Chichen Itza Day Tour — Small Group Experience
Experience the magic of Chichen Itza on our most popular full-day tour. Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with an expert archaeologist guide, skip long entrance lines, swim in a sacred cenote, and enjoy an authentic Yucatecan lunch. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.
What Makes This Tour Special:
⚡ Lowest price guaranteed • Reserve now, pay later
💳 Reserve now & pay later • Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Why Book With Us?
What's Included in Your Chichen Itza Day Tour
✓ Transportation
- •Round-trip hotel pickup (Cancún) + drop-off
- •Modern, air-conditioned coach
- •Professional, licensed driver
- •Complimentary bottled water on bus
- •Rest stop on the journey
✓ Certified Bilingual Guide
- •Certified bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- •1.5–2 hour guided walking tour
- •Historical insights and Mayan stories
- •Photography tips at key viewpoints
- •Q&A throughout the tour
✓ Entrance & Taxes Included
- •Chichen Itza entrance & taxes included
- •2.5–3 hours total time at the archaeological zone
- •Access to all major structures
- •Free time for independent exploration
- •Souvenir shopping time
✓ Yucatán-Style Buffet Lunch
- •Traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch
- •Vegetarian & dietary options available
- •Soft drinks and water with lunch
- •Regional specialties (cochinita pibil, etc.)
- •Air-conditioned restaurant setting
✓ Cenote Swim
- •Visit to sacred cenote (Ik Kil or Hubiku)
- •Swimming time (45–60 minutes)
- •Life jacket may be extra on Classic tier
- •Changing rooms & locker facilities
- •Shower facilities available
✓ Valladolid Stop
- •Colonial town of Valladolid visit
- •Photo opportunity at main plaza
- •Free time to explore (time varies)
- •Optional shopping at local markets
Not Included (Optional Extras):
Your Chichen Itza Day Tour Itinerary
Follow your exciting journey through ancient Mayan history, from hotel pickup to evening return
Hotel Pickup in Cancun / Playa del Carmen / Tulum
Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from your hotel lobby. Our friendly driver will greet you by name and help you board our comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Pickup times vary slightly based on your hotel location—we'll confirm your exact time 24 hours before the tour.
Pro Tip: Have breakfast at your hotel before pickup. Bring your confirmation email (digital or printed) and valid ID.
Scenic Drive to Chichen Itza
Relax during the scenic 2–2.5 hour journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. Your guide will share fascinating stories about Mayan civilization, culture, and the history of Chichen Itza. We'll make one rest stop (approximately 1 hour into the journey) where you can use restrooms, buy snacks, and stretch your legs.
Pro Tip: The bus has WiFi and charging ports. Bring headphones if you want to rest. The AC can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
Arrive at Chichen Itza
Skip the long entrance lines with our pre-arranged priority access! While independent tourists wait 30–60 minutes, you'll head straight in. Your guide will distribute entrance tickets and provide important site information.
Pro Tip: Apply sunscreen before entering. Bathrooms are available near the entrance—use them before the tour begins.
Guided Tour of Chichen Itza
Your expert archaeologist guide will lead you through the magnificent ruins, explaining the history, architecture, and significance of each structure.
El Castillo (Kukulkan Pyramid)
Marvel at the iconic 79-foot pyramid with 365 steps. Learn about the equinox serpent shadow phenomenon.
Great Ball Court
Discover the largest ancient ball court in Mesoamerica and test the incredible acoustics.
Temple of Warriors
Admire hundreds of carved columns depicting Mayan warriors and trading significance.
Sacred Cenote
Visit the natural sinkhole where Mayans performed ceremonies and made offerings.
Platform of Skulls (Tzompantli)
See carved skulls and learn about Mayan rituals.
El Caracol (Observatory)
Explore the circular observatory demonstrating Mayan astronomical knowledge.
Pro Tip: Take photos early in the tour when energy is high. Stay hydrated; guides provide regular water breaks.
Free Time for Photos & Exploration
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore independently, take photos without rushing, revisit favorite structures, or browse the artisan market near the exit.
Pro Tip: The best photo angle of El Castillo is from the main plaza. Vendors sell beautiful handmade souvenirs—bargaining is expected!
Traditional Yucatecan Buffet Lunch
Enjoy an authentic regional lunch at a local restaurant. The buffet features Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), sopa de lima, fresh tortillas, rice, beans, salads, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian options always available.
Pro Tip: Try everything! The Yucatan has unique flavors you won't find elsewhere. Ask staff about dishes if you have dietary restrictions.
Sacred Cenote Swim
Cool off with a refreshing swim in Cenote Ik Kil or Cenote Hubiku—stunning natural sinkholes sacred to the ancient Mayans. Descend stone steps surrounded by hanging vines into crystal-clear waters. Life jackets provided, changing rooms, lockers, and showers available.
Pro Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Waterproof phone cases are useful. Water is 75–78°F year-round—perfectly refreshing!
Colonial Town of Valladolid
Stop in the charming colonial town of Valladolid, one of Mexico's 'Pueblos Mágicos.' Take photos at the colorful main plaza, visit the historic San Gervasio Cathedral, or browse local shops for souvenirs.
Pro Tip: Valladolid has beautiful colonial architecture—perfect for photos. Try 'marquesitas' (crispy crepes) from street vendors!
Comfortable Return Journey
Relax on the return journey to your hotel. Most travelers rest, review photos, or chat about the day's adventures. Your guide will share final thoughts and answer remaining questions. Drop-off at your hotel lobby between 6:00–6:30 PM.
Pro Tip: Good time to tip your guide and driver. Have dinner reservations? Book for 7:30 PM or later to allow buffer time.
Important Notes
What to Bring on Your Chichen Itza Day Tour
Essentials (Must Bring)
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes — 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces. NO flip-flops.
- ✓Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — Reef-safe preferred for cenote swimming.
- ✓Hat or cap — Wide-brimmed for best sun protection.
- ✓Sunglasses — Essential for the bright Yucatan sunshine.
- ✓Reusable water bottle — Refill stations available throughout the day.
- ✓Valid ID or passport — Required for entrance and verification.
- ✓Booking confirmation — Digital or printed copy.
For Cenote Swimming
- ✓Swimsuit — Wear under your clothes for easy changing.
- ✓Towel — Quick-dry travel towel recommended.
- ✓Waterproof phone case or bag — Protect electronics near water.
- ✓Change of clothes — Nice to have dry clothes for the return.
- ✓Flip-flops or water shoes — For cenote area only.
Photography & Comfort
- ✓Camera or smartphone — Fully charged with empty storage. Bring portable charger.
- ✓Light jacket or shawl — Bus AC can be cold; also useful for sun protection.
- ✓Mosquito repellent — Especially important near cenotes and jungle areas.
- ✓Small backpack or day bag — To carry all items comfortably.
- ✓Hand sanitizer & wet wipes — For freshening up throughout the day.
- ✓Personal medications — Motion sickness pills if prone to car sickness.
Money & Extras
- ✓Cash (500-1000 MXN) — Tips, souvenirs, snacks/drinks. USD accepted but pesos preferred.
- ✓Credit card — For larger souvenir purchases (many vendors accept cards).
- ✓Small bills for tips — Guide: $5-10 USD, Driver: $3-5 USD per person.
🚫 What NOT to Bring
Smart Packing Tips
Weather: Yucatan is hot and humid year-round (80–95°F). Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors. Long, lightweight pants/skirt can provide sun protection while keeping you cool.
Layering Strategy: Wear swimsuit as base layer → light clothing on top → bring jacket for AC bus.
Storage on Bus: Overhead compartments and under-seat storage available for bags. Keep valuables with you.
What Travelers Say About This Tour
1,247 verified reviews
Travelers Loved:
Sarah M.
Boston, USA • Couple • January 15, 2025
✓ Verified Purchase"Absolutely Unforgettable Experience!"
This tour exceeded all our expectations! Our guide Carlos was phenomenal—his passion for Mayan history was contagious, and he answered every single question we had (and we had a lot!). The small group of just 12 people meant we never felt rushed or crowded. The skip-the-line entrance saved us at least 45 minutes of standing in the hot sun. Chichen Itza itself is absolutely breathtaking—photos don't do it justice. The cenote swim was the perfect refresher after walking the ruins, and the lunch buffet had so many delicious options. We were back at our hotel by 6:15 PM, exactly as promised. Worth every penny! Book this tour!
James & Emily R.
London, UK • Couple (Honeymoon) • December 22, 2024
✓ Verified Purchase"Perfect Honeymoon Memory"
We chose this tour for our honeymoon and it was the highlight of our trip to Mexico! The organization was flawless from start to finish—pickup exactly on time, comfortable coach with WiFi, knowledgeable guide who made history come alive. We especially appreciated the small group size; it felt much more intimate than those massive bus tours we saw with 50+ people. The Chichen Itza ruins are absolutely stunning, and having a certified archaeologist guide meant we learned so much more than if we'd gone independently. The cenote was magical—like swimming in a hidden paradise. Highly recommend! Already planning our next tour with this company.
Maria G.
Toronto, Canada • Family (2 adults, 2 teens) • February 3, 2025
✓ Verified Purchase"Teens Actually Loved It!"
Traveling with teenagers (14 & 16) who are usually glued to their phones, I wasn't sure how engaged they'd be. But they were captivated the entire day! Our guide had a gift for storytelling that made ancient history fascinating even for modern teens. They asked so many questions and were genuinely interested. The cenote swim was their favorite part—they're still talking about it weeks later. The lunch was great with plenty of vegetarian options for our daughter. The whole experience was educational without feeling like a lecture. As a parent, I appreciated the safety measures, professionalism, and punctuality. We felt well taken care of from start to finish.
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Booking Information & Policies
Booking & Confirmation
- Instant Confirmation: Receive confirmation email immediately with all tour details and pickup time.
- Mobile Voucher: No need to print—show confirmation on your phone.
- Same-Day Booking: Available based on availability (book by 6 PM for next-day tours).
- Advance Booking Recommended: Book 2-3 days ahead during peak season (Dec-April).
Pickup & Departure
- Pickup Areas: All hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya.
- Pickup Time: 7:00-7:30 AM (exact time confirmed 24 hours before tour).
- Hotel Lobby Pickup: Wait in your hotel lobby. Driver will have a list with your name.
- Meeting Point Alternative: If your accommodation doesn't allow tour pickups, we'll arrange a nearby meeting point.
Payment Options
- Reserve Now, Pay Later: Hold your spot without immediate payment.
- Accepted Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay.
- Secure Payment: SSL encryption protects all transactions.
- No Hidden Fees: Price shown is final price. No surprise charges at checkout.
- Best Price Guarantee: Find lower price elsewhere? We'll match it + 5% discount.
Cancellation Policy
- Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before tour start time for full refund.
- How to Cancel: Email, phone, or through your booking confirmation link.
- No Questions Asked: We understand plans change—no penalties or fees.
- Weather Cancellations: Tours operate rain or shine. Full refund if we cancel.
- Rescheduling: Free to change date up to 24 hours before tour.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Access: Main pathways at Chichen Itza are accessible. Some areas have uneven ground.
- Mobility Assistance: Guide will accommodate slower pace for elderly or mobility-impaired guests.
- Service Animals: Permitted. Please notify us at booking.
- Special Needs: Contact us before booking to discuss specific requirements.
Group & Family Bookings
- Children Pricing: Ages 4-12 receive discounted rate. Ages 0-3 are free (must sit on lap).
- Large Groups (10+): Contact us for group rates and private tour options.
- Private Tours: Available for families/groups wanting exclusive experience. Min 2 people.
- School/Educational Groups: Special rates available. Educational materials can be provided.
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian Options: Always available at lunch buffet.
- Vegan Meals: Available upon request (mention at booking).
- Allergies: Notify us of severe allergies at booking. We'll inform restaurant in advance.
- Gluten-Free: Limited options available. Best to bring supplemental snacks.
Weather & Seasonal Info
- Peak Season: November-April (dry, 75-85°F, book early).
- Rainy Season: May-October (afternoon showers, 85-95°F, fewer crowds).
- Hurricane Season: June-November (rare to affect tours; we monitor closely).
- Tours Operate Year-Round: Rain or shine. Ponchos available on bus if needed.
Customer Support
- 24/7 Support: Available via phone, email, or WhatsApp.
- Pre-Tour Questions: Our team responds within 2 hours during business hours.
- Day-of Emergencies: Emergency hotline for pickup issues or last-minute changes.
- Post-Tour Feedback: We value your review! Email sent after tour for feedback.
Ready to Book Your Chichen Itza Day Tour?
Join 1,247+ happy travelers who've explored this ancient wonder with us
Pickups available from Cancún · Playa del Carmen · Tulum · Riviera Maya · Mérida
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back