Playa Del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Tour

The "Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour" promises an immersive journey through the ancient Mayan world. Exploring the iconic Chichen Itza, swimming in the serene Cenote Samula, and discovering the charming town of Valladolid, this 12-hour adventure offers a well-rounded cultural experience. While the tour receives generally positive reviews, some travelers have noted areas for improvement, leaving one to wonder whether this excursion strikes the perfect balance between convenience, value, and authentic engagement with the region’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• This 12-hour excursion from Playa del Carmen offers a guided tour of the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza, a swim in the Cenote Samula, and exploration of Valladolid.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a regional lunch buffet, and a bilingual guide, and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the tour include learning about the history of Chichen Itza, swimming in the stunning Cenote Samula, and discovering the colonial architecture and local markets of Valladolid.
• Customers have provided mixed reviews, with positive feedback on the cenote experience but complaints about the long travel time and poor lunch quality.
• Recommended items for the tour include swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a change of clothes, with an emphasis on hydration and sun protection during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most iconic destinations.

Priced from $62.90 per person, the 12-hour excursion departs from Coco Bongo and is available in both English and Spanish. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, guided visits to Chichen Itza and a local cenote, as well as time to explore the charming town of Valladolid.

Travelers will also enjoy a regional lunch buffet and have access to a bilingual guide throughout the experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Round transportation from Cancun and Playa del Carmen provides convenient access to the tour’s key destinations. Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city, offers a guided tour of its iconic Temple of Kukulcan and Temple of the Warriors, allowing visitors ample time to explore and capture memorable photographs. Next, the tour takes participants to the serene Cenote Samula, where they can enjoy a refreshing swimming experience while donning life vests provided. The final stop is the charming town of Valladolid, where guests can enjoy local crafts and markets during the 75-minute visit.

Destination	Duration
Chichen Itza	2 hours
Cenote Samula	1 hour
Valladolid	75 minutes

Chichen Itza Experience

At the heart of the tour lies the magnificent Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city that captivates visitors with its striking architectural marvels.

The guided tour allows guests to explore the iconic Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, and the impressive Temple of the Warriors.

Highlights of the Chichen Itza experience include:

• Marveling at the impressive scale and grandeur of the ancient ruins
• Learning about the rich history and cultural significance of the site
• Capturing stunning photographs of the iconic structures
• Enjoying free time to wander and take in the site’s atmosphere

With ample time allotted for exploration, visitors can truly appreciate the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cenote Samula Swim

Following the swim at Chichen Itza, the tour takes visitors to the enchanting Cenote Samula. This natural sinkhole offers a refreshing swimming experience amidst stunning limestone formations. Guests are provided with life vests and have one hour to explore the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the lush vegetation surrounding the cenote.

Feature	Description
Access	Included in the tour package
Duration	1 hour
Amenities	Life vests provided
Atmosphere	Lush vegetation, limestone formations

The Cenote Samula swim is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Valladolid Exploration

The tour then takes visitors to the historic town of Valladolid, where they’ve roughly 75 minutes to freely explore the local sights and experience the vibrant culture.

Travelers can:

• Wander through the charming colonial-style streets, admiring the colorful buildings and architecture.
• Browse the local artisan markets, showcasing a variety of handcrafted goods and traditional Mexican souvenirs.
• Visit the striking Catedral de San Gervasio, a 16th-century cathedral with its distinctive yellow façade.
• Sample traditional Yucatecan cuisine at one of the town’s quaint eateries, seeing the local culinary traditions.

This segment of the tour allows guests to delve deeper into the authentic character of Valladolid and gain a better understanding of its cultural heritage.

Included Amenities

The tour package includes several amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Visitors will have access to the cenote, a natural swimming hole, to cool off and explore the area’s unique geology. A regional lunch buffet is provided, allowing travelers to sample the local cuisine.

The tour is led by a bilingual guide, ensuring clear communication throughout the day. Plus, the preservation tax for both adults and children is included in the package price.

Drinks and tips are also covered, removing any added expenses. These comprehensive inclusions aim to create a hassle-free and immersive tour for participants.

Important Information

Travelers should bring their swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a change of clothes, as well as weather-appropriate clothing for the tour.

The tour provider isn’t responsible for any forgotten or lost items. It’s important to note that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

While the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice, you can expect:

• A guided tour of the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, including the Temple of Kukulcan and Temple of the Warriors
• An opportunity to swim in the Cenote Samula, with a life vest provided
• Exploration of the town of Valladolid and its local crafts and markets

Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during this immersive 12-hour experience.

Customer Feedback

Based on the customer feedback provided, this tour seems to have mixed reviews.

While the swimming experience at the cenote was positively noted, the tour received an overall rating of only 2 out of 5 stars.

Common complaints included the long travel time, poor quality of the lunch, insufficient information provided in Valladolid, and issues with service differentiation.

Customers expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the tour, suggesting room for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

Unfortunately, there’s no indication in the tour overview of any available upgrade options. The package appears to be a fixed itinerary with the listed amenities, without the ability to customize or enhance the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes a regional lunch buffet, so bringing your own meals is not necessary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions. Participants of all ages can join the tour, but children may need to be accompanied by an adult. Life vests are provided for the cenote swimming experience.

Is There an Option to Add Additional Activities or Stops to the Itinerary?

According to the tour overview, there doesn’t appear to be an option to add additional activities or stops to the pre-set itinerary. The tour follows a fixed schedule with specific sites and durations listed.

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. Customers can reserve the tour and pay later, providing flexibility for their travel plans.

Recap

The Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore Mayan history, cool off in a refreshing cenote, and discover the charm of Valladolid. While the tour receives positive reviews for the swimming experience, some travelers note areas for improvement, particularly regarding travel time and the quality of the provided lunch. The tour provides a comprehensive experience for those seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: