El Castillo — Attraction in Yucatán

Lots of posts mention taking an official guide .. people also suggest waiting until go go through the turnstiles before getting a official guide .,,

This is my take on it .. we wanted a guide to get the best experience.. there’s a lot of official guides before you go in , but we waited until we had past the turnstiles to get what we thought were the official guide., well they are the same but less of them so you have less room to negotiate the price which was quoted as 1200 mx .. none said they could speak English so they called one through from the front .. unable to negotiate, we decided to pay so we could review .,

So what did we get , a guide of the main pyramid el Castillo , el temple los guerreros , the platform of the jaguars and the ball court . A script with photos was followed , and the guy seemed relatively knowledgeable, but didn’t elaborate and only explained things when asked or prompted ..

His telephone rang several times and it was clear with the 1000’s of visitors we wouldn’t be getting much more than an hour of his time.

He left us at the ball court not explaining anything of the other areas that can be visited , the cenotes the observatory, or the area of the iglesia ( which are a must see for the carvings on the facades )

So was the guide worth it .. in my opinion . Definitely Not .. there are so many well documented you tube channels that tell you far more about the buildings and each building has a information board that explains what it was for .

We spent another 3 hours wandering through the site and saw pretty much all of it.

Another minus point .. the street traders, there are hundreds of them it completely ruins the place ., it really is a market with ruins attached to it ., unbelievable for a world heritage site

Also get there early ! There wasn’t a Queue for the car park and only a 10 minute queue for the tickets ., when we left there were hundreds queuing to get in and loads of cars and coaches queued up on the approach road ., trying to get in a...

I took the bus tour with Mayan Tours. The trip had multiple stops. In the morning I was picked up in a van. We stopped on the edge of the hotel zone where a large new coach picked us up. That bus took us to a location downtown where we we got off the bus and our group was moved to the bus going to Chichen Itza. The original bus was destined for Tulum. The bus we got on was fine. Except the seats were incredibly close together. I am right around 5'8" tall and had to fold my legs to fit. The driver was excellent! His ability to seamlessly shift was impressive, we traveled at 100kmh without any discomforts. Small roads and city traffic was not a problem. The lunch stop food was obviously paid for by a strong sales pitch to buy obsidian objects from the store. It included a very nice ceremony and demonstration of the Mayan culture. The food was excellent the staff was friendly and helpful their products were common and unremarkable for the most part. After lunch we had a quick 20 minute stop in Valladolid. A beautiful Spanish town in the Yucatan. After which we had a 30 minute ride to Chichen Itza. Including transfers we had gotten off the bus/van 4 times before reaching our main objective. Chichen Itza is beautiful. I think with more time a good tour guide could bury you in historic theories. The only things really known of this civilization for certain are what has been deciphered from their writings. The Mayan are a proud people with a fantastic history. It's unfortunate there are so many vendors encircling the ruins. The bus tour from Cancun took a good 16hours hotel room to hotel room. It is money well spent. Albeit a quick overview of areas you will want to return to explore next time you are in...

A Mesmerizing Experience: Unveiling the Hidden Marvels This remarkable attraction left me in awe! I wholeheartedly endorse seeking out a knowledgeable guide or delving into your own reading and research to fully appreciate the intricate details woven into this place. Beyond its sheer beauty, there’s a fascinating blend of mathematics, meticulous planning, and rich cultural context. During my visit, our guide was exceptional, enhancing the experience with their insights. I managed to secure a tour package from Cancun for a reasonable $58, considering that the regular entry fee is $39. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend investing in skip-the-line tickets; trust me, there’s an abundance of captivating sights waiting to be explored! 🌟🌎 Now, let’s delve into some practical tips to make the most of your visit: Arrive Early: To truly savor the magic of this place, set your alarm clock and arrive early. The tranquility of the morning hours allows you to absorb the grandeur without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Plus, you’ll beat the scorching heat that descends later in the day. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The sun can be relentless, and shade is a rare commodity. Be prepared by carrying a sturdy water bottle. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself as you sip cool water while marveling at the intricate architecture. Sun Protection: Don your favorite wide-brimmed hat, slather on sunscreen, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. The heat can be stifling, and there’s not much shade to seek refuge under. Remember, this place isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a living testament to human ingenuity and cultural heritage. So, go forth, explore, and let the wonders of this site leave an indelible mark on your...