Has anyone been to Chichen Itza? Experiences?

[April20]

DH and I, along with another couple, are spending the last week of the month in a resort in Mexico. The only thing I want to do other than lay by the pool and drink cocktails is go to Chichen Itza, which we didn''t do last year. I''ve done some research and have seen a lot of people recommend renting a car and driving out there early to beat the crowds and the heat. I''ve heard the tours have a lot of other stops and from what I''ve read, don''t think those stops include things we''re interested in.

Renting a car in Mexico makes me nervous.... But I don''t to spend a 13 hour day on a bus tour.... Has anyone done the bus tour? Thoughts? Or rented a car and done it on their own? I''ve been on tripadvisor tonight, but thought maybe some of my PS friends might have some first hand experience.

TIA!

 

[movie zombie]

i have not been there. however, i spent 3 weeks in mexico last summer and i think things have become less safe. i personally would not rent a car and drive in mexico. if i had a mexican citizen friend who was driving i wouldn''t worry.....but i wouldn''t want a car in my name, the insurance in my name, and/or be driving if/when stopped. that''s just me. however, there is actually good bus service in mexico w/o having to do the tour bus thing and i''d try that. there are several classes of bus service and some are quite good for going long distances.

mz

 

[VRBeauty]

We rented a car to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza in October, 2001. There were a few things I liked about the experience: once in Chichen Itza, we hired our own guide -- a bit more expensive, but worth it to me not to be part of a large group; and we got to spend as much time as we wanted at a nearby cenote (way cool!). We also took backroads for part of the trip... I like to get the local flavor, and taking the back roads is definitely more scenic, but I'm not sure that's how I would choose to spend my time again given the choice. One consideration these days is that police corruption seems to be on the uptick in Mexico -- I know personally of two people who have been stopped by police and basically forced to fork over money (though not in the Yucatan). I have no idea whether that is a problem in the Yucatan. However, it's not as likely to be a problem if you stick to the highways (which pretty much negates part of the reason for going it on your own in the first place) and it shouldn't be a problem at all if you go with a tour group.

 

[Tuckins1]

I went there when I was 7... so, 21 years ago.

From what I remember, it was AWESOME!!

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Be careful. You can''t think in American terms when you''re in Mexico. Put yourself in Third World country mode, and act accordingly.

 

[EricaR]

I have one word for you: YukaTreks.

You CANNOT beat their tours. They are incredibly well priced, the guides are amazing, and you will not regret one penny of it.

Link to YukaTreks tours

 

[cammy85]

I cant give you advice on a means to get there, but I have been to Chichen-Itza - actually it was one of the last years you were still allowed to climb the steps of the temple. It''s a very impressive site, and I really enjoyed it - despite the torrential downpours and lightning strike right near us! If you''re into anthropology and history, it''s a fantastic place to go. Like I said, I can''t offer any more than my opinion of it, but I really did like it, and am happy I saw something that is so historically relevant.

 

[April20]

Thanks for the input and links.... I think i need to do a bit more research on what tours are available and see if I can find one that appeals. I think renting a car a few years ago would have been okay- with the corruption today it seems an unnecessary risk.

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 8/5/2009 8:44:51 AM
Author: April20
Thanks for the input and links.... I think i need to do a bit more research on what tours are available and see if I can find one that appeals. I think renting a car a few years ago would have been okay- with the corruption today it seems an unnecessary risk.

well stated, good decision.

mz