YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Chichen Itza Equinox

17 tour reviews

Next Equinox dates:
📅 March 21, 2027 (also visible on the 20th & 22nd)
📅 September 22, 2027 (also visible on the 21st & 23rd)

PRIVATE TOUR: Discover Chichen Itza and Witness the Equinox Phenomenon!
Experience the magic of the Equinox as the shadow of the serpent glides down the pyramid — all with your own certified guide by your side!

  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Skip the Lines: This is a high-traffic day — your tickets are ready, no waiting in line!
  • Insightful Guided Tour: Learn about the Mayan Calendar, the significance of the Equinox, and more — all from your knowledgeable private guide.
  • Capture the Moment: The perfect chance to snap unforgettable photos and videos during this rare event..
  • Set Your Own Pace: Want to linger at the pyramid or head out early? It's completely up to you.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: transportation, certified guide, entrance fees, and water — everything you need for an amazing day!

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.

Private Chichen Itza Equinox Tour

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)
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • All entrance fees and state tax
  • Cool drinks in the van (water, soda)

Price excludes

  • 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:
 8-9 hours
Physicality:
 Easy
Age:
 All ages

Itinerary options

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

Chichen Itza Equinox

  1. Chichen Itza — 165 min

Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Chichen Itza, moving at your own pace.
Want a faster tour? Free time can be reduced or skipped; your guide can adjust the pace on the day of the tour.

This tour is planned around the afternoon equinox light at Chichen Itza.
Transportation takes less than 3 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza.

What to bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for comfort during the warm afternoon
  • Long sleeves or a light cover-up — while it’s hot, you’ll be sitting in the sun for a while during the Equinox viewing
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the archaeological site
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera or smartphone to capture the incredible Equinox phenomenon

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 17 tour reviews

Showing reviews 1–9 of 17

Eddy was a fantastic guide. Highly recommend. Our third trip to Chitzen Itza and I learned more history with Eddy.

Raven · Sep 2026

Eddie so knowledgeable of every point of interest at the ruinsAnd music…. fantastic guide

Ritchey · Sep 2026

Luis Valdes and his driver were so kind and professional. Luis was very knowledgeable, personable and a complete gentleman. He helped us capture some Amazing photos from many great angles and poses. He gave us lots of drinks and even lent me an umbrella. We will love to get him again for our next myan adventure!

Keith · Sep 2026

We did the Chichen Itzá Equinox tour on March 20th 2026 this year and it was AMAZING! There were 4 of us and we were so happy we were able to book it privately, it made the experience so much better to have a dedicated private guide. We had a phenomenal time! Our tour guides name was Josh and I wouldn’t have picked anyone else…

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We did the Chichen Itzá Equinox tour on March 20th 2026 this year and it was AMAZING! There were 4 of us and we were so happy we were able to book it privately, it made the experience so much better to have a dedicated private guide. We had a phenomenal time! Our tour guides name was Josh and I wouldn’t have picked anyone else to guide us through this experience. He was so friendly, fun and knowledgeable! There wasn’t really any questions that we had that he couldn’t answer. He was very detailed in his explanations and just a pure joy to be around. He made sure we knew ahead of time about everything and made sure we were comfortable the whole time. The transportation was also comfortable and they made stops for us along the way because it was such a long drive. We really can’t rave more and would recommend this tour to everyone! Very very worth it and would definitely pick Absolute Adventure Mexico for our next adventure!

Josh · Mar 2026

Amazing tour of Chichen Itza at the spring equinox.Amazing tour of Chichen Itza at the spring equinox. Our guide Arturo was friendly and knowledgeable.

Lucinda P · Mar 2026

The Equinox tour was incredible! The perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We were in awe of the shadow effect on the pyramid! Thank you Alex

David · Apr 2025

Our private Equinox tour on March 22 was absolutely fantastic. We had a seamless experience from start to finish. The transportation was comfortable, and our guide, Juan, was a true expert. We spent time exploring all the major structures at Chichen Itza before settling down near the pyramid to witness Equinox. The shadow of the serpent was everything we hoped for and more. We loved…

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Our private Equinox tour on March 22 was absolutely fantastic. We had a seamless experience from start to finish. The transportation was comfortable, and our guide, Juan, was a true expert. We spent time exploring all the major structures at Chichen Itza before settling down near the pyramid to witness Equinox. The shadow of the serpent was everything we hoped for and more. We loved that we could go at our own pace and didn’t feel rushed. It felt so personal, and we left with so much knowledge and appreciation for the Mayan culture. If you’re considering this tour, do it! You won’t regret it.

Sarah · Mar 2025

This was one of the highlights of our trip! We chose the private Equinox tour and were fortunate to be there during such a special event. The whole day felt tailored to us, with seamless pick-up from our hotel and a comfortable ride. Our guide, Cristina, was extremely well-versed in the Mayan culture, explaining everything from the history of the site to the significance of…

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This was one of the highlights of our trip! We chose the private Equinox tour and were fortunate to be there during such a special event. The whole day felt tailored to us, with seamless pick-up from our hotel and a comfortable ride. Our guide, Cristina, was extremely well-versed in the Mayan culture, explaining everything from the history of the site to the significance of the Equinox shadow. We had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures before sitting by the pyramid to witness the phenomenal shadow effect. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Tom · Mar 2025

This private tour was amazing! We were able to see the Equinox phenomenon firsthand. The tour was stress-free, with no lines, and our guide, Arturo, made the whole experience informative and enjoyable. We even had time to relax by the pyramid and take photos while the shadow descended. It was a peaceful and memorable experience.

Jessica · Mar 2025

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Chichen Itza Equinox 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 does a private Chichen Itza Exquinox tour take?

Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 9 to 10 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. 

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?

Not really. The pick-up time is carefully planned so we can complete the full guided visit of Chichén Itzá and still be in place to observe the equinox phenomenon. Changing the pick-up time would reduce time on site, which is why we recommend keeping the scheduled departure.

Activities & facilities

Is the equinox phenomenon guaranteed?

Unfortunately, it is not guaranteed. The phenomenon depends entirely on sunlight, and if the day is cloudy, the effect on the pyramid may not be visible.

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.

Is there a restaurant at Chichen Itza, or can we grab something to eat nearby?

After your guided tour of Chichen Itza, you'll have free time to explore more or you own or to shop souvenirs. You can use this time to go to the restaurant on-site.

Alternatively, if you prefer, we can arrange a brief stop at a convenience store on the way back to your accommodation.

Please note that the express tour takes a direct route back and does not pass through towns where sit-down restaurants are located.

Can we stop at a restaurant on the way back?

This tour doesn’t include stops at a restaurant.

However, if you're interested in adding lunch, you can check out our Chichen Itza Valladolid private tour, which includes a meal at a local restaurant in town.

Is the Chichen Itza express tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the express tour is suitable for families with young children.

However, we recommend an early morning pick-up to avoid the midday heat.

The average real-feel temperature at Chichen Itza can range from 75°F (24°C) in the cooler months to 95°F (35°C) or higher in the summer.

By starting early, you can enjoy the ruins in more comfortable temperatures, typically around 75-85°F (24-29°C).

This way, you and your children can explore without worrying about the intense midday sun.

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.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for exploring the ruins—tennis shoes are ideal. Light, breathable clothing is also suggested due to the warm weather.

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

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. Valid for bookings of 3 or more adults per tour.

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 Equinox

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

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.