Chichén Itzá - A Must-See Day Trip from Cancun

One destination that’s definitely on our list is Chichén Itzá. It’s about a 2–3 hour drive from Cancún, which makes it perfect for a full day trip while visiting the area.

This famous archaeological site is home to the iconic pyramid El Castillo and is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World campaign winners. With so much history and incredible architecture, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Mexico. 

More info on Chichen Itza

I’m especially excited to bring my camera along for this trip. The site is full of fascinating carvings and ancient Mayan symbols, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them up close. I’m sure guides at the site will provide information and translations, but I’m planning to print out a reference sheet beforehand so I can better understand the meanings behind some of the symbols while exploring.

If I find a good guide with more Mayan symbols and translations, I’ll definitely share it here.

As for the cost, this is actually a pretty affordable excursion if you’re driving yourself. At the time we were planning, it looked like it would mainly be gas for the drive, about $1 for parking, and roughly $10 per person for entrance.