From Valladolid: Tour to Chichen Itza & 2 Cenotes

Explore the Mayan World with a Focused Tour from Valladolid

This 8-hour tour from Valladolid takes you straight into the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most iconic sites: Chichen Itza and two beautifully preserved cenotes. Priced with clear entrance fees and designed for small groups limited to 5 participants, this tour offers a personalized experience with a focus on avoiding crowds and enjoying each stop at a relaxed pace. The tour is perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth visit to Mayan archaeological sites and a chance to swim in cenotes regarded as portals to the underworld—especially suited for those who appreciate a more intimate, less tourist-heavy atmosphere.

The guide leads you through the highlights of Chichen Itza, including the Temple of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors, with plenty of time to explore, take photos, and soak in the mystical vibe. The tour then moves to two cenotes: Xcajum, an open cenote ideal for swimming and sampling regional dishes, and Uayma Ha, a tranquil location praised for its peaceful connection to nature. The entire experience balances cultural discovery, natural beauty, and comfort, all within a manageable 8-hour window.

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Key Points

• Small group size of 5 ensures personalized attention and avoids crowds
• Includes visits to Chichen Itza with extensive time for exploration and photography
• Two cenotes: Xcajum offers swimming and a regional buffet, while Uayma Ha provides tranquility
• Guides are knowledgeable in Mayan culture and history, making the experience engaging
• Flexible pickup from any hotel or meeting point within Valladolid
• Price covers entrance fees, with options to pay at each site; Uayma Ha only accepts cash

Starting from Valladolid: Convenient Pickup and Small Group Setting

This tour departs from Valladolid, with pickup included at any hotel or designated meeting point within the city. The transportation is in a mocha or magma gray van, which helps keep the group small and manageable. With limited to 5 participants, the tour guarantees a more personalized experience, allowing for tailored questions and relaxed pacing.

The driver and guide speak both Spanish and English, making communication easy for international visitors. This setup avoids large bus loads, giving you a more intimate look at the sites and a chance to ask questions freely. The pick-up process is straightforward, and the tour starts early enough to beat the larger crowds at each location.

Discovering Chichen Itza: The Marvel of the Mayan World

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You spend 2.5 hours exploring the Temple of Kukulkan, famous for its architectural precision and astronomical significance. The Great Ball Court and Temple of the Warriors are also on the itinerary, with plenty of time to appreciate their design and historical importance.

This tour offers enough time to wander at your own pace, take memorable photos, and absorb the mystical atmosphere of this ancient city. The guide provides insights into Mayan culture, architecture, and the significance of each monument, making the visit more meaningful than a quick walkthrough.

Visiting the Xcajum Cenote: Swimming and Tasting Regional Food

After exploring Chichen Itza, the tour continues to Xcajum, a cenote well-known for its connection to the Mayan underworld as a portal in Mayan belief. Here, you spend approximately 2 hours, which includes time for swimming and relaxing. Visitors praise Xcajum for its open nature and peaceful ambiance, making it a favorite for those wanting a calming swim.

The cenote visit is complemented with a regional food tasting, giving an authentic flavor experience. This chance to sample local dishes adds a cultural touch to the natural setting, enhancing the overall immersion in Mayan traditions.

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Uayma Ha Cenote: A Quiet Retreat in the Jungle

The second cenote, Uayma Ha, is described as peaceful and secluded, providing a perfect spot for relaxation after the more energetic stops. With only 45 minutes allocated, the focus here is on connecting with nature in a quiet, less crowded environment. Visitors mention the tranquility and natural beauty of Uayma Ha as real highlights, making it an ideal place for reflection or a gentle swim.

Since Uayma Ha only accepts cash for entrance fees, travelers should prepare accordingly. Its remote location adds to the sense of escaping the crowds and enjoying a more authentic, untouched cenote experience.

Practicalities: Timing, Entrance Fees, and What to Bring

The tour begins early to maximize your time and avoid crowds. The entrance fee at Chichen Itza is $671 MXN per adult and $100 MXN per child (0-12 years old), payable on the day unless you purchase an All-Inclusive option. The Xcajum cenote’s fees are included in the tour price, with the option to pay by cash or card. Uayma Ha only accepts cash, so it’s wise to carry some on hand.

Guests should pack comfortable shoes, a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a daypack. Since the tour involves walking and swimming, lightweight and quick-drying clothing are recommended. Food and drinks are not included in the basic tour fee, but regional dishes are offered at Xcajum.

Accessibility and Tour Flexibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable choice for travelers with mobility needs. The pick-up is flexible within Valladolid, and the small group size allows for a more relaxed experience. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later offers extra flexibility.

The guides speak Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations of the sites and culture. The tour’s pace is designed to be comfortable, giving ample time at each stop for photos, questions, and rest.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike larger group tours, this experience emphasizes personalized attention and timing, often arriving early to avoid crowds. The inclusion of two cenotes offers a richer natural experience, especially Xcajum, with the added bonus of regional food tasting. The small group size enhances the overall sense of intimacy and allows for more meaningful engagement with guides.

The flexible scheduling and comprehensive information provided by guides like Gustavo and Geraldo make this tour both educational and enjoyable. The focus on authentic sites and peaceful cenotes ensures a more relaxed, culturally immersive day.

Final Thoughts on the Valladolid Chichen Itza & 2 Cenotes Tour

This well-organized 8-hour tour offers a detailed look at Chichen Itza and the chance to relax in two beautifully different cenotes. Its small group setup and early start help minimize crowds and enhance comfort. Given the clear pricing, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experiences, this tour is a strong choice for those who want a meaningful visit without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural sites, natural beauty, and a touch of local flavor, this tour balances history, nature, and relaxation in a single day. The only considerations are the cash-only cenote and the moderate physical activity involved, but overall, it offers value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
The entrance fee at Chichen Itza is $671 MXN per adult and $100 MXN per child, payable on the day unless All-Inclusive is purchased. Fees for Xcajum are included, but the Uayma Ha cenote only accepts cash.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, wheelchair accessibility is noted, making it accessible for travelers with mobility needs, though some walking may be involved at the sites.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests should pack comfortable shoes, a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a daypack. It’s also wise to carry cash for the Uayma Ha cenote.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

What makes this tour different from others?
The focus on small groups, timing to avoid crowds, and the inclusion of two cenotes with authentic regional food make this tour stand out from larger, less personalized options.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby