Chichen Itza + Cenote Combo Tours
Ancient Ruins Meet Natural Paradise — The Perfect Yucatan Day Trip
Find Your Perfect Combo Tour
✓ Skip-the-line access • ✓ All cenote entrances included • ✓ Best price guarantee
Why Combine Chichen Itza with Cenotes?
Visiting Chichen Itza alone is incredible, but adding cenote swimming transforms a good day into an unforgettable experience! After exploring the ancient ruins under the hot sun, there's nothing more refreshing than diving into crystal-clear cenote waters. Cenotes were sacred to the ancient Maya and remain some of Mexico's most magical natural wonders.
Perfect Timing for Heat
Explore Chichen Itza in the morning (cooler temps), then cool off in a cenote during the hottest part of the day (1-3 PM). The timing couldn't be better!
Better Value
Combo tours cost only $10-20 more than Chichen Itza-only tours but add hours of cenote swimming, extra entrance fees, and more experiences. Maximum value for your money!
Two Instagram-Worthy Stops
Get those iconic Chichen Itza photos PLUS stunning cenote shots (caves, waterfalls, crystal-clear turquoise water). Your social media will thank you.
Complete Yucatan Experience
See both major attractions in one day: ancient Mayan civilization + natural wonders. Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their Mexico experience.
Physical Balance
After 2-3 hours of walking/standing at Chichen Itza, your body craves movement in a different way. Swimming in cenotes provides active relaxation and muscle relief.
Spiritual Journey
The Maya believed cenotes were portals to the underworld (Xibalba). Swimming in these sacred waters connects you to ancient Mayan spirituality in a profound way.
What Exactly Are Cenotes?
Cenotes (pronounced "seh-NO-tays") are natural sinkholes filled with fresh groundwater, found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Formed when limestone bedrock collapses and reveals underground rivers, cenotes were the Maya's only freshwater source in this area and were considered sacred. Today, there are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatan, ranging from open-air pools to mysterious underground caves. Swimming in them is like bathing in nature's own cathedral—cool, crystal-clear water in stunning geological formations.
Types of Cenotes You'll Experience
Each cenote type offers a unique swimming experience
Open-Air Cenotes
Completely open to the sky, these cenotes look like natural swimming pools surrounded by lush jungle. Sunlight streams down, creating brilliant turquoise water perfect for swimming and photography.
Features:
- Brightest lighting (best for photos)
- Warmest water temperature
- Easy access with stairs/platforms
- Great for beginners and non-swimmers
- Fish and turtles often visible
Examples: Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Azul, Cenote Zaci
Best For
Families with Kids
Warmer, less intimidating, easier access
Semi-Open Cenotes
Partially covered by a cave dome with an opening at the top. Dramatic shafts of sunlight pierce through, creating ethereal lighting effects on the water.
Features:
- Spectacular light beams (especially midday)
- Cathedral-like atmosphere
- Cooler than open cenotes
- Dramatic photo opportunities
- Natural acoustics (sounds echo beautifully)
Examples: Cenote Hubiku, Cenote Oxman, Cenote Samula
Best For
Photographers
Best light beams, most dramatic visuals
Cave/Underground Cenotes
Completely underground in limestone caves, these are the most mysterious and adventurous cenotes. Stalactites hang from above, and the water is incredibly clear and cool.
Features:
- Most dramatic geological formations
- Coolest, most refreshing water
- Extreme crystal clarity (50+ meter visibility)
- Unique cave swimming experience
- Ancient stalactites & stalagmites
Examples: Cenote X'keken (Dzitnup), Cenote Suytun, Cenote Palomitas
Best For
Adventurers
Most unique, feels like true exploration
Which Type Should You Choose?
For Families with Kids:
Open-air cenotes (warmer, less intimidating, easier access)
For Photographers:
Semi-open cenotes (best light beams, most dramatic visuals)
For Adventurers:
Cave cenotes (most unique, feels like true exploration)
Want It All?
Book a multi-cenote tour and experience 2-3 different types!
Our Chichen Itza + Cenote Combo Tours
Choose from single-cenote classics to epic multi-cenote adventures
Chichen Itza + Ik Kil Cenote Classic Tour
The perfect introduction to Yucatan's wonders! Explore Chichen Itza in the morning with an expert guide, enjoy a traditional buffet lunch, then cool off with a swim in the stunning Cenote Ik Kil—one of Mexico's most photographed cenotes with waterfalls cascading into turquoise water.
What's Included:
- ✓Hotel pickup (Cancun, Playa, or Tulum)
- ✓Expert bilingual guide
- ✓Skip-the-line Chichen Itza entrance
- ✓2.5 hours at Chichen Itza ruins
- ✓Traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch
- ✓Cenote Ik Kil entrance & facilities
- ✓1 hour swimming time at cenote
- ✓Life jacket rental included
- ✓Optional Valladolid colonial town visit
Daily Schedule:
Duration
10-11 hours
Cenotes
1 (Ik Kil)
Group
Max 15 people
Difficulty
Easy (all levels)
From
$95
per person
Chichen Itza + 2 Cenotes Adventure
Double the cenote magic! After exploring Chichen Itza, swim in TWO different cenotes: Ik Kil (semi-open with waterfalls) and Hubiku (dramatic light beams). Experience both open-air and semi-cave cenotes in one unforgettable day.
What's Included:
- ✓All features of Classic Tour PLUS:
- ✓Entrance to Cenote Hubiku
- ✓Extended swimming time (2+ hours total)
- ✓Experience 2 different cenote types
- ✓Smaller group size (max 12 people)
- ✓Photo opportunities at both cenotes
- ✓Life jackets at both locations
Daily Schedule:
Duration
11-12 hours
Cenotes
2 (Ik Kil + Hubiku)
Group
Max 12 people
Best For
Cenote lovers
From
$109
per person
Chichen Itza + 3 Cenotes Ultimate Explorer
The ultimate cenote experience! Visit Chichen Itza, then swim in THREE different cenotes representing all major types: open-air, semi-open, and underground cave. Perfect for cenote enthusiasts.
What's Included:
- ✓Chichen Itza guided tour
- ✓Cenote Ik Kil (semi-open, waterfalls)
- ✓Cenote Hubiku (light beams)
- ✓Cenote X'keken (underground cave!)
- ✓3+ hours of cenote swimming
- ✓All entrance fees & life jackets
- ✓Gourmet lunch (upgraded menu)
- ✓Small group (max 10 people)
- ✓Extended day (leaves earlier, returns later)
Daily Schedule:
Duration
13 hours
Cenotes
3 Different Types!
Group
Max 10 people
Energy
Full day adventure
From
$129
per person
Private Chichen Itza + Your Choice of Cenotes
Complete customization! Your private guide and luxury vehicle will take you to Chichen Itza plus whichever cenotes YOU want to visit. Want to spend 2 hours swimming? Done. Prefer lesser-known cenotes? We'll take you there.
What's Included:
- ✓Private luxury vehicle & driver
- ✓Personal archaeologist guide
- ✓Flexible departure time
- ✓YOU choose which cenotes (1-4!)
- ✓Custom time at each location
- ✓Restaurant of your choice for lunch
- ✓All entrance fees included
- ✓Fully customizable itinerary
Popular Cenote Combinations:
- 🌟 Classic: Ik Kil + Hubiku (best of both worlds)
- 🕳️ Cave Adventure: X'keken + Samula (both underground)
- 📸 Photographer's Dream: Suytun + Oxman (dramatic lighting)
- 🌊 Hidden Gems: Local cenotes off the beaten path
- ⭐ Ultimate: 3-4 cenotes if time permits!
Don't know which to choose? Your guide will recommend based on your interests!
Duration
8-12 hrs (you decide)
Cenotes
Your choice!
Group
Private (1-6)
Custom
100% flexible
From
$189
per person (6 people)
Not Sure Which Combo Tour to Choose?
Compare all our combo tours side-by-side or contact us for personalized recommendations
Everything You Need to Know About Cenote Swimming
Water Temperature & Conditions
Temperature
72-78°F (22-26°C)
Feels Like
Cool & refreshing
Clarity
100+ feet visibility
The water feels cool when you first enter (especially after 90°F+ at the ruins), but your body adjusts within 2-3 minutes. It's incredibly refreshing!
- • Open-air cenotes = warmer water (sun exposure)
- • Cave cenotes = cooler water (no sun, stays constant)
- • Most people swim comfortably for 30-60 minutes
- • Kids & elderly may want to limit to 15-30 min
Swimming Requirements & Safety
Do you need to know how to swim? No! Life jackets are provided (often required) at all cenotes. Non-swimmers can float comfortably.
Safety Features:
- ✓ Free life jacket rentals
- ✓ Lifeguards on duty
- ✓ Stairs, platforms, easy entry/exit
- ✓ Shallow areas near edges (2-4 feet)
- ✓ Ropes and handrails for support
- ✓ First aid stations on-site
Typical Depths:
- • Ik Kil: 130 feet deep
- • Hubiku: 90 feet deep
- • X'keken: 50 feet deep
Don't worry about depth — you'll float with a life jacket!
What to Wear for Cenote Swimming
✓ Perfect Cenote Attire:
- • Women: One-piece swimsuit or tankini, rash guard
- • Men: Board shorts or swim trunks, rash guard optional
- • Everyone: Water shoes or sandals with straps
❌ Avoid:
- • String bikinis (can come loose on stairs)
- • Heavy cotton t-shirts (take forever to dry)
- • Flip-flops (dangerous on wet stairs)
- • Jewelry (easy to lose in deep water)
⚠️ Sunscreen Rules
NO regular sunscreen in cenotes! Only reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen is allowed. We provide complimentary reef-safe sunscreen on all tours.
Photography in Cenotes
Best Photo Times:
- • Open-air: 10 AM - 2 PM (bright overhead sun)
- • Semi-open: 11 AM - 1 PM (light beams at best)
- • Cave: Anytime (consistent lighting)
Camera Tips:
- 📱 Phone cameras work great!
- 📷 Waterproof case recommended for underwater
- 💡 Use portrait mode for depth with stalactites
- 🤳 GoPro perfect for underwater footage
Instagram-Worthy Shots:
- 📸 Standing at the edge looking at the cenote
- 📸 Floating in the center with arms spread
- 📸 Underwater shots looking up at light beams
- 📸 Detail shots of stalactites, roots, waterfalls
Facilities at Cenotes
Changing Rooms
All major cenotes have them. Quality varies from basic to modern.
Lockers
$2-5 USD. Bring a small combination lock.
Showers
Cold rinse required before entering. Some offer hot showers ($2-3).
Restrooms
Modern flush toilets. Bring toilet paper just in case.
Restaurants/Snacks
Most have small cafes selling drinks and light meals.
Shops
Towel rentals ($3-5), swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, souvenirs.
Pro Tips:
- 💡 Arrive wearing swimsuit under clothes
- 💡 Bring a small lock for lockers
- 💡 Pack a plastic bag for wet swimwear
- 💡 Have small cash for lockers & tips
Wildlife in Cenotes
Cenotes are home to unique ecosystems! Here's what you might encounter:
Fish
Small blind cave fish, catfish, mollies. Harmless, might nibble toes!
Turtles
Freshwater turtles (occasionally). Shy, usually swim away.
Bats
Small insect-eating bats roosting in cave ceilings. Harmless.
Cave Creatures
Cave spiders, crickets on walls/ceilings. Tiny and harmless.
Wildlife Etiquette: Look but don't touch. Don't feed animals. Don't remove plants, rocks, or shells. Cenotes are protected ecosystems.
Compare All Chichen Itza + Cenote Combo Tours
Find the perfect balance of ruins, swimming, and adventure
| Feature | Classic (1 Cenote) | Double (2 Cenotes) | Triple (3 Cenotes) | Private (Custom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $95/person | $109/person | $129/person | $189/person (based on 6) |
| Number of Cenotes | 1 (Ik Kil) | 2 (Ik Kil + Hubiku) | 3 (Ik Kil + Hubiku + X'keken) | 1-4 (your choice!) |
| Swimming Time | 1 hour | 2+ hours | 3+ hours | As long as you want |
| Chichen Itza Time | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 2 hours | Flexible |
| Group Size | Max 15 | Max 12 | Max 10 | Private only |
| Total Duration | 10-11 hours | 11-12 hours | 13 hours | 8-12 hours (you choose) |
| Lunch | Buffet | Buffet | Upgraded menu | Restaurant of choice |
| Cenote Types | Semi-open | 2 semi-open | All 3 types! | Your preference |
| Valladolid Visit | Optional | Optional | Brief stop | Your choice |
| Flexibility | Set schedule | Set schedule | Set schedule | 100% custom |
| Best For | First-timers, families | Cenote enthusiasts | Adventure seekers | Couples, special occasions |
| Book Now |
Which Tour Should You Choose?
Choose Classic (1 Cenote) if:
- First time visiting Chichen Itza or cenotes
- You want the core experience without feeling rushed
- Traveling with young kids or elderly family
- You prefer a moderate-length day (10-11 hours)
- Budget is a consideration
- You want the most popular/proven itinerary
Choose Double (2 Cenotes) if:
- You LOVE swimming and want more water time
- You want to experience different cenote styles
- You're comfortable with a full day of activities
- You want better value ($14 more for double the cenotes!)
- You're a photographer wanting variety
- This might be your only cenote opportunity
Choose Triple (3 Cenotes) if:
- You're a true cenote enthusiast
- You want to experience ALL cenote types
- You have high energy and stamina
- You're OK with a very full 13-hour day
- You want the ultimate 'check all boxes' experience
- Swimming is your priority over ruins time
Choose Private Tour if:
- You want 100% control over your schedule
- You have specific cenotes in mind
- Celebrating a special occasion (honeymoon, anniversary)
- You prefer intimate experiences over group tours
- You're traveling with 4-6 people (better value!)
- You want to visit off-the-beaten-path cenotes
💡 Our Recommendation: The 2-cenote Adventure tour offers the best value—two cenote types for just $14 more than the classic tour. For the ultimate experience, the 3-cenote tour includes a rare underground cave cenote!
Complete Packing List for Chichen Itza + Cenote Tours
Everything you need for a perfect day of ruins and swimming
🎒 Absolute Essentials Must Bring!
Swimwear
Wear it under your clothes to save time
Towel
Quick-dry microfiber towel recommended
Reef-safe sunscreen
SPF 50+, biodegradable (regular sunscreen prohibited!)
Water shoes or secure sandals
For cenote stairs (flip-flops dangerous on wet steps)
Comfortable walking shoes
For Chichen Itza (NOT sandals — too much walking)
Hat & sunglasses
Sun protection at the ruins
Cash (pesos or USD)
For tips, lockers, souvenirs ($50-80 recommended)
Waterproof bag/pouch
Protect phone and money near water
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated! Tours provide refills
Camera/Phone
Fully charged (bring portable charger if possible)
✨ Highly Recommended
Change of clothes
Fresh clothes for the ride home
Plastic bag
For wet swimsuit and towel
Light jacket or cover-up
Bus AC can be very cold
Small backpack or day bag
Carry your stuff hands-free
Insect repellent
Natural/DEET-free preferred, for Chichen Itza
Small padlock
For cenote lockers (combination lock ideal)
Underwater camera/GoPro
Capture cenote swimming footage
Snacks
Energy bars, fruit (lunch included but snacks help)
Prescription medications
Bring anything you might need
Hand sanitizer
Useful before eating lunch
💡 Nice to Have (Optional)
Waterproof phone case
For underwater photos
Portable charger
Keep phone battery alive all day
Headphones
For bus ride (download media beforehand)
Earplugs
If you want to nap on the bus
Sunburn relief (aloe vera)
Just in case!
Travel pillow
For napping on return journey
❌ DO NOT Bring
- ✕Drones — Strictly prohibited at Chichen Itza and most cenotes
- ✕Selfie sticks — Not allowed at Chichen Itza
- ✕Large bags or luggage — No storage available, stick to daypacks
- ✕Valuable jewelry — Easy to lose in cenote water
- ✕Regular sunscreen — Not allowed in cenotes! Only reef-safe
- ✕Glass containers — Safety hazard, bring plastic instead
- ✕Pets — Not permitted on tours or at sites
Pro Packing Tips from Frequent Tour Guests
💡 Wear your swimsuit under your clothes
Change in 30 seconds at the cenote instead of waiting for changing rooms.
💡 Pack wet items separately
Bring 2 plastic bags: one for wet swimsuit, one for wet towel.
💡 Apply sunscreen BEFORE pickup
Put on reef-safe sunscreen 30+ min before pickup so it absorbs.
💡 Bring small bills
Cenote lockers need small denominations (20-50 peso or $1-5 USD).
💡 Leave valuables at hotel
Hotel safe is safer than your daypack at the ruins.
💡 Freeze a water bottle overnight
It'll melt slowly during the hot day, keeping water ice-cold!
What Travelers Say About Our Combo Tours
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5 from 2,847 verified combo tour reviews
Lisa & Tom M.
Chicago, USA
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"The Cenote Swim Made the Entire Day Perfect!"
We booked the classic combo tour (Chichen Itza + Ik Kil cenote) for our honeymoon and it was the absolute highlight of our Mexico trip! Chichen Itza was mind-blowing—our guide Carlos made the history come alive with stories. After about 2 hours of walking in the heat, we were HOT and ready for the cenote. The timing was PERFECT. Cenote Ik Kil was like something out of a dream—turquoise water, hanging vines, small waterfalls cascading down. My husband said it was the most surreal swimming experience he's ever had. HIGHLY recommend the combo over just doing Chichen Itza alone—the cenote swim elevates the entire experience!
Rachel F.
Sydney, Australia
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"Two Cenotes = Double the Magic!"
I'm so glad I splurged for the double cenote tour! For only $14 more than the classic tour, I got to swim in both Ik Kil AND Hubiku cenotes—completely different experiences. Ik Kil was gorgeous and photogenic, but Hubiku was actually my favorite. The light beams streaming down at midday were absolutely spectacular—like something from a fantasy movie. Hubiku was also less crowded, so I had more peaceful swimming time. The small group size (only 10 of us) made the day feel intimate. If you're debating between 1 or 2 cenotes, GO FOR TWO!
The Johnson Family
Dallas, Texas
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"Perfect for Families with Kids!"
We were traveling with three kids (ages 7, 10, and 13) and were worried about keeping them engaged. The combo tour was PERFECT! The kids loved Chichen Itza—our guide made it interactive with questions and games. When we got to Cenote Ik Kil, the kids went WILD. They said it was like swimming in a fairy tale cave. The life jackets made it easy for our 7-year-old to float around safely. Our 13-year-old, who's usually 'too cool' for family activities, admitted this was 'actually pretty sick' (high praise from a teenager!). For families, the combo tour is the way to go!
Marcus K.
London, UK
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"Photographer's Paradise - 3 Cenotes!"
As a photography enthusiast, I booked the triple cenote tour to capture different types of cenotes. BEST DECISION EVER! We visited Ik Kil (incredible textures and layers), Hubiku (the light beams at 12:30 PM were otherworldly—got my best shots here), and X'keken (underground cave with stalactites—moody and mysterious). Each cenote offered completely different lighting, colors, and compositions. The small group size (only 8 of us) meant I didn't have people photobombing every shot. I came home with 400+ photos and several portfolio-worthy shots!
Priya S.
Mumbai, India
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"Even Better Than I Imagined!"
This was my first time in Mexico and I had high expectations—it exceeded them! The pyramid is absolutely massive and awe-inspiring. Then we went to Cenote Ik Kil and honestly, I was NOT prepared for how magical it would be. The water was the clearest I've ever seen—you could see 50+ feet down. Floating there looking up at the vines and sky through the opening above... it was a spiritual experience. I'm not exaggerating when I say I teared up a bit from the beauty. If you're visiting Mexico for the first time and can only do ONE tour, make it this combo!
David & Karen W.
Toronto, Canada
✓ Verified Combo Tour Guest"Perfect Pace for Seniors"
At 68 and 71, we were initially worried about the physical demands. The pacing was actually perfect for us! Chichen Itza involves walking, but it's mostly flat and our guide Roberto was very patient. The cenote swim was surprisingly rejuvenating! The life jackets made it effortless to float—no strenuous swimming required. The cool water felt wonderful on our joints. Our advice to fellow seniors: wear good walking shoes, pace yourself, and don't skip the cenote—it's worth it! One of the best days of our retirement travels!
Frequently Asked Questions: Chichen Itza + Cenote Tours
Everything you need to know about combo tours
Ready for the Ultimate Yucatan Experience?
Combine ancient wonders with natural beauty — Book your Chichen Itza + Cenote tour today!
Pickups available from Cancún · Playa del Carmen · Tulum · Riviera Maya · Mérida
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