Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza are considered Wonders of the Modern World. In this sense, there are many people who decide to visit them and also start a new adventure. In this blog we will know some differences, similarities and some details of history. For example, did you know that access to Chichen Itza is much easier. While in Machu Picchu you can find several ways to get there and even do hiking trails. The main purpose of this blog, will be to help you choose one of these international destinations. Let’s get started!

• Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu historical coincidences
• Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza differences in getting there
• Booking tickets to Machu Picchu requires good planning
• The route between Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza is different
• Both wonders of the world are visited by a large number of tourists.
• How is the experience of visiting Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza?
• Best time to visit Machu Picchu
• Best time to visit Chichen Itza
• More activities in Peru and Mexico
• Which to choose: Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza?

Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu historical coincidences

The Maya and Inca cultures have historical coincidences. Both are ancient cultures or civilizations that belonged to Central America and South America respectively. In their anthropological records we can find a great architectural capacity.

Likewise, both cultures formed an important political and military management in their respective geographic territories. Therefore, the dominance they exercised spread throughout the population and several communities still express cultural traditions from that era.

Similarly, the Incas in Machu Picchu and the Mayas in Chichen Itza, created religious spaces that to this day are considered sacred. That is why, during the tour, a proper order and respect must be maintained. As they are considered spiritual spaces, most of them.

One of the historical differences that we can find in both places is that Machu Picchu, unlike Chichen Itza, did not suffer from constant destruction. This is mainly because Machu Picchu was officially discovered in 1911.

Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza differences in getting there

How to get to Machu Picchu?

• The first step will be to get to Cusco. From here you can do even more activities.
• Cusco can be reached by direct international flights and also with a Lima – Cusco flight.
• There are several routes or ways to get to Machu Picchu. The easiest way is to travel by bus and then by train.
• The train trip covers the route from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Another way to get to Machu Picchu is by trekking. There are options of 2 days and also of more than 4 days.
• From Machu Picchu Pueblo it is recommended to board the ecological buses.
• Once in the access area you can do the tour on your own or with an official tour guide.

This is the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu

How to get to Chichen Itza in Mexico?

• Chichen Itza is located very close to the main beaches of Mexico.
• From Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, you can take a trip by car or bus to Chichen Itza.
• Getting to these beaches is easy from an international flight.
• Starting the trip from these beaches is the most advisable. This is because the trip can be done in one day.
• An accessible option is to hire the services of a travel agency. These can leave from the points mentioned above.
• Once in the access zone you can hire the services of an agent or tour guide.

Booking tickets to Machu Picchu requires good planning

Book Machu Picchu Tickets

• Advance reservations are required. The most requested routes or entrance tickets must be booked 2 or 3 months in advance.
• It can be done virtually and from anywhere in the world. This will considerably avoid long lines.
• Some tickets can be purchased in the district of Machu Picchu Pueblo and Cusco (not recommended option).
• As for the tickets, you can book 3 circuits and 10 types of tickets. You can learn more about the new circuits to Machu Picchu here.
• There is the option to purchase tickets for the Inca Trail for 2 or 4 days.
• As we saw above, it is necessary to make a previous trip by train. For which you must plan in an organized way all the activities.
• You can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 in the morning. The last group will enter at 3:00 pm.
• Many choose to contact a travel agency to avoid all the planning.

Visit Machu Picchu with a complete tour

Reserve tickets for Chichén Itzá

• Entrance tickets to Chichén Itzá, for the most part, are purchased at the ticket offices near the archaeological site.
• There are some online services that authorize the sale of entrance tickets to Chichén Itzá.
• By making the purchase virtually, you will avoid long lines for admission.
• You can also contact a travel agency to make the trip to this wonder of the world without worries.
• 6000 people or visitors can enter Chichén Itzá every day.
• It has only one entrance ticket, so it does not have circuits as such.
• It is recommended to take the tour with a professional tour guide to learn more about the details of the site.
• The entrance hours to Chichén Itzá begin at 8:00 am and the last entrance time is 4:00 pm.

The route between Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza is different

• There is a marked difference when touring Machu Picchu compared to Chichen Itza.
• The main difference is that Machu Picchu has circuits and a variety of routes and entrances.
• Chichen Itza, on the other hand, does not have circuits and visitors decide how to tour it with the guide.
• Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle, that is, in the passage between the high Andean mountains and the jungle.
• Chichen Itza is very close to the Caribbean beaches.
• Another factor that makes them different is that in Machu Picchu you can find beautiful mountain scenery.
• In Chichen Itza you can visit and appreciate the cenotes. The cenotes are water wells used by the Mayan culture.

Complete view of Chichén Itzá

Both wonders of the world are visited by a large number of tourists.

Considered wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza are visited by thousands of tourists. Normally, they reach the maximum capacity allowed per day.

Likewise, Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza are cultural references worldwide. This allows people of different nationalities to meet and even get to know each other while touring either of the two wonders of the world.

Tourists in Machu Picchu

Will I feel altitude sickness when visiting any of these places?
In both cases it is unlikely to suffer from altitude sickness. In the case of Chichen Itza, this possibility is completely denied because it is only 50 meters above sea level. On the other hand, during the trip to Machu Picchu, precisely in Cusco, you may feel this inconvenience. For this, it is recommended to follow an adequate hydration and rest. Acclimatize yourself is essential to not have inconveniences in travel and could only take a couple of hours or a whole day. If the discomfort continues, it is recommended to visit a doctor.

How is the experience of visiting Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza?

The experience of visiting Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza is very different. Both constructions are located in very different geographical areas. Likewise, two very different architectures can be appreciated. Let’s see this in more detail in the following comparative chart.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

In Machu Picchu you can find 2 well-defined seasons. The first one is the rainy season. This begins in November and lasts until April. It is possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu during the rainy season, as long as you do not mind getting wet or using a waterproof poncho.

On the other hand, the second season is the dry season. This season begins in May and lasts until the end of October. It is characterized by almost no rainfall. Although, Machu Picchu has some showers. The dry season is the best and most recommended season to visit Machu Picchu, specifically during the months of June, July and August.

Temperature chart in Machu Picchu

Best time to visit Chichen Itza

The best time to visit Chichén Itzá is during the months of January, February and March. This is because they coincide with the dry season and temperatures are perfect for a pleasant tour. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until the last days of October and even November.

However, there may be days of intense heat that can be a nuisance. However, being close to some beaches, you can also have a refreshing afternoon. On the other hand, during the months of April and May, the temperatures increase considerably, making the tour of Chichén Itzá very tiring.

More activities in Peru and Mexico

Other activities that can be done in Cusco and Peru in general, are closely linked to Machu Picchu among these destinations we can highlight.

• Montaña de Colores – It is a natural destination that allows you to meet high-Andean communities and hike through the high mountains of Cusco. Ideal for adventurers and lovers of endless landscapes.
• The city of Cusco – It is the main starting point for several destinations. In this city you can find museums and also Inca constructions. Even the streets still maintain Inca walls.
• The trip to Puno and Arequipa – An excellent option at the end of the trip to Machu Picchu is to make the trip to the south of Peru. You can do it by train or bus, there you will find beautiful landscapes and visit Lake Titicaca full of ancestral Andean culture.
• Route through the Sacred Valley – It is one of the most widely used valleys by the Incas. There you can find several Inca constructions and archaeological remains of several predecessor cultures. In addition, it is the pass.

Ollantaytambo Ruins – Sacred Valley of the Incas

On the other hand, in Mexico and close to Chichen Itza, you will find the best beaches in Mexico and even some of the best beaches in the world. However, we would like to recommend other options.

• Visit the City of Progreso – It is a city on the coast of the State of Yucatan. It is also a port city where cruise ships arrive. It is also known for its nightlife.
• Boat tours in Rio Lagartos – If you are looking for a connection with nature, this option is the best. It allows you to take a boat tour for bird watching, contemplation of beautiful landscapes and other cultural activities.
• Take the excursion to Uxmal – In search of other Mayan constructions, Uxmal is one of the best alternatives to learn more about the Mayas. It has pyramids and perhaps its most particular details are the stelae with Mayan carvings.
• Visit the City of Valladolid – It is one of the largest cities belonging to the State of Yucatan. From this place you can have new experiences to other destinations. It also dazzles visitors with its colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.

Which to choose: Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza?

As for the choice of these places, as we saw, both have very different experiences. In addition, each is in a different country so the cultural experience will be very different.

The favorable points to visit Chichén Itzá are that the trips are much easier to make. In addition, the tour of the archaeological site has no restrictions. Another factor in favor is that it is very close to the best beaches in the world. So visiting it can be a good excuse for a vacation.

Machu Picchu, on the other hand, offers the possibility to visit Cusco and many more destinations and archaeological sites. As for the travel experience is much more complicated, but at the same time more comfortable. To get to Machu Picchu there are a variety of trains from tourist trains to luxury trains that surprise with the quality of service.

Likewise, for those seeking adventure, the 4-day Inca Trail and the other trekking routes are the best choice you can make. They are really incredible routes for the landscapes and the adventure of reaching the high jungle. Another point in favor of Machu Picchu, is that you can enjoy the famous Peruvian cuisine. Now it will be up to the tourist to choose between Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza. On our side, Machu Picchu is the best destination to visit.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Juan T.

“Incredible experience“

“I'm not very good at describing my experiences, but I think it's enough to say that it was an amazing one. It is a truly amazing place, every single corner of it is worth every minute you spend - of the limited time -, although I also think the train tickets are a bit expensive.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 15, 2024