Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal

Key Points

• Early access to Chichen Itza allows exploration before crowds and vendors arrive, with the tour starting at 6:00 am.
• The private cenote on a family-owned property offers a unique swimming experience in crystal-clear freshwater.
• Authentic Yucatecan cuisine is prepared on-site by a local family, featuring homemade tortillas and traditional dishes.
• The tour visits Izamal, known as the “Yellow City”, where you can climb a Mayan pyramid and stroll historic streets.
• The group remains small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personal experience led by a professional licensed guide.
• Cost is $95.07 per person, including transportation, guide, private cenote entrance, and beverages, with optional lunch for $300 MXN.

Exploring Chichen Itza with Exclusive Early Entry

This tour begins at 6:00 am from Cathedral San Ildefonso in Mérida, with a pickup that guarantees you’ll be among the very first inside Chichen Itza. Arriving early means avoiding the busy crowds and the midday heat, making it easier to take stunning photos and appreciate the site’s intricate details without distractions.

Your professional licensed guide helps you understand the significance of this Maya archaeological wonder. They help you capture impressive images and provide insights into the history of the site during the 1.5-hour guided tour, followed by additional free time to explore at your own pace for about an hour.

The Private Cenote on a Family-Owned Property

One of the most unique features of this tour is the visit to a private cenote located on a Mayan family’s property. Discovered by chance in their backyard, this cenote offers a peaceful swim in crystal-clear freshwater with almost no other visitors. The cenote is clean, well-maintained, and feels like a special discovery.

The family hosts you and shares the story of this natural gem, providing a chance to connect with the local culture in an authentic setting. The swimming experience lasts about 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the serenity of this off-the-beaten-path location.

Tasting Yucatecan Home-cooked Food

Following the swim, the family prepares a meal of traditional Yucatecan dishes on-site. Visitors enjoy handmade corn tortillas, sopa de lima, guacamole, panuchos, black mole salbutes, and cochinita pibil tacos, all crafted with fresh ingredients. A local fruit dessert and hibiscus flower iced tea complete the meal.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy this authentic, home-style lunch. The $300 MXN fee covers this delicious, traditional meal, which many describe as a highlight of the day.

Discovering Izamal: The Yellow City

After the cenote experience, the tour heads to Izamal, often called the “Yellow City” for its vibrant, sunny buildings. You can climb a Maya pyramid—the Kinich Kakmo—and walk through colorful streets lined with historic architecture. The convent and church in the town add to the visual charm.

The 1.5-hour stop in Izamal provides a relaxed opportunity to soak in the city’s atmosphere, take photos, and learn about its significance from the guide. The timing is carefully planned to give enough exploration time without feeling rushed.

Comfortable Transportation in a Small Group

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with reclinable seats, accommodating a maximum of 10 travelers. This small group size allows for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with the guide. The transportation is efficient, and the guide ensures everyone stays informed and comfortable throughout the day.

Bottled water is provided, along with coffee and sandwiches in the morning. The sandwich options include turkey ham, cheese, pesto, lettuce, and tomato, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.

The Optional Lunch and Additional Fees

The tour includes a breakfast-style sandwich and beverages, but lunch with traditional Yucatecan dishes is available for $300 MXN per person. This home-cooked meal offers a variety of local specialties, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Admission fees for Chichen Itza are not included in the base price, but the federal ticket is covered in the tour. Mexican residents pay $200 MXN, while foreign visitors pay $570 MXN. The private cenote entrance fee is included.

Pacing and Timing: A Well-Organized Day

Starting early at 6:00 am, the tour makes the most of the daylight hours, ensuring minimal crowds at Chichen Itza and ample time at each stop. The schedule balances guided tours with free exploration, allowing visitors to absorb the sites comfortably.

The total duration is approximately 10 hours, from pickup in Mérida to return, wrapping up with a drop-off at the original meeting point. The efficient pacing makes this tour suitable for those looking to maximize their day without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Accessibility Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers but not wheelchair accessible. Participants should be comfortable with walking and some mobility involved in climbing the Mayan pyramid in Izamal and moving around the archaeological and town sites.

The meeting point is clearly specified as C. 60 154, Centro, Mérida, and the tour operator emphasizes reading the description carefully, especially for those considering transportation from outside Mérida to avoid confusion.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour truly special is the combination of early access to Chichen Itza, the private cenote experience, and the authentic home-cooked meal. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal, engaging journey through some of Yucatan’s most iconic sites and hidden treasures.

Travelers consistently praise the friendly, passionate guides like Delio and Hernan, who enhance the experience with their storytelling and attentiveness. The authenticity of the cenote and food, along with the timed visits to Izamal, create a well-rounded day that feels both immersive and relaxed.

Final Thoughts on the Chichen Itza, Private Cenote, and Izamal Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and culture at a reasonable price of $95.07 per person. Its early start and small group size are key advantages for travelers eager to beat the crowds and enjoy authentic experiences without the rush.

The private cenote is a true highlight, providing an intimate swim in a breathtaking setting. The home-cooked meal, prepared by a local family, adds a warm, personal touch that many find memorable.

While the tour involves some walking and climbing, it remains accessible for most physically able participants. The optional lunch upgrade enriches the experience, making this a comprehensive day trip that covers archaeology, nature, and local cuisine in one seamless package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children comfortable with walking and climbing will enjoy the experience, but those with mobility concerns should consider the physical demands.

What should I bring for the cenote swim?
Bring a towel and swimsuit. The cenote is private and clean, but do note that no specific equipment is provided.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available for the meal?
Yes, the lunch can be customized to vegetarian and vegan preferences upon request.

How early does the tour leave?
The tour departs at 6:00 am from Mérida, ensuring early access to Chichen Itza.

What is included in the price?
The guide, transportation, private cenote entrance, beverages, and early entry tickets to Chichen Itza are included. The lunch is optional and costs $300 MXN.

Are there any additional charges?
Yes, the Chichen Itza federal and state taxes are separate. The federal ticket is included in the tour, but state taxes are paid separately ($200 MXN for residents, $570 MXN for foreigners).

Is this tour available for private booking?
Yes, private tour options are available upon request for a more personalized experience.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. In case of cancellation due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made online through the tour provider, ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO, or by contacting their phone number +529994391714 or email [email protected].

This all-in-one day trip to Chichen Itza, a private cenote, and Izamal promises a mix of history, nature, and authentic Yucatecan culture. With early access, a small group, and genuine local experiences, it offers a memorable and well-organized adventure for those eager to explore the heart of the Yucatan.