5 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Chichen Itza
Are you planning a trip to the majestic ruins of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?
As a travel expert based in Playa del Carmen, I’ve seen many travelers make a few common mistakes that can easily detract from the splendor of this historic site.
Here’s a rundown of what not to do, along with some helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
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1. Arriving Midday
Many visitors make the mistake of arriving at Chichén Itzá during the middle of the day.
While it may seem like a good use of your vacation time, you’ll end up battling intense heat and large crowds.
To enhance your visit, try to get to the site early in the morning right when the gates open at 8AM.
This timing allows for cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better photo opportunities without hoards of tourists ruining your perfect shot.
2. Skipping a Guide
It might be tempting to explore Chichén Itzá without a guide to save money, but doing so can mean missing out on the historical and cultural insights that only an experienced guide can offer.
Guides not only provide context to what you are seeing but also share intriguing stories and lesser-known facts about the site.
Hiring a guide at the entrance or booking a Chichen Itza tour in advance can transform your visit from a simple sightseeing trip into a much more meaningful experience.
Plus, as the site is located several hours away from the major tourist hubs, booking an all-inclusive tour with transportation included can make your visit much more convenient.
3. Neglecting Proper Attire and Sun Protection
Underestimating the Yucatán sun can lead to serious discomfort and even health risks.
Visitors often forget to wear appropriate clothing and sun protection, resulting in sunburns and heat exhaustion.
To avoid this, wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen.
Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring a water bottle that you can refill throughout your visit.
It’s also a good idea to bring a compact umbrella for sun protection–you will see many people using them at the site!
4. Focusing Only on the Main Structures
Chichén Itzá is famous for its iconic Pyramid of Kukulcán, but focusing solely on the main structures can mean missing out on other fascinating parts of the site.
The grounds of Chichén Itzá are extensive, with many interesting monuments and lesser-known ruins that offer a deeper understanding of Maya civilization.
Allocate enough time to explore areas like the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the observatory known as El Caracol.
There are also less-visited cenotes (Cenote Sagrado and Cenote Xtoloc) at the site that are worth exploring.
5. Visiting on a Sunday
If possible, try to avoid visiting Chichén Itzá on a Sunday.
This is the day when Mexican citizens can visit the site for free, leading to significantly larger crowds and longer wait times.
To have a more peaceful visit, plan your trip on a weekday if you can.
If Sunday is the only option, try to arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Are you ready to visit Chichen Itza?
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can have a more enjoyable and meaningful experience at this iconic archaeological site.
With proper planning and preparation, your visit to Chichén Itzá will surely be a highlight of your trip to Mexico.
