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Chichen Itza Full-Day Historical Journey + Cenote + Buffef Lunch

  • 13 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 2 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Step Into Time: Chichen Itzá, Cenote Saamal & Valladolid Discovery Unlock the wonders of an ancient civilization on our expert-led journey to Chichen Itzá—a timeless expedition where history echoes through majestic ruins. Let our seasoned guides transport you into the heart of the Mayan world, where stories etched in stone come vividly to life. Cool off in the serene waters of Cenote Saamal, a hidden sanctuary wrapped in emerald jungle—ideal for a rejuvenating swim surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Then, wander the cobbled streets of Valladolid, a charming town where colonial elegance meets vibrant culture. Admire colorful facades, lively plazas, and the soul of Yucatán in every corner. This isn't just a sightseeing tour—it's a curated blend of heritage, nature, and local flavor. ️ Reserve your place today and relive the magic of the Mayan world!

Inclusions

What's included

  • Brief visit to the historic city of Valladolid, Yucatán
  • Certified guides specialized in archeology and Mayan culture who will accompany you
  • Exquisite buffet with a wide variety of typical foods from the region
  • Visit to the Cenote “Saamal”, Swimming is allowed
  • Pick-up in shared transportation
  • Round trip aboard our luxury air-conditioned panoramic buses
  • Guided tour (bilingual) to Chichen Itzá and free time to walk and take photos on site archaeological

What's not

  • Drinks in the restaurant or box lunch (This can be added with the pricing options)
  • Local ecotaxes and service fee (765 MXN per taveler)

Itinerary

  1. Your experience begins with pickup at your accommodation or meeting point, where our team will welcome you before starting the journey to Chichen Itza. The drive to the archaeological site takes approximately 2.5 hours.

    3 h

  2. Before reaching Chichen Itza, the route includes a short stop near some points of interest located close to the area. During this stop, you will also enjoy a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant. You can taste different regional dishes and traditional Mexican flavors. You will have approximately 1 hour for lunch. The group will continue on foot toward the main access point of the site. Your guides will stay with the group during this walk, sharing information and making sure everyone knows where to go. Once inside Chichen Itza, you will take part in a guided visit lasting approximately 1 hour. During this time, our knowledgeable guides will explain the history of this ancient Mayan city, share interesting facts and help you better understand how people lived during the Mayan world. After the guided portion, you will have about 1 hour to enjoy the site independently. Please listen carefully to your guide’s instructions, as they will let you know the exact time and place to meet.

    3 h

  3. The next part of the tour takes you to a beautiful Mayan cenote, one of the natural freshwater formations that made the Yucatán Peninsula so unique. In ancient Mayan culture, cenotes were considered sacred places and were often connected with spiritual beliefs about the underworld. The ride to the cenote takes approximately 45 minutes. Once you arrive, you will have time to enjoy its clear and refreshing waters. Bring your swimsuit, as this stop is perfect for swimming, cooling off, and experiencing one of the most special natural settings in the region. The visit to the cenote lasts approximately 1 hour.

    3 h

  4. The final stop of the experience will take place in Valladolid, Yucatán, a beautiful colonial city known for its calm atmosphere, colorful streets, traditional charm, and rich local culture. This is a great opportunity to see another side of the region and enjoy the authentic character of a historic Yucatecan town. You will have approximately 30 to 45 minutes of free time to walk around the area, take photos, admire the colonial architecture, and enjoy the local surroundings at your own pace before continuing with the return journey.

    1 h

  5. After your time in Valladolid comes to an end, the guide will let the group know where and when to meet before boarding the bus again. Once all travelers have returned, we will begin the ride back toward Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. The journey back takes around three hours, making it a good moment to rest after a full day of exploring. Settle into the vehicle, relax, and enjoy the return ride as the experience comes to a close.

    3 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

Pickup
Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 39 travellers
Operated by
Aktive Tours
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Luggage may only be accepted if the assigned vehicle has available space and our team approves it beforehand. If you plan to travel with luggage, please check with us before the service so we can review the transportation assigned to your booking and let you know whether it can be accommodated. Please keep in mind that space cannot be promised in advance, and approval is not automatic.
  • Beginning April 21, 2026, Mexican archaeological zones have restricted entry with backpacks and luggage as part of their security measures. For this reason, we suggest visiting the site with only the minimum items needed, ideally small personal belongings that can be carried in your pockets or in a compact bag. Certain necessary items may be allowed as exceptions, such as diaper bags, but final access decisions are made by the site’s security staff. Any belongings refused at the entrance by the archaeological site authorities remain outside our responsibility. However, for this tour, the transportation service offers the option to leave your items inside the vehicle while you complete the scheduled visits.
  • During each stop, access to the transportation vehicle is only allowed at the official boarding time indicated by the guide or staff. Guests may not enter the vehicle early or stay inside while the rest of the group is away, since other travelers may have left personal items stored there during the visit. This measure is applied for security and to protect everyone’s belongings.

How it compares in Playa del Carmen

  • Its from-price is 73% below the median of the 1921 experiences we list in Playa del Carmen.
  • It is longer than most of them.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a relaxed Riviera Maya beach town with a buzzing pedestrian avenue, white sand, and cenotes, reefs and ruins close by.

Quinta Avenida, the town's long pedestrian street, runs parallel to the beach and is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and bars that stay busy late. The beaches are wide and white, with Punta Esmeralda a local favourite for its shallow lagoon, and the water is warm and clear for much of the year.

Top-ranked sights in Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto Nature Reserve, Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), Cirque du Soleil Joya.

See all 1921 experiences in Playa del Carmen

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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