El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza — guided day tours from Riviera Maya resorts

Chichen Itza Tours from Riviera Maya

All-Inclusive Resort Pickup — Your Complete Mayan Adventure

4.9/52,156 Reviews
90-120 MilesFrom Riviera Maya
From $85Per Person

Find Your Perfect Tour

✓ Free cancellation • ✓ Instant confirmation

Why Choose Chichen Itza Tours from Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya stretches along 75 miles of stunning Caribbean coastline, home to world-class all-inclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and easy access to Mexico's most famous archaeological site. Our Riviera Maya tours offer convenient pickup from any resort between Puerto Morelos and Tulum, with optimized routes that get you to Chichen Itza efficiently. Whether you're staying at the Grand Palladium, Barceló Maya, Iberostar, or any other resort, we'll pick you up right at your hotel entrance.

All Resort Pickups

Barceló, Iberostar, Grand Palladium & more

We pick up from every all-inclusive resort along the Riviera Maya coast—from Puerto Morelos to Akumal. No extra charges for resort pickups.

Optimized Drive Time

2-2.5 hours depending on location

Whether you're staying in Puerto Aventuras or Akumal, we calculate the perfect pickup time to ensure you arrive at Chichen Itza fresh and ready to explore.

Luxury Transportation

Premium air-conditioned coaches

Travel in comfort with reclining seats, WiFi, and onboard refreshments. Perfect for the scenic journey through the Yucatan Peninsula.

Strategic Location

Central to all attractions

The Riviera Maya's central position means efficient routes to Chichen Itza, plus easy combinations with cenotes and colonial towns.

Best Chichen Itza Tours from Riviera Maya

All tours include resort pickup, expert guide, entrance fees, lunch & cenote visit

Chichen Itza Day Tour from Riviera MayaBESTSELLER

Chichen Itza Day Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(1,247 reviews)
From
$85
per person

Our most popular all-inclusive tour! Pickup from any Riviera Maya resort, expert archaeologist guide, traditional lunch, and cenote swim. The perfect full-day adventure for resort guests.

Duration
10-11 hours
Group Size
Max 15 people
Pickup
All resorts
Languages
English, Spanish

What's Included:

Pickup from any Riviera Maya resort
Comfortable AC transportation
Certified bilingual guide
Skip-the-line entrance tickets
Free CancellationInstant ConfirmationResort Pickup
View Details & Book
Private Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera MayaVIP EXPERIENCE

Private Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★5(412 reviews)
From
$195
per person

The ultimate resort guest experience! Private luxury vehicle, personal archaeologist guide, and fully customizable itinerary. Depart when you want, spend as long as you like at each stop.

Duration
Flexible (9-12 hours)
Group
Private (1-8 people)
Vehicle
Luxury SUV/Van
Itinerary
100% Custom

What's Included:

Private luxury SUV or van
Personal archaeologist guide
Flexible departure time
VIP skip-the-line access
Free CancellationCustom ItineraryVIP Treatment
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Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour from Riviera MayaEARLY ACCESS

Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(567 reviews)
From
$119
per person

Beat the crowds with early access! Experience Chichen Itza at sunrise with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. Perfect for photographers and those wanting a more intimate experience.

Duration
10 hours
Group Size
Max 12 people
Best For
Photographers
Arrival
7:00 AM (first!)

What's Included:

Early pickup (5:30-6:30 AM depending on resort)
First entry to Chichen Itza
Photography-focused guide
3 hours at nearly-empty ruins
Free CancellationPhotography FocusedAvoid Crowds
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Chichen Itza + Sacred Cenote AdventureADVENTURE

Chichen Itza + Sacred Cenote Adventure

★★★★★4.8(823 reviews)
From
$99
per person

The ultimate combination of history and nature! Explore Chichen Itza, then cool off in two stunning cenotes. Perfect for active travelers and families seeking adventure.

Duration
11 hours
Cenotes
2 cenotes!
Group
Max 15 people
Bring
Swimwear & towel

What's Included:

Riviera Maya resort pickup
Expert bilingual guide
2.5-hour Chichen Itza tour
Visit TWO cenotes
Free CancellationBest ValueFamily Friendly
View Details & Book
Luxury Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera MayaLUXURY

Luxury Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(312 reviews)
From
$169
per person

The ultimate resort guest upgrade! Luxury van, gourmet lunch with open bar, VIP skip-the-line access, and premium cenote experience. Perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Duration
11 hours
Group Size
Max 12 people
Vehicle
Luxury Van
Experience
VIP Access

What's Included:

Luxury resort pickup
VIP skip-the-line entrance
Expert archaeologist guide
Gourmet lunch with open bar
Free CancellationOpen BarResort Pickup
View Details & Book
Budget Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera MayaBEST VALUE

Budget Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.7(945 reviews)
From
$79
per person

Great value for resort guests! All-inclusive pickup from your resort, professional guide, entrance fees, and lunch included at an unbeatable price.

Duration
11 hours
Group Size
Max 20 people
Pickup
All resorts
Languages
English, Spanish

What's Included:

Riviera Maya resort pickup
AC transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Entrance fees included
Free CancellationBest PriceResort Pickup
View Details & Book
Family-Friendly Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera MayaFAMILY

Family-Friendly Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(489 reviews)
From
$95
per person

Perfect for resort families! Kid-friendly guide with engaging Mayan storytelling, child-safe cenote swimming, car seats available, and a flexible pace designed for younger explorers.

Duration
10 hours
Group Size
Max 15 people
Best For
Families w/ kids
Kid-Friendly
Ages 4+

What's Included:

Resort pickup with car seats available
Kid-friendly certified guide
Skip-the-line entrance
Family buffet lunch (kids menu)
Free CancellationKid-FriendlyResort Pickup
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Small Group Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera MayaSMALL GROUP

Small Group Chichen Itza Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(367 reviews)
From
$109
per person

Max 10 guests for a truly intimate experience! Premium minivan from your resort, deeper archaeological insights, and personal attention from your expert guide throughout the day.

Duration
11 hours
Group Size
Max 10 guests
Vehicle
Premium Minivan
Experience
Intimate Tour

What's Included:

Premium minivan resort pickup
Expert archaeologist guide
Skip-the-line entrance
3 hours at Chichen Itza
Free CancellationMax 10 GuestsResort Pickup
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VIP Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza from Riviera MayaVIP ACCESS

VIP Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza from Riviera Maya

★★★★★4.9(423 reviews)
From
$139
per person

Skip all lines with VIP fast-track entrance! Save 30-60 minutes during peak season. Premium transport from your resort, expert guide, gourmet lunch, and cenote—all with zero wait.

Duration
11 hours
Access
Skip All Lines
Group Size
Max 15 people
Experience
VIP Treatment

What's Included:

Resort pickup in Riviera Maya
VIP fast-track entrance badges
Expert archaeologist guide
3 hours at Chichen Itza
Free CancellationSkip-the-LineResort Pickup
View Details & Book

Riviera Maya vs Other Departure Cities: Drive Time Comparison

Departure CityDistanceDrive TimeDepartureArrivalReturn
Cancun120 miles (200 km)2.5-3 hours7:00 AM9:30-10:00 AM6:00-6:30 PM
Riviera Maya ⭐90-120 miles1.5-2.5 hours7:00-8:00 AM9:30-10:00 AM5:00-6:00 PM
Playa del Carmen100 miles (160 km)2 hours7:30 AM9:30 AM5:30-6:00 PM
Tulum80 miles (130 km)1.5-2 hours8:00 AM9:30-10:00 AM5:00-5:30 PM

Why Riviera Maya Resorts Are Ideal for Chichen Itza:

Resort pickup included — No need to arrange transport to a meeting point

Flexible timing — Pickup windows adjust to your resort's location along the corridor

Shorter than Cancun — Southern resorts like Akumal save 30-60 minutes each way

Same-day drop-off flexibility — Moving hotels? We can drop you at a different resort

Planning Your Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza Day Trip

Distance & Travel Time

Distance varies by resort location along the 80-mile Riviera Maya corridor. Southern resorts (Akumal, Puerto Aventuras) are 90 miles / 1.5-2 hours from Chichen Itza, while northern resorts (Puerto Morelos) are 120 miles / 2.5 hours.

Route: Your Resort → Highway 180D → Chichen Itza

Best Time to Visit

Best Months: November through April (dry season, cooler temperatures)

Best Time of Day: Early morning (7-9am) to avoid crowds and heat

Peak Season: December-March (book 1-2 weeks in advance)

Special Events: Spring Equinox (March 21) & Fall Equinox (September 21) — serpent shadow phenomenon

What to Bring

  • ✓ Comfortable walking shoes (uneven ground)
  • ✓ Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, sunglasses
  • ✓ Reusable water bottle
  • ✓ Camera with fully charged battery
  • ✓ Cash for tips, souvenirs (500-1000 pesos)
  • ✓ Swimwear & towel (cenote tours)
  • ✓ Light, breathable clothing
  • ✓ Mosquito repellent

Cost Breakdown

Tour Packages: $79-$189 per person (all-inclusive)

Entrance Fee: Included in tour price (~$30 value)

Lunch: Included in most tours

Optional Extras:

  • • Guide tips: $5-10 per person
  • • Driver tips: $3-5 per person
  • • Souvenirs: $10-50

Weather Considerations

Dry Season (Nov-April): 75-85°F, little rain, perfect conditions

Wet Season (May-Oct): 85-95°F, afternoon showers, more humid

Hottest Months: May-August (bring extra water)

💡 Tip: Inland Chichen Itza is hotter than your coastal resort — dress lighter than usual!

Photography Tips

  • ✓ Best light: Golden hour (7-9am) or late afternoon
  • ✓ Iconic shot: El Castillo from main plaza
  • ✓ Unique angles: Temple of Warriors columns
  • ✓ Detail shots: Serpent heads, hieroglyphics
  • ✓ Use people for scale in wide shots
  • ✓ No tripods or drones allowed

Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza: Route Map

See the scenic journey from your Riviera Maya resort to the ancient Mayan wonder

Start

Riviera Maya

Resort Zone Hotels

~100 mi · 2–2.5 hrs
End

Chichén Itzá

Ancient Mayan Wonder

~100 Miles

Total Distance

2-2.5 Hours

Drive Time

Highway 180D

Modern Toll Road

1 Stop

Rest Break

What to Expect on the Drive:

🌴Lush jungle scenery: Dense tropical vegetation along the highway
🛣️Smooth highway: Highway 180D is well-maintained with minimal traffic
🏘️Mayan villages: Pass through charming communities en route
📚Guide commentary: Learn about Mayan culture and history during the drive
📶WiFi available: Most vehicles have WiFi (may drop in rural stretches)
❄️Air conditioning: Comfortable temperature throughout the journey

Resort Pickup from All Riviera Maya Hotels

Pickup Zones Along the Corridor:

Puerto Morelos Area

Now Sapphire, Dreams Riviera Cancun, Secrets Riviera Cancun, and nearby resorts

Pickup Time: 6:30-7:00 AM

Playa del Carmen / Playacar

Sandos, Riu, Iberostar Paraiso, Occidental, Grand Hyatt, and all 5th Avenue hotels

Pickup Time: 7:15-7:35 AM

Puerto Aventuras / Xpu-Ha

Barceló Maya, Hard Rock, Hotel Xcaret, Catalonia, and surrounding resorts

Pickup Time: 7:30-7:50 AM

Akumal / Bahia Principe

Grand Bahia Principe, Secrets Akumal, Lomas del Mar, and Akumal area properties

Pickup Time: 7:40-8:00 AM

Important Pickup Information:

  • Exact time confirmed 24 hours before: We'll call or email with your precise pickup time
  • Resort lobby pickup: Wait in your main lobby. Driver will have your name on the list
  • All-inclusive guests: Inform your concierge about the early departure for breakfast arrangements
  • Running late? Call our emergency line immediately
  • Different drop-off resort? No problem — let us know 24 hours in advance at no extra charge

Why Book Your Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza Tour With Us?

Certified Expert Guides

All our guides are licensed archaeologists and historians with 5+ years experience. They bring ancient Mayan civilization to life with verified historical facts, fascinating stories, and answers to all your questions.

All-Resort Pickup Service

We pick up from every resort along the Riviera Maya corridor — Grand Palladium, Barceló Maya, Iberostar, Hard Rock, Secrets, Bahia Principe, RIU, and many more. No taxis or meeting points needed.

Skip-the-Line Access

Save 30-60 minutes waiting in entrance queues under the hot sun. We pre-arrange priority access so you spend more time exploring and less time standing in lines.

Best Price Guarantee

Found a lower price for the same tour elsewhere? We'll match it and give you an extra 5% discount. No hidden fees, no surprise charges — what you see is exactly what you pay.

Free Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund — no questions asked, no penalties. We understand plans change, especially on vacation.

4.9/5 Star Rating

Join over 2,100 satisfied Riviera Maya travelers who've explored Chichen Itza with us. Check our verified reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and Viator.

What Riviera Maya Travelers Say About Our Tours

★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 from 2,143 verified reviews

J

Jennifer & Mark T.

Chicago, USA

✓ Verified Traveler

"Seamless Resort Pickup!"

We were staying at the Grand Palladium and worried about getting to Chichen Itza. The van arrived right at our lobby at 7:30 AM sharp. Our guide Miguel was fantastic — so much knowledge about Mayan history. The cenote swim after the ruins was the perfect cool-down. Back at the resort by 5:30 PM.

Classic Day TourJanuary 2025
P

Paul D.

Manchester, UK

✓ Verified Traveler

"Best Excursion of Our All-Inclusive Stay"

We booked this tour from our Barceló Maya resort. Everything was included — pickup, guide, entrance, cenote, and an amazing traditional lunch. Our guide spoke perfect English and made the history come alive. Worth leaving the resort for a day!

Combo Adventure TourFebruary 2025
L

Laura S.

Melbourne, Australia

✓ Verified Traveler

"Easy With Young Kids"

Traveling from Akumal with a 5 and 8 year old, the shorter drive was a huge plus. The guide kept the kids engaged with stories about Mayan warriors and ball games. Child seats were provided without even asking. Professional operation from start to finish.

Family TourDecember 2024
C

Carlos & Ana R.

Madrid, Spain

✓ Verified Traveler

"Dropped Off at Different Hotel — No Problem!"

We were switching from Iberostar to a Playa del Carmen hotel that day. They picked us up at Iberostar and dropped us off at our new hotel — no extra charge! The tour itself was incredible. Guide was passionate and informative. Highly recommend.

Private TourJanuary 2025
T

Thomas K.

Berlin, Germany

✓ Verified Traveler

"Photography Paradise"

Booked the sunrise tour from our Hard Rock resort. The early start was worth it — we had El Castillo practically to ourselves for photos. The morning light was absolutely magical. Our guide knew all the best angles and spots for photography.

Sunrise TourNovember 2024
D

Diana F.

New York, USA

✓ Verified Traveler

"Great Value All-Inclusive Tour"

Coming from Secrets Riviera Cancun, the pickup was punctual and the van was very comfortable. Guide was knowledgeable and funny. Lunch was delicious authentic Yucatecan food. Everything promised was delivered. Would definitely book again!

Classic Day TourJanuary 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza tours

El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza with dramatic sky backdrop

Ready to Explore Chichen Itza?

Book your Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza tour today and discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

All-Inclusive Resort Pickup
Free Cancellation
Expert Guides
Lunch & Cenote Included