Cancun: Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid Day Trip

Discover the captivating history and natural wonders of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on this comprehensive day trip from Cancun. Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, before cooling off with a refreshing swim in the stunning Ik Kil Cenote. The journey continues with a stroll through the charming colonial town of Valladolid, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s past. With convenient transportation, an informative guide, and a delectable lunch, this all-inclusive tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the best of what this vibrant region has to offer.

Key Points

• This day trip from Cancun covers the highlights of Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid, with all-inclusive pricing ranging from $31.40 to $62.80 per person.
• The 12-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of Chichen Itza, a buffet lunch, and time to swim at the Ik Kil Cenote.
• Visitors can explore the rich history and advanced engineering of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
• The tour provides a refreshing break at the picturesque Ik Kil Cenote, surrounded by lush, jungle-like scenery and a 90-foot waterfall.
• The final stop in Valladolid offers 30 minutes of free time to appreciate the colonial town’s heritage, including its central plaza and San Gervasio Cathedral.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Embarking on a day trip from Cancun, travelers can explore the renowned Chichen Itza archaeological site, the captivating Ik Kil Cenote, and the charming colonial town of Valladolid.

This all-inclusive tour offers significant savings, with prices ranging from $62.80 to $31.40 per person. Lasting 12 hours, the tour provides hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and a guided tour of Chichen Itza.

Travelers can enjoy a live gastronomic demonstration, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore Valladolid. With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this day trip is a flexible and convenient way to experience the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Itinerary and Experience

The day trip begins with pickup from one of seven locations across Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or the Hotel Zone.

The journey then takes guests on a 3-hour bus ride to the iconic Chichen Itza site. After a 2.5-hour guided tour of this ancient Mayan wonder, the group stops for a live gastronomic demonstration and buffet lunch in the town of Kaua.

Next, they travel 20 minutes to the stunning Ik Kil Cenote, where they can swim for an hour.

Included Activities and Fees

This day trip includes a variety of activities and fees that visitors should be aware of.

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, a guided tour of the Chichen Itza archaeological site, and a visit to the Ik Kil Cenote for swimming.

Lunch and bottled water are also included.

However, there are additional fees for accessing the Chichen Itza site – 800 MXN per adult and 270 MXN per child.

Mexicans with an INE ID can enter at a discounted rate of 450 MXN per adult and 270 MXN per child.

Visitors should bring cash to cover these fees, as well as swimwear, a towel, and identification.

Chichen Itza Guided Tour

Visitors explore the rich history and architectural marvels of the Chichen Itza archaeological site during the guided tour.

The knowledgeable guide leads them through the impressive ruins, sharing insights into the Mayan civilization that once thrived here. Highlights include the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court, where Mayan athletes engaged in a ritual ballgame.

Guests have ample time to explore the site, take photos, and soak in the ancient ambiance.

This comprehensive guided tour provides a deeper understanding of Chichen Itza’s cultural significance and the advanced engineering feats of the Mayan people.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ik Kil Cenote Swimming

After exploring the wonders of Chichen Itza, the tour takes guests to the captivating Ik Kil Cenote.

This natural swimming hole is a true oasis, complete with a 90-foot (27-meter) waterfall cascading into a serene pool. Visitors have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, which are fed by an underground river.

The experience is further enhanced by:

1. The lush, jungle-like setting surrounding the cenote.
2. The chance to admire the impressive rock formations and stalagmites.
3. The ability to swim and explore the depths of this natural wonder.

The Ik Kil Cenote Swimming segment provides a welcomed respite and a chance to fully take in the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Valladolid Free Exploration

The final stop on the day trip is the charming colonial town of Valladolid, where travelers can freely explore the area’s rich history and architectural wonders.

Valladolid boasts a picturesque central plaza, the impressive San Gervasio Cathedral, and colorful colonial buildings. Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, browse local shops and markets, or stop for a bite to eat at one of the traditional eateries.

The 30-minute free time in Valladolid provides a chance to soak up the town’s relaxed atmosphere and appreciate its well-preserved heritage.

Whether it’s admiring the unique architecture or simply wandering the charming lanes, Valladolid offers a delightful conclusion to this comprehensive day trip.

Transportation and Pickup

For this day trip, travelers are conveniently picked up from 7 different locations across Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.

The bus/coach travel includes:

1. 3 hours to reach Chichen Itza
2. 30 minutes to the town of Kaua for lunch and shopping
3. 20 minutes to the stunning Ik Kil Cenote for an hour of swimming

After the cenote, the group heads to the colonial city of Valladolid for 30 minutes of free time to explore.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and all activities included, this day trip offers an efficient and comprehensive experience.

Reviews and Customer Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 385 reviews, customers have largely praised this day trip for its exceptional value and experiences. The tour’s highlights include the knowledgeable guide, the stunning Ik Kil Cenote, and the comprehensive Chichen Itza tour. While some customers desired a smaller group size for more efficiency, the majority found the tour to be a fantastic way to explore these iconic Yucatan destinations. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the customer ratings across key areas.

Metric	Rating
Guide	4.8/5
Transportation	4.6/5
Value for Money	4.4/5
Service	4.5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours offer a more personalized experience and allow you to customize the itinerary to your preferences. However, they may come at a higher cost.

What Time Does the Tour End at the Final Destination?

The tour ends at the final destination, Valladolid, around 6:00 PM. Travelers can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the colonial architecture of Valladolid before being dropped off at their Cancun hotels.

Are There Any Vegan/Vegetarian Options for the Lunch?

The tour includes a live gastronomic demonstration and buffet lunch. While the specific menu isn’t provided, the tour operator likely offers vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at Ik Kil Cenote?

Yes, there is an option to extend the time at Ik Kil Cenote. Guests can request additional time at the cenote, subject to availability and coordination with the tour guide. This allows for more swimming and exploring at this picturesque natural wonder.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Items at the Stops?

Visitors can purchase additional souvenirs or items at the stops, such as Kaua where there’s a 2-hour shopping opportunity, and Valladolid where there’s free time to explore the colonial architecture and shops.

Recap

Enjoy the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with this all-inclusive day trip. Explore the impressive Chichen Itza ruins, cool off in the stunning Ik Kil Cenote, and stroll through the charming colonial town of Valladolid, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and a knowledgeable bilingual guide. This unforgettable tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the best of Cancun’s cultural and natural attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here: