Reflecting on our incredible adventure to Chichen Itza in 2012, we cherish the memories of our first family vacation to the Cancun/Riviera Maya region. We decided to rent a car while staying in Cancun, allowing us to visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum all in one day. While some may advise against this, I encourage fellow adventurers to embrace the experience. Just be sure to start early and bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.

We chose to embark on this self-guided tour to kick off our day before the heat set in. By avoiding the midday sun, we made our explorations much more enjoyable. Plus, having the flexibility to follow our own schedule, rather than being part of a large tour group, added to the experience.

Upon arrival at Chichen Itza, you can opt for a guided tour or explore on your own. If you choose the latter, I recommend doing some research beforehand to enhance your visit. Don’t forget to stop in Valladolid for lunch on your way to Coba and Tulum; it’s a charming town that’s well worth the visit. Experiencing one of the Seven Wonders of the World was truly unforgettable!

Unfortunately, we did have a minor setback when our phone was stolen at the ticket booth, but we chose to focus on the positive and fully enjoy our day. This photo was taken courtesy of my junior photographer, Mikayla!