YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour

326 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: Explore Chichen Itza with a personal certified guide, take a refreshing dip in a cenote, and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid.
  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Escape the Crowds & Beat the Heat: Skip the lines & enjoy a relaxed, stress-free guided tour.
  • Breathtaking Cenotes! Pick from Oxman, Samula or Xkeken - You’ll love the adventure!
  • Lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid: Savor authentic Mexican flavors, à la carte menu, not a buffet!
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch & more

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour – Private & All-Inclusive

 

Dreaming of visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Our all-inclusive Chichen Itza and cenote tour is the perfect Riviera Maya day trip for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. Designed exclusively for your group, this private experience blends world-famous Mayan ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and authentic Yucatec flavors—at your pace and without the crowds.

  1. Skip the Crowds at Chichen Itza with Your Private Guide

    Upon arrival, your entrance tickets are ready so you can skip the lines and begin exploring right away. With your certified private guide, you’ll discover Chichen Itza at a comfortable pace and enjoy commentary tailored to your interests.

    Stand before the legendary El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), walk the vast Great Ball Court, and learn the symbolism etched into sacred temples and ceremonial platforms. Your guide brings the site to life with insights on Mayan astronomy, architecture, and traditions that shaped this ancient city.

  2. Refreshing Swim in a Stunning Cenote

    After your journey through history, cool off in one of Yucatán’s most beautiful cenotes—either Cenote Oxman, Cenote Xkeken or Cenote Samula. These crystal-clear freshwater pools lie within dramatic limestone caverns, creating a magical setting for swimming, floating, and relaxing.

    We provide life vests for comfort and safety, and your guide shares the geological and cultural importance of cenotes in Mayan life. Whether you take a dip or simply admire the view, this stop is often a highlight of the day.

  3. Traditional Lunch & Free Time in Valladolid

    To round out the experience, we’ll visit the colonial city of Valladolid, one of the most charming towns in Yucatán. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional dishes such as cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and handmade tortillas.

    After lunch, enjoy free time to stroll colorful streets, browse local shops for handicrafts, or relax in the main square before returning to your hotel.

  4. Why Travelers Love This Chichen Itza Cenote Tour

    Private & all-inclusive: just your group and your guide, with logistics handled for a seamless day.

    Flexible pace: explore comfortably, avoid crowds, and focus on what interests you most.

    Award-winning service: trusted local team with thousands of 5-star reviews.

    Join us for an unforgettable Chichen Itza and cenote tour and see why it’s our most popular private day trip in the Riviera Maya.

     

     

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Chichen Itza entrance fees and state tax
  • Cenote entrance fee and life vests
  • Coffee and snacks in the vans
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte

Price excludes

  • Drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: If you bring a GoPro, video camera, or phone with a selfie stick, a fee of 60 pesos (about USD 3) per device is charged at the entrance to each archaeological site and must be paid in pesos (INAH fee). Drones and camera/video tripods are prohibited.
  • Tips

General Info

Private Tour:
Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:
 11-12 hours
Physicality:
 Easy
Age:
 All ages
Swimming:
 Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
Which cenote will you visit? 
The day of your tour, you can choose between Cenote Oxman, Xkeken or Samula.
What’s on the menu?
Selection of best specialities from Yucatan Cuisime… with vegetarian, fish, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Chichen Itza, cenote & Valladolid

  1. Chichen Itza — 210 min
  2. Cenote swim — 75 min
  3. Lunch in Valladolid — 75 min
  4. Free time in Valladolid — 60 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at Chichen Itza, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Discover the 3 benefits of early departure to visit Chichen Itza.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Chichen Itza, the cenote, and Valladolid, moving at your own pace.

Transportation takes less than 3 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza/Valladolid.

What to Bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 326 tour reviews

Showing reviews 199–207 of 326

Outstanding passion and service provided by Alex and Enrique. We had the most amazing time in Chichen itza and swimming in the cenote, followed by one of the best meals we had in Mexico. HIGHLY recommend.

Ninja · Jun 2024

Just the best day! Please don’t hesitate to book a private tour with the Absolute Adventures team - I can thoroughly recommend them from the amazing time we had on our trip to Chichen Itza with Alex as our guide and Enrique our driver - they were fantastic and took so much care of us, nothing too much trouble. The knowledge and passion Alex had…

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Just the best day!
Please don’t hesitate to book a private tour with the Absolute Adventures team - I can thoroughly recommend them from the amazing time we had on our trip to Chichen Itza with Alex as our guide and Enrique our driver - they were fantastic and took so much care of us, nothing too much trouble. The knowledge and passion Alex had for Mayan culture and heritage was superb and the two hour journey passed so quickly as he told us so much fascinating history to give us context for our experience. He always encouraged us ask questions, a great sign :) All the logistics were seamlessly handled and we could just relax into the day. Getting an early start meant we were at Chichen Itza before the crowds and the queues. It’s very very hot in central Yucatan and you need to be prepared for that - again, having a private tour really is a great investment if you can do it - you get to say when you’ve had enough and need to head for the shade. One of the best experiences was our swim in the cenote Samula which was cool, refreshing and quite magical. Lunch in Valladolid was delicious, in such a nice restaurant. All in all a brilliant day. Thank you so much guys, we take away so many special memories!

Liz · Jun 2024

We took three tours and JJ and Alex were wonderful guides! Scheduling was easy as well.

T. Hampton · Jun 2024

I wish I could give it six stars! On the drive to Chichen-Itza, it was early and we were all groggy, but Alex did a fabulous job of explaining all the Mayan language and history while Enrique focused on the drive and keeping us and our belongings safe. We stopped a couple of times for coffee and pastry, then a toilet break. Chichen-Itza was of…

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I wish I could give it six stars!
On the drive to Chichen-Itza, it was early and we were all groggy, but Alex did a fabulous job of explaining all the Mayan language and history while Enrique focused on the drive and keeping us and our belongings safe.
We stopped a couple of times for coffee and pastry, then a toilet break.
Chichen-Itza was of course spectacular, and Alex’s deep knowledge made the personal tour so rewarding, as he used a light pointer to show us the detail in the carvings.
We then went to a covered cenote in an underground cave which was an absolutely magical experience - drifting and floating with the cave swallows feeding in a shaft of sunlight from above. 100 percent safe (I swim like a rock, but we were all wearing life jackets, so it was utterly blissful).
The trip to Valladolid for lunch was an unexpected highlight. Beautiful restaurant with delicious food and the cocktails were easily the best we’ve had in the Yucatan.
Then a siesta drive back to PDC. :)
Such a wonderful day. I cannot recommend the private tour highly enough. Spend the money if you have it. You will come away with the kind of memories you’ll talk about for a long time.
Muchos gracias, Alex and Enrique. 🧡

Andrewlowe99 · Jun 2024

We had an amazing time on a private tour using Absolute Adventure! Alex was our guide through Chichen Itza, a cenote, and in Valladolid and Rodrigo was our driver. We all felt well taken care of and Alex taught us a lot about the Mayans while keeping things fun. Can't recommend more and when we're in the area again we'll definitely use them for a…

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We had an amazing time on a private tour using Absolute Adventure! Alex was our guide through Chichen Itza, a cenote, and in Valladolid and Rodrigo was our driver. We all felt well taken care of and Alex taught us a lot about the Mayans while keeping things fun. Can't recommend more and when we're in the area again we'll definitely use them for a Tulum tour.

Brandon · Jun 2024

My experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico was amazing!!!! Our guide, Alex, was extremely knowledgeable about Myan culture and kept us fully immersed in the experience. Our driver, Omar, made sure that we and all of our belongings were safe in travel between multiple locations. Alex knew all of the best times and routes to get the best experience at the tulum ruins and the cenotes.…

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My experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico was amazing!!!! Our guide, Alex, was extremely knowledgeable about Myan culture and kept us fully immersed in the experience. Our driver, Omar, made sure that we and all of our belongings were safe in travel between multiple locations. Alex knew all of the best times and routes to get the best experience at the tulum ruins and the cenotes. I recommend Alex and Omar to anyone looking for a magical day of swimming, sight seeing, and cultural immersion!

Megan · May 2024

Must see for history lovers This has been on my husbands bucket list for some time. He loves ancient history and I was so excited for him when we booked this tour. And it did not disappoint. Our tour guide, Joshua, is so knowledgeable and friendly. Joshua’s ability to answer all questions without hesitation was impressive. He really knows his stuff. And the ruins……breathtaking. If…

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Must see for history lovers
This has been on my husbands bucket list for some time. He loves ancient history and I was so excited for him when we booked this tour. And it did not disappoint. Our tour guide, Joshua, is so knowledgeable and friendly. Joshua’s ability to answer all questions without hesitation was impressive. He really knows his stuff. And the ruins……breathtaking. If you’re visiting Mexico, please try to put this in your itinerary. (And ask for Joshua as your guide)!

S2849G · May 2024

My husband and I were staying in Cancun hotel zone for our honeymoon and we had in our bucket list to visit Chichen-Itza. When we saw how far it was from hotel zone and it was no brainer for us to look for a private tour. Of all the websites we came across in the internet Absolute Adventure Mexico stand-up from the rest. They had…

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My husband and I were staying in Cancun hotel zone for our honeymoon and we had in our bucket list to visit Chichen-Itza. When we saw how far it was from hotel zone and it was no brainer for us to look for a private tour. Of all the websites we came across in the internet Absolute Adventure Mexico stand-up from the rest. They had the best outline itinerary, we choose Chichen-Itza, cenote, and Valladolid. They didn't have crazy add ons like other website that ended being expensive. Their website was super user-friendly, offering a great value for the cost of the tour. Also, everyones reviews were outstanding.
Our private tour started at 6am, which we recommend everyone to do this to beat the crowds and Yucatan heat. They pick-up us at the hotel and we were greeted by Alex our tour guide and Enrique our driver (if you get this two your trip will be a blast) in a spacious mini van. Our first stop was to a convenience store, to grab coffee and croissant (included in your tour). For us this was nice touch since we couldn't have breakfast at the hotel. We had our breakfast on our way to Chichen-Itza, were Alex started to introduce us to Mayan history and language. Alex, is personable, easy to talk with, and so knowledgeable. While Alex and us were chatting, Enrique did the drive and keeping us safe at all times including our belongings. Our second stop was at a pit stop in the highway, clean restrooms with convenience shop. After that we arrive to the majestic Chichen-Itza (approx. 3 hours).
Enrique, drop us right in front of the entrance. While we went inside with Alex. Enrique went to look for parking, and keep our goods safe. Meanwhile Alex give us a very knowledgeable tour, and answering all our questions. We learn so much, and were so happy that we got there before any major crowds arrive and it was not hot at all. Alex did not only guide us but also took photos of us and great ones for social media. Once we were done with our tour, Enrique pick us up with snacks and drinks (soda/water) so refreshing after walking. While leaving the parking lot we saw the big buses arrived.
After Chichen-Itza, we went to cenote Xkenken. A what a great choice of cenote! Alex provided us with life jackets. I haven't been before in a cenote that I can see the bottom. I saw catfish too! and not crowded at all we had it pretty much for ourselves. Because we could manage our time without having to wait for other people, we could choose to cut the cenote short and leave to Valladolid for lunch and shopping. For lunch we went to Paladar rest., and the food was delicious and safe for turist stomach. We had Cochinita Pibil, rice, blue corn chicken tacos with Agua de Jamaica. After lunch, we went to main downtown Valladolid, very pretty spanish-colonial town. Took photos and shop, and return back to the hotel arriving by 5pm perfect time to get ready for dinner and entertainment.
I understand not everyone can afford to pay a private tour. But, If you can afford it please do it. You will not regretted, most of the other big tour bus companies hire lower tier guides. With Absolute Adventure Mexico, they hire license guides that went through rigorous education in history, language but most importantly CPR which is very important in case of emergency. Private tours, is away to avoid wasting your precious vacation time and having the best quality time with your love ones by really getting immerse in Mexican culture.

Letzibeth · May 2024

Amazing Private Tour with Joshua While staying in Cancun, we decided to schedule a private tour to Chichen Itza and a cenote swim. The dates we were interested in weren’t available. I contacted them via email to see if they had any flexibility. They promptly responded and said they could fit us into the schedule. Joshua and our driver Omar picked us up right at…

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Amazing Private Tour with Joshua
While staying in Cancun, we decided to schedule a private tour to Chichen Itza and a cenote swim. The dates we were interested in weren’t available. I contacted them via email to see if they had any flexibility. They promptly responded and said they could fit us into the schedule. Joshua and our driver Omar picked us up right at 6am to go to Chichen Itza. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there. We arrived just before they opened and we were able to get in line before the crowds came. We were able to get an amazing tour of Chichen Itza With Joshua and he also took great photos of us. Another benefit of doing this private tour is we did not have to make multiple stops to pick up other people from other hotels. We arrived early enough that we were able to take photos without any other people in them, which was really nice. He provided in depth history about the site, culture, and architecture. After the tour, he gave us two different options for cenotes. We arrived early to the cenote which provided us time alone without any crowds. We were also able to get photos of the cenote without people there. Joshua brought us to a lovely Restaurant in Valladolid. We had a delicious lunch together and did some shopping before we started our journey back to Cancun. During transport, we were offered food and beverages as well. Overall, we had an amazing experience with a professional and friendly guide. We feel it was well worth paying a little more for a private tour. I highly recommend Joshua as a tour guide. We will definitely be using Absolute Adventure Mexico again when we are back in Cancun!

Emily · May 2024

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Chichen Itza Cenote tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide. 

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.

How long is the drive to Chichen Itza?

The drive to Chichen Itza from the coast takes approximately 2 hours and 30 to 40 minutes.

Our professional drivers always respect speed limits to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone.

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

Activities & facilities

Can we make bathroom stops on the way?

Yes, absolutely! There are 1 or 2 bathroom stops available along the way at gas stations and convenience stores, where you can take a break whenever needed.

How much walking is there at the Chichen Itza ruins?

During the guided visit at Chichen Itza, we typically spend about 2 to 2 hours and 15 minutes exploring the site.

We go at your own pace, taking breaks whenever needed to ensure your comfort.

If you wish, we can also adjust the visit to be shorter or longer depending on your preferences.

Our goal is to make the experience as enjoyable and flexible as possible for you.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Is swimming experience required for this tour?

No previous swimming experience is required.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list.

Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

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Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.