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.
Scott –
Amazing group to deal with! We gave the wrong hotel pickup info and they helped us figure it out and still got our tour done without issues. Alex was incredible, very knowledgeable and passionate about the area. I’ve already recommended Absolute Adventure to friends that are planning a visit to the area.
Cruiser19304870772 –
Thank you Juan!!
This trip is so worth the money. Juan our tour guide was so incredibly knowledgeable about Mexico’s history. He made sure we got to chichen half an hour before opening, so we were able to have pictures with the pyramid with no body else there. We went the opposite way to the other groups so everywhere we went there was only us. Him and Omar (driver) took great care of us through our the day and the food in Valladolid was amazing. We set off from our hotel at half 6 and arrived back at half 3 so it wasn’t too long of a day. Can not recommend this company enough. Great value for money.
Brenda –
Creating wonderful memories
We booked a private tour to Chichen Itza, which included a cenote swim and a visit to Valladolid. The booking process was seamless: you initially pay a down payment, with the remainder due after the tour. You’ll receive a confirmation via email and text, as well as a reminder two days before the tour, which includes a request for your gear size for the cenote swim.
From the moment the tour began, it was evident that Absolute Adventures is committed to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences tailored to individual preferences. Our pickup was scheduled for 6:30 a.m., and we were collected promptly. We met Alex, our guide, and Enrique, our driver. Alex set the tone for the day by clearly outlining the expectations and itinerary. He was considerate of our time zone difference (we are from the West Coast) and respected our need to rest on the way to Chichen Itza. He was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Mayans, ensuring we had a rich and informative experience. Alex was attentive to our needs and made adjustments to the itinerary to enhance our experience. Throughout the tour, we felt secure and well cared for. The transportation was comfortable and reliable, and all activities were conducted with a strong emphasis on safety protocols.
A highlight of the day was the cenote swim at Samula Cenote, which Alex recommended. It was not too crowded and had a magical atmosphere. He gave us ample time to enjoy it. The lunch was also excellent—my son had the cochinita pibil and declared it the best on the Yucatan Peninsula. The restaurant was uncrowded and had a very authentic feel.
I would definitely take another private tour with Absolute Adventures. Their commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences truly set them apart. They ensured that our tour was nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you!
Mike –
We were absolutely amazed with the tour, the accommodations, and the sites. Our driver, Rodrigo, and our tour guide, Arturo, were the BEST! They took such good care of us and there is nothing we can suggest to improve their service. Arturo presented us with the very best experience when we toured Chichen Itza and cenotes. Arturo’s presentations were tremendous, and he is obviously very passionate about the history. Our group appreciated that we got to see and learn about all of the various historical stages of the complex as well as hearing the history of the Yucatan and Mayans. We are planning to return in the future to visit Playa del Carmen/Tulum and we hope these two gentlemen are there! Highly recommend this company and these representatives – fantastic customer service throughout the day! Thank you, Arturo and Rodrigo!!!
Ken –
A fantastic Mexican experience!
What a fantastic day! Absolute Adventures runs a top notch operation, and we were so happy with our tour guide Josh. He was so welcoming and friendly, and did everything to make sure we had an enjoyable day. From the on time pickup, to the tour he gave us filled with the rich history of Chichén Itzá, to the refreshing dip in the cenote, everything surpassed our expectations. The restaurant in Valladolid where we had lunch was delicious! Great job Absolute Adventures and Josh, keep up the great work, we truly enjoyed our day with you.
Lukas –
Our tour was guided by Juan and our driver was Omar. My wife gets carsick and we conveyed that in the notes when booking and they did everything they could to cater to that. My wife did not get sick at all the whole ride. Juan spoke very good English and made it a very involving tour. The 2 hr ride there didn’t feel like that long at all, we just chatted with Juan and asked questions and goofed around. Once we got there Juan dove deep into explaining the culture and narrative of the Mayan Culture and Chichen-Itza. So far so good my wife and i thought. After we visited Chichen-Itza Juan said it’s up to you on how long we stayed at the Cenote. So we took out time and enjoyed the underworld of the Yucatan. They took us to a kind of in the wall restaurant in Valladolid that was absolutely amazing. I got the Pollo and my wife got the pulled pork tacos. And Juan even shared some of his pazole with me since it was my first time trying it. Again I can not say more how Juan was so nice and respectful and fun and outgoing and lively. You can tell he loved his job and loved being around people and teaching people about the culture and world around the Yucatan. He was absolutely amazing. Omar is an amazing driver. You can tell they specialize in what they do. The next time we come down I will be requesting Juan and Omar to take us to Ek-Balam. I would suggest this to a couple or a family especially if you get Juan.
DML –
A Great Day
We spent an amazing day with our tour guide Alex and our driver Enrico. Everything worked like clockwork. They arrived on time and showed us a great day with lots of information and great photo opportunities at Chichin Itza the Cenote swim and then at the lunch we had at a great spot . They were professional and friendly. I would highly recommend them.
Cameron –
Amazing experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico – Chichén Itzá and Cenote
My husband and I had the most incredible day with Absolute Adventure Mexico on the Chichén Itzá and Cenote tour. From the start, our guide, Juan, was amazing. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable about Mayan culture, but he was also hilarious and made the whole experience feel personal. We had great conversations on everything from personal stories to world issues, and Juan was always accommodating and engaging.
Our driver, Omar, was wonderful as well. Although his English wasn’t perfect, he made sure to join in on the fun by communicating through Juan, which made it even more enjoyable. We felt like we were able to fully be ourselves—sarcasm and all—without any hesitation.
One of the highlights was arriving early at Chichén Itzá, which helped us avoid the crowds and heat. Juan was thoughtful enough to guide us to quieter areas, which was much appreciated, as we prefer avoiding large crowds. We were able to decide what pace we moved at as well. Juan told us we could let him know if we’d like to move through things faster. It was up to us!
I highly recommend this tour! Both Juan and Omar went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable day. They made sure we were comfortable, even accommodating our motion sickness. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour experience.
Steve –
Josh was amazing we had a great time touring chitza nitza! Thank you!!
Catherine –
Amazing private tour to Chichen Itza and cenote!
We had a great day with our guide Arturo and driver Omar! They arrived at the agreed time at our hotel and then we started the journey towards Chichen Itza. Along the way we had the opportunity to stop for coffee and use the restroom.
As we arrived early in Chichen Itza there was no line to enter and inside we were able to walk comfortably as we were there before the big tour buses arrived. Arturo was very knowledgeable and gave us the complete tour of the 3 areas inside Chichen Itza sharing fascinating facts about the Mayan civilisation. We moved at our own pace and took group pictures whenever we wanted. I also appreciated that Arturo was very respectful towards other guides waiting for our turn at different spots while other guides do not do the same.
On the way to the cenote Arturo offered us some tortas (Mexican sandwich) that were delicious and perfect after waking so much! We chose Cenote Samula because Arturo said it was normally calmer and we even got to be the only ones swimming at one moment, almost felt like our own private cenote!
The last stop was for lunch in Valladolid in a traditional Mayan restaurant and the food was excellent. This was not a touristy place just a regular restaurant with Mayan dishes that cannot be found in many places.
One thing to mention is that the driver stays in the van the whole time to we were able to leave our belongings safely there while doing the different activities.
I highly recommend this tour if you are looking for a private more customised experience, the service from the guide and driver was excellent!
Ahlam A. –
Super happy with the tour that Absolute Aventure provided. Juan was an absolute legend of a tour guide! He was super kind and knowledgeable and made the experience wonderful!
Kate P. –
Our tour to the Chichén Itzá ruins with Alex and Rodrigo was the highlight of our family’s trip to Cancun. Alex knows his stuff and we learned so much both on the drive there and at the site. When he asked what we knew about the Mayans, my nine year old shared that he had learned that they used cacao beans as currency. Alex immediately pulled up images on his iPad and told us even more about that.
At the site, Alex shared in-depth information that made the experience so wonderful. We avoided big crowds and had the time to take in this incredible place. On the way back, we had a delicious lunch and had the chance to do a little shopping. Rodrigo, the driver, got us there and back safely and made stops when we needed them. I highly recommend this tour and I’m so glad we booked with Absolute Adventure Mexico.
Daniel –
Great Company. Great Communication. Great Staff. Great Pricing.
My wife and I booked the Chichén Itzá, Cenote and lunch private tour.
The best experience from start to finish.
Our guide, Juan and driver, Omar were great.
The best part of booking a private tour is the personalized experience, and that you get to Chichén Itzá before the crowds and you get back with time to enjoy your afternoon at your resort.
Abbey –
First in line at the gate to Chichen Itza!
Incredible experience today with Absolute Adventures doing a 2-person private tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote (Oxman), Valladolid and a stop for restaurant lunch. Thanks to our wonderful guide, Josh, and our driver, Enrique, we arrived FIRST at the gate to enter Chichen Itza and managed to get several photos with no other tourists in the background. Awesome!! They picked us up at our hotel in Playa Del Carmen at 6:15AM in the morning – and we still managed to stop for free coffee/juice/pastries and a bathroom break on the way. Thanks again to our guide Joshua who taught us a lot about the history of Chichen Itza and the surrounding area! Highly recommend – do not hesitate to book!
Allison –
Incredible experience today with Absolute Adventures doing a 2-person private tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote (Oxman), Valladolid and a stop for restaurant lunch. Thanks to our wonderful guide, Josh, and our driver, Kike, we arrived FIRST (!!) at the gate to enter Chichen Itza and managed to get several photos with no other tourists in the background. Awesome!! They picked us up at our hotel in Playa Del Carmen at 6:15AM in the morning – and we still managed to stop for free coffee/juice/pastries and a bathroom break on the way. Thanks again to our guide Joshua who taught us a lot about the history of Chichen Itza and the surrounding area! Highly recommend – do not hesitate to book!
Gayle –
Very informative and fun- Worth it to get there early!
It was SO worth it to book VIP and private. We got in right as it opened so we beat all the crowds inside the ruins and the long line of cars just trying to get in the area. Seeing the ruins was an amazing experience. We went to Cenote Samula and it was beautiful and not too crowded. We stopped and had a delicious authentic Mayan dinner in Valladolid. They had a great mezcal selection as well.
Arturo was very kind, informative and respectful and had a nice soothing tour guide voice.
Omar was also a great driver.
Angela –
Chris and Enrique were wonderful. Very chill, down to earth and knowledgeable. Appreciated Chris getting us in to Chichen Itza and moving ahead of the crowds. Highly recommend this tour
Ethan –
This private tour was everything my family could have hoped for and more. Arturo was an excellent tour guide and took very good care of us. His English was great, and he did a great job communicating all of the information we needed throughout the day.
Mitch –
Chris and his team took amazing care of us, and knows how to beat the crowds!
Jamie –
We had a grear time! Definitely worth going on the private tour. Would definitely recommend!