Chichén Viejo’s impresive oval archway serves as both the entrance and exit to this remarkable site. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Have you seen Chichén Viejo? Join our tour on Friday, Nov. 8, when we will be treated by its massive stone archway and begin exploring its wonders, including the famous turtle platform, the temple of La Serie Inicial, the Monkey Temple, and the Temple of Phalluses. Yes, phalluses.

A special zone within Chichén Itzá that requires special reservations, Chichén Viejo offers visitors a completely different experience. You’ll find it tranquil and free of hoards of tourists and vendors. Our small-group tour will allow you to enjoy this remarkable site at an easy pace!

Unlike the main access to Chichén Itzá, the road to Chichén Viejo follows a winding path framed by lush vegetation and the remains yet to be restored ancient ruins. The walking path to the site is just under one mile, but it is very pleasant and offers a great opportunity to spot birds.

The weather should be pleasant on our early November tour, but please remember to bring good walking shoes. Water will be provided. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
Chichén Viejo’s architecture is an interesting fusion of Maya influences of the late Classical period with a distinct Toltec flavor: Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

After the guided tour, attendees will have the chance to explore the site for themselves before we head back to the van on our way to Izamal. There, we will enjoy a lovely Yucatecan lunch (vegetarian options are available) at Restaurante Zamná. After the meal, we will make some time to explore some of the archaeological wonders of Izamal, including the Kinich Kakmó (the largest pyramid in volume in Yucatán) as well as some hidden gems like the often overlooked architectural complex of Chaltún Há.

One of the most eye-catching structures is a circular altar with a turtle’s head on each side, one facing to the west, and another to the east, sporting a solar medallion.  Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

The all-inclusive tour costs 2,500 pesos and includes transportation, entrance fees, the services of your tour guide Carlos Rosado van der Gracht as well as water and snacks.

For bookings, please contact Yesica by email (no later than Wednesday, Nov. 6) at yesicabenitez@roofcatmedia.com

Departure information


The tour will kick off at Mérida’s La Mejorada Park at 6:30 a.m. We plan be back roughly by 5 p.m. at the same location. Because Chichén Viejo is not open to just anyone, a list of participants must be handed in at least 72 hours beforehand. Therefore you must register by Nov. 5 at the very latest.

If you have an INAPAM card or are a Mexican citizen or resident of Yucatán, please let us know. Hope to see you there! 

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht has led archaeology and wildlife tours across Yucatán and southeastern Mexico for over a decade.

About your tour guide

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway. Carlos has been an editor with Yucatán Magazine since its first edition.

Book your place on the tour (no later than Tuesday, Nov. 5) with yesicabenitez@roofcatmedia.com