The 2007 vote
On July 7, 2007, the New7Wonders campaign announced seven winning monuments, Chichén Itzá among them. It was a private initiative based on a public vote.
Not a UNESCO title
It's important not to mix up the honors. UNESCO issued a statement clarifying that the New7Wonders campaign has no connection to its World Heritage program, which uses technical criteria rather than votes or rankings.
What it is: World Heritage since 1988
The Pre-Hispanic City of Chichén-Itzá has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1988 for its universal cultural value. UNESCO describes it as one of the most important Maya cities of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Why so many people choose it
Titles aside, Chichén Itzá brings together El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, El Caracol and the Sacred Cenote in one site, telling the story of a Maya city connected to much of Mesoamerica.
Tips
- It's one of Mexico's most visited sites: arrive early.
- Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
- Go with a guide to understand what you're seeing.
Seeing the "wonder" from Mérida
For many travelers, Chichén Itzá is the reason for the trip to Yucatán. Mary Tours offers two guided options: the Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Selva Maya cenote and Valladolid trip by van, and Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and magical town, which rides the train to Izamal. If you'd rather go on your own, there's a private transfer to Chichén Itzá. The office is at Calle 61 #518-B in Mérida's historic center; schedules and prices are in the booking section.
| New7Wonders | UNESCO | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Private vote-based campaign | World Heritage List |
| Year | 2007 | 1988 |
| Criteria | Public votes | Outstanding universal value |
| Link between them | None | None |
Fun facts
- The new wonders were announced on 7/7/2007.
- UNESCO publicly distanced itself from the New7Wonders campaign.
- Chichén Itzá was World Heritage 19 years before the vote.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 14 h
Tulum and the Casa Tortuga cenotes
The only Maya city built facing the Caribbean
from $2,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 6:00 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 6:30 AM Motorway to the rest stop — An hour and three quarters, with fifteen minutes for toilets and something light.
- 8:30 AM On to Tulum — An hour and a half more to the Quintana Roo coast.
- 10:00 AM Tulum archaeological site — Guided visit to the walled city: El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God, with the sea behind.
- 12:15 PM Casa Tortuga cenotes and lunch — Four cenotes of different kinds, with a guided route, trails and changing rooms. Lunch is on site.
- 4:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Round-trip transport, Lunch, Cenote entry
Not included: Tulum archaeological site entrance, Drinks
Frequently asked questions
Is Chichén Itzá a wonder of the world?
It was one of the seven winners of the private New7Wonders campaign in 2007.
Did UNESCO name Chichén Itzá a wonder of the world?
No. UNESCO listed it as World Heritage in 1988; the wonders campaign isn't connected to UNESCO.
When were the new wonders chosen?
They were announced on July 7, 2007.
How can I visit Chichén Itzá from Mérida?
On a guided tour by van or Maya Train, or with a private transfer.
