Tour to Chichen Itza-Tickets, food and cenote

Discover the Ultimate Day Trip from Cancun to Chichen Itza

This comprehensive tour to Chichen Itza offers an engaging blend of archaeology, culture, and nature all in one day. Priced at $92 per person, it provides around 13 hours of sightseeing, including luxury air-conditioned buses with pickup service, which makes the journey smooth and comfortable. The tour is ideal for those eager to learn from certified guides who specialize in archaeology, and it’s highly rated with a 5.0/5 from 774 reviews, with 97% recommending it.

What truly sets this experience apart is its inclusion of tickets to Chichen Itza, a buffet lunch, a visit to the Saamal Cenote for swimming, and a stop in the historic city of Valladolid. While the tour covers plenty of ground, be prepared for a long day with around 6 hours of travel and exploration. The tour suits travelers who want a detailed, well-organized package with good value, especially those interested in Mayan history, local cuisine, and natural swimming spots.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $92 covers transportation, entry fees, guided tours, and meals.
• The tour starts at 6:00 am from Cancun with hotel pickup included.
• You visit Chichen Itza’s famous pyramid with a bilingual, expert guide.
• Enjoy free time to explore other archaeological sites like the Ball Game and Snail Pyramids.
• Swim in the Saamal Cenote, known for its clear waters, for about an hour.
• The tour includes a buffet lunch with regional dishes and a visit to Valladolid.
• Most reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude.
• Expect a long but rewarding day with comfortable transportation and refreshing water and snacks.
• The tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

Chichen Itza: The Heart of the Tour Experience

The tour’s main focus is on Chichen Itza, the iconic Mayan pyramid and UNESCO World Heritage site. The guided visit lasts about 2 hours, during which the guide provides detailed explanations about the site’s history and architecture. Visitors also have free time afterward to capture photos and explore features like the Ball Game Court and the Snail Pyramid.

This site is the highlight, with admission included in the package, allowing for an immersive experience without worries about extra costs. The sunshade available in the archaeological zone helps visitors stay comfortable during the visit. The engaging guides make history come alive with stories and insights, which many reviews highlight as a key strength.

Visiting the Saamal Cenote for a Refreshing Swim

After exploring Chichen Itza, the tour visits the Saamal Cenote, a natural swimming hole famed for its crystal-clear waters. Visitors are given instructions from the guide on how to safely enter and enjoy this peaceful spot. The hour-long visit offers a perfect chance to relax and cool off after a morning of sightseeing.

The cenote’s scenic surroundings make it an ideal backdrop for photos, and swimming here is often described as a refreshing experience. The admission fee is included, so no extra costs apply for the swim. Many reviewers appreciate this stop as a highlight of the tour for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Exploring Valladolid: A Historic Colonial Stop

The tour includes a visit to Valladolid, a city known for its colorful streets and colonial architecture. The guide provides insights into the city’s history and culture during the short stop. Visitors can walk around, take photos, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming town.

While the time here is limited, some reviews mention that this adds a nice cultural touch to the day, offering a break from the busy archaeological site. It’s a chance to see local life and perhaps sample some regional snacks, making it a well-rounded experience.

Delicious Buffet Lunch with Regional Flavors

A key feature of this tour is the buffet lunch, which showcases typical foods of the region. Many guests report that the meals are delicious and a good value considering the all-inclusive nature of the package. The lunch includes a variety of dishes, allowing for different tastes and dietary preferences.

The tasting of homemade bread is a special touch that many reviewers highlight as a delicious regional specialty. The buffet provides ample sustenance to keep everyone energized for the rest of the day’s explorations.

Comfortable, Guided Transportation with Expert Guides

Traveling on luxury, air-conditioned buses, the group is transported smoothly between the stops. The pickup from Cancun hotels simplifies logistics, and the group size is capped at 50, ensuring a more personal experience.

The guides are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, often sharing stories and cultural insights with enthusiasm. Reviewers frequently commend the guides’ fluency in English and their ability to make complex history accessible and entertaining.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour package includes everything needed for a full day of sightseeing: admission tickets to Chichen Itza, a buffet lunch, a visit to Saamal Cenote, Valladolid, and bottled water. Plus, free use of sunshade in the archaeological site and a 13 Baktun Shirt are part of the package.

However, some things are not included: drinks in the restaurant, GoPro or video camera fees, and rental of life jackets or lockers. It’s advisable to bring cash or cards for souvenirs or extra snacks. Also, prepare for a long day — comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure are recommended.

The Pacing and Long Day Considerations

With around 13 hours of total activity, this tour is quite full. The start time of 6:00 am means an early morning pickup, and the group spends a significant part of the day traveling and sightseeing. Many reviews mention that, despite the length, the experience remains engaging and well-paced thanks to comfortable transportation and enthusiastic guides.

Travelers should be ready for a long day, but many note that the memorable sights and experiences make it worthwhile. The unlimited drinks and snacks on the bus help keep energy levels up, and the delicious lunch restores strength.

Final Thoughts on the Chichen Itza Day Trip

This full-day tour from Cancun offers excellent value for those interested in Mayan culture, history, and natural beauty. The guided experience ensures that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Chichen Itza and the surrounding sites, complemented by refreshing swims in the cenote and a cultural stop in Valladolid.

While the length of the day demands stamina, the high-quality guides, comfortable transportation, and inclusive meals make this a reliable choice. It particularly appeals to travelers seeking a well-organized, educational, and fun day trip at a competitive price.

If you’re ready for a full day of exploration that combines history, culture, and nature, this tour delivers an immersive experience with many highlights to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, shared transportation pickup from your hotel in Cancun is included.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, starting at 6:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What attractions are included in the tour?
You visit Chichen Itza, swim in Saamal Cenote, and explore Valladolid.

Is food included?
Yes, a buffet lunch featuring regional dishes and homemade bread is part of the package.

Are tickets to Chichen Itza included?
Yes, admission and taxes for Chichen Itza are included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What guides lead the tour?
Certified guides, specializing in archaeology and local history, lead the visit, with many reviews praising their knowledge and friendliness.

Are drinks available during the day?
Water bottles are provided throughout the trip, but drinks at the restaurant are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. Extra cash is recommended for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children or travelers with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but considerations about walking at archaeological sites should be taken into account.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve online in advance, as it’s typically booked 15 days ahead on average.