From Valladolid: Chichen Itza – Cenote – Izamal

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from the charming city of Valladolid, where you’ll discover the ancient wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. Explore the iconic Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the captivating history of the Mayan civilization. After enjoying the past, rejuvenate with a refreshing swim in the serene Yokdzonot Cenote, followed by a delicious local Mayan lunch. Finally, venture to the vibrant "Yellow City" of Izamal, where you’ll wander the charming streets and soak in the rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive adventure promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the region’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• Depart from Valladolid and visit the iconic Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Explore a remote cenote, a natural swimming hole, and enjoy a local Mayan-prepared lunch.
• Discover the charming town of Izamal, known for its vibrant yellow buildings and historic 16th-century convent.
• The tour provides efficient transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and flexibility with multiple start times.
• Inclusions cover site entrance fees, lunch, and activities, while exclusions are limited to Chichen Itza entrance and tips.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive journey through the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Departing from Valladolid, it takes visitors to the iconic Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

After exploring this archaeological marvel, the tour moves on to a remote cenote, where guests can swim and enjoy a local Mayan-prepared lunch.

The final stop is in the vibrant town of Izamal, known for its charming yellow buildings and 16th-century convent.

With transportation, guides, and some inclusions provided, this day-long adventure is an efficient way to experience the region’s cultural and natural treasures.

Tour Pricing

The Chichen Itza tour is priced at $159.39 per person, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for travelers. A "reserve now, pay later" option is available, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is valid for 1 day, with availability for various starting times.

Feature	Description
Price	$159.39 per person
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Availability	1 day, multiple start times
Payment	Reserve now, pay later
Refund	Full refund for cancellation

This comprehensive tour package offers excellent value and flexibility, catering to a range of budgets and travel preferences.

Transportation and Itinerary

The tour commences with pickup in Valladolid, where travelers board either a white van (Toyota Hiace, 14 passengers) or a white car (Toyota Sienna XLE, 7 passengers) for the journey.

The first stop is Chichen Itza, a 45-minute van ride away. There, a guided tour lasting 3.25 hours explores the site’s highlights, including the Castle of Kukulcán, the largest Ball Court in Mesoamerica, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Nunnery Palace.

Next, the van travels 20 minutes to the Yokdzonot Cenote, where travelers have 2 hours for swimming and a local Mayan-prepared lunch.

The final destination is Izamal, a 50-minute van ride, with 2 hours of free time to explore the 16th-century convent and vibrant yellow buildings.

The return to Valladolid takes 1.5 hours.

Chichen Itza Exploration

After the 45-minute van ride from Valladolid, visitors arrive at the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico.

With a local guide, explorers embark on a 3.25-hour tour, seeing the site’s rich history.

Key highlights include:

1. The iconic Castle of Kukulcán, a massive step-pyramid that dominates the landscape.
2. The largest Ball Court in Mesoamerica, where ancient Mayan ballgames were played.
3. The Temple of the Warriors, an awe-inspiring structure adorned with intricate carvings.

Visitors are free to explore the grounds, discovering the observatory and the Nunnery Palace at their own pace, before continuing the day’s adventure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cenote Experience

Following the van ride from Chichen Itza, visitors arrive at the remote Yokdzonot Cenote, where they are welcomed by the local Mayan women who have prepared a delicious lunch. Afterwards, guests have two hours to explore the tranquil cenote and enjoy a refreshing swim. The cenote is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a serene escape from the heat. Visitors can take in the natural beauty while cooling off in the crystal-clear waters.

Activity	Duration
Lunch	1 hour
Swimming	1 hour
Free Time	30 mins
Photos	15 mins
Departure	15 mins

Izamal Visit

From the serene cenote, the group boards the van for the journey to the vibrant city of Izamal. Known as the "Yellow City," Izamal’s colonial-era architecture is a sight to behold.

The tour includes three main highlights:

1. The 16th-century Convent of San Antonio de Padua, a massive yellow-walled complex that dominates the city center.
2. The vibrant yellow buildings that line the streets, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
3. Free time to explore the city’s charming streets, browse local shops, and savor the authentic Yucatecan cuisine.

With 2 hours allotted, visitors can enjoy Izamal’s rich history and vibrant culture before the return journey to Valladolid.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Chichen Itza tour package are the transportation with air conditioning, a professional certified guide for approximately 1.5 hours, free time at both Chichen Itza and Izamal, entrance to the cenote, and a local Mayan-prepared lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.

Pickup and drop-off in Valladolid are also provided. However, the tour doesn’t include entrance fees to Chichen Itza, which cost 285 MXN for Mexicans and 643 MXN for foreigners. Tips are also not included in the package price.

Guests are advised to bring swimwear, towels, sandals, sunscreen, water, biodegradable products, insect repellent, and sports shoes, as well as have breakfast before pickup.

Important Tips

When planning for the Chichen Itza tour, guests should consider several important tips.

First, it’s best to pack light and bring essentials like swimwear, towel, sandals, and comfortable walking shoes.

Second, guests should remember to bring cash for entrance fees, tips, and any additional purchases.

Lastly, it’s important to avoid bringing alcohol, drugs, or outside food and drinks into the vehicle.

Following these recommendations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during the Chichen Itza, cenote, and Izamal tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Total Driving Time for the Tour?

The total driving time for the tour is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. This includes the transportation between the various sites, with the longest drive being 1.5 hours back to Valladolid.

Are Child or Student Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour does not offer any child or student discounts. The price of $159.39 per person is fixed, regardless of age or student status. However, the tour does provide vegetarian and vegan lunch options.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized?

The tour can’t be fully customized, but the company may accommodate certain requests if possible. Travelers can discuss personalization options with the provider when booking, though availability and additional fees may apply.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Additional Private Tours?

The tour guide is available for additional private tours, offering personalized experiences tailored to the traveler’s preferences. Guests can inquire about customizing the tour or arranging a private guide for a more exclusive outing.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 14 passengers. The tour is offered in a white van that can accommodate up to 14 people, or a white car that can hold 7 passengers.

Recap

This day trip from Valladolid is a comprehensive adventure that allows you to explore the iconic Chichen Itza, refresh at the serene Yokdzonot Cenote, and wander the charming streets of Izamal. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the rich history and vibrant culture of the Yucatan Peninsula, making this an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: