by Angela V If you’re heading to Mexico from Canada and thinking about visiting Chichén Itzá, do it! We were there for the first time this past March, and it was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. We went with our two kids (ages 11 and 14), and even though I wasn’t totally sure how they’d feel about it, they both really enjoyed it, especially my 14-year-old, who’s obsessed with history. He was fully geeking out the whole time, and I was here for it.
Let me share what we learned (and what I wish I’d known earlier) to help make your trip to Chichén Itzá smoother and more fun.
Plan Ahead (Seriously — Book Before You Go)
We booked our tour at the hotel, and while it was a good experience, it would have been even cheaper and easier if we had locked it in ahead of time. Tons of reputable companies run these tours, and booking online before you leave Canada can save you a bunch of money. Plus, it guarantees your spot, so you’re not scrambling last minute while your kids are asking if it’s snack time again. Here’s a website I recommend and use as a Travel Advisor to book tours at many destinations, including Chichén Itzá tours.
What Our Day Looked Like (It Was a Full One!)
We chose the full-day tour that included:
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A visit to Valladolid, a super cute little colonial town (think colourful buildings, old churches, and a chill vibe).
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A stop at a cenote (a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water), where you get to swim, so definitely bring swimsuits and towels!
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And then, of course, Chichén Itzá itself — the main event. We had a group guide who made history come alive with his stories about the ancient Maya and their mind-blowing knowledge of astronomy and architecture. Even I felt like I was back in school, but in a good way.
Mom-Approved Tips for Visiting Chichén Itzá
Here’s the stuff I wish someone had told me before we went:
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Hydration is key. It gets hot—like sweaty backpack hot. Bring water and drink it constantly. Pack electrolyte powder with you if you can, and add it to your water bottle. Staying hydrated is a game-changer! These are the ones we packed from home and took with us on the plane. I also used them for the long beach days back at the resort.
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Wear good shoes. It’s a lot of walking and the ground is uneven and sandy. Your cute sandals can stay at the resort. Bring closed-toe shoes and wear socks.
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Pack snacks. Because: kids, and also, you, you’ll need some extra snacks.
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Bring pesos. Some spots on the tour only accept cash (and not in Canadian dollars), so pack your pesos. They sell souvenirs there, and obsidian jewelry.
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Swimsuits + towels are needed for the cenote, and maybe a change of clothes is needed for the ride home.
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Let the guide do their thing. Our guide was amazing, he was knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the history. He even had fun facts that kept my kids engaged, which says a lot. I think I wouldn’t have gotten the same out of the tour without a tour guide.
- Prepare for crowds: When planning your visit to Chichén Itzá, it’s important to prepare for large crowds, especially during significant astronomical events. We were incredibly fortunate to experience the site during the solstice, a special time when the ancient Maya’s architectural genius is on full display. This event takes place annually around March 20–21 and attracts significant crowds, with over 25,000 visitors expected during this period. This phenomenon, known as “Descent of Kukulcán”, occurs when the setting sun casts a series of triangular shadows on the pyramid’s staircase, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps. It was an amazing thing to witness!
If you’re on the fence about taking the time to visit Chichén Itzá, I say go for it. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a reason. My kids still talk about how cool it was, and I loved watching them connect with something so different from their everyday life.
Plus, combining a bit of learning, culture, history, and adventure? That’s a mom win.
Let me know if you have questions about the tour or what to pack — always happy to share more tips!
If you are looking to book your holiday trip to Mexico or considering booking a tour to Chichén Itzá, I would love to help! Fill out the form here or e-mail me; I will gladly assist you!
Happy Travels!
