Chichén Itzá and Pisté

Chichén Itzá [1] is one of the finest archaeological sites in the northern part of the peninsula, and in all of Mesoamerica. It is also one of the most visited.

Located just two hours from Cancún [2] (and two from Mérida [3]), the site is inundated by tour groups, many of them bikini-clad day-trippers on loan from the pool at their all-inclusive. That fact should not dissuade independent travelers from visiting—crowded or not, Chichén Itzá is a truly magnificent ruin and a must-see on any archaeology tour of the Yucatán. Just be sure to arrive early, and you can see the big stuff first and be exploring the outer areas by the time the tour buses roll in.

Pisté is a one-road town that is strangely underdeveloped considering it is just two kilometers (1.2 miles) from such an important and heavily visited site. The hotels and restaurants here are unremarkable and there’s not much to do or see beyond the ruins.

Getting There

Buses from all directions converge on Chichén Itzá and Pisté; those from Mérida and Cancún often will drop off passengers at the main entrance to the ruins, which is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) west of town. If you are in Pisté, passing bus drivers may be willing to drop you at the entrance for around US$0.50, or just walk.