Chichen itza is closer to Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

Question

I am trying to stay at one of these towns but need to know which is closer to this ruin.

Answer 1

I think it's about the same, perhaps slightly faster from PDC but not a bunch.

From Tulum take the road to Valladolid. From Valladolid you can get on the 180 toll road. Take that to Piste/Chichen Itza.

From PDC take the 307 north to the 180 (basicaly back to the Cancun airport) then keep going on the 180 to the 180 toll road and follow that all the way to Piste/Chichen Itza.

Either way it's about 2.5-3 hours but worth it.

(Thumbs up to Mad Mex - good answer)

The site below has maps:

Answer 2

Hello SF,

You'd better stay in Playa del Carmen rather in Tulum, if you wanna see the ruins of Chichen Itza.

Have a wonderful journey !

Answer 3

In principle I agree with Nydia.  Playa del Carmen is closer to Chichen Itza.  Or at least closer to the fastest and most efficient route to go to Chichen Itza.

However I suggest you to investigate other options to make your decision.  The trip to Chichen Itza is several hours each way and to visit the site properly it would take you several hours.  A 30 to 45 minute difference between the two places does not make too much of a difference.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are quite different places.  Playa del carmen has a lot of "city" like activity.  Many more shops, many more restaurants, many more clubs, it is closer to Xcraet and to Cancun.  Definitely closer to Cozumel and it has access to many more tour operators.

Tulum is more rustic.  Much quieter and relaxing beaches.  Clear sky to watch stars, close to amazing but small ruins, Tulum, with a very nice beach right by it.  Closer to the Biosphere reserve.

So if you want more relax and more natural go for Tulum.  For a more "active" and party atmosphere go to Playa del Carmen