From Merida: Chichen Itza + Mayan Sanctuary and Cenote

This captivating full-day tour from Mérida offers travelers a chance to explore the iconic Chichen Itza and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan people. From a ceremonial welcome to a condiment-making workshop, the experience promises to be both educational and engaging. But the real highlight might just be the refreshing swim in a serene cenote – a natural swimming hole that provides a tranquil respite from the day’s discoveries. With expert guidance in English or Spanish, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mayan civilization.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Merida explores the ancient Chichen Itza site and offers a culture at a Mayan sanctuary, including a traditional ceremony and a swim in a cenote.
• The tour is priced at €126.93 per person, with a duration of 10-10.5 hours, and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transfers, traveler insurance, a buffet meal, and entry to the Mayan sanctuary.
• Key activities at the Mayan sanctuary include a tour of a traditional Mayan home, a condiment workshop, and an opportunity to swim in a crystalline cenote.
• The tour provides live guides in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
• Participants should bring essential items like passport/ID, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothing, water shoes, and a towel, while alcohol, drugs, food, and pets are prohibited.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

On a full-day journey from Mérida, this tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the renowned Chichen Itza archaeological site and a Mayan sanctuary.

Priced at €126.93 per person, the tour lasts 10-10.5 hours and provides live guides in English and Spanish. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transfers, traveler insurance, a buffet meal, and entry to the Mayan sanctuary where visitors will experience a traditional ceremony, house tour, and condiment workshop.

Participants will also have the chance to swim in a cenote with crystalline waters.

Itinerary Highlights

Typically, the tour begins with pickup at the hotel within Mérida. Travelers will then explore the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza, marveling at the iconic Kukulkan castle and other ancient structures. Next, they’ll visit a Mayan sanctuary for a welcoming ceremony, a tour of a traditional house, and a workshop on regional condiments. Afterward, they’ll have the chance to swim in a serene cenote with crystalline waters. The tour concludes with a delectable buffet meal at the sanctuary.

Highlight	What to Expect
Chichen Itza	Explore the famous archaeological site
Mayan Sanctuary	Participate in cultural activities
Cenote Swim	Refreshing dip in natural swimming hole
Buffet Meal	Savor local cuisine at the sanctuary

Inclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will receive hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary transfers and a live guide in English and Spanish. The tour also includes traveler insurance, a buffet meal, and entry tickets to the Mayan sanctuary.

Plus, the package provides:

• Participation in a traditional Mayan ceremony, house tour, and regional condiment workshop
• Access to sanitary services, showers, and life jackets at the cenote
• Lifeguard and paramedic support on-site
• Wi-Fi in the cenote area
• Entrance to the Chichen Itza archaeological zone.

Important Information

Participants must bring their passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, water shoes, a towel, a hat, a camera, biodegradable insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and swimwear.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Alcohol, drugs, food, and drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle. Smoking and pets are prohibited.

Participants should arrive at the hotel entrance 10 minutes before pickup. Expect several walking routes, and accessing the cenote may involve stairs.

Availability for starting times and participant selection should be checked in advance.

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Preparation and Accessibility

Participants are expected to arrive at the hotel entrance 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Accessing the cenote may involve climbing stairs, so those with mobility issues should consider this. The tour requires extensive walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Guests should check availability for start times and participant capacity.

The following items are recommended:

• Passport or ID
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• Towel, swimwear, and water shoes
• Hat and camera
• Comfortable clothing

Alcohol, drugs, food, and drinks aren’t permitted in the vehicle. Smoking and pets are also prohibited.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

From the hotels within Mérida, the tour provides pickup and drop-off services for participants.

This convenience ensures a seamless start and end to the day-long adventure. The pickup occurs approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, allowing ample time for participants to board the vehicle.

At the conclusion of the tour, the group is returned directly to their original pickup locations within Mérida. This door-to-door service eliminates the need for participants to find their own transportation, making the overall experience more relaxed and enjoyable.

The included hotel transfers are a valuable component of the tour, enhancing the overall convenience and accessibility for travelers.

Exploring Chichen Itza

Upon arriving at the renowned Chichen Itza archaeological site, the tour group embarks on an immersive exploration of this ancient Mayan city.

The guide leads them through the impressive structures, including:

• The iconic Kukulkan Castle, a massive step-pyramid that dominates the landscape
• The Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica, where the ancient Mayans played a ritual ballgame
• The Temple of Warriors, with its intricate carvings and columns
• The El Caracol observatory, an astronomical wonder that tracks the movements of the sun and stars
• The sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole that was once used for sacrificial offerings

The group learns about the rich history, architecture, and cultural significance of Chichen Itza, transported back in time to the height of the Mayan civilization.

Mayan Sanctuary Experience

After exploring the impressive Chichen Itza site, the tour group heads to a nearby Mayan sanctuary.

They’re welcomed with a traditional ceremony, then take a tour of a typical Mayan home.

Next, they participate in a workshop to learn about regional condiments and seasonings.

Afterwards, the group enjoys a buffet meal at the sanctuary.

The crystalline cenote on-site provides a refreshing swim opportunity, with lifeguards and safety gear available.

Throughout the sanctuary experience, travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Maya people, learning about their customs and way of life.

The sanctuary visit completes the comprehensive tour, offering a well-rounded exploration of Yucatan’s history and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Payment Methods Are Accepted for This Tour?

The tour payment methods are not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, travelers can likely pay for the tour using standard methods such as credit/debit cards or cash at the time of booking.

Can Participants Request Special Dietary Accommodations?

Participants can request special dietary accommodations, which the tour provider will accommodate. They’ll need to notify the provider in advance of any dietary restrictions or needs.

Is the Tour Suitable for Pregnant Women or Children?

The tour is generally suitable for pregnant women and children, but participants should check with the tour operator about any specific accommodations or age restrictions. The itinerary includes some walking and accessing the cenote, which may not be accessible for all.

How Are Single Travelers Accommodated on the Tour?

Single travelers are accommodated on the tour just like any other participant. They’ll join a group and can expect a shared experience with other solo travelers or small groups. The tour is designed to cater to travelers of all kinds.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks or Drinks on the Bus?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own snacks or drinks on the bus. The tour package includes a buffet meal at the sanctuary, and alcohol, food, and drinks are prohibited in the vehicle for safety and sanitary reasons.

Recap

This captivating tour from Mérida promises an immersive experience in Mayan heritage. Visitors will explore the iconic Chichen Itza, enjoy a traditional Mayan sanctuary, and refresh in a cenote, all while engaging in cultural activities and receiving expert guidance. With hotel pickup, a buffet meal, and entry fees included, this full-day journey offers an affordable and enriching way to discover the wonders of this ancient civilization.

You can check if your dates are available here: