When planning your vacation to Cancun, Mexico you are probably considering Chichen Itza tours and other excursions to Coba and Tulum. It is not self-evident that these famous attractions are open during these days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Is Chichen Itza open despite COVID?
After reopening most of the sites and attractions in Mexico, Chichen Itza was reopened to the public on September 22, 2020. For safety and hygiene reasons, several measures and protocols were implemented to protect the staff and visitors to the site.
In order to avoid the usual mass gatherings during special events, like the Spring Equinox in Chichen Itza, the authorities decided to close bigger archaeological sites. As a result, tourists who usually gather by the thousands were not able to witness the descent of the Mayan god Kukulcan in "El Castillo", a phenomenon of light and shadow on the steps of the Chichen Itza pyramid.
Chichen Itza remains closed during Easter Weekend
As a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Archaeological Zone of Chichen Itza will remain closed on April 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this year.
The site will reopen on April 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., following the sanitary protocols (sanitary measures, limited capacity, reduced groups, wearing a face mask, etc.) in order to guarantee the health of visitors and those who work in the archaeological zone.
Opening hours Chichen Itza 2021
Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Closing of the areas of Ball Game, Sacred Cenote, Plaza of the Thousand Columns, Observatory, and Group of the Nuns at 4 PM and final closure of the entire site at 5 PM.
Chichen Itza Admission
There are two entrance fees:
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is charging $ 80 Mexican pesos.
Additionally, the State Government of Yucatan charges a general admission fee of $ 417.00 Mexican pesos for foreigners and
$ 130.00 Mexican pesos for Mexicans who can prove their nationality with an official ID.
Total Chichen Itza admission for foreigners
MXN 497.00
Total Chichen Itza admission for Mexicans
MXN 210.00 - Individuals who can prove their residence in Mexico are exempt from these payments on Sundays but that does not apply to visits after normal operating hours and nighttime audio-light events.
Chichen Itza at Night
The Chichen Itza Light Show is adding a deeply immersive experience to the main pyramid-mound, known as "El Castillo". Usually, you have about 45 minutes to take a self-guided audio tour to the primary points of the Chichen Itza history. The popular and impressive light show, also known as "Noches de Kukulkan", is currently suspended.
Can you climb Chichen Itza?
Since 2008, INAH has banned climbing the temples at Chichen Itza. However, in January 2021 a video went viral showing a woman climbing the Pyramid of Kukulkan in the Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone, from where she allegedly threw the ashes of her deceased husband, which is why she was nicknamed "Lady Kukulkan" on social media.
How to Pronounce Chichén Itzá? (CORRECTLY)
Chichen Itza is pronounced [chee·chenit·suh] and is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico.
What does Chichen Itza mean?
If you are preparing for a Chichen Itza tour and want to know what the name of this famous attraction actually means we highly recommend listening to our podcast.
Our tour guide and former professor at the University of Valladolid is explaining everything you need to know about the definition of Chichen Itza. Click on the banner below in order to listen to our podcast.
What is the best way to do Chichen Itza?
If you don't want to spend 4 hours on a bus full of other people and make unnecessary compromises, the private excursions to Chichen Itza with Kay Tours Mexico are just what you are looking for!
We offer the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza. Comfortable and safe, without other time-consuming obstacles. We pick up only you at your hotel or vacation home in Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and will start your journey directly to Chichen Itza.
It is highly recommended to arrive early in order to avoid mass tourism.
When is the best time to arrive at Chichen Itza?
Daylight saving time in Mexico will begin at 02:00 on Sunday, April 4th. There will be no time difference between the state of Q. Roo & Yucatan. If you prefer to arrive at Chichen Itza at the time it is opening the pickup time should be between 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM, depending on your location.
Feel free to consult with us about the right time to get your guests first inside the archaeological site.
Private tours to Chichen Itza
All our private excursions are led by an archaeological, English-speaking, and federal licensed guide, who will explain in detail the history of the site, the Mayan culture and will be happy to answer all your questions.
We provide different options for our private excursions from Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum to Chichen Itza. To learn more click here.
Stay up to date
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to post in the comments section below or email us at contact@kay.tours.
Kay, founder and CEO, lives in Playa del Carmen, Mexico since 2012 and runs with great passion since 2014 his own company "Kay Tours Mexico", which is specialized in private and luxury excursions.
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