Discover Chichen Itza through a flexible, self-guided experience that costs just $9.99 per person. This tour spans approximately 2 to 3 hours, offering a comprehensive look at one of Mexico’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Designed for independent explorers, it allows you to wander freely, skip the crowds, and learn at your own pace with audio narration, images, and a GPS map that works offline.

This tour is ideal for those seeking cost-effective, flexible access to Chichen Itza without the expense of a guide or group. While it doesn’t include an entry ticket, it covers a detailed route and offers support via chat, email, and phone to troubleshoot any issues, ensuring a stress-free exploration. The guided stories, combined with many stops of archaeological significance, make this a practical choice for curious visitors eager to enjoy Mayan culture.

Key Points

Affordable self-guided experience at just $9.99 per person
Works offline using GPS, with audio, images, and text for each stop
Approximately 2-3 hours to explore all 15 stops at your own pace
Includes a detailed route covering major Mayan landmarks like El Castillo, Tzompantli, and El Caracol
No entry ticket included, so visitors need to purchase tickets separately
Support available via chat, email, and phone for technical assistance

Exploring Chichen Itza with a Self-Guided App

This self-guided tour app transforms your visit into a personalized adventure for just $9.99. Download the Actions Tour Guide App before your visit, enter the provided password, and access audio narration, images, and texts. Once the content is downloaded, no internet connection is needed, allowing you to explore offline with GPS tracking. The app even offers a recommended route to help maximize your time at the site.

The support team stands ready via chat, email, or phone throughout your exploration. This setup makes it an excellent choice for visitors who value flexibility and independent discovery over traditional guided tours.

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Meet the First Stop: Handicraft Market

Your tour begins at the Handicraft Market, a vibrant space full of relics and souvenirs. Here, the atmosphere hints at the lost civilization of the Mayans, with relics from the past and a chance to purchase crafts. The market visit lasts about 5 minutes and is free of charge. It’s a good introduction before moving on to the archaeological highlights.

Discovering the Maya Civilization at the Official Guides Stop

Next, the tour takes you to a short stop with officiers from La Z. A. de Chichen Itza who provide insights into the Maya civilization. This 5-minute stop is free of charge and sets the stage for understanding the cultural and historical significance of the site. The background information enriches your understanding of the structures you’ll encounter later.

El Castillo: The Iconic Pyramid

The famous El Castillo or Pyramid of Kukulkan is the most recognizable feature of Chichen Itza. Built to honor the snake deity Kukulkan, this 10-minute stop highlights its impressive architecture. The tour explains its purpose and design, though admission to El Castillo is not included in the tour fee, so you’ll need to purchase a ticket separately.

Gran Juego de Pelota and Its Cultural Significance

The Gran Juego de Pelota, a 5-minute stop, showcases a large ball court integral to Mayan ceremonies. The walls feature sculpted reliefs of players, giving insight into the ritual importance of the game. This area demonstrates the complex relationship between sport and spirituality in Mayan culture.

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Tzompantli: The Skull Rack

The Tzompantli features a platform where skulls of sacrificial victims were displayed. With 5 minutes allocated, visitors learn about the sacrificial rituals and the warriors depicted on the platform. The stop offers a sobering but essential glimpse into ancient Mayan practices, although admission is not included.

Eagles & Jaguars Platform: Ceremonial Stage

This square platform served as a ceremonial stage for dances, rituals, or speeches. The 5-minute stop reveals its role as a public viewing area. Its design emphasizes the Mayans’ use of space for community gatherings.

El Caracol: The Mayan Observatory

El Caracol, meaning “the Snail”, was likely an observatory used for star-gazing. This 5-minute stop provides a chance to appreciate its cylindrical shape and astronomical purpose. The app notes that the remains of the observatory sit atop the structure, offering a glimpse into Mayan astronomical knowledge.

The Heart of the Site: Chichen Itza

The central area of the site takes about 1 hour to explore thoroughly. This includes various temples, platforms, and pyramids that reflect the cultural fusion of Maya and Toltec influences. Visitors get a detailed look at how different groups shaped the city over nearly 1,000 years.

Temple of the Warriors: Architectural Marvel

The Temple of the Warriors features three tiers topped by a small temple, with around 200 columns decorated with Toltec warrior carvings. This 10-minute stop uncovers the military and religious significance of the structure, highlighting its intricate carvings and grand design.

The Red House and Its Latticework

Known as “Chichanchob”, the Red House or “House of Little Holes” gets its name from latticework on its roof. The 5-minute stop emphasizes its architectural uniqueness and helps visitors appreciate the aesthetic details of Mayan building techniques.

The Ossuary: Burial and Ritual Significance

The Ossuary, or El Osario, is a pyramid where archaeologists uncovered human and animal bones. This 5-minute stop discusses the tombs beneath and their link to ritual practices. Visitors gain insight into burial customs and the sacred nature of the site.

Second Visit to El Caracol and Other Features

The tour features another brief stop at El Caracol, reinforcing its astronomical importance. It also includes stops at Las Monjas, the largest building with inscribed texts, and La Iglesia, famous for its decorated façade and mask motifs of Chac.

Practical Details and Additional Tips

The tour departs and ends at the same location in Chichen Itza. It operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. While the tour does not include entrance tickets, support is available to ensure smooth setup and usage of the app. Visitors should download the content in strong Wi-Fi, then explore offline with GPS guidance.

For optimal experience, it’s recommended to bring headphones, especially if sharing the app with a partner. The app also allows replaying content and reading additional information, helping deepen your understanding.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This self-guided audio tour appeals strongly to independent travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, avoid large groups, and save money. Its support for offline use makes it ideal for those concerned about connectivity. The detailed stops and audio explanations suit visitors eager to learn about Mayan architecture, rituals, and history without the constraints of a guided group.

Final Thoughts on the Chichen Itza Self-Guided Tour

At just $9.99, this self-guided tour offers exceptional value for those wanting a personalized, flexible experience at Chichen Itza. The app’s easy setup, offline capability, and extensive content make it a practical alternative to guided tours, especially for visitors comfortable with using their smartphones.

While the tour does not include entry tickets, the comprehensive route and detailed explanations make it a strong choice for budget-conscious explorers. The support system adds peace of mind, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.

This tour suits adventurous, independent travelers who wish to maximize their knowledge and control their pace while experiencing one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites.

Ready to Book?

Chichen Itza: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map

4.5

(58)

“This experience was well worth it. I wanted to avoid the crowds and the tour guides honestly. With this option it was cheaper and quicker. Id recom…”

— Taniqua H, Mar 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entrance ticket to Chichen Itza included?
No, the tour fee does not include the entry ticket, which must be purchased separately.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

Does the app work offline?
Yes, once downloaded, the audio, images, and map functions offline, with GPS guiding your route.

What stops are included in the tour?
Fifteen stops cover major structures like El Castillo, Tzompantli, El Caracol, and Temple of the Warriors, along with cultural and ritual sites.

Is support available during the tour?
Yes, support via chat, email, and phone is available to resolve any technical issues.

Can I share the tour with a partner?
Yes, couples can share one tour by splitting headphones, making it economical and practical.

What devices are compatible?
The tour app works best on iPhones (iOS 15+), Android devices (version 9+), and tablets with GPS and cellular.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around the site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can start, pause, and resume the tour whenever you like during opening hours.

What if I face technical issues?
Support is available via chat, email, and phone, ensuring your experience remains smooth.