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.
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking. Discover the 3 benefits of an early departure to visit Chichen Itza.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:15pm: Transportation
12:15pm – 01:15pm: Swim in Cenote Oxman or Xkeken or Samula
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
Transportation takes less than 3 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if
they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential
for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic,
crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when
booking. Discover the 3 benefits of an early departure to visit Chichen Itza.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:15pm: Transportation
12:15pm – 01:15pm: Swim in Cenote Oxman or Xkeken or Samula
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
Transportation takes less than 3 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if
they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential
for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
No previous swimming experience is required.
We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.
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.
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.
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.
Vacation305967 –
Amazing tour and tour guide!
Our tour guide was Arturo! He was absolutely amazing! Arturo was very knowledgeable, patient and kind. He also took amazing pics of me and my group I’m so glad we booked this tour it was an amazing experience! We learned a lot about the Mayan culture and the history of Chichen Itza! Since we left so early in the morning we were able to avoid all the crowds! I highly recommend this tour!
Vy –
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable way to explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, I highly recommend booking a private tour with this company. The tour was well-organised, informative, and fun!
Our guide Juan was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of the site, and he answered all our questions with enthusiasm. He also took us to some hidden spots that were not crowded with tourists, and we got to see some amazing views and details that we would have missed otherwise.
The private tour also included a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and a refreshing swim at a nearby cenote. The whole experience was worth every penny, and we learned so much about the fascinating civilisation that once thrived there. This was definitely the highlight of our trip, and we are so glad we chose this option.
Craig –
Great experience! Great gude!
We visited Chichen Izta 22 years ago and decided to revisit. Such a remarkable place. Our guide and driver were very professional and very knowledgeable. Joshua and Enrique took very good care of us. My wife has limited mobility and they made sure we had enough time to enjoy all our activities. We went to a cenote and then to a nice lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid. After that we had free time to shop and look around the main plaza.
But what sold us on this particular guide service is that they are a small local business that does it right. They will customize a tour to fit whatever you want to do. We highly recommend this company. Thanks again to Joshua and Enrique.
David –
You can’t go wrong choosing this company!
Honestly, it was an absolutely fabulous day out. Joshua (tour guide) and Enrique (driver) were great. We had the best time ever! Thank you guys
Robert –
Great family experience
Joshua was so patient with our family and provided great information on all the spots we visited but especially Chichen Itza. And our driver Rodrigo got us around safely and on time! I highly recommend starting EARLY. We left Playa del Carmen at 6:15 and arrived at Chichen Itza just before the gates opened at 8am. No lines! On our way out, a couple of hours later the line of vans and buses was sooo long. And the site was very crowded. And we got back to our hotel in time to shower and get ready for our dinner reservation. I also like that we could adjust our day as we went. We opted for more time at Chichen Itza and the Cenote (also very few people and GORGEOUS) and less time at Valladolid. I would highly recommend this tour!
Cathie –
Wonderful experience!
Juan was the best guide we have experienced! Efficient, Informative, great personality, just an overall perfect tour. My whole family was taken care of down to every little detail! I will definitely be booking another tour and will be requesting Juan! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Dylan –
Using Absolute Adventure for a Chichen Itza tour is a no-brainer. They get you there early and have a plan of attack that avoids lines and crowds as much as possible. We were appalled at the sea of humanity that was in line to get in as we were done for the day and leaving. Plus, we gained so much more knowledge than if we had been on our own.
Sanjay –
Just like they promised!
This was an incredible, personal, and educational experience. Enrique got us from place to place safely and Alex is an excellent guide. Knowledgeable and friendly. One can tell he really cares about the material and the beauty and wonder that the Mayan civilization represents. This also was NOT a tour that puts you in a position to visit stores or tequila tastings. Just exactly what they promise. The cenote is an amazing geological destination. Will definitely use Absolute Adventures again and highly recommend!
Anitha –
Private tour of Chichen Itza with Josh
We had a private tour of Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid with Joshua. Incredibly nice tour guide. Very knowledgeable. In the morning, coffee and bread was included. Lunch was included, not too bad but small portions so beware of that. Snacks and beverages were included on bus. Our tour started at 6:30 am, recommend going early before the crowds. Definitely recommend Josh.
Brady –
Juan was an amazing tour guide. He was considerate, knowledgeable, friendly, and very fun! He helped us beat the crowds of ppl and provided us an easy and awesome experience. Would 100% book with him again.
Bonnie –
Amazing and Memorable tour of Chichen Itza
My husband and I booked a private tour to Chichen Itza and what an amazing experience it was! We had the pleasure of having Alex as our guide, who is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also very interesting with a wonderful personality. We learned so much from him! The tour itself is timed perfectly, allowing for sufficient time at all of our destinations. Additionally, our driver Omar is amazing and made us feel safe the entire trip.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Claire for being super timely and responsive to all the questions I had prior to booking. We will definitely be scheduling all future tours with Absolute Adventure!
Jake –
Great tour of Chichen Itza, local cenote and restaurant/town. Tour guide and driver were incredible, would definitely recommend!
Bryon –
Incredible experiences! We had Alex (Alejandro) as our tour guide for two days and Omar as our driver. Alex knew exactly how to get us to all the sites when no one else was there and was able to work with us to pick the best cenotes to visit. The food at both the Valladolid restaruant (for Chichen) and the jungle (for Tulum/Akumal/cenotes) was AMAZING! Seriously cannot say enough about how attentive Claire was with needs like a booster seat/drinks, etc.. and how amazing our experiences were. Getting up early and having your own private van (so we could stop for snacks, etc..) and the RIGHT GUIDE is everything.
Doug –
Great trip beautifully orchestrated
We had a superb experience. We were staying at a lovely resort in Riviera Maya. We booked this trip via TripAdvisor because of the superb reviews. I had some concerns in advance because we were devoting a full day to this and needed it to be worthwhile. It was great. The tour operator (and this was run by owners, not just a broker) did a great job communicating with us in advance. We were picked up at their recommendation at 6:45 which was a great idea because we stayed just ahead of throngs of tourists on Thanksgiving Day – they were pouring in as we were leaving both Chichén Itza and the Cenote. Our guide, Carlos, was a joy. He was super knowledgeable and a great communicator (impeccable English in our case). He’d been to CI thousands of times but there was nothing rote about how he guided us during the day. CI was about 2.5 hours from our resort, so it was a long day, but it was worth it. CI is breathtaking and the Cenote experience was easy and a lot of fun. The lunch was quite good. The whole day was paced just right. Great value, great guide, great day.
Wendy –
Do things that take your breath away….
The tour from the start was great …
Pick up was on time …
No language barrier !….
The drive was great, nice roads…
JAYJAY (Juan) was great…
My family loves history and he answered all questions … I hope he enjoyed us as much as we did him!
Alexander loved his job on the tour! 😉
When we come back we will not hesitate and book with them again…
Annie H –
Glad we booked you!
Great day out learning about Mayan culture. Artura our guide and Carlos our driver were fabulous. Artura’s tour of Chichen Itza was informative and combined stories, questions and many interesting pieces of information including some basic Mayan words which were met with joy from the many stall sellers. The whole day was seamless with entry to all sites smooth and pleasant. The connote was spectacular and we had the whole experience to ourselves with one other couple… Amazing.
You get what you pay for, a personalised experience with fabulous and talented staff. We are so glad we chose to visit with you.. thank you
Emily –
One of a kind private tour
This was our second time using Absolute Adventure Mexico. We were so impressed the first time we toured with them in Tulum, we wanted to book with them for our tour to Chichen Itza. We are so happy we did! We arrived first thing in the morning, before any of the other tours, so we had Chichen Itza all to ourselves with the exception of a local dog! Our guide Arturo was great! Very knowledgeable and told us about the historical and cultural aspects of the sacred grounds, all while keeping us as hydrated and shaded as possible. Once our tour conclude, we passed thousands of other folks pouring in from the larger tours as we were exiting. Our driver Carlos stayed with the van and our belongings the entirety of our trip, while was awesome and helps ease any concerns you may have about storing your belongings. We then made our way to X’keken cenote which was underground in what would typically be considered a cave, but was actually a cenote due to the small opening at the center of the cavern. It was a bit dark and mysterious, but still a delightful swim. After we change into dry clothes, we stopped at Valladolid where we learned about the cultural significance of the city and enjoyed a delicious authentic lunch with a view of the majestic church. We walked around the city and then had free time to explore the shopping square. Once we were ready, we headed back to our hotel. It was an amazing adventure and I highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico if you’re considering a tour. You will not be disappointed that you chose a private tour where you beat all the crowds!
Stacy –
Alex and Omar – Fantastic Day in Chichen Itza! We can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed our day trip with Alex and Omar! Alex’s knowledge of the Mayan culture and Chichen Itza was amazing. He made the 2 plus hour van ride from Puerto Juarez to Chichen Itza fly by. CI was pretty busy on the day of our visit, but Alex kept us moving and knew how to avoid the crowds, without missing any of the things we wanted to see up close. Our visit to the cenote after was just what we had hoped for, with plenty of time to swim and appreciate the beauty of the place. We stopped for a delicious lunch in a quaint restaurant followed by the ride back to the ferry landing. Alex and Omar were the utmost professionals. We are a mother and young adult daughter traveling together and we felt completely safe on this tour. It was a special day and given the opportunity we would take another tour with Absolute Adventure without hesitation! Thank you Alex and Omar!
C.W. –
Amazing tour, amazing guide, skilled driver.
I can’t remember taking a better tour than our tour today with Juan as our guide. He was engaging and knowledgeable, funny and encouraged all of our questions. Chichen Itza was magical first thing in the morning before the heat and crowds. The cenote was quite and uncrowded, and Valladolid was lovely, although we were rained out before we could really enjoy everything it had to offer. We did wander into a lovely little shop that ended up as a tequila tasting. Pineapple tequila might be my new favorite! But the chocolate tequila is in the running. Our driver navigated the wet, almost flooded roads with confidence and skill. We were back to our hotel in time for a swim before dinner.
Carrie W –
The Best tour we’ve taken here! We went to Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid today. It was spectacular. Our guide, Juan, was fun and engaging as well as extremely knowledgeable. My husband, grandson, and I agree that the tour today was fun as well as informative. Juan was able to guide us through Chichen Itza in a way that ensured we were often the only visitors in any given area- it was amazing. The cenote was secluded and far from crowded. Lunch was a very good choice, and we appreciated the recommendations . We ate al fresco, in a courtyard next to the Cathedral. We got caught in a rainstorm Valladolid, but it was still very beautiful. Our drive home was very wet, but our driver, I believe his name was Carlos, handled the sometimes flooded roads with ease and confidence.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, and would definitely use them again. Thanks so much!