Chichen Itza + Cenote + Izamal – From Merida

Explore the wonders of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on this captivating 10-hour tour from Merida. Enjoy the rich history and stunning natural beauty as you venture to the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, cool off with a refreshing swim in a serene cenote, and discover the charming town of Izamal, known for its vibrant yellow buildings and cultural heritage. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you’ll uncover the secrets of these remarkable sites and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s fascinating past. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Yucatan’s highlights.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Mayan cultural highlights, including Chichen Itza ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and the picturesque town of Izamal.

• The tour is priced from $81.16 per person and includes guided experiences, transportation, lunch, and entrance fees to Chichen Itza and the cenote.

• Guides provide engaging storytelling and in-depth knowledge to enhance the immersion in the tour’s historical and cultural aspects.

• The early 6:00 am start time helps avoid peak crowds and extreme heat, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience for the small group of up to 12 participants.

• The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option for added convenience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers the opportunity to experience the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, swim in a serene cenote, and explore the vibrant colonial town of Izamal, all from the city of Merida.

Priced from $81.16 per person, the 10-hour tour includes a guided visit to Chichen Itza, a refreshing swim in a cenote, and a tour of Izamal’s highlights.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour is limited to small groups of 12 or fewer participants, ensuring a personalized experience with an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Tour Highlights and Itinerary

The tour begins with an early 6:00 am start to avoid the peak crowds and heat at Chichen Itza.

For 2 hours, visitors explore the iconic Mayan ruins, marveling at the famous El Castillo pyramid and the impressive ball court.

Next, guests dive into a refreshing cenote for a swim, seeing the region’s natural beauty.

The tour then continues to Izamal, the "Yellow City," where travelers discover the Kinich Kak Mo temple and the stunning convent of San Antonio de Padua.

Throughout the day, the small group size of 12 participants ensures a personalized and intimate experience guided by knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking experts.

Guides and Transportation

Live tour guides fluent in both English and Spanish accompany guests throughout the excursion. These knowledgeable guides are praised for their engaging storytelling and deep understanding of the region’s history and culture.

Participants travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The transportation is well-maintained and provides ample space for the small group size, which is limited to 12 participants for a more personalized experience.

With the guides’ expertise and the convenience of transportation, visitors can fully enjoy the tour’s highlights, from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the charming town of Izamal.

Inclusions and Costs

Along With the guided tour and transportation, the tour package includes a buffet lunch, bottled water, and gratuities for the staff.

The entrance fee to Chichen Itza is 674.00 MXN, and the entry to the cenote is 200.00 MXN per person. These costs are covered as part of the overall tour price, which starts from $81.16 per person.

It’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years of age. Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a change of clothes, as swimming in the cenote is part of the itinerary.

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What to Bring and Important Information

What should visitors bring and be aware of for this tour?

The tour operator recommends packing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, a camera, and biodegradable sunscreen.

It’s also a good idea to bring cash, as well as a charged smartphone.

Prohibited items include weapons, drones, tripods, alcohol, and drugs.

The meeting point is in front of Starbucks in Hidalgo Park.

Visitors should arrive on time, as the tour departs promptly at 6:00 am to avoid crowds and heat.

Exploring Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, the legendary Mayan city, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of this ancient civilization.

Visitors are captivated by the towering El Castillo pyramid, its impressive 365 steps representing the days of the year. The dramatic Grand Ball Court showcases the Mayan’s prowess in sports and rituals.

Intricate stone carvings and temples, like the Temple of Warriors and the Observatory, reveal the depth of Mayan astronomical and architectural knowledge.

Immersing oneself in this archaeological marvel allows travelers to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Mayan world.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the mysteries of Chichen Itza unfold, leaving visitors in awe.

Cenote Swimming Experience

The tour then leads travelers to a serene cenote, a natural swimming hole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock.

After the morning exploration of Chichen Itza, visitors are eager to cool off in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the cenote.

Descending into the tranquil oasis, they’re surrounded by lush vegetation and towering limestone walls. The refreshing swim provides a welcome respite from the midday heat.

Guides share insights about the cenote’s geological formation and cultural significance, enriching the experience.

With ample time for swimming and relaxation, travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonder before continuing on to the next destination, the charming town of Izamal.

Discovering Izamal

After the rejuvenating swim in the cenote, the tour takes visitors to the charming town of Izamal, a historic and picturesque destination. Explore the Kinich Kak Mo temple, an impressive pre-Hispanic structure, and the majestic Convent of San Antonio de Padua, a 16th-century monastery. Wander through the yellow-painted buildings that have earned Izamal the nickname "The Yellow City." Take in the serene atmosphere and learn about the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlight	Description
Kinich Kak Mo Temple	Impressive pre-Hispanic structure
Convent of San Antonio de Padua	16th-century monastery
Yellow-Painted Buildings	Earned Izamal the nickname "The Yellow City"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of adding extra time or adjusting the itinerary to accommodate their preferences.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can request additional activities or adjust the itinerary to focus on areas of particular interest, subject to availability and guide recommendations.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

The tour operator offers discounted group rates for larger parties. Customers can inquire about group pricing when booking the tour, which may provide savings compared to the standard per-person rate.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available, providing flexibility for travelers.

Can the Meeting Point Be Changed to a Different Location?

The meeting point can’t be changed, as it’s set at the specific location in front of the Starbucks in Hidalgo Park. This fixed meeting point ensures a smooth start and pickup for the tour.

Recap

This captivating tour from Merida offers a comprehensive exploration of Yucatan’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors will be awestruck by the grandeur of Chichen Itza, refreshed by a swim in a serene cenote, and charmed by the vibrant colors of Izamal. With knowledgeable guides and a small group setting, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience of Yucatan’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: