The Best Hotels Near Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is known worldwide as one of the best and most fascinating ancient archaeological sites. No visit to the Yucatan Peninsula is complete without a trip to see these incredibly well-preserved structures that give a glimpse into the life of the area’s native Maya people.

If you’re planning a trip to Chichen Itza, the first step is figuring out where to stay. And that’s where we come in. 

In this post, you’ll find the best hotels near Chichen Itza for every budget, plus invaluable travel tips to make your visit to Chichen Itza even more spectacular.

Getting to Know Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a city built by the Maya, an ancient native people from the Yucatan Peninsula. Although the exact dates of origin are debated, most agree that Chichen Itza has existed for more than 1,500 years. 

As one of the biggest cities of its kind, this archeological site was a central point of the Maya world from the Late Classic period (AD 600-900) into the early part of the Postclassic period (AD 900-1200).

Nowadays, Chichen Itza’s Mayan ruins are recognized all over the world for their historical relevance. As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the new seven wonders of the world. 

Perhaps most recognizable is El Castillo, the 30-meter tall pyramid that sits centrally in the archaeological site. The temple that sits at the top of it was constructed in honor of the deity Kukulcán, a feathered serpent that holds great importance to several ancient Mexican cultures.

Why Visit Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza sees millions of tourists each year and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in all of Mexico. For a country with such a rich culture and history, this is an impressive feat. But why do so many people visit and why should you?

The first thing is, of course, the incredible architecture. El Castillo may be the most famous part of the ruins, but there’s a lot more on offer. The detailed carving of La Iglesia (the church) are some of the oldest examples of the Maya people’s stonework abilities. And, the spherical dome of El Caracol, where Mayan astronomers observed the sun and stars, is an impressive sight to behold.

Many historians think that Chichen Itza became an important location for the Maya people because of its proximity to the Xtoloc cenote, a source of freshwater. The site can (and should) be visited as part of a trip to Chichen Itza to appreciate its significance to the Maya people as well as to see the beautiful Xtoloc Temple. 

Sacred Cenote is the largest in the area and arguably the most important. This site is also visit-worthy for its fascinating history of religious practices including human sacrifices.

Speaking of cenotes, Ik Kil is the closest cenote to Chichen Itza and is the perfect place to cool off after a morning exploring the Mayan ruins. This natural underground watering hole is one of the most spectacular in the entire region and is surrounded by lush vegetation that is very Instagrammable.

How to Visit Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is located in a village called Pisté in the Yucatan state of Mexico. It’s relatively close to popular destinations such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen. If you’re coming from overseas or central or northern Mexico, Merida and Cancun international airports are likely where you’ll begin your trip. 

Mexico’s network of ADO buses is a popular way of traveling shorter distances in the country and will likely be your best mode of transportation if you’re coming from Quintana Roo or anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Hiring a car is a great way to visit Chichen Itza if you’re doing it as a day trip, which means you can visit on a schedule that suits you. Many hotels in the region facilitate trips if you’d prefer someone else to handle the logistics of your visit, or there are hotels within a 5-minute walk of the site that make a visit incredibly easy.

Whether you’re planning to visit independently or as a tour group, here are the best Chichen Itza hotels.

1. Mayan Bungalow

With a great location and heaps of rustic charm, Mayan Bungalow is one of the top spots for Chichen Itza accommodation on a budget.

Positioned just a ten-minute drive from the archaeological site, guests can head out early and beat the crowds coming from further afar. The host at Mayan Bungalow is on hand with lots of tips for enjoying all that the area has to offer and can help you plan your Chichen Itza visit if required. 

Cenote Ik Kil is even closer to the bungalow and bicycles are available for hire if you’d rather not drive. The area also has lots of hiking options if you’re looking to explore the tropical surroundings.

The accommodation itself is simple but charming, with colorful murals adorning the walls. Offering air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a lush garden, it’s easy to get comfortable and relax after a long day of sightseeing in the Mexican sun. 

Guests love the free continental or à la carte breakfast, and there’s a 24-hour front desk for recommendations of other nearby eating options.

Top amenities include:

• Bicycle hire
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free breakfast

Check availability for one of the area’s best cheap hotels here.

2. Hotel Puerta Chichen

For something a little more luxurious, Hotel Puerta Chichen is a superb choice.

This 4-star hotel offers clean and bright air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. The outdoor swimming pool and bar are the perfect spot for chilling between Mayan adventures, and the garden brings a taste of the surrounding jungle to you while you relax. The on-site restaurant has vegan and gluten-free options and offers room service for added lazy-day luxury. And speaking of pampering, there are spa facilities, and massages can be arranged for an additional charge.

Guests traveling by car will appreciate the free private parking, and staff is available 24 hours a day to help arrange trips to Chichen Itza which is just over a mile away.

Top amenities include:

• Swimming pool
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site restaurant
• Spa facilities

Check availability for this 4-star option here.

3. La Casa de las Lunas

If you’re looking for a more homely option, La Casa de las Lunas is our pick.

Chichen Itza is just five minutes away and a range of other touristic sites are easily accessible from this property. Depending on your budget, there is a range of rooms available from simple doubles to king rooms. The entire property is sparkling clean, the bathrooms are well-equipped, and the beds are extremely comfortable. Some rooms also have garden views.

The outdoor pool is a great touch and the communal area is spacious enough for privacy but also a nice spot to meet other travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available on the property and the private parking lot is closed at night for added security. 

The tour desk is handy for organizing trips to see the best of the Yucatan region, and there’s even a gift shop packed with Mayan trinkets to take home as souvenirs.

Top amenities include:

• Clean, comfortable rooms
• Outdoor pool
• Secure car parking
• On-site gift shop

Check availability for this cozy option here.

4. Hacienda Sacnicte

One hour’s drive from Chichen Itza is where you’ll find the town of Izamal and the 5-star Hacienda Sacnicte. This location is best for visitors that want to see other archeological sites including Itzamatul, as well as cities like Merida.

This historic property is grand, luxurious, and authentically Mexican. Renovations have stayed true to the original hacienda’s decor and the result is truly beautiful. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery and there are plenty of loungers available for relaxing in the sun. The shaded terrace has comfortable hammocks to rest in and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Heading inside the uniquely decorated suites you’ll be met with an elegant and comfortable space. Each room includes a seating area, desk, and private bathroom with modern amenities. For a real treat, check out the Presidential Suite which is spread over two floors and has a four-poster bed.

If you’re planning a trip to Chichen Itza there’s a helpful tour desk on-site that can book everything for you, and if you’re driving there’s free parking.

Top amenities include:

• Authentically decorated suites
• Swimming pool
• Tour desk
• Free parking

Check availability for this historic hacienda option here.

5. Casa de los Pianos

Casa de los Pianos is in Uaymá, another wonderfully picturesque town under an hour from Chichen Itza. The accommodation is in an incredible old colonial-style house surrounded by gardens in the center of town. Uaymá itself is a sleepy place, but Valladolid is accessible via a short drive and has plenty of shops and restaurants.

This property is a great option for solo travelers as there are plenty of opportunities to meet other visitors in the house’s communal areas. The roof terrace has a bar, BBQ, and panoramic views of Uaymá that make it a great spot to hang out at sunset. There’s a pool table indoors and, as the name of the property suggests, there are two pianos available to play. There’s also a communal kitchen for preparing meals and snacks. There isn’t a tour desk on-site so guests will need to make their own plans to visit Chichen Itza and other tourist sites.

Inside the rooms, you’ll find high ceilings, stone floors, and modern amenities including air conditioning. If you are traveling as a group, the self-contained four-bedroom villa is a great option.

Top amenities include:

• Bar and BBQ
• Rooftop with panoramic views
• Communal kitchen
• Air-conditioning

Check availability for this beautiful colonial house here.

6. Xuux Peek by Technohotel

In the Mayan world, the Yaxche was the representation of the tree of life. The town of Yaxche, where Xuux Peek hotel is situated, is a small village just over an hour’s drive from Chichen Itza.

The outdoor areas of this property are truly stunning and are ideal for enjoying the Mexican sunshine. The swimming pool is spacious and has lots of loungers, and there are also cenotes on-site which is a huge bonus of this property. There are gardens to explore and the surrounding area is popular for cycling (bicycles are available for hire).

There are two main room types available at Xuux Peek: deluxe doubles and small twins. The deluxe rooms boast modern decor, two double beds, and well-equipped indoor bathrooms. The small twin rooms are colorful standalone huts that have an indoor toilet and sink and an outdoor shower. All guests are offered a delicious continental or buffet breakfast each morning of their stay.

Top amenities include:

• Private cenotes
• Swimming pool
• Bicycles for hire
• Continental or buffet breakfast

Check availability for this outdoor paradise here.

7. Casa Tia Micha

Many of the best hotels near Chichen Itza are located in Valladolid, and Casa Tia Micha is one of them. Set in a brightly-colored colonial-style property, this comfortable 3-star hotel is outstanding for its star rating.

The rooms at Casa Tia Micha are decorated with earthy tones and wooden features. The beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are luxurious and well-stocked. Each room also has a flat-screen TV and a minibar, and Wi-Fi is included throughout the property.

Guests love the breakfast in the hotel’s dining room, and the terrace is the ideal spot for your morning coffee. There’s also free parking on-site and the front desk is open 24 hours for flexible check-in and advice on visiting Chichen Itza. Located in the center of Valladolid, there’s great access to the city’s restaurants, shops, and tourist hotspots. Chichen Itza itself is just a 40-minute drive away.

Top amenities include:

• Comfortable beds
• Breakfast is available
• 24-hour front desk
• City center location

Check availability for this warm and colorful property here.

8. Le Muuch Hotel Boutique

For a 4-star option in Valladolid, Le Muuch Hotel Boutique is a good choice.

Guest rooms at Le Muuch are extremely comfortable and impressively well-equipped. Each room has air-conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. There’s also a coffee machine in all rooms and some have a kitchen which makes them more family-friendly if you’re traveling with young children. Each room at this boutique hotel has a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes, and a hairdryer.

This hotel has fantastic amenities including a stunning pool in the central courtyard, and for those rare chilly days, there’s also an indoor pool to relax by. The bar serves tasty drinks and the restaurant has a great menu for days when you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of the hotel. There’s also a garden and terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with kitchens
• Luxury bathrooms with bathrobes
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Bar and restaurant

Check availability for this luxurious Valladolid property here.

9. Casa Palagui Colonial

The final entry on our list of the best hotels in Chichen Itza is Casa Palagui Colonial. This authentic riad-style property is a great option if you’re searching for cheap hotels because it makes a great base for exploring all that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer.

Rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable. Each one has air conditioning, a desk, a patio with a garden view, and a flat-screen TV. Guests are offered a continental or à la carte breakfast each morning and there’s a beautiful terrace to relax on.

There’s no tour desk to help you arrange visits to Chichen Itza but the friendly staff is happy to give you tips and advice on planning the perfect visit. Ask them about the options for a private driver to travel to the archaeological site in style.

Top amenities include:

• Air-conditioning
• Continental or à la carte breakfast
• Outdoor terrace
• Friendly staff

Check availability for this luxurious Valladolid property here.

Enjoy Your Stay Near Chichen Itza

These are certainly the best hotels near Chichen Itza. Each option offers its own unique benefits that make it a great spot to explore the Yucatan Peninsula’s ancient architectural sites from. 

A pro-tip for Chichen Itza: if you clap from a certain point at the base of El Castillo, it sounds like a bird chirping. Let us know if you discover that sacred spot!