buses from Cancun airport to Chichen Itza

Getting a taxi to Piste from Cancun airport would probably cost A LOT of money. Take a bus from the Cancun airport to downtown Cancun for 35 pesos (about a half hour) and get a bus to Valladolid. From Valladolid you can either spend the night and take a bus to the ruins in the morning or arrive late evening in Piste.

The only craziness you'll encounter in Cancun is dealing with the slightly disorienting and busy, albeit small,bus station.

In your case (unless you have a really compelling reason to head to Chichen, like a hotel reservation) it'd be nicer and more relaxing to just spend the night in Valladolid, having a nice dinner, and strolling around downtown.

In Valadolid I recommend the Hotel Saci, Calle 44, nr 191, simple, friendly and with swimming pool.

I agree about Valladolid and the advice on getting there. The Zaci was fine, but last time I rather liked the San Clemente, which also has a pool and is right on the square. It has some slightly cheaper rooms as well. I understand that the Maria de la Luz is also a good place and it too is on the square.

Arrive at Chichen at or before 8 am in time for it to open and leave your packs in the left luggage kiosk. During the day decide whether to stay the night in Piste or to hop a bus onward to Merida.

Have a great trip!

I also recommend the Hotel Zaci, an excellent choice and about half way between the main square and bus terminal. I prefer to be a bit away from the traffic noise on the main square. I dont recommend the Maria de la Luz--usually full of tour groups and some of the rooms very noisy.