tour cancun a chichen itza

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza: Drive, Tour & Bus

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are one of the most spectacular sights in Mexico, and there are a bunch of easy ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza on a day trip. This place was once one of the biggest and most important cities for the Mayan civilization.

You can get from Cancun to Chichen Itza by booking a tour , driving yourself in a rental car , or taking the ADO public bus. In this travel guide, I’ll explain how to use each of these transport options, as well as their pros and cons.

Overall, it’s not very complicated to visit this wonder of the world on a day trip from any of the tourist towns in the Yucatan peninsula, and it’s also pretty budget friendly, so you should definitely add it to your Mexico to do list!

Table of Contents show 1) Where To Stay In Cancun 2) Where is Chichen Itza? 3) How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza 4) • Join A Group Tour 5) • Book A Private Tour 6) • Rent A Car & Drive Yourself 7) • Take The ADO Public Bus 8) Cancun To Chichen Itza FAQ 9) More Cancun Tours 10) Cancun Hotels

Where To Stay In Cancun

Wyndham Alltra

Hotel Bonampak

Emporio Cancun

Where is Chichen Itza?

First things first — where is Chichen Itza located in Mexico?

Chichen Itza is located in the middle of the Mexican state of Yucatan, and the distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 200 kilometers (125 miles), so it can be reached in 2 or 3 hours of driving.

The Chichen Itza ruins are located near the 16th century city of Valladolid, as well as many nice cenotes (natural sinkholes) to swim in, so there are lots of other great things to see in the area near the ruins.  

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza

• join a group tour.

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza is by joining a group tour with other travelers, which you can book online or arrange with your Cancun hotel when you arrive in Mexico.

Chichen Itza tours are very popular, so there are many companies offering them every day of the week. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning, driven by van or bus to Chichen Itza, and then given a guided tour of the ruins.

We used one of these tours ourselves and had a great experience. There are even early morning tours where you can beat the crowds and be one of the first people to enter the Chichen Itza ruins at the start of the day.

Oftentimes these group tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza also include other great sights of the Yucatan peninsula, like the Coba ruins, Tulum, Valladolid, and a swim at one or two of the many scenic cenotes in the area. These tours usually include a buffet lunch and hotel pickup / drop-off as well.

The only downside of a group tour is that you have a fixed itinerary, so you usually only get to spend about an hour or less in each location you visit on the tour. Personally, we could have stayed a bit longer, but for most people this is probably plenty of time. We tend to take a lot of photos.

In an arrangement like this, you’re also sharing the tour with a bunch of other travelers, although we didn’t mind that since Chichen Itza is going to be crowded anyway, and the bus ride is a chance to meet other travelers.

Book Now: Chichen Itza Cancun Group Tour

• Book A Private Tour

If you want to visit Chichen Itza with a tour but don’t like the idea of joining a big group, there are also private tours and small group tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza departing every day of the week.

This option is more expensive than a group tour, but if you have the budget then it can be a great way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza! This way you’ll have a private driver and a multilingual tour guide to transport you to each location and explain the history of the archaeological sites in detail.

Some of these private tours also include the nearby Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum, with buffet lunch and hotel pickup / drop-off from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, or other locations in the Riviera Maya.

Book Now: Chichen Itza Cancun Private Tour

• Rent A Car & Drive Yourself

Renting a car and driving yourself is another common way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, and it’s fairly easy as far as Mexico goes.

This arrangement gives you the most freedom to plan your schedule, and it can be very cost effective if you’re traveling with friends or family, that way you can split the cost.

The journey by car from Cancun to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 2.5 hours of driving, and the roads are in great condition. The distance is about 200 kilometers (125 miles). You can use this map for navigating to Chichen Itza, although you’ll come to the parking area a little bit before you reach the actual ruins.

You’ll be driving on the 180D highway, which is a toll road. At the time of writing, the toll is about 400 pesos (~$21 USD) each way, and it can only be paid in Mexican pesos (no credit cards or US dollars), so make sure you bring enough cash.

Along the way, you can also stop at other sites like the 16th century city of Valladolid, and the many beautiful cenotes near Chichen Itza.

Remember to book your rental car through a reputable company and take photos of the whole vehicle body to avoid any possible rental damage scams.

For Chichen Itza, keep in mind you will still need entrance tickets to visit, even if you drive yourself. It’s a good idea to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins.

Book Now: Rental Cars In Cancun

Welcome to Chichen Itza! A wonder of the ancient world.

• Take The ADO Public Bus

One of the cheapest ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza (especially as a solo traveler) is by taking the ADO bus, which departs daily from downtown Cancun at 8:45 AM and returns to Cancun at 4:30 PM.

This can be a good option if you’re a solo traveler on a budget and don’t mind a bit of extra hassle in arranging your own transportation rather than taking a tour. You can get to the Cancun bus station by taking a quick taxi or Uber.

The bus journey from Cancun to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 3 hours of driving and costs about 250 pesos ($13 USD) for a one way ticket. You can buy these tickets online at the ADO Bus website , or in person at the bus station in Mexico.

The ADO buses are clean, with air conditioning and bathrooms. Just be careful and keep a good eye on your bags and any valuables, because theft is common in the buses and at the bus terminal. You’ll also want to show up to the bus station early, because the check-in process on a busy day can be tedious and messy.

The main drawback of going to Chichen Itza by bus is that you’ll have 5 hours to walk around at the archaeological site, which may be more time than most people need. One workaround for this is to instead take the bus from Cancun to Valladolid, where more departures are available, and then take a colectivo (shared van) to Chichen Itza.

If you still have extra time left over, you could also hire a local taxi to take you to one of the cenotes near Valladolid while you’re at it! That way you get to see more places in the same amount of time.

For Chichen Itza, keep in mind you will still need entrance tickets to visit, even if you go without a tour. It’s a good idea to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins.

Book Now: ADO Bus To Chichen Itza

The Chichen Itza ruins were a highlight of our trip to Cancun, Mexico

Cancun To Chichen Itza FAQ

• What is Chichen Itza? From 600 AD to 1200 AD, Chichen Itza was one of the biggest and most important cities for the Mayan civilization. The centerpiece of this archaeological park is the giant pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo). Even though you can’t climb it anymore, it’s still a spectacular wonder of the world!
• Is Chichen Itza worth visiting? Yes! Chichen Itza is definitely worth visiting! It’s a wonder of the ancient world, and the main pyramid is really impressive. This was the highlight of our trip to Mexico.
• What is the distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza? The road distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 200 kilometers (125 miles).
• How hard is it to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun? It’s easy to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun, regardless of which kind of transport you use (car, bus, or tour).
• Can you fly to Chichen Itza? No, there’s not an airport at Chichen Itza. The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). You can shop for international flights to Mexico at Skyscanner.
• Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza? Yes, the general consensus is that it is safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza. The roads are in great condition and it’s a fairly easy route. Yucatan is the safest state in the country of Mexico, and many tourists drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza every day without any issues.
• What are the best things to see on the way from Cancun to Chichen Itza? There are lots of great things to stop and see while driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza. One of the best places to visit nearby is the 16th century city of Valladolid, and there are also many beautiful cenotes where you can go for a swim. Tour packages to Chichen Itza often include some of these sights as well. The tour we used , for example, included a visit to Cenote Saamal, which is a nice open air sinkhole where you can go swimming and take photos.
• What is the best Chichen Itza tour? Here is a high rated Chichen Itza Cancun full day group tour with pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya. We used this tour ourselves, and had a great experience!

The 16th century city of Valladolid is a great place to stop and visit on the way to Chichen Itza

• How can I go from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza? If you’re starting from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen, you have the same basic options as in Cancun. You can book a tour to Chichen Itza , rent a car and drive yourself, or take the ADO public bus.
• How many people visit Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza got 2.6 million visitors in 2017, and daily numbers can be as high as 18,000 visitors. Needless to say, it’s a very popular tourist attraction, but there’s a lot of wide open space surrounding the ruins so it doesn’t feel as crowded as you might expect. If you want to beat the crowds, get there early in the morning, and try to avoid weekends and holidays. If you want to see some other epic Mayan ruins in Central America without as many people, check out Tikal Guatemala !
• What is the entrance fee for Chichen Itza? At the time of writing, the total entrance fee for Chichen Itza is 538 Mexican pesos (~$26 USD) for adults, and kids under age 13 are free. Tour prices usually don’t include the entrance fee, so it’s something you pay yourself. You should be able to pay the fee with credit card, but it’s a good idea to bring enough cash just in case the machines aren’t working. Another thing to note is that there’s also a parking fee of 80 pesos (~$4 USD) if you self drive to Chichen Itza. I think the best thing to do is to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins. Happy travels!

More Cancun Tours

Cancun hotels.

• How To Get From Tulum To Chichen Itza (Mexico)

You may also like

How to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi, paisu pok lake in banggai: bluest lake in indonesia, samet nangshe viewpoint: best sunrise spot in thailand, 13 best traditional shrines & temples to visit in japan.

Im also a world traveler. I visited Chichin Itza a few months ago while staying in Merida Mexico. I took a public bus from centro and traveled with the nationals. Very enjoyable and cheap.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi. You link to a tour to Chichen itza leads to a list of tours on the website. Which tour and company exactly did you use? I’ll just book with them as well. Thanks.

Hi. Here is the link for the tour we used. The name of the tour we used is ‘Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour.’ For some reason the direct link isn’t working, and instead it brings up a list of tours, but the first one on the list is the exact one we used. Thanks, enjoy!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Mayan Ruins

Chichen Itza Tour

$ 189 USD -30%

Google: 4.5 - 17,870 reviews

Min 8 years old

Small Groups

Visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk among the giant pyramid El Castillo, visit the sacred cenote, and explore the ancient Mayan city led by an expert bilingual tour guide. 

Explore one of the most mysterious and intriguing archaeological sites in the Mayan Riviera on a small-group tour. 

On the ride back, delight yourself with superb and specially prepared Traditional Yucatan food. 

Tour the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza

On this day trip to Chichen Itza the epic stories and the mysterious history will come to life as you listen to our bilingual tour guide weave an enticing narrative. Embark on a journey of exploration at the awe-inspiring ancient city of Chichen Itza - once the center of the Mayan empire in Central America.

Listen as our tour guides illuminate the rich history of the Mayans at the very location where it all happened. Walk among the giant pyramids and ancient ruins that dominate the grounds of Chichen Itza, and uncover the secrets of the ancient Mayan people through a guided tour of the archaeological sites.

At the end of the day, return to Cancun or Playa del Carmen with enough time to enjoy your evening's festivities. 

Out of the many tours to Chichen Itza offered in the region, none bring the expertise and awesome amenities provided by our very own day trips here at Cancun Adventures.

Enjoy this exclusive, Mayan ruins tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Travel in the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned van. Relax on the journey back to your hotel with a delicious lunch and friendly discussion of the day’s discoveries.

If you are looking for a comprehensive excursion to Chichen Itza that fits into a single day with time to spare, this is the perfect choice for you!

What Is Chichen Itza?

The ancient city of Chichen Itza was the most important capital city of the Mayans during the Classic Period (AD 600 - 750). Many of the city's ancient ruins still stand to this day - including the famed El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcán, a massive step pyramid that dominates the city's center.

The stunning Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located deep in the Yucatan jungle and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2001, Chichen Itza was also named one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World."

Chichen Itza is one of the largest and most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and a trip to Chichen Itza should not be missed when visiting the Mayan Riviera!

Why Choose the Express Chichen Itza Tour From Cancun Adventures?

Here at Cancun Adventures, we are committed to helping travelers get the most out of all that Cancun has to offer. As Chichen Itza is by far one of the region's most breathtaking and culturally significant historical landmarks, we are proud to offer a comprehensive tour to help travelers like you experience this ancient city firsthand and learn about its rich history along the way. 

During the tour of Chichen Itza, you'll get the opportunity to take advantage of free time to stroll along the grounds to see the Ceremonial Walkway that leads to the Sacred Cenote. Marvel at the ancient pyramid, El Castillo, and explore the Temple of Warriors. Spend the day discovering the complexes of this rich archaeological site including the Great North Platform, the Osario Group and the Central Group.

The Great North Platform includes: 

• The monuments of the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo)
• Temple of Warriors 
• The Great Ball Court

The Osario Group includes: 

• The Osario Pyramid 
• Temple of Xtoloc

The Central Group includes: 

• The Caracol
• Las Monjas 

What's great about our Chichen Itza excursion is that it packs a full trip to Chichen Itza into one day, all while giving you more than enough time to return home to your hotel or condo and enjoy the evening on your own. Transportation is provided both ways.

For the region's best tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, partner with our team at Cancun Adventures and book your Chichen Itza Tour today!

What's included in this experience

• Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van from most hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen
• Professional bilingual guides
• Traditional lunch
• Light snacks
• Bottled water
• Entrance to Chichen Itza

What do you need to know before you book

• Minimum Age: 8 years. Child pricing applies to ages 8 to 11 years.
• Not recommended for guests with limited mobility
• Round-trip transportation is included from select hotels exclusively for our guests who book their tours at least 24 hours in advance
• Please consider the drive to Chichen Itza may take up to 2 1/2 hours each way, depending on your hotel's location.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent
• Extra money for souvenirs

Chichen Itza tour 50% Discount with lunch & Entrance + 2 Cenotes + Valladolid from Cancun

Recommended!

• Duration: 10 Hrs. approx.
•  Category Chichen Itza Tours, Weatherproof Tours, Most Popular
• Available:  Everyday
• Bilingual Guide:  English & Spanish
• Mobile ticket
• Pickup included

• Hotel Pick up (8 a.m. approx.)
• Buffet lunch and regional crafts (1 hr.)
• Entrance to Chichen Itza, 2 hours at archaeological zone guided and free time
• Visit 2 cenotes  Xkeken y Samula (1:30 hrs) 10 minutes walking each one
• Visit Valladolid the world-renowned magic town (15 minutes)
• Return to your Hotel 

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned van or bus
• Bilingual tour guide
• Express stop at Valladolid
• Entrance fee to Chichen Itza (All Taxes are Included)
• Two-hour guided tour at the archaeological site 
• Free time to explore the archaeological site on your own 
• Buffet lunch
• Visit 2 different cenotes

Does not include:

• Use of lockers, life jackets, or towels at the cenote 
• Any other product or service not mentioned in the inclusions list

Full Description

The chichen itza tour from cancun is one on the bucket list .

  The ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza, Mexico was one of the most prominent governmental centers in the Maya world. Constructed around 525 AD of the classic period, Mayan city was also the most important religion in the Yucatan Peninsula. Ancient history, a temple of the warriors, archaeology, culture, a sacred cenote, tales of human sacrifice, and magic await you on our Chichen Itza tours.

In addition to a visit to the Maya ruins, our adventure from Cancun to this archaeological site includes a stop in the colonial city of Valladolid, a visit to a handicrafts store, a delicious buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, and a visit to a beautiful open-air cenote (a natural fresh-water sinkhole). The Maya considered cenotes to be sacred portals to the underworld. They were also their only source of fresh water. You can go for a swim in the cenote to cool off!

Take an unforgettable Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun and discover the true wonder of Mexico's pre-Hispanic past. 

Additional information / recommendations:.

• When you make your reservation we will send you the pick-up time.
• Child rates are valid for 3-to 11-year-olds
• Children up to three years old do not pay

 You can find Chicha Itza in the UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the wonders of the world. It is surprising how the great ball court structures remain in time as a memory.

Cancellation & Refunds

• Cancellations made up to 48 hours before the service = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36 and 47 hours before the service = 80% refund
• Cancellations made between 24 and 35 hours before the service = 50% refund
• Cancellations made up to 23 hours before your service = No refund applies
• If the client simply does not show up for the tour (no show) = No refund applies

Main Location:

Any questions?

Ask our Cancun & Riviera Maya Experts!

Some of us were born here, others moved years ago to the beautiful Mexican Caribbean and we all love to explore the natural parks, the ancient Maya cities and the tropical islands in the area. Let us share with you everything we know!

Astrid Anguiano

Josué López

Fernando Santacruz

Receive our promotions

MyCancunTours.com is certified by PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council), a committee formed by the most important credit and debit card companies in the world responsible for providing the standard of security in the management of sensitive user financial data.

By complying with this standard and making internal verifications permanent to detect and neutralize new threats, MyCancunTours.com guarantees the protection of your data against hacker attacks or possible fraud attempts.

• Authenticity
• Terms & Conditions
• Leave your comments here
• Site Policies
• Privacy Policy
• My Cancun Tours Reviews
• Tours a la Mexicana
• Actions taken by MyCancunTours for COVID-19 pandemic
• Travel Guide
• What to do in Cancun?
• Things to do in Tulum
• Chichen Itza Tours
• Tulum Tours
• Isla Mujeres Tours
• Cozumel Tours
• Cancun Dolphin Swim Tours
• Cancun Eco Tours
• Cancun Adventure Tours
• Cancun Snorkeling Tours
• Xcaret Park
• Cenotes Tours
• Cancun Food Tours
• Cancun Dining & Night Shows
• Weatherproof Tours

Search your tour

The 7 Best Chichén Itzá & Cenote Tours in Cancun

Enjoy the history and beauty of chichén itzá and the cenotes with one of these tours.

Chichen Itza is one of the most interesting spots in the world, and it’s no question why it draws so many tourists each year.

Once the most populous city in the whole Yucatan peninsula, in present-day it remains an active archaeological site and home to some of the most famous Mayan ruins in the world.

The Xtoloc cenote nearby played a huge role in how prominent the city was, and is another point of interest for visitors.

We’ve taken more tours than you can imagine to bring you the best Chichen Itza and Cenote Tours in Cancun! Don’t waste your time on sub-par tours; we have those that you’ll want to take over and over again!

Best Chichén Itzá & Cenote Tours in Cancun

Quick answer: the 7 best rated chichen itza & cenote tours in cancun.

• Cancún Chichén Itzá & Cenote Maya Full-Day Tour
• Chichen Itza, Coba and Ik-Kil Cenote: Private Tour
• Cancún Classic Chichen Itza Day Tour with Lunch
• Chichén Itzá: Hubiku Cenote & Valladolid Tour
• Chichen Itzá Premium Tour From Playa del Carmen or Cancun
• Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch
• Chichen Itza Full-Day Extended Tour from Cancun

Be sure to see our reviews of Cancun Snorkeling Tours and Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours .

Chichen Itza & Cenote Tours Reviews

1. cancún chichén itzá & cenote maya full-day tour.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup included
• Departure Time:  Between 6 and 7:30 am
• Includes: Guided tour of Chichen Itza, admission to Chichen Itza and Cenote Maya Native Park, equipment required for activities, lockers, water and continental breakfast on board, buffet lunch, roundtrip transportation

If you really want to get to know Chichen Itza inside and out, we highly recommend going on an all-day tour. The Cancun Chichen Itza & Cenote Maya Full-Day Tour is one of the best adventures out there, covering pretty much everything any tourist would like to do in the area.

Starting off early in the morning, you and your group will arrive before anyone else so you get all the cool spots to yourself!

With a hotel pickup and drop-off, you don’t have to worry about leaving early to meet with your guides. They make it as convenient as possible for you, and the bilingual guides are very personable and entertaining.

Keep in mind that you will have around a 3-hour journey to Chichen Itza if you’re staying in the Riviera Maya or Cancun. Once you arrive at around 9:30am, you’ll kick off the experience with an over 2-hour tour of the archaeological site.

Just seeing it is breathtaking, and it’s hard to wrap your head around so much history. However, the guides do an incredible job of teaching you all about what “El Castillo” was used for, what it was like living there, and why it is a holy site.

Expand To See More See Less

Afterward, you’ll arrive at the Cenote Maya Native Park around 1:30pm and spend 2.5 hours here. The cenote really looks like something from another planet, and you’ll access it by heading underground by tunnel or large, wooden staircase!

As the biggest vaulted cenote in the whole peninsula, there is a slack line and “Tarzan vines” inside to make for a fun time. The jewel-green water and interesting geological formations also mean that there are many beautiful photos to be taken here.

Feel free to swim, dive, rappel, or simply take it all in. You’ll be able to enjoy a traditional menu from the area, complete with handmade tortillas!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. chichen itza, coba and ik-kil cenote: private tour.

• Departure Time: Early morning

This is yet another full-day tour that offers pickup at all hotels/vacation rentals within the entire Riviera Maya area! Be prepared to wake up early so you can make the most of your adventure! You’ll get to visit all kinds of wonders on the Chichen Itza, Coba, and Ik-Kil Cenote Private Tour !

After a couple hours of traveling, you’ll arrive at Chichen Itza before the crowds start arriving. This holy spot features incredible Mayan ruins, including the Chichen Itza Pyramid or “El Castillo”.

The 98-foot-tall pyramid is grandiose, to the point where it’s almost intimidating. There are many other places around that you’ll learn about, as well.

After, you’ll head over to Ik-Kil Cenote which was once used by the Mayans as a location for human sacrifice to their rain god, Chaac. Measuring 85 feet deep, it’s incredibly profound and perfect for taking a dive in!

This cenote features jumping platforms, ladders to get in and out of easily, and is clearly convenient for visitors. You’ll notice that there is a restaurant nearby as well, where you’ll have a delicious Mexican buffet lunch.

This is a great time to be able to try all kinds of traditional dishes without ordering an entire plate to see what you like.

After you’re refueled, you’ll head onto Coba, which also sports its own impressive archaeological site! In our experience, it was a much quieter place with fewer tourists. You can even climb the massive pyramid and look out over the lush jungle that surrounds the area!

Don’t be surprised if you see some jungle critters like monkeys or tropical birds! As Coba is not quite as developed for tourism yet as say Tulum or Cancun, there’s a lot of walking involved. With this tour however, it includes a pedicab rental so you get around in comfort.

3. Cancún Classic Chichen Itza Day Tour with Lunch

• Duration: 11 hours
• Includes: Round-trip transportation, admission to a sacred Mayan cenote, stop at a handcraft shop, buffet lunch at Chichen Itza, certified English-speaking tour guide

Next up is the Cancun Classic Chichen Itza Day Tour with Lunch , which is just slightly shorter than the previous 2 tours, at 11 hours. You’ll travel by comfortable bus there and back, with air conditioning and large windows so you have excellent views the entire time.

The guides are incredibly professional and informative, so you’re bound to see and learn a lot! Founded in 514 AD, Chichen Itza has just recently been considered as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The tour does include a hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun, so you don’t have to worry about expensive taxis or anything like that.

After a couple of hours in the bus, you’ll get to the Cenote Ik-Kil, which is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air. You’ll descend down into where the cenote lies through a wide, wooden staircase that we felt was great for most ages.

Once you get down to the deep turquoise waters, you’ll get to decide if you’d like to take a dip or simply relax on the side and take it all in.

Regardless of if you decide to go swimming or not, you’re sure to work up an appetite at this stop. Appropriately, the next stop will be at a Mexican lunch buffet with all kinds of fresh salads, veggies, chicken, fish, and many regional dishes.

As you enjoy the food, you’ll get to be a spectator to a regional dance performance, as well! If you’d like, you can also check out the shop filled with handcrafted art that makes for a perfect gift!

After you’re done with shopping, you and your group will head out to the archaeological site. Spend 1.5 hours with your professional guide who will teach you all about the Mayan people and what happened in this iconic place throughout history. After your educational tour, you’ll have some time on your own to explore around.

4. Chichén Itzá: Hubiku Cenote & Valladolid Tour

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departure Time:  8am
• Includes: Professional bilingual guide, certified guided tour of Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku, and Valladolid, lunch and drinks at restaurant in Hubiku, roundtrip bus transportation, service aide on the bus during tour, hotel pickup

The Chichen Itza Hubiku Cenote and Valladolid Tour is a wonderful selection if you’re someone who likes having more freedom when it comes to exploring. Sometimes those locked-in itineraries don’t show you everything you want to see.

This tour will show you around Chichen Itza and the Cenote Hubiku, but you decide how you want to experience it. Your trip includes a hotel pickup and drop-off if you’re staying in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.

Your guides will make you feel welcome right away, and you’ll immediately head out to the lush jungles surrounding the Hubiku cenote. This cenote lies about 20 minutes from Chichen Itza and is the perfect way to kick off the tour.

With a perfectly round shape, limestone structures, and light-letting ceiling, it’s surely unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. Meaning “nest of iguanas”, you may just come across some of the scaly creatures, too!

Afterward, you’ll stop for a traditional buffet lunch full of different Mayan dishes! Be prepared to taste various “tipico” dishes full of flavor before driving to Chichen Itza archaeological site where you will learn all about the Mayan people from around 500AD until present-day. This site is home to various ruins and the famous temple, “El Castillo”.

After Chichen Itza, you’ll head over to Valladolid, which is a hidden gem deep in the Yucatan jungle. This colonial city features colorful homes, convents, baroque cathedrals, and much more. This city features incredible food, handcrafted designs, friendly locals, and photogenic spots at every turn.

5. Chichen Itzá Premium Tour From Playa del Carmen or Cancun

• Departure Time: Between 6-7:30 am
• Includes:  Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, entrance fees, lunchbox, bottled water, beer on board the bus

If you’re ready to pack in as much as possible, check out the Chichen Itza Premium Tour from Playa del Carmen or Cancun ! This day will be full of learning, exploring, and obviously a ton of fun! With an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off, you’ll be experiencing the Caribbean in the most comfortable way possible.

You and the rest of your group will head to Chichen Itza, but before you’ll make a stop at the ecotourism center of Suytun. Here, you’ll see the Cenote Suytun, which once you descend you’ll be shocked by how magnificent it is!

It’s like some kind of Mayan underworld, which was once used for many different sacred ceremonies. You can choose to take a dip in it if you’d like, or simply admire from dry land.

Once you board again, you’ll be offered a tasty lunchbox consisting of a sandwich, fruit, fresh juice, and a dessert. Oh, they also offer bottled water and beer on the bus, which makes it that much better!

Make sure you refuel, because you’ll soon arrive to Chichen Itza, where you’ll be taken on a guided tour from a professional, bilingual guide. Learn all about ancient Maya civilization and then explore on your own. Just make sure you put on some comfy sneakers, because quite a bit of walking is involved here!

Next up, you’ll head over to the colonial town of Valladolid, which is painted with brightly-colored homes and restaurants, Baroque-style cathedrals, and much more. Once again, the guide will offer interesting facts and anecdotes about the area.

6. Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch

• Includes:  Hotel pick-up and drop off, professional guide, entrance fees, lunch, Pedicab rental in Coba, bottled water in car

If Tulum is also one of the places at the top of your Caribbean vacation list, then you’ll love our next tour. The Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch will give you an in-depth history lesson in the Mayan culture and how they used the unique architecture you’ll come across.

This 12-hour tour is one of the best ways to spend an entire day exploring and learning! You do have a hotel pickup and drop-off included, though with this tour you’ll be traveling by car: usually a Mercedes sedan that we found to be comfortable.

The tour guides are very professional and knowledgeable, not to mention speak both English and Spanish fluently. This tour will start by going to Chichen Itza, where your guide will tell you all about the history of the area and why the city fell.

The main monuments are unreal, and make you wonder how human beings were able to construct such masterpieces.

The Kukulkan pyramid temple and the columns at the Temple of a Thousand Warriors are some of the most popular places for photos, while El Caracol, “ The Snail ”, Observatory is another can’t-miss attraction.

It features a spiral staircase inside the tower which was once used by the Mayas to see the sky above the thick jungles. The Mayan people were very knowledgeable in astronomy, and these structures help them see the cosmos more closely.

You’ll then head to take a refreshing trip to the Ik-Kil cenote. You can choose to dive, dip, or simply observe here. By this time, you’re probably quite hungry, so you’ll head over to a buffet lunch full of “platos tipicos” before visiting the Lost City of Coba.

Once at Coba, you’ll explore all around this authentic city by pedicab, which will take you to the tallest pyramid temple on the Yucatan peninsula. This is one you can actually climb up if you’d like (we highly recommend it!), offering views over the entire rainforest!

After this, you’ll go check out the archaeological site of Tulum. Known for stunning cliffside views over the clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, you’ll surely enjoy this city. There are also notable Mayan ruins located here, which your guide will tell you all about.

7. Chichen Itza Full-Day Extended Tour from Cancun

• Includes:  Entrance to Chichen Itza, entrance to cenote, buffet lunch and 1 alcoholic drink, 5 drinks onboard (bottled water, beer, or soda), panoramic visit to Valladolid, certified guide at Chichen Itza

Starting off with a punctual pickup from your hotel, this tour is one of the most comfortable and convenient ways of seeing the Yucatan.

The Chichen Itza Full-Day Extended Tour from Cancun is a 12-hour tour that covers some of the most historical locations in all of the country. Including soft drinks and beer onboard, they make sure to keep you feeling great and well-hydrated!

Once picked up from your hotel, you’ll head out in an air-conditioned, luxe coach until you get to a delicious restaurant en route to Chichen Itza. This breakfast is a traditional one, that will already give you insight into the local culture! Once you arrive at Chichen Itza, it’ll be like stepping into another world.

You’ll learn all about Mayan culture and history, and will see the Kukulcan Pyramid, “ La Piramide ”, along with the Temple of Warriors. In this plaza, you’ll also come across various other important structures once used for civic and religious purposes.

After the guided tour portion, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. After learning so much, it’s great to be able to go take a look at what interests you most.

After boarding the coach again, you’ll go over to the Ik-kil cenote and have the chance to swim in the blue underground waters. Here, they’ll also teach you about what they were used for by the Mayas and why they are still considered sacred places.

At walking and swimming around, your stomach will surely start growling again, so you and your group will head to another local restaurant. After trying some local dishes, you’ll head over to a comprehensive tour of the colonial city of Vallodolid.

Travel Guide to Cancun

When to visit cancun, getting around cancun, staying safe in cancun, what to pack for your trip, it’s time to plan your trip.

Going to Cancun, even if you can only go for a long holiday weekend, should be something on everyone’s bucket list. There’s beaches to walk at sunset, attractions to visit, and even if you want to spend a whole day of relaxation at your all-inclusive hotel there will be plenty to do in the form of spa treatments and even a 9am tee time.

Oh, and don’t forget to book your snorkeling tour!

However, there are some things you should know about vacationing in Cancun before you book your trip, such as when to go, what you should be packing, and how you will be getting around the area. Let’s explore a bit of Cancun before you book your trip, shall we?

If you are looking to spend less on your trip to Cancun, you could always plan to go in the off-season. However, you risk the chance of the weather becoming a problem. It’s the off-season for a reason. Mid-December to March typically has the best weather, as well as the highest costs.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds and the biggest bill, avoid Spring break season when college students flood the area. From May to December, you will run into the highest temps as well as unpredictable rains. Early December and the whole month of April are usually good compromises for both cost and weather.

Public transportation is actually very good in Cancun. It’s clean. It usually runs on time as long as the weather isn’t a problem and the crowds aren’t heavy like during Spring break.

And, you will find that it will usually be able to take you to all of the local area attractions that you will want to visit without any issues. If you are looking to cut costs, this is definitely one place you can do it.

Don’t spend the extra money on a rental car and worry more about packing as much fun into every day you are there as possible.

Like at any beach, currents and undertows can be dangerous. If you don’t know what to watch for with the tides or how to get yourself out of a sticky situation in the water, it’s best to stay out of deeper waters.

Also, you should learn what the flags by the lifeguard towers mean. If you don’t know, be sure to ask a lifeguard to teach you beach safety. Many hotels will also have brochures about how to stay safe on the beaches.

If you go out at night – to restaurants, bars, or especially nightclubs – it is important to keep your wits about you. This is important while traveling to any tourist destination. Keep the flashy jewelry and cameras at the hotel room. Always have identification on you. And don’t drink so much that you can’t safely get back to your hotel.

You will be getting wet quite often, whether at the beach or on your snorkeling tour, and you might end up having to bring back wet clothes. Pack a few plastic bags that can tie or zip closed so that your other clothes or your suitcase doesn’t get wet.

Customs isn’t going to like seeing a suitcase that is leaking! While walking around shopping or going to the beach, you will want a tote bag, either canvas or mesh, to carry sunscreen, sandals, etc. so don’t forget to bring a beach bag.

While walking around Mayan ruins or doing some souvenir shopping, you will want walking shoes and if you aren’t traveling in them, make sure to pack them along with sandals fit for the beach. Also, be sure to pack a carry-on that will make it through both the US airport as well as the Mexican airport in Cancun. You will be going both ways.

If you plan on doing much shopping, you might want to pack an extra duffel for the extras that you will be purchasing to bring home with you. Plus, it’s inevitable that not everything fits back into the suitcase the way you packed it in the first time, so extra space might be handy.

Now that you have the low down on vacationing in Cancun and you know which snorkeling tour you’d like to take with the family, it’s time to book your flights, arrange your snorkeling adventure and start packing!

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best Cancun Chichén Itzá tours to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a tour I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Remember; be safe, and stay within your limits and most of all enjoy your time in Cancun!

Tour Guides

The Cancún Chichén Itzá & Cenote Maya Full-Day Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best tour.

Robert Baker

Related articles, 🤿 the 5 best cancun snorkel tours [2024 reviews], 🤿 the 5 best cozumel snorkel tours [2024 reviews], 🐋 the 5 best whale watching tours in cabo san lucas [2024 reviews], the 5 best cabo san lucas atv tours [2024 reviews].

• Tours & Excursions /

Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour

• Description
• What's included
• Additional Info

For those wishing to visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza with style and comfort this tour is a great option. We will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel in Cancun and Playa del Carmen from 7 AM and 8 AM.

Onboard a luxury bus you will enjoy a continental breakfast as we head to the colonial city of Valladolid for a panoramic visit. During the tour a bilingual guide to tell you everything about the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and why this is one of the most amazing prehispanic sites discovered so far. You will know about their knowledge of mathematical, astronomy and architecture. During the visit at the archaeological site you will see the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors among many other buildings. This tour also includes a visit to the exclusive Cenote Selva Maya where you can cool off in the water and get amazed with its beauty, we will be there for 45 minutes. Finally enjoy a delicious authentic Mayan lunch at "Pueblo Maya" restaurant. At approximately 4:45 PM we will board the bus back to the hotel.

• Round trip transportation in hotels located from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
• Continental Breakfast onboard the bus.
• Visit to Selva Maya Cenote where you can swim
• Entrance fees to Chichen Itza and Selva Maya
• Bilingual Tour Guide on the bus and at the Archaeological site (Time free after the guided tour)
• Lunch (beverages not included)
• Drinks onboard the bus including Beer, coffee, water and soft drinks
• The bus is equipped with air conditioned and restrooms
• Children between 4-11 years old pay children rate. Children under 4 are free
• This tour is available daily.
• The use of video camera inside the archaeological site has an additional cost (5 usd)
• Bring comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Extra cash for additional drinks, souvenirs, etc
• Round trip transportation in hotels located from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Exact time of your pick-up will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we do not have pick-up for a specific hotel or location will be sent you the nearest meeting point where pick-up is available
• Cancellations made 48 hrs before = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund.
• Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hrs before = no refund.
• No show = no refund

Overall rating: ( 5 Reviews)

Xenotes Tour

Xplor Fuego Tour

Bonanza Horseback Ride

Jolly Roger - The Pirate Show

Book online and save, select service, participants information, date and schedule.

• Chichen Itza Tour Classic
• Chichen Itza Tour Plus
• Chichen Itza Tour Deluxe
• Chichen Itza Tour Diamante
• Private Chichen Itza Tour
• Luxury Chichen Itza Tour
• Premium Chichen Itza Tour
• Chichen Itza Tickets
• Chichen Itza Maps
• Chichen Itza Ruins
• Chichen Itza History
• Chichen Itza Hotel
• Mayan Calendar
• Mayan Predictions

CHICHEN ITZA LUXURY TOUR FROM CANCUN

About the Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun.

With the Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun you will enjoy a full day on your own (with your party) to visit CHICHEN ITZA and whatever you want to do at your own pace… BUT with a Suburban.

Make your trip to Chichen Itza in style spending a whole day with the people you care about traveling in a Suburban from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum all the way to Chichen Itza.

With the Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun you can start the day at the time you want… you want to make it early? Let’s pick you up at 6:00 AM (Chichen Itza opens at 8 AM) So you can be one of the firsts to come in to the Ancient Mayan City. Regular tours arrive at around 10 or 11 AM. Or you can also make it later… There is a light and sound show in Chichen Itza that starts at about 7 PM and this would be perfect to go see it, of course leaving later from Cancun, probably at around 1 or 2 PM.

With the Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun you’ll be able to enjoy one of the 7 new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza was named like one of the 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 and it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

You can get to Chichen Itza Early in the morning so you probably do a little less time in the Mayan Archaeological Site, but just remember it is a big place.

Get to know the ancient histories of the Chichen Itza Ruins, why there were built and its purposes. Discover all the Chichen Itza Buildings like El Caracol, The Temple of the Warriors, The Great Ball Game, and Chichen Viejo.

After visiting Chichen Itza you can go to any place have lunch, you can either follow the recommendation of the driver or go anywhere you might have heard of near Chichen Itza. You can find lots of buffet places that has the cenote right there…

Depending of your choice of restaurant, if the cenote is not right there, you can also choose any cenote you’d like to visit, or visit more than one, just remember that you might want to swim in them and this will take time…

At the end of the Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun you’ll be able to visit Valladolid Yucatan, a great Colonial town with lots of things to visit and do. You can have a sightseeing tour with your Suburban, going around the town, checking out the main Plaza where you’ll see the Cathedral and the colonial buildings.

As a tip to remember, this is a private Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun , this means this is only for you, the Suburban SUV is only for you, so you can go anywhere you want on the area of the Tour spending the time you decide on each activity, probably more time in the ruins… or more time in Valladolid… or visiting more cenotes… You have about 10 hrs in the tour.

Get the most out of your journey to Chichen Itza with this Chichen Itza Luxury Tour from Cancun , Book your Chichen Itza Tour Now!

• Not Included

What is included in the Luxury Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Round trip air-conditioned luxury transportation exclusively for your group in a Suburban.
• 2. English speaking driver.
• 3. Toll Road and Parking fees at Chichen Itza.
• 4. Cooler with ice, purified water & beers.
• 5. The tour includes 10 hours so you can go wherever you want on the tour route.

Not included in the Luxury Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Food & Beverages at the restaurant.
• 2. Entrance fee to the Cenote.
• 3. Entrance fee to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.
• 4. Guide in Chichen Itza.

Recommendations

Remember that with the Luxury Chichen Itza Tour you can use your time as you wish within the time frame included (about 10 hrs). You can spend more time in Chichen Itza or at the Cenote or in Valladolid…

• 1. Carry a certain amount of cash with you for products and services not included in the package.
• 2. Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags. This is always better, however with the Luxury Chichen Itza Tour you can leave your stuff in the Suburban.
• 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses.
• 4. Bring a hat or a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• 5. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
• 6. Bring a towel and swimsuit.