Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
About Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula, and this full-day tour pairs it with a swim in Cenote Saamal and a short stop in the colonial town of Valladolid. Pickup is available from selected hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, while some areas meet at a nearby pickup point instead.
At around 12 hours, it’s a long day, but it covers three of the region’s highlights with a certified bilingual guide, air-conditioned transport and a Yucatecan buffet lunch along the way.
Itinerary
- Chichen Itza (2 hours)
- Cenote Saamal (2 hours)
- Valladolid (30 minutes)
What’s included
- Visit to Cenote Saamal with access to swimming area and facilities
- Traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya (included in all tour options)
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided visit to Chichén Itzá with free time to explore
- Certified bilingual tour guide throughout the experience
- Free time in Valladolid’s historic main square
Meeting point
For those who are in the town of Akumal | If you're staying at Moon Palace Grand or Nizuc (Palapa de Tours), Haven Riviera, Royalton Riviera, Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive, or Dreams Natura, your meeting point will be at Hotel Tequila Cancun (next to Motel Sensaciones). | We see you at Go Mart Petempich (next to main entrance Gulf Jazmin) | On the avenue | If you stay at Ocean Coral & Turquesa, Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa, Excellence Riviera Cancun, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa the meeting point will be at 7-Eleven Regatta. | All our travelers stay in Puerto Aventuras hotels, the meeting point will be outside Go Mart Agua Verde. The Go-Mart is located next to the booth of the Puerto Aventuras complex. | For coordination purposes, travelers staying in Tulum will meet at Super Aki Tulum. | For coordination purposes, travelers staying in Playacar hotels will meet at 7-ELEVEN AT ARIA PLAYACAR. | All our travelers stay in Playa del Carmen downtown hotels, the meeting point will be Shasa Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall (Is located outside La Quinta Alegría Mall). | If you're staying in downtown Cancún or Isla Mujeres, this is the meeting point for your pick-up. | If you're staying at a hotel in Costa Mujeres or Playa Mujeres, this is the closest meeting point for your pick-up.
What to expect on the day
After pickup, you ride to Chichen Itza, where you spend about two hours on a guided visit with free time to explore. The centerpiece is the step pyramid of Kukulcan, known for the serpent shadow that appears on its staircase during the equinoxes.
Next comes about two hours at Cenote Saamal, with access to the swimming area and facilities, plus a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya. The last stop is around 30 minutes of free time in Valladolid’s historic main square before the drive back.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a certified bilingual guide, a guided visit to Chichen Itza with free time, access to Cenote Saamal’s swimming area and facilities, a Yucatecan buffet lunch and free time in Valladolid.
- Not included: Chichen Itza entrance, drinks at the buffet, and locker and life jacket rental at the cenote. All three are included in the All-Inclusive option, which also adds skip-the-line access at Chichen Itza.
What to bring
- A swimsuit and a change of clothes for the cenote
- Sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes
- Money for drinks, rentals and entrance if you book the standard option
Tips for a better day
- Compare options: the All-Inclusive option covers Chichen Itza entrance with skip-the-line access, buffet drinks, and locker and life jacket rental, so there’s less to pay on the day.
- Check your pickup point: guests at some hotels, including several in Playa Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum and downtown Cancun, meet at a nearby store or mall rather than the hotel lobby.
- Pace yourself: Chichen Itza is hot and open, with plenty of walking, so wear a hat and keep drinking water.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: first-time visitors and families who want to see Chichen Itza, a cenote and Valladolid in one day without arranging their own transport.
- Consider another option if: you’d rather travel with just your own group and guide, like a private Chichen Itza tour with Cenote Oxman and lunch in Valladolid.
Restrictions
The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. A life jacket is mandatory when swimming in the cenote.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. Later cancellations aren’t refunded.
FAQ about Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
How long is the tour?
About 12 hours, including the round trip from the Cancun and Riviera Maya area.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is available from selected hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Some hotels and areas use a nearby meeting point instead, such as a convenience store or shopping mall, so check yours when booking.
Is the Chichen Itza entrance fee included?
Not in the standard option. Entrance to Chichen Itza, with skip-the-line access, is included in the All-Inclusive option.
Which cenote does the tour visit?
Cenote Saamal, with access to the swimming area and facilities. You spend about two hours there.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya is included in all tour options. Drinks at the buffet are extra unless you book the All-Inclusive option.
Do I need a life jacket in the cenote?
Yes, a life jacket is mandatory in the cenote. Life jacket and locker rental cost extra, except in the All-Inclusive option.
How much time do we spend at each stop?
About two hours at Chichen Itza, about two hours at Cenote Saamal and around 30 minutes in Valladolid.
What languages is the tour offered in?
English and Spanish, with a certified bilingual guide throughout the day.
Can I bring young children?
Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
