Been to Chichen-Itza?

[cantsitstill]

Has anyone made a trip to Chichen-Itza while at Cozumel? Would love to hear details on how to get there - how far it is - how long it took to get there, etc. Cost, too......
TIA!

 

[ThreeSmiths]

I have not been from Cozumel, but I did go to Chichen Itza from Cancun. From Cancun it was a 3 hour bus ride one way and the ruins are massive and it takes hours to see the whole site. I don't know that the trip can be done in the time that DCL is in Cozumel....also there's always the risk that you might not make it back to the ship in time. We saw a few tour buses broken down on the side of the road when we went. It is an amazing place though, and I would highly recommend seeing it when you have a good opportunity!

 

[cantsitstill]

Thanks! It is kinda scary wondering if we'll make it back, but we're in Cozumel from 10:30am to 10pm. Hmmmm....is there a ferry that takes you across to the mainland and then maybe a taxi or bus service? Anyone else have any info? Thanks!

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

If you are looking for ruins to visit, I would suggest you go to Tulum. The excursion takes all day (8AM to 5PM), but they are impressive.

 

[fourfoxesinpa]

I, too, visited Chichen Itza from Cancun. It is so impressive and the ride would be so lengthy that I don't know if you could see it all on a side trip from Cozumel and do it justice. I could be mistaken. Hopefully there are some others on the board who have taken this trip and can give you some input on how long the ride takes.

I have a very soft spot for Chichen Itza. My dh proposed to me on top of the pyramid almost 12 years ago.

 

[Maryoh8]

We went from Chichen Itza from Cancun years ago. it was our favorite part of the vacation. The bus ride was very long, but interesting. The ruins were great. It was very rugged, though. And if kids are going, it may not be appropriate.

Also, our bus broke down on the way back and they had to get a new bus for us which delayed our return quite a bit. I have been to Coz. since then on a cruise ship and would not attempt to go to Chichen Itza.

Mary

 

[ThreeSmiths]

I have a very soft spot for Chichen Itza. My dh proposed to me on top of the pyramid almost 12 years ago.

How Cool!!!! We also climbed the big pyradmid...were you as scared as I was coming down? YIKES! I heard that you are no longer allowed to climb the pyramid, too much erosion/damage to the steps I think is what I heard.

I have not been to Tulum but would also suggest that as an alternate trip if you really want to see ruins. I've heard that Tulum is BEAUTIFUL as is sits right on the sea. Chichen Itza is in the middle of the "jungle"....scrubby, dense, low-growing jungle...not like a rainforest (which would be super cool!)

I hope that you have a great time whatever you decide!

 

[Carrie25]

Hi I've been to both Tulum and Chichen Itza (sp?). I'm of Mexican descent so Chichen Itza has a special place for me. I can imagine some sort of ancestor living the life of those folk. I was there in 01, from Cancun and it is a wonderful place with very cool engineering and such a different way of life. You can buy a lot of cool handicrafts at some sort of outdoor "flea Market" for lack of a better term. I bought some suede paintings, a carved calendar wheel and some wood sculptures all very reasonably priced.

Tulum is set right on the beach very pretty water. Honestly nice for some good photos but not much to see. I believe there were like 3 main buildings to see. The tour I took from Cancun mad it a partial day tour with most of the day at the Xel-Ha natural water park.

 

[crisi]

We just got back from a week in a Villa about 15 minutes North of Tulum. We found it to be really beautiful (but hot, imagine - Mexico is hot in August!). Wear a swimsuit to Tulum, there is a beach right below the ruins to play in. Tulum is basically off the south point of Cozumel - probably about 40 minutes south of the Playa del Carmen ferry. There is a temple and a few additional buildings to see. Admission is cheap, but get a guide (which will be more expensive). It took us about 40 minutes to see Tulum with a guide, and we spent another 40 exploring by ourselves.

If you are doing this as a "on your own" excursion, there is a great snorkle lagoon out of Akumal called Yal-Ku. Easy snorkling because of the lagoon (though the roads will take your car out!). But the snorkle lagoon closes early.