Private Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman and Lunch in Valladolid
About Private Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman and Lunch in Valladolid
Chichén Itzá is the most famous Mayan city in Mexico: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, dominated by the great step pyramid of El Castillo, also called the Temple of Kukulcán. This private tour takes you there from your hotel in air-conditioned comfort, then adds two of the best stops in the region: a swim in Cenote Oxman and lunch in the colonial town of Valladolid.
Because it’s private, you’re not tied to a big bus schedule. You travel with your own group, spend your time where you want to, and avoid the crowds that build up at the main sites later in the day.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup and drive to Chichén Itzá
- Chichén Itzá archaeological site (guided visit)
- Cenote Oxman at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman (about 1 hour)
- Lunch and free time in Valladolid (about 2 hours)
- Return drive to your hotel
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid (drinks not included)
- All fees and taxes
Meeting point
Hotel pickup; your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to expect on the day
Your driver picks you up at your hotel for the drive inland to Chichén Itzá. At the site you’ll see El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors and the Sacred Cenote, learning how the city worked and why it mattered across the Mayan world. Climbing the pyramid isn’t allowed, but there’s plenty to explore on foot.
From there you continue to Cenote Oxman, a deep open cenote on the grounds of an old hacienda, where you’ll have about an hour to swim, use the rope swing and cool off. The last stop is Valladolid, a colourful colonial town with a leafy main square and the San Servacio church, where lunch is included and you’ll have about two hours in total before the drive back. Plan on around nine hours door to door, of which about four are travel time.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: private transportation, entrance fees and taxes, and lunch in Valladolid.
- Not included: drinks with lunch (roughly $1 to $5 each; alcohol only for guests 18 and over), souvenirs and tips.
- Price: check the booking page for today’s price for your group size, since private tours are priced differently from shared ones.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses; there’s little shade at Chichén Itzá
- Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes for the cenote
- Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent (regular sunscreen isn’t allowed in most cenotes)
- Cash in pesos for drinks, souvenirs and tips
- Water and a light snack for the drive
Tips for a better day
- Go early: ask for the earliest pickup. You’ll reach Chichén Itzá before the heat and the large tour groups.
- Stay hydrated: the site is exposed and the sun is strong year-round.
- Watch the vendors: the paths at Chichén Itzá are lined with souvenir stalls; prices are negotiable.
- Best season: November to April is cooler and drier; summer afternoons can bring heat and rain.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: couples, families and small groups who want to see Chichén Itzá at their own pace, without a crowded bus, and combine it with a cenote and Valladolid.
- Consider another option if: you’re on a tight budget (shared group tours cost less) or you’d rather avoid a long day of driving.
Accessibility and children
The operator lists the transport and the visited areas as wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Infant seats are available, and small children can ride in a stroller.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Later cancellations aren’t refunded.
FAQ about Private Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman and Lunch in Valladolid
How long is the Chichén Itzá private tour?
About 9 hours door to door. Roughly 4 hours of that is driving between your hotel and the sites.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. It's a private tour with air-conditioned transport, and your pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What's included in the price?
Private transportation, entrance fees and taxes, and lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid. Drinks with lunch are extra.
Can you climb the pyramid at Chichén Itzá?
No. Climbing El Castillo has been prohibited for years to protect the structure, but you can walk around it and the rest of the site.
What is Cenote Oxman?
A deep, open-roofed cenote on the grounds of an old hacienda near Valladolid, with steps down to the water and a rope swing. You'll have about an hour to swim.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The operator lists the transport and the visited areas as wheelchair accessible. Mention it when booking so they can plan the day around it.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Infant seats are available, and strollers can be used. Let the operator know the children's ages when booking.
What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Pack a swimsuit and towel for the cenote.
When is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá?
Early in the day, before the heat and the big tour buses arrive, and ideally between November and April when temperatures are milder.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Is this tour private?
Yes. Only your group travels with the driver and guide, so you can take your time at each stop.
