I took a family cruise in 2024 and stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico.  I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to the Chichen-Itza ruins, so I didn’t do the research ahead of time.  However, at the last minute, I was able to break away and signed up for an excursion.  First and foremost, you should definitely NOT try to see this wonder on a cruise ship schedule.  It took two and a half hours to travel each way by ferry and van.  I was only at the site for a little over an hour and it was very rushed.  I did have a guide that was very knowledgeable but was more interested in up selling his friends relics.  

I was blown away at the location, the pyramid El Castillo is astonishing, and I feel blessed to have been able to walk the grounds.  The feathered Serpent on the Pyramid was my favorite, the acoustics on the site were a surprise and shocking, and the fun information was how the Mayans used amber to view the sun in their astrological studies (I had to buy an amber disc as a memento).   The Temple of the Warriors, Group of the Thousand Columns, Venus Platform, the Tzompantili (skull platform), and the Ball Court were impressive, and the carvings were everything I had envisioned.  Our guide was able to show us and let us handle a rubber latex ball that was used in the games, he claimed it was created with the same process the Mayans used.  

I DID NOT get to see the Sacred Cenote, the Nunnery, Observatory, and other areas.  The guide simply didn’t tell us or show us.  Those areas are down a trail away from the main site, I can only deduce because of time we had to head back.  I am upset, but I should have done my research ahead of time and known about what I was going to be exploring.  Missed Opportunity!  

There is no touching or climbing and security was very heightened.  Aside from a phone camera, you will be charged extra to bring in a professional camera and camera accessories (tripods, selfie sticks, GoPro, etc.).  Security did not allow me to bring in my travel companion (green plush frog – Creole Charlie), I still don’t know the reason why and very sad I didn’t get to take pictures with him at the site.  Only water is allowed through the entry gate, no food.  

Final Note, the site does offer a travel stamp at the entrance (Pictured).  You must provide your own paper to stamp, I had to scramble for a scrap, but I am delighted I was able to get one.