Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Tour – Cruise Port Excursion from Cozumel Review
Looking for a fun family vacation destination? Visit one of the wonders of the world with a cruise port excursion from cozumel to Chichen Itza tour. In this convenient Chichen Itza day tour you can see an incredibly well preserved Mayan ruin, learn about history, and create some fun memories all at the same time!
cozumel to chichen itza tour
Whether you are looking to sneak in a visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world, are interested in history, or are just looking for a fun cruise tour – choosing a Chichen Itza Tour is a great way to spend a day. A Chichen Itza excursion can be booked directly through Royal Caribbean, any cruise line, or a local operator. We opted to visit this remarkably well-preserved and restored Mayan Ruins on a Chichen Itza day tour we booked through Royal Caribbean since it was a long escursion we wanted to make sure we made it back in time and the Icon of the Seas didn’t leave us stranded in port. Let me tell you all about the trip from cozumel to chichen itza, what we saw, plus a review of the experience with “Chichen Itza Ruins: Augmented & Virtual Reality” excursion.
Plus don’t miss information about the best family cruises! Learn more about our trip in the Icon of the Seas Review and settle what is better Disney cruise or Royal Caribbean
what is chichen itza
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you know why Chicken Itza is so special. Chichen Itza is a breathtaking archaeological site in Mexico that was built by the ancient Maya civilization around the 7th century. It is one of the most impressive and best-preserved Mayan ruins. Chichen Itza was once a thriving city from the 7th to the 10th century AD. It served as a vital cultural and economic hub, showcasing the ingenuity of the Mayans.
At the heart of the site lies the iconic El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán. This stunning pyramid, featuring 365 steps—one for each day of the year- is not just a pretty sight; it’s also a remarkable example of how the Maya skillfully integrated their architecture with astronomical phenomena. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadows cast on the pyramid create a serpent-like illusion that slithers down the stairs—how amazing is that?!
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, symbolizing the rich cultural legacy of the Mayan people. Exploring its temples, ball courts, and cenotes allows us to connect with a civilization that has shaped our understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and agriculture. Visiting Chichen Itza is like stepping back in time, allowing us to connect with a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire awe and wonder. So if you ever find yourself in the Yucatan Peninsula, make sure to add this extraordinary destination to your travel bucket list!
How to get to chichen itza
If you’re planning a trip to the breathtaking Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, one destination that absolutely must be on your itinerary is the ancient site of Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a beautiful place to visit; it’s a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. All major cruiselines have shore excursion options to visit this wonder of the modern world – Royal Caribbean, Disney, Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Norweigan, MSC, Celebity, and others. If you take a cruise with the following ports, you should be able to visit Chichen Itza:
- Cozumel (45 min ferry plus 3-4 hour drive time)
- Progresso (2-3 hours drive time)
chichen itza tour
We were assigned a meeting time and location on the Royal cruiseship. It was EARLY! The only place open to grab breakfast was Pearl Cafe so it was packed; allow extra time! In case you try to take food off, you are not allowed to take non-sealed food off. No point in getting to the theatre meeting location early, just arrive at the posted time. When you check in they will give you a sticker you wear on your shirt for easy identification and tell you where to sit with your group. About 20-30 minutes after the posted time they called us by number and we disembarked and followed a local guide to begin our cozumel excursion.
chichen itza excursion
The first part of out trip involved taking a 45 minute ferry to the mainland. There are hundreds of people on board this easy trip with comfy seating on the first or 2nd level. While the bottom level gives easy access to the bathroom, there are 4 onboard, the air conditioning worked so much better upstairs. If you are prone to motion sickness make sure to wear a sick sick patch, take a Dramamine, or swallow a Bonine pill 30 minutes before you get off the ship.
chichen itza day tour
Once you arrive at the mainland you will be seperated into groups based on your excursion. Then your guide will walk you to the vehicles with a stop by a restroom. Make sure you use it, it’s a long drive! If you are headed to Chichen Itza you will pick up a snack lunch on your way in the mini-bus. My ham and cheese sandwich was luke warm at best so I did not eat it for fear of getting sick. I was glad I had brough granola bars from home.
If you are last on the mini bus you will sit towards the back which is elevated making it awkward for your feet. It is also harder to hear the narration in the back. Your drive there will take about 3-4 hours. During the drive you will learn about the Yucatan Peninsula, Mayans, and of course Chichen Itza. They will pass out a tablet with pictures, more information, and augemented reality when you board the vehicle, make sure you grab one. They will walk you through the history and intersting facts about this archeological site using the tablet. Feel free to browse through the information because when you exit the coach at the site they will take the tablets and not give them back. This was a surprise to us as the way we read the excursion you could hold the tablet up to the ruin and see the overlay. You will not. They keep the tablets in the vehicle.
excursion chichen itza
Once you arrive you can take your backpacks with you, and seeing as though there is a posted sign that says they are not responsible for lost or stolen items I would. They walked us through the first entrance and we all stopped to use the crowded restroom. I suggest bringing a package of kleenex with you as toilet paper is not always available. They no longer charge for taking pictures of the site as stated in the literature.
cozumel to chichen itza
Next they will go through the second entrance and into the site. Your guide will walk you through the site, telling you the history and pointing out the important sites.
El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)
This majestic pyramid stands as the centerpiece of Chichén Itzá. Dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulcán, it showcases the Maya’s advanced knowledge of astronomy. With 365 steps on each side, it’s perfectly aligned with the solar calendar. During the equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow that creates the illusion of a serpent descending the steps—a breathtaking sight!
The Head of Kukulkan represents not just a deity, but a powerful symbol of creation, renewal, and the interconnection of life.
On certain days of the year, the sunlight casts a shadow that creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps—an incredible spectacle that showcases their astronomical prowess!
The Great Ball Court
The largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, this impressive structure reflects the importance of the Mesoamerican ballgame in Maya culture. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings showing players in action and scenes of the game’s ritualistic significance. Don’t miss the unique acoustics; it is said that you can hear whispers from one end to the other!
The Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica, measuring an astounding 200 meters long and 100 meters wide. Teams would compete in a game that involved bouncing a heavy rubber ball off the court’s walls and trying to get it through a stone ring elevated high on the sides of the court. The objective was to score points by getting the ball through the hoop, all while ensuring that the ball never touched the ground.
- There were typically 3-5 members on each team.
- Players were not allowed to use their hands or feet to touch the ball; instead, they could only use their hips, forearms, and thighs.
- Points were scored when the ball successfully passed through the stone ring.
- Games could last hours or days
- While winning was an honor, losing a game could come with perilous consequences. It was believed that the losing team sometimes faced death, showcasing how seriously the Maya took this game. The defeated players might even be sacrificed to appease the gods, ensuring prosperity and favor for their civilization.
Temple of the Warriors
This impressive structure lies near the Great Ball Court and features a massive pyramid flanked by rows of stone warriors. The carvings depict the Maya’s military might and religious rituals. The temple also houses several sculptures and detailed murals that narrate the stories of battles and deities.
Observatory (El Caracol)
Known as the Observatory because of its unique round shape, El Caracol is believed to have been used for astronomical observations. The circular structure has narrow windows that align with celestial bodies, demonstrating the Maya’s impressive knowledge of the stars and cycles of the universe.
The Sacred Cenote
While not a building, this natural sinkhole was a vital part of Maya religious life. Offerings, including weapons and jewelry, were often tossed into the water as a form of tribute to the rain god, Chaac, highlighting the Maya’s connection to nature and spirituality.
Group of the Thousand Columns
This area showcases the remains of a large marketplace and has rows of columns that were once covered by a roof structure. It’s a reminder of the bustling activity that once filled Chichén Itzá and the significance of trade in Maya society.
Tzompantli Chichen Itza
This intriguing structure, often referred to as the “skull rack,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Maya civilization. This monument served a significant role in the ritualistic practices of the Maya. The Tzompantli was designed to display the skulls of captives and sacrificial victims, symbolizing both a warning to enemies and a tribute to the gods. It reflects their complex understanding of life, death, and the afterlife.
The Nunnery (Las Monjas)
This expansive complex features intricate stone carvings and a central courtyard. Its name may be misleading; instead of nuns, the structure likely served as a high-ranking administrative building or a residence for priests. The architecture beautifully reflects the Puuc style.
chichen itza mayan ruins
At the end we got about 20 minutes of free time to look at the ruin, visit the restroom, grab a drink, and meet back at the parking lot for the 3-4 hour drive back followed by the 45 minute ferry ride. On the way back there is no talking, just resting and looking through your own pictures. Hopefully you grabbed a drink on the way back to the bus because there will be none provided for you.
We got back a little after the cut off time (30 minutes), but since we took a Royal Caribbean port excursion it wasn’t a problem and they waited for us.
Chichen Itza Cruise Excursion Review
It is a QUICK visit that will allow you to see the ruins, discover why this site is important, take a picture, and that’s about it. I’m not saying it isn’t worth it. We did really see the entire site and get pictures in our 1 hours (give or take) visit, but there isn’t a lot of time to just take it in if that’s your style. You will spend about 8 hours in total transit for a 1 hour visit. I did worry about the traffic at one point knowing there was no fudge room and if we were delayed we’d barely see the historical site. It is an airconditioned and comfortable ride.
