What the equinox is and why it draws crowds
The equinox is when day and night are almost the same length. At Chichén Itzá it's associated with the play of light and shadow on El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulcán, and it has become one of the busiest events of the year at the site. We have a dedicated guide to the equinox and the Kukulcán pyramid.
Official figures
- In 2025, 32,872 visitors came to Chichén Itzá during the equinox, according to INAH.
- For 2026, INAH announced a special operation from March 20 to 22.
- INAH's bulletin, citing INAOE (Mexico's national astrophysics institute), said the March 2026 astronomical event began at 8:46 a.m. central Mexico time.
Dates and access conditions are announced each year; check INAH's bulletins before you plan.
Planning from Mérida
- Book well in advance: demand for tours and transport soars on those days.
- Consider a day close to the equinox rather than the exact date if you'd prefer fewer people.
- Bring water, a hat and patience: March heat and crowds are tiring.
- Entry is extra: on Mary Tours trips, Chichén Itzá entry is paid on site.
Alternatives for those days
If crowds aren't your thing, use those days for other trips: Uxmal and the Puuc route, the Santa Bárbara cenotes, Celestún or a Caribbean day. Then visit Chichén Itzá a few days before or after, at a much calmer pace.
Fun facts
- Nearly 33,000 people visited Chichén Itzá during the 2025 equinox.
- INAH runs special operations at Chichén Itzá for the equinox.
- The equinox is associated with the play of light and shadow on El Castillo.
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
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Uxmal and Yaxcopoil
The Puuc route at your own pace, with the van waiting
from $2,550 MXN per vehicle
Frequently asked questions
When is the equinox at Chichén Itzá?
Around March 20 to 22; INAH announces the operation and access conditions each year.
How many people go?
In 2025 INAH reported 32,872 visitors during the event.
Is it worth going on the exact day?
If you want the atmosphere, yes; if you prefer calm, go a few days before or after.
Does the tour include entry?
No, Chichén Itzá entry is paid separately on Mary Tours trips.
