Chichen Itzá with Toddler Twins: A Mom’s Guide to a Magical, Manageable Adventure

Planning with purpose (and a stroller)

Traveling with young children requires a bit more forethought. I knew from my previous visit that the heat, walking, and pace could be overwhelming—not just for little legs, but for parents, too. I wanted us to enjoy the experience, not just “get through it.”

Rather than taking a day trip from Playa del Carmen like I had before, I planned for us to stay overnight in Valladolid, Yucatan, a beautiful colonial town just under an hour from Chichen Itzá. I had only passed through the time before and had wished to spend more time there. This gave us the gift of rest, flexibility, and an early start the next morning, a key for avoiding both crowds and the midday heat.

Transportation that worked for my family

I researched every option, from group tours, private taxis, and buses to colectivos (local shared vans). While taxis are common and convenient, I needed something stroller-friendly with room for diaper bags, snacks, and more. Taking the earliest ADO bus from Valladolid turned out to be the best decision for us. It was clean, air-conditioned, and surprisingly roomy, with plenty of space for our gear and our energetic kiddos.

Exploring Chichen Itzá, stress- and crowd-free

We arrived right as the gates opened, which meant we had the ruins nearly to ourselves. Watching my husband see the towering El Castillo Pyramid for the first time, with our little ones wide-eyed beside him, was one of those priceless moments that makes travel so worthwhile.

Despite what many might expect, the terrain is stroller-friendly, and I found it accessible enough for any traveler needing extra ease. Vendors were just setting up for the day, so we weren’t overwhelmed with distractions, and I could focus on showing my family the incredible history of my homeland, including some quieter corners like El Caracol Observatory. Another building less talked about in that area is The Nunnery, which is one of the oldest structures in the complex, on the far south side of the ruins. Having arrived so early, we had it all practically to ourselves.

By the time we had explored the complex and made our way back to the Grand Ballcourt, we started to see the tour groups arrive and the heat starting to rise. We were so glad we had already enjoyed our visit and could start heading back before more tourists arrived.

Local food finds worth savoring

After a full morning of exploring, we were ready to eat. There’s a restaurant right on site at Chichen Itzá called Oxtun. We got there shortly after they opened and the staff was amazing, kind, and accommodating with our littles. It offered surprisingly good food and even better convenience, which was perfect for our itinerary. We tried black tacos al pastor, which are similar to traditional tacos al pastor but made with charred chilies, which gives them a unique bold smoky flavor (a regional twist I’d never tasted before). Being originally from the northern part of the country, I always look forward to ordering cochinita pibil when in the south, and this one did not disappoint. They also had some perfect French fries that were a hit with the kids.

Back in Valladolid, we found more local gems: delicious finds like the welcoming El Patio Restaurant on our first night and Taqueria Mr. Taco, a no-frills local taco stand that served up authentic, budget-friendly bites. As part of our exploration of the center of town, we checked out some of the local shops and grocery stores, grabbing sweet bread and snacks for our early bus back to Playa del Carmen.

Why this trip worked—and how I can help yours work, too

What made this trip truly special wasn’t just the destination. It was the intentional planning that balanced comfort with adventure, rest with exploration. As a mom and a travel advisor, I understand how different family travel can be and how rewarding it is when done right.

If you're dreaming of seeing the world with your little ones but aren’t sure how to make it work, I’m here to help. Whether it's a wonder of the world or a weekend away, I’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on making memories.

Let’s plan a trip that fits your family. Because adventure doesn’t have to wait.

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