YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Chichen Itza ruins and Valladolid

114 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: Don’t miss this exclusive private tour with a guided visit to the Chichen Itza ruins! Enjoy a stop in the charming colonial city of Valladolid and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant..
  • 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.
  • 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 ruins and visit of Valladolid Private Tour

 

How many Wonders of the World have you visited? Adding Chichen Itza to your list is a truly unforgettable experience! As the most famous Mayan archaeological site globally, Chichen Itza invites you to immerse yourself in authentic Mayan culture and history. This private tour to Chichen Itza is ideal for travelers who want the benefits of an expert guided visit combined with the freedom to explore at their own pace.

  1. Self-Paced Guided Visit of Chichen Itza

    During this self-paced guided tour, you’ll have the chance to explore every corner of the site. Your expert guide will take you to the awe-inspiring Kukulkan Pyramid, the Great Ball Game court, the Temple of the Warriors, and several well-preserved platforms that tell the story of ancient Mayan civilization. You’ll also visit the sacred Cenote Sagrado, the Observatory Area, and the oldest sections of the ruins, gaining fascinating insights along the way.

    To ensure you make the most of your visit, your guide will have your entrance tickets ready so you can skip the long lines and start exploring immediately. At the end of the tour, you’ll have some free time to browse the local stalls and shop for authentic souvenirs to remember your visit.

  2. Valladolid & Traditional Yucatec Lunch

    After exploring Chichen Itza, the tour continues to the charming colonial town of Valladolid. Known for its vibrant main marketplace and the impressive San Bernardino de Siena Cathedral and Convent—the second largest convent in the Yucatán—Valladolid offers a delightful cultural experience. Here, you will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring typical Yucatec dishes served at a local restaurant, giving you a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

    After lunch, take some free time to wander the colorful streets, admire colonial architecture, visit quaint shops, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque town.

  3. Tour Logistics & Comfort

    Your private tour to Chichen Itza begins with a convenient hotel pickup by your dedicated guide and private transportation. We start early in the day to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of cooler morning hours. Following your day of exploration and relaxation, you’ll be comfortably returned to your hotel by mid-afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to unwind or enjoy your evening.

     

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
  • All entrance fees and state tax
  • 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:
 10 hours
Physicality:
 Easy
Age:
 All ages
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 & Valladolid

  1. Chichen Itza — 165 min
  2. Lunch in Valladolid — 40 min
  3. 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 and Valladolid, 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/Valladolid.

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 · 114 tour reviews

Showing reviews 46–54 of 114

We had a wonderful tour last week. We were six adults, including one person using a wheelchair. Our tour included Chichen Itza and Valladolid. Joshua was very knowledgable and patient with us. Max was a great driver, especially during the rain storm. The lunch was of a much higher quality than expected.

Katie · Jun 2025

Such a wonderful day at Chichen Itza! Our tour guide, Joshua, was great and very knowledgeable about Mayan history and made our experience so fun! After the tour, him and his driver, Enrique, took us out for lunch to a really cute restaurant. We had a great time! Definitely recommend private tour over large group.

Anastasiya · Jun 2025

This was the highlight of our trip to Cancun. We had an amazing day at Chichen Itza! Our tour guide, Arturo, was absolutely wonderful! He and our driver picked us up on time at our hotel, and we were quickly on our way. We stopped for a bathroom break and to stretch our legs once on the way there. They offered us something to drink.…

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This was the highlight of our trip to Cancun. We had an amazing day at Chichen Itza! Our tour guide, Arturo, was absolutely wonderful! He and our driver picked us up on time at our hotel, and we were quickly on our way. We stopped for a bathroom break and to stretch our legs once on the way there. They offered us something to drink. There was a cooler in the back of the van full of all kinds of soda and bottled water. The Mexican sodas were delicious!
We got to Chichen Itza about 20 minutes before it opened, leaving us plenty of time to apply sunblock and grab more water bottles from the cooler, especially since our driver dropped us off right up front. Arturo handed us our tickets, so we didn't need to wait in any lines. We walked right in and were able to get amazing pictures without anyone else around. Arturo took great family photos of us! We didn't have to worry about not being able to hear because of a large crowd or moving at too slow or too fast a pace. We asked lots of questions and saw everything. We couldn't have asked for a better guide! We stopped whenever we wanted to look at something or go to the bathroom.
Before leaving, I asked about going to see the Sacred Cenote. It isn't something that everyone goes to see, but Arturo gladly obliged. We walked over to that area as he continued to tell us more about the history, the Maya people, and the cenote.
We left after about 3 - 3.5 hours at Chichen Itza and headed to Valladolid for a delicious lunch. Our son ordered steak tacos, while my husband and I each ordered a traditional Yucatecan dish called panuchos, which is similar to tostadas with beans cooked inside the corn tortillas. There were three to an order, so we ordered a variety with a different meat on each. It was all excellent, especially the appetizer of chips and jalapeño cream! OMG!
After lunch, we walked around the town center a bit. It was beautiful! We visited a chocolate museum, did some tasting, and of course bought some chocolate! Then our driver was waiting for us right outside the museum to take us back to our hotel.
We had such a wonderful day! I highly recommend this private tour to everyone! It's the only way I ever want to take another tour. If we are ever in the area again, I will definitely use this company again. I'd love to visit Tulum with them. I'd be so happy to have Auturo as our guide once more!

Cheryl · Jun 2025

We did the Chichen Itza tour with a stop in Valladolid. This was a fantastic experience. Josh (our tour guide) and Omar (our driver) made it a great experience. Josh was super knowledgeable and taught us so much about the cultural and historical aspects of the region. He also took pictures of us Beating the crowds made this so much more manageable. We were able…

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We did the Chichen Itza tour with a stop in Valladolid. This was a fantastic experience. Josh (our tour guide) and Omar (our driver) made it a great experience. Josh was super knowledgeable and taught us so much about the cultural and historical aspects of the region. He also took pictures of us Beating the crowds made this so much more manageable. We were able to get photos with practically no one around. No fighting for spots. The experience included some drinks and snacks as well as a stop for breakfast and lunch in Valladolid. Definitely worth the extra for us to book private but I imagine this would still be awesome without spending the extra of you don't mind sharing a ride with others.

Michael · May 2025

Great guide and tour Josh was an amazing guide, very helpful and kind. Support pre booking was great, we tried making some last minute changes and they were very helpful in accommodating however they could.

Antonio · May 2025

Chichen Itza Ruins and Valladolid ! We did the Chichen Itza and Valladolid tour. Our tour guide was Cristina and our driver was Rodri and they were both very accommodating and kind! Had an assortment of drinks for us as soon as we got in the van (sodas, juice & water) and then later got us some chips as well. As we walked around Chichen…

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Chichen Itza Ruins and Valladolid !
We did the Chichen Itza and Valladolid tour. Our tour guide was Cristina and our driver was Rodri and they were both very accommodating and kind! Had an assortment of drinks for us as soon as we got in the van (sodas, juice & water) and then later got us some chips as well. As we walked around Chichen Itza Cristina was so knowledgeable teaching us all about its history. Not only was it incredible to see but we were able to appreciate it so much more with all the information we were given. We ended the tour in a cute town called Valladolid which was the perfect way to end the tour! Will be doing another tour with them later this week!

Jack · May 2025

A fabulous visit with our highly engaging and informative personal guide, Juan. Great service from Absolute Adventure on our tour to Chichen Itza.

Christian · May 2025

An excellent Chichen Itza day trip with a great Tour Guide Arturo and driver Enrique. It was an amazing and fun day that included a visit to the Mayan site and delicious lunch in Valladolid. Highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico!!!! Thanks Arturo and Enrique!

Adam · May 2025

Family day to the pyramid What a fabulous day out . Alex was so knowledgable and gave us a history of the mayans and chichen itza. He found us shade as much as he could and had regular stops en route . Many thanks

Morag · Apr 2025

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Chichen Itza Valladolid 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 Cenote 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.

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.

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 ruins and Valladolid

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

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.