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I think this is my 6th. trip to Chichen Itza. Most people will tell you to go early in the morning to beat the tour busses. That is a good idea. I prefer to go later in the afternoon. Around 3:00 pm. If this is your first visit, it can take a whole day to see everything. Get there early. My theory about getting there later is, The tour groups are gone. The sun is hotter (I like the sun.) You can bargain with a guide. It's time for them to get off for the day but most are ready to make a little extra money before going home. After you have seen the ruins you can go out and get a bite to eat before coming back for the light show. It's something you shouldn't miss. Take it easy and relax in the morning. You are on vacation and don't have to be doing something every moment. Sleep in or have breakfast by the pool. Spend some time with that special person you came with. Try to get on Mexican time.

I usually don't take pictures of the ruins anymore. I have enough of them. The ones below are from the 80's and early 90's. It doesn't make that much difference since the pyramids have been here much longer. The only thing that changes is the number of people in the background.

The first thing we did when arriving in Chichen Itza was to check into our room. Actually, that's not true. The first thing we did was to stop in Piste and buy a case of Dos Equis. The 2 1/2 hour drive from Cancun was easy but made a person thirsty. There were many reasons for choosing the Hacienda Chichen. Haciendas are great places to stay. Full of charm and history. The history behind this particular Hacienda is unique. The access to the ruins is fantastic. You exit through the back and there you are. I also know the owners. At $80 us a night, it is a little expensive but the rooms and grounds are spectacular. There is a nice pool and a small restaurant is set up on the terrace. The food is excellent.

A beautiful XVI century colonial Hacienda, located at the heart of Chichen Itza, houses this fabulous hotel. In 1923, the Hacienda Chichen became the Carnegie Institute's Mayan Expedition Headquarter. The pictoresque cottages, built for the Carnegie staff, have been recently remodeled to serve as guest-rooms.