Chichen Itza Cenote: Inclusive Tour with Lunch, Snacks, & Drinks

A full-day adventure from Tulum to the iconic Chichen Itza, this inclusive tour offers a detailed exploration of one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. With a price of $109.90 per person, the tour covers round-trip transportation, a guided walk through Chichen Itza, a refreshing dip in the Saamal cenote, and a visit to Valladolid. The tour also features a buffet lunch (if selected), snacks, and drinks, making it a well-rounded experience. Notably, this tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, emphasizing knowledgeable guides and excellent value.

This tour is designed for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty, and it suits travelers who appreciate a comprehensive day trip that combines sightseeing, cultural stops, and relaxing moments. The 11-hour itinerary is paced to include all major highlights, although it involves some walking and descending into the cenote, so physical comfort is beneficial. The tour departs early at 9:30 am from Tulum and concludes back at the starting point.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Tulum or the Riviera Maya.
• Visits Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a professional guide providing engaging narration.
• Stops at Kaua, where a shaman welcomes visitors to explore local traditions.
• Cools off in the Saamal cenote, featuring a man-made waterfall and viewing platforms.
• Visits the colonial city of Valladolid for 45 minutes, appreciating its historic charm.
• Optional upgrade to all-inclusive, including breakfast and a buffet lunch.
• Alcoholic beverages are available, with 3 drinks on board and 3 drinks in lunch.
• Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the value of the full-day experience.

Starting Point and Transportation Details

The tour begins at ITour Mexico Riviera Maya Tulum Eco Tours, located at Avenida Coba Crucero Avenida Tulum S/N Mz 9 Lote 2, Tulum Centro. Travelers are picked up at this meeting point, with round-trip transportation provided in air-conditioned vehicles. The tour runs daily, with a prompt start time of 9:30 am.

The group size is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring manageable and attentive guiding. The transfer service makes logistics straightforward, removing the hassle of arranging transportation independently.

Visiting Kaua: A Cultural Stop with a Shaman Welcome

The day kicks off with a visit to Kaua, a town in the Yucatan state, where guests receive a warm shaman welcome. The guide leads a brief exploration of local traditions, offering insights into Kaua’s cultural secrets. This stop is free of charge and lasts about 2 hours.

Kaua provides a glimpse into the local way of life and offers a chance to connect with the region’s heritage before heading to the archaeological marvels. The experience sets a meaningful tone for the rest of the day.

Exploring Chichen Itza with a Guided Narrative

The highlight of the tour is Chichen Itza, one of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors benefit from guided commentary as they walk through the site, examining iconic structures like the step pyramid.

While the admission fee of $40 per person is not included in the tour price, the guide’s storytelling enriches the experience, helping visitors understand the history and purpose of each monument. Expect to spend roughly 2 hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Refreshing Dip at Cenote Saamal

After the archaeological visit, the tour includes a relaxing stop at Cenote Saamal. This cenote features a man-made waterfall flowing into the open water, making it a unique swimming spot. Visitors descend via stone steps and can take photos from multiple viewing platforms.

The 1-hour visit to Cenote Saamal allows travelers to cool down and enjoy natural beauty. The admission ticket is included, and the cenote offers a refreshing break from the morning’s sightseeing.

Visiting Valladolid: Colonial Charm and Local History

The journey continues with a 45-minute visit to Valladolid, one of Yucatán’s most beautiful colonial cities. Known for its elegant temples and historic streets, Valladolid offers a snapshot of the region’s colonial past.

This stop is free of charge, providing time to stroll, admire architecture, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. It’s an ideal opportunity for photos and to experience authentic local life.

Food Options and Beverage Service

The tour features a buffet lunch available with an upgrade to the all-inclusive option. The lunch is a highlight for many, providing a sit-down meal after a busy morning of sightseeing. Snacks and bottled water are also included throughout the day, along with alcoholic drinks—up to 3 drinks on board and 3 drinks during lunch.

The light breakfast on board helps energize participants early in the day, and bottled water is available to stay hydrated during the excursions.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour’s included amenities cover round-trip shared transfer, air-conditioned transport, professional guide, snacks, bottled water, and lunch if the upgrade option is chosen. The admission to Chichen Itza costs $40, and the federal tax of $35 USD applies separately.

Participants should be prepared for some walking, especially around the archaeological site and cenote. The tour is suitable for most travelers, provided they can handle walking and descending stairs into the cenote.

Highly Praised Guide and Overall Experience

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning David for his storytelling skills. The guides are described as friendly and accommodating, making long days enjoyable. Travelers appreciate the value for money and the well-organized schedule, which includes meals and drinks.

While the tour is long, the pacing is considered good, and the variety of stops keeps the experience engaging. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind for booking flexibility.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This full-day trip is best suited for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and natural beauty seekers. It offers a mix of archaeological exploration, culture, and relaxing cenote swimming. The all-inclusive option makes it especially appealing for travelers who want a seamless experience without worrying about meal arrangements or extra costs.

It’s a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive day trip from Tulum, especially for first-time visitors eager to see Chichen Itza with guided insights.

Final Thoughts on the Chichen Itza Cenote Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded experience combining cultural sightseeing, natural swimming, and historic exploration. The professional guides help bring the sites to life, and the included transportation ensures hassle-free logistics.

The $109.90 price point and high review ratings suggest this is a good value for a full-day, guided adventure. It’s particularly suited for those interested in Mayan culture and natural swimming spots, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for a day out of Tulum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the original meeting point.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Kaua, Chichen Itza, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid.

Is the entrance to Chichen Itza included?
No, the admission fee of $40 per person is not included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are available?
A buffet lunch is available with the all-inclusive upgrade, along with snacks and bottled water. Alcoholic drinks are included.

Can children participate?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip shared transfer in air-conditioned vehicles is included.

What is the cancellation policy?
There is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing full refunds if canceled in time.

How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for the cenote are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Participants should be aware of some walking and descending into the cenote, so mobility considerations are advised.

Who runs this tour?
The experience is provided by iTour Mexico, known for organized day trips and guided cultural tours.