Someone told us to stay in Valladolid and get up early to visit Chichén Itzá, and it was such a great idea — we had the whole place almost to ourselves in the morning before the tour buses arrived. Visiting Chichén Itzá is one of those must-see experiences in Mexico and truly a bucket-list destination. The highlight is the massive El Castillo pyramid, or Temple of Kukulcán, perfectly aligned so that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow shaped like a serpent down the stairs — it’s incredible to see in person. The site also has the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory (El Caracol), and the Sacred Cenote, each packed with history, fascinating carvings, and amazing Mayan architecture.

Entrance is around 533 MXN per adult, and we’d recommend a guided tour if you want to get the full stories and context behind the structures. Our tip is to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, and take your time wandering the main areas — at least 2–3 hours. Many people also pair it with a visit to Cenote Ik Kil nearby for a refreshing swim after exploring. Seeing the scale, precision, and beauty of Chichén Itzá first thing in the morning, almost alone, was something we’ll never forget.