Mexico, Chichen Itza

It´s definately worth staying near the ruins to get the most out of them rather than just a day trip from Cancun or somewhere.
We arrived from Tulum by an ADO bus which cost US$9.20 and took 3 hours.
Piste is the town next to Chichen Itza and doesn´t have much to offer other than a place to sleep.
We had a great cheap meal at Restaurant y Cocina Economica Chichen Itza.
The ticket to Chichen Itza costs US$8.80 and an extra US$3 for video although no-one checked. We went to the sound and light show during the evening which costs US$5 but the cost goes towards the entry to the ruins the following day. The show was quite good. We hired some infared listening devices which translated the Spanish sound but were very difficult to hear. It helped to stand up, away from the seats and put the headphones on top of your head (This may sound wierd but makes sense when you have them) and find a direction to face which has the clearest sound.
The show is a bit cheesy but you've come this far and it's included in the price so you may as well see it.
Then the next day we went to the ruins.
You HAVE TO get here as early as possible. The gates open at 8. After about 10:30 the tour groups arrive and the place is swamped. If you get here early you will at least have some of the place to yourselves before the hoards arrive.
It also gets very hot and humid as the day gets on so earlier is much cooler.
Climb El Castillo (The Pyramid) first which has a great view across the ruins and the jungle. Then head to the ball court. These are the most visited ruins so get them out of the way before the groups arrive.
You can leave your luggage at the ruins which is great. After visiting the site you can take a bus directly from the ruins to your next destination. There is a bus ticket office in the shop.
We took a second class Oriente bus to Merida. It took 2.5 hours and cost US$4.90. There is a slightly faster ADO bus but is US$6.90. There have been warnings posted about thefts between Merida and Chichen Itza so put your big bags underneath and keep your day pack on your lap and not on the floor or on the overhead shelves. The bus had aircon but it seemed to stop working after about 10 people were on. It´s easy to doze off so that's why it's a good idea to have your bags near you.