YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Chichen Itza Express Private Tour

124 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: Explore Chichen Itza with a personal certified guide, plus enjoy free time to shop for unique souvenirs and handcrafted treasures!
  • 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.
  • Capture Perfect Photos: Be the first to arrive at the best spots for stunning shots.
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, water.

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 Express Private Tour: Exclusive, Efficient, and Crowd-Free

 

How many of the New Seven Wonders of the World have you explored? Make sure Chichen Itza is one of them! As the most iconic Mayan archaeological site worldwide, Chichen Itza offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture and history. Our Chichen Itza Express Private Tour is designed for travelers who want an expert-guided experience without unnecessary extras—perfect for those who prefer a focused visit without the Valladolid or cenote combo.

  1. Skip the Lines and Avoid the Crowds

    With this exclusive express tour, your private guide will have your entrance tickets ready before arrival, allowing you to bypass long lines and start exploring immediately. We recommend an early start to beat the crowds and enjoy the site in cooler, quieter conditions.

  2. Full Access with Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace

    This tour lets you experience the entire Chichen Itza complex without feeling rushed. Visit all the key highlights—from the towering Kukulkan Pyramid and the ancient ball court to the Temple of the Warriors, the sacred Cenote Sagrado, the Observatory, and the oldest ruins—all while setting your own pace. Your guide provides insightful commentary tailored to your interests, ensuring a rich and memorable visit.

  3. Simple, Affordable, and Inclusive

    The Chichen Itza Express Private Tour includes everything essential: private transportation from your hotel, a knowledgeable guide, entrance fees, and bottled water. By focusing on the core experience and skipping additional stops, this tour offers an affordable option without compromising quality or comfort.

    At the end of your visit, you’ll have free time to browse local souvenir stands before returning comfortably to your hotel in the early afternoon. This streamlined yet thorough tour is ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Mayan history efficiently and exclusively.

     

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 Express

  1. Chichen Itza — 165 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, 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.

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

  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 124 tour reviews

Showing reviews 82–90 of 124

Chichen Itza Express Josh was our guide, he was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had! They were on time for everything it was so quick and easy to book. We ordered 24 beer for our trip from Bahia Principe Tulum to Chichen Itza and back. I would highly recommend going to Chichen Itza with this company. The private tour is by far the…

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Chichen Itza Express
Josh was our guide, he was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had! They were on time for everything it was so quick and easy to book. We ordered 24 beer for our trip from Bahia Principe Tulum to Chichen Itza and back. I would highly recommend going to Chichen Itza with this company. The private tour is by far the way to go, it was worth every penny it cost. We were able to choose our pickup time we left our resort at 7:30am and honestly that was a pretty good time to leave as the crowds were not bad at all yet. We left Chichen Itza around 11:00-11:30 or so and that was lots of time because we were back at our resort and still got to enjoy the sunlight for the rest of the day.

Dylan · Feb 2025

“The Mayans Delivered” We travel quite often including several trips to Cancun within past two years. This tour company ranks right at the top. The communication was seamless and we hit the jackpot with our Tour Guide and Driver. Arturo enlightened us with so many interesting facts of Mayan history; he is a wealth of information on these periods of civilization and has a wonderful…

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“The Mayans Delivered”
We travel quite often including several trips to Cancun within past two years. This tour company ranks right at the top. The communication was seamless and we hit the jackpot with our Tour Guide and Driver. Arturo enlightened us with so many interesting facts of Mayan history; he is a wealth of information on these periods of civilization and has a wonderful demeanor of delivery. He and Enrique, our Driver, made certain we were comfortable throughout the day, including an authentic Mayan meal in Valladolid. We will certainly use them again.

Culture02776089592 · Jan 2025

Chichen Itza private tour Joshua and Rodrigo were absolutely amazing. Joshua gave us a nuanced and insightful tour. He was able to retell the story of both the Mayan culture and how it resonates in today’s Yucatán. The tour was paced well and it was great to know we could alter (lengthen or shorten) it if needed. Highly (really!) recommend this tour!

slbax2020 · Jan 2025

Informative and relaxing! Alex and Rodrigo were excellent with our family. Alex gave us so much great information and history about the ruins. He made it work for all of us - both young and old. Lots of breaks and bathroom stops on the drive. We loved this trip!

Companion36480189793 · Jan 2025

Most Memorable Adventure Our tour guide, Joshua, was excellent! He was punctual, thoughtful and incredibly knowledgeable! We enjoyed our tour tremendously!

Patricia · Jan 2025

Don’t miss it! Alex and Omar were fantastic! We just got back from our tour and had a wonderful experience. Going early is a must because it gets crowded when the bus tours arrive. It also gets hot so we beat the heat by going early. Alex was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He made the day fun and explained everything as…

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Don’t miss it!
Alex and Omar were fantastic! We just got back from our tour and had a wonderful experience. Going early is a must because it gets crowded when the bus tours arrive. It also gets hot so we beat the heat by going early. Alex was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He made the day fun and explained everything as we went along. We learned so much and had a great time.
They picked us up at our hotel at 6am. We brought coffee and a snack for breakfast. They provided water and soda. Along the way they provided opportunities for bathroom breaks. On the way back we were able to grab lunch to go.
We visited all the ruins and Alex gave us background and history at each spot. This place is magical but Alex was instrumental in helping us connect to its rich history.
I recommend wearing comfortable supportive shoes. And don’t forget your sunblock!

Eliane · Jan 2025

Highly recommend Absolute Adventures Alex was a great guide. We saw EVERYTHING and learned so much. We arrived early and beat the crowds while we progressed at a comfortable pace. Highly recommend Absolute Adventure. Claire is a pleasure to work with.

Sarah · Dec 2024

Amazing experience at Chichen Itzá. Highly recommend Absolute Adventures We had an amazing private tour with Alex as our guide and Omar as the driver. Alex provided so much historical information and details about everything in Chichen Itzá and the Mayan culture. He was knowledgeable and friendly and provided such as great experience. They recommended we get there early, and were so glad we did.…

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Amazing experience at Chichen Itzá. Highly recommend Absolute Adventures
We had an amazing private tour with Alex as our guide and Omar as the driver. Alex provided so much historical information and details about everything in Chichen Itzá and the Mayan culture. He was knowledgeable and friendly and provided such as great experience. They recommended we get there early, and were so glad we did. Avoided the hordes of crowds that were there as we were leaving and it was peaceful and great experience. Highly recommend Absolute Adventure!!

Molly · Dec 2024

Amazing experience and guide Alex was an amazing guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable and a very nice person. The whole experience was spectacular and very memorable. Arriving early very helpful.

Aaron · Dec 2024

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Chichen Itza 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 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?

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.

Is breakfast included, or can we stop on the way to grab something?

Breakfast is not included in the tour.
However, we’re happy to make a quick stop at a convenience store on the way so you can purchase something to eat or drink before starting the activities. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks if you prefer.

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!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

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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 Express Private 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.