or half-day trip. I can’s say they are my favourite but the still are magnificent and definitely worthy of a visit.
Despite the fact that all inclusive trips to Chichén Itzá are very popular and abundant, It couldn’t be easier to visit it on your own, and I do recommend it, first because you can walk and stop as many time you want and where you want, its cheaper, and you can get there before the crowds.
When you arrive early you beat the crazily large crowds, tour buses and the hundreds of vendors that are selling the same thing along every pathway. Waking up early will pay off, and you will have almost the entire ruins to yourselves.
If you end up visiting Chichén Itzá, I’m sure you will not be let down, they make a fantastic introduction into Maya culture and beliefs! It’s always better to have a guidebook with you so you know what you are looking at 🙂
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha
Ana, Thank you for visiting my site and liking my Freida quote. It is one of my favorite quotes. I was on the Mayan peninsula this summer but didn’t make it to the ruins. I will certainly do it ithe next time. Beautiful photos….wonderful site.
Thanks so much for passing by 😉
Didn’t realize it was so beautiful and well preserved. Your photography is very good, well composed, lit, and not many crowds to spoil the shots. Good job.
Thanks so much 🙂
Wonderful post, Ana, on a place a haven’t yet visited but have long been fascinated by. I have shared your inspirational post with my readers. My Portuguese is non-existent so reverting to Spanish,… !Muchas Gracias!
Thanks for sharing the post ?
You’re welcome. What are you cooking up this week?
Tomorrow I’m going to do a spiced winter stew with roasted root veggies and bulgur wheat , no idea what I will do on the other days yet ?
Nossa. Gostei muito.
Obrigada 🙂 é muito bonito
It is a must see place for sure. I went many years ago when you were still allowed to climb the steps. Thanks for posting this because it brought me down memory lane.
wow I’m sure the view was amazing 🙂
This brings me back to my very first trip to the Yucatan, many moons ago, when the road was just a two lane carretera with a few Pe-Mex stations here and there. Truly magnificent.
I can’t even imagine… because now is quite a developed area.. I’m sure you had a great experience ?
Love the photos and article. I must visit there soon…
Thanks 🙂 hope you do it’s really worthy of a visit
I will do at some point as it’s on my list but for now, I’m in Italy for a while. 😉
Wow that sounds like an amazing place to visit. I hope one day I’ll make it there. Great post ?
Thanks so much Vanessa ??? I’m sure you will have the opportunity!
Great pix… I love Pre-Columbian history but for some reason all my attempts to get to Chichen-Itza have resulted in failure (there have been a number). Thanks for taking me there.
I’m sure the opportunity will come ??
Bucket list item for us!
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Such beautiful ancient ruins Ana. Love to see these one day. 🙂
Thanks so much , the Yucatán peninsula is full of Mayan ruins. If you go there one day you should visit Chichén Itza and some of the smaller ones as well ??
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It looks amazing! You must have gone early to get those beautiful photos!
Going early is the only way, other wise is too busy
looks very serene.
It was when I arrived, but by the time I was leaving, the place was completely packed with people selling souvenirs and tours ..
I would absolutely love to go there, it’s part of my favourites in my travel list ! And I agree that it’s better to know a bit about the place and not just admire with no knowledge haha, besides it’s very interesting ! ?
WOW! Fascinating, fabulous pictures.
Thanks
Love this piece! I’d love to visit some day ?
I have been to Mexico several times and have yet to visit Chichén Itzà. Maybe 2018 will be the year! Any safety cibcerns going there on your own?
Not at all is very safe ☺️
Saudades destes lados! As fotografias já me fizeram viajar um bocadinho hoje 🙂
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Beautiful photos!
Thanks ??