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..
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 12:30pm: Transportation
12:30pm – 02:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
02:30pm – 04:30pm: 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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 12:30pm: Transportation
12:30pm – 02:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
02:30pm – 04:30pm: 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.
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!
It was a very good idea to come there early. There was not many people and we went to all around the temple. Chris explained everything very clear with humor ofcourse 😊 the cenote was very great and also not full. The local food in Valladolid was very delicious. Gonna book again for sure with Absolute adventure Mexico 🇲🇽
Incredible site with unbelievable history. Truly one of the great wonders of the world. This trip was made even more special by our guide, Juan. His knowledge and gifted personality made an amazing day even more remarkable.
We loved Chichen Itza and its gorgeous pyramid. Arturo shared plenty of information with us and took pictures during the tour. We went at our own pace, no rushing. Top Notch tour with Arturo! For sure I will recommend Absolute Adventure tours and hire this company again when coming back to Cancun!
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You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
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.
Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal. 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.
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.
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Manjeet –
We had an amazing experience w Joshua who was our guide! He was v sweet and also told us a lot about the history of the Mayan’s and ruins!
Roxanna –
What an incredible experience!!! We spent an entire day with our extremely knowledgeable tour guide Joshua (and our amazing driver Kike). Joshua did an incredible job of explaining and sharing his knowledge of Chichén Itzá and the Mayans. There were plenty of options on the tour itself (like touring the cool little center of Valladolid, something we weren’t expecting). We definitely felt like we were getting a real deal experience without any extra worries.
Katie –
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.
Anastasiya –
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.
Cheryl –
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!
Michael –
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.
Antonio –
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.
Jack –
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!
Christian –
A fabulous visit with our highly engaging and informative personal guide, Juan. Great service from Absolute Adventure on our tour to Chichen Itza.
Adam –
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!
Morag –
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
Jennifer –
This is a must book while visiting the area! We took the guided tour to Chichen Itza and had the privilege of getting Arturo as our guide and Enrique as our driver. Arturo was so informative of all questions and provided us with so much valuable information. Enrique was a great driver! Both made sure we were taken care of the entire time!
Daniel –
Awesome private tour!
Trip was amazing. Picked us up from our hotel and went straight to Chichen-Itza. Stopped
for lunch after, and was the best meal of the trip. Arturo was great. Highly recommend.
Jim –
Long Day But Pyramids Well Worth It
Our tour guide, Christina, was excellent. Very knowledgeable, energetic, and lots of fun. Very open to varying the pace for our family, which ranged from 11 to 75. She was particularly solicitous of my wife who was using a walker. Lunch after the tour at a local Yucatán restaurant was a perfect way to catch up at the end of the day. Highly recommend these guys.
Read4ever –
Three private tours – each one awesome!
My husband and I went on 3 tours with Absolute Adventure Mexico during our one week stay in Mexico – this is not something that we usually do, but the reviews were great and we were looking for simplicity. Communication with Claire was amazing, she answered all of our questions and the booking went flawlessly. We saw Chichen Itza, Coba ruins and Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve, Tulum ruins and one cenote. Each trip included a lunch at a local restaurant – each one fabulous. Our guides Joshua and Juan and drivers Enrique and Omar were wonderful. A very heartfelt thank you to Joshua who turned the Cenote outing into a wonderful experience, your kindness and support was greatly appreciated for that outing! We had a great time with each trip and arrived early at all ruins (by the time we left, it was busy!). Highly recommend booking with Absolute Adventure Mexico – whenever we return, we will book again!
Lizzie –
Cristina is a fabulous tour guide and made accommodations for all of the abilities in our group. She engages kids and teens by asking questions and creating space for curiosity. Lunch was fabulous!! Rodrigo is a hospital and safe driver. Highly recommend!
Ainsley –
This was such an adventurous experience thanks to Christina and Rodrigo! The Pyramids were a sight for soar eyes and you get to learn and see the greatest things! And the party doesn’t end there because you get to eat an amazing meal at the end! I would definitely recommend!
Andrew –
Cristina and Rodrigo were wonderful. We really enjoyed our day with them and they made everything easy.
klorenz10 –
Seeing a wonder of the world in style!
This was an amazing tour! We were picked up at our hotel by Omar (our driver) and Juan (our tour guide). Juan, took us all over the Chichen Itza site. We zoomed past the crowds and got in before most people were able to. By doing this, we were able to get some amazing pictures of the ruins! After seeing this beautiful wonder of the world, we went to lunch at a very nice restaurant at a nearby town and did a little shopping in a colonial square. I cannot recommend this tour enough. Just a great experience through and through!
Richard –
Arturo was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks so much!!!
Dean –
We booked our tour to Chichén Itzá on Feb 4, 2025 and had one of our best tours with our guide Joshua and driver Omar. They picked up our group of four at our resort lobby a few minutes before the appointed time of 6:15 am. We stopped for a coffee and pastry a few km’s down the road (paid for by tour company) and then stopped for a bathroom break about half-way to the ruins. Omar was an excellent driver and we never felt in danger on the road. As we neared the ruins, Josh gave us a quick overview of what to expect as we arrived and asked if there was anything in particular we wanted (or didn’t want) to see. We weren’t interested in shopping for any souvenirs but wanted to see and learn as much as we could. Our early departure time meant that we arrived shortly after the gates opened, and having a guide allowed us to bypass the already lengthy lines and get into the site quickly. We were able to get couples and group photos with little to no people in the background. Josh carried an I-pad loaded with images of details of the pyramid and other structures, including pictures of carvings and paintings inside the structures. He was also very knowledgeable of the various stories and legends associated with the different buildings and carvings. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Chichén Itzá. When we were finished at the ruins, we were taken to Valladolid for lunch at Paladar De Cura. Lunch was also included in the tour price (we only paid for our drinks which were very reasonably priced). We all had amazing meals there, and were able to get to know Josh a bit better and learn more about the region. After a quick stop at the town center square, we were on our way back to the resort. What we appreciated the most was that we were never pressured to buy any trinkets, shop anywhere we didn’t want to or do anything we didn’t want to. We felt very much in control of our day. We would definitely use them again!
Dylan –
Had a private tour to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. Rodrigo and Joshua promptly picked up at 6 and headed out. We were among the first at Chichen Itza and the weather was perfect. Joshua gave us a nuanced and insightful history of this magnificent place. Our lunch was delicious and unhurried. Rodrigo was professional in getting us to our destinations. What made it so worth the money was leaving Chichen Itza just as all the large busses started rolling up. We would never have learned as much as we did had we taken a big bus tour.
Shirley –
Joshua was absolutely amazing. He gave a nuanced and insightful telling of Chichen Itza’s history. We were thrilled to be leaving as all the buses started to arrive, having spent a very intimate two hours at the site with just a small handful of others. Worth every penny! And Rodrigo our driver was an ace on the roads getting us smoothly delivered to our destinations.
Arturo –
Great private tour of Chichen Itza
Easy hotel pick-up, driver and tour guide were great. Guide speaks English well and engaged with adults and tweens on tour. Shared great knowledge about Chichen Itza, history, time for pictures, etc. Lovely lunch in nearby town. Private tour, clean van with ample seating, good AC, water and snacks.
Tifany –
Loved our early private family tour of Chichen Itza!
Wonderful private tour with our guide, Joshua, and driver, Enrique. From our perspective, the service and knowledge provided allows us the ease to soak in what you want to experience as they handle all logistics and expertise in subject matter.
The tour was Chichen Itza and lunch/time in Valladolid.
Even my older kids who hate getting up early did say it was worth getting up early so we could enter and appreciate Chichen Itza before the massive crowds. We stayed in Playa del Carmen and our pick up time was 6:15am. There was a mix-up on where to meet as our hotel (Aloft) had the main lobby upstairs and one downstairs so I was worried that our guide wasn’t in the lobby (as we had taken an Absolute Adventure tour earlier in the week and that person had met us there.) It might be worth reaffirming this with the company the day before if your hotel has different lobbies. However, after this, all went smoothly and there were no issues.
On the trip to Chichen Itza, we stopped for coffee and pastries. It was nice the gas station had a coffee machine that had an option for cappuccino and expresso.
Our family appreciated the opportunity to access Chichen Itza earlier before all the big tours and crowds and Joshua shared interesting stories and knowledge about the Mayan culture so we could learn an incredible depth of information about Chichen Itza. From our past experiences and in our opinion, guides make the difference in your experience of a place. Joshua’s enthusiasm and knowledge shone through!
The most photographed structure is a Mayan calendar system. To hear it was built without metal tools and possibly with obsidian rock is fascinating. Joshua spoke in details about the different structures, and we gained an understanding about the Mayans’ life and their incredible knowledge of astronomy. There were so many structures and symbols to learn about – including the ball court. There is an opportunity for your group to either continue learning more about the Mayans/Toltecs or if you would like to shop from the hundreds of vendors onsite. We chose to continue walking Chichen Itza and hearing more about the people who lived there at one point of history. I also liked being told that there are Mayans living in Mexico today.
As we walked out of Chichen Itza to the parking lot, we passed many vendors with their table of wares. Often, vendors would blow on a jaguar “whistle” and the sound would always startle me a bit. I think the vendors are mostly Mayans. Joshua shared that tourism is one of the top 3 industries in Mexico (agricultural goods is another and can’t remember the last one). If I was someone who collected “stuff,” I probably would have taken some time to purchase something from one of those local vendors.
Valladolid was interesting to see as it has a colonial Spanish feel. Lunch was very good and in lovely restaurant that seemed popular with locals – as it was not close to the main square/church. The menu offered a nice variety of options. After lunch, Enrique drove us to the main square and Joshua did share some ideas of things we could do including a Museum of Chocolate. I think if you had an idea of what you would like to do, then you could request more time. As we didn’t have something in mind, we walked through the church and wandered a few streets before getting some ice-cream.
Thank you, Joshua, for being our guide and sharing your knowledge in such a way that it was engaging, inviting and fun! We also want to acknowledge Enrique for his skills as as driver and managing the snacks/drinks! They were committed to our experience and contributed to all loving Chichen Itza.
Absolute Adventure Mexico was easy to work with in booking the trip, timely with thorough communications (email and What’s App) and exceeded our expectations!
Chris –
Wonderful tour of Chichen Itza. Tour guide Chris was friendly and had lots of local knowledge to share. Omar was a safe and dependable driver. Also had lunch and did some shopping in Valladolid before heading back to the resort. Overall a great full day tour. Highly recommend the company and leaving early to beat the tour bus companies. Chichen Itza can have over 10k visitors a day.
Kathryn –
We had a really wonderful experience in Mexico this December with Absolute Adventure Mexico.
Our first tour was to Chichen Itza and a cenote with a lunch in Valladolid. Our tour guide Arturo was extremely knowledgeable about the Mayan ruins and answered lots and lots of questions that we had about all kinds of things that were not necessarily part of the tour “script”. He made suggestions about the best things to do and even advise us on ways to improve some of the other experiences we were planning to have in Mexico. He stopped at a convenience store so that we could buy a waterproof case for our phone when we realized that we wanted one for our tours. He made suggestions about a special drink we could try during our lunch. We really enjoyed our time with him and the attentive and tailored experience we had.
Our second tour was to swim with the sea turtles at Azumal and another cenote and lunch with our tour guide Juan.
Our driver on both days was Enrique and he did a great job. We felt very confident with his excellent driving and it was lovely that he stayed in the vehicle to guard all of our things so that we could have unencumbered time swimming and doing activities without worrying about our personal items. He was always very helpful with getting us drinks and getting our equipment for each activity.
We thought it was very nice to be with a local family-owned Mexican business and we found the service to be top notch both emailing with the co-owner Claire and spending our days with the driver and tour guides. We were recommended this company by a friend and we will be recommending it to others anytime we have the opportunity.
I would also note that the prices were quite comparable if not cheaper than some of the big companies that have you in a group with a whole bunch of other people – whereas this was a private tour where we got personalized service, never felt rushed and got to guide our own way to some extent. We would not hesitate to come back again and again anytime we come to this area of Mexico.
Nikkia –
We had an amazing private tour with Arturo and Enrique! Everything went perfectly and was our favorite activity from our trip to Playa Del Carmen. Would highly recommend!
James –
Happy family trip
The guide was very patient with my children and we had a great time~ Thank you for the detailed explanation of Mayan history.
Neil –
Great day at Chichen Itza with a knowledgable and friendly guide
We had a great day as a family and with our guide Joshua. He was fantastic with our two children – especially as they had lots of questions for him throughout the day. Joshua was very knowledgable , sharing a lot of history about the Mayans and Mexico. We set off early and arrived just before Chichen Itza opened so didn’t wait too long to enter the site. Food at Paladar de Cura in Valladolid was fantastic too.
Laura –
Absolutely fantastic company!
I booked online for the first available date for the private Chichén Itzá tour. I wanted something sooner, so I emailed and the owner Claire made arrangements for us to go sooner.
We chose a private tour because we are tired of the stops at other resorts, loud and/or possibly annoying people in the bus, and high pressure sales stops.
From the moment our guide Arturo and our sweet driver arrived, I knew the day would be peaceful and great.
Arturo’s knowledge of the Mayan civilization is phenomenal! We had such a great, informative, and peaceful tour of Chichén Itzá. Arturo is like an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile, very laid back, easy to talk to, and incredibly intelligent. Well traveled!
Another reason why we chose this particular company and your was the lunch option. Instead of the mass crowd Buffet most tours offer, Arturo took us to a fantastic restaurant in Vallodid, where we ordered from the many and it was included in the price. The food was authentic and delicious, and we got to have a great conversation with Arturo.
I will absolutely recommend and continue to book only private tours with this great company, and I will always request Arturo.
Fabulous day! 5+ stars all day long.
T.N. –
Our first tour with Absolute Adventure was Cichan Itza Ruins and Valladolid. The three of us were picked up at our hotel early in the morning and our guide, Juan, was already there when we came down from our room. On the way to Chichan Itza, we stopped for coffee and breakfast snacks for the ride. We were among the first people to enter Chichan Itza and Juan took us straight to the pyramid to get pictures before the crowds arrived.
We then started the tour at a point to best learn the history of the site and the Mayan Culture. Juan was extremely knowledgeable about both and knew how to navigate Chichan Itza so that we were alone for several of the locations. Juan explained what the different parts of the sites were used for and about the symbols used in the architecture. He pointed out many features we would most likely have missed had we not had a guide. We also learned about the language, counting, beliefs and more. We were there in May, during a heatwave, so it was quite hot by the end of the tour. Juan notified our driver when we were on the way back to the van so it would be cooled down and cold water would be ready.
From Chichan Itza, wo went to Vallodolid, where we had lunch at restaurant we never would have chosen on our own. We ordered a traditional Mayan pork dish, cochinita, and a local beer recommended by Juan. Both were delicious. We were then given time to explore the city with no time limit. Throughout the day, Juan answered all of our questions and filled us in on the Mayan Culture, as well as the current culture. My family and I highly recommend this tour.
Julie –
From the moment we booked to dropping us off the experience was great with this company. Very easy to deal with, flexible with a couple of changes and nothing was too much trouble. The actual experience was fantastic, early start but you are rewarded by beating the crowds, we literally had the place to ourselves and as we were leaving crowds of people where queuing to come it.. great van, guide and very well organised. Shout out to Juan who was awesome, him and my husband got on like a house on fire! Defo recommend this company.. thank you for for making it such a great experience
James T –
The absolute best. Took us early and beat all the crowds.
Gisela –
Maya Civilization
We did a private Chichen Itza ruins and Valladolid tour with Alex and Enrique.
It was amazing!
Alex is very knowledgeable and explains the greatness of the Mayan civilization easily.
Enrique is a good driver, and both made my elderly mother feel appreciated.
I highly recommend this adventure.
Galen –
Phenomenal Experience! Chichen Itzla
100% recommend this tour! Our guide Alex was beyond amazing and our driver Enrique got us there comfortably. Worth the cost to travel privately rather than on a big charter. Better service, better experience. Ask for Alex!
Leanna –
Joshua, our guide, and Omar, our consciously driver, were prompt, courteous and attentive. Van was clean, tour guide knew his stuff and they had our best interest during our travel. Communication with the office in setting things up was efficient and helpful. We had a great time!
Jellybean –
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico. My family (myself, husband and our 2 teenage sons) did the Tulum – Cenote tour and the Chichen Itza – Vallodolid tours. We loved our tour guide Juan and our driver Enrique. We all had a great time and my older son said that the Chichen Itza trip was his favorite thing we did in Mexico. Juan was very knowledgable and able to answer all of our questions. He knew all of the best spots to get photos; we would do that first and then he would give us information about the sites we were visiting.
Enrique was fantastic as well; we felt safe with him driving and leaving our belongings in the van. He was prompt whenever we needed to be picked up from our stops. It was so convenient to be picked up and dropped off directly from our hotel. We left the hotel early both days and Juan and Enrique were waiting at the appointed time. It is well worth it to leave early and get to the sites early. We were practically the first ones at Tulum and Chichen Itza and able to get photos without a bunch of people in the background. We had the beautiful cenote Nicte-Ha to ourselves most of the time we were there.
Lunch on both tours was delicious and Juan’s recommendations were spot on.
I had initially booked the Tulum Express tour but modified it to add one cenote and lunch via email. Communication with Claire, the co-owner, was quick and seamless. Would definitely use this company again if we are back in the area!
Kacey –
Five stars!!
This is the best way to see Chichén Itzá! We got there early before all the crowds and got to enjoy the site when it was still peaceful. Alex was a very knowledgeable guide who provided us with thorough details about Maya culture and Chichen Itza. We were so grateful that he was with us so we didn’t have to worry about buying tickets, finding a good place to eat, or finding restrooms. Claire was very accessible and responsive when we needed to make last minute changes. We also went to Tulum, Cobá, and cenotes with Alex on another day of our trip and loved that day too. Omar and Rodrigo were very safe drivers, and we were happy to let them drive so we didn’t have to worry about renting a car, driving, or parking. Private tours with Absolute Adventures is the way to go. We will definitely use them if we go to Cancun again!
Christine –
We did two tours through Absolute Adventures with a group of 12 people. It was very easy to make the arrangements. During the tours, our guide provided us with great information and insights. We learned a lot, saw beautiful sites, and were well-taken care of.
Michelle –
TLDR; this is an excellent business to book your private tour with.
We found this business on another booking site with very little reviews. I took a chance and looked them up on their direct website and Google page where they had so many great reviews. Our morning started early (6:15am) and we stopped 30 minutes into the drive for a gas station breakfast of pastries and a beverage (coffee, juice, etc), along with water in the van. It was well worth the early start to get to the pyramid right when they opened. Their sample itinerary showed 2.5 hours at Chichen Itza (which seems like a long time but it flew by!), chips and water before a 45 minute drive to your choice between two cenotes (it was refreshing, we only felt like staying 30 minutes), lunch in Valladolid with our guide (at a mid-high scale restaurant), and 15-30 minutes in their historic town center with lots of options for shopping. We were back at our hotel by 5:30pm.
They had many methods of payment, spoke great English for our teen (who is the history buff and wanted to learn the most), took care of all payments at each stop (which was nice to not have to figure out where to buy tickets, just get handed your ticket and walk right in), and drove safely. The best part was that our guide Joshua and driver Omar took such good care of us. We beat the crowds at each stop and just felt so at ease leaving our belongings in their care. I can’t wait to pass along their info to each person I know going to the Playa del Carmen area.
*one last note, about Mexico specifically, bring a $5 peso coin for bathrooms. We needed it at the gas station and was lucky I had it handy.
Rudy –
his was our first trip to the Yucatan peninsula so we wanted to book something that would really help us get to know the area, history and culture of the area and its people. While there were many tours and options to pick from, ultimately, we decided on Absolute Adventure, due to the nature of the package that was offered that had what we wanted to experience, while staying there.
While we expected to receive a tour guide showing us the sights and talking about the usual historical information of the area we were visiting, what we actually got was SOOO…MUCH…MORE!! 😀
Our tour guide Alex, was fantastic and we definitely recommend him to anyone looking to book this tour, in the future. Not only did Alex take us on an adventure, he was incredibly insightful about the area, the subject matter, and really made us feel the cultural connections to the area. Most of all, he was a great, ‘down to earth’ kind of guy. While very professional, he seemed authentic and that was what we appreciated most.
Rudy –
This was our first trip to the Yucatan peninsula so we wanted to book something that would really help us get to know the area, history and culture of the area and its people. While there were many tours and options to pick from, ultimately, we decided on Absolute Adventure, due to the nature of the package that was offered that had what we wanted to experience, while staying there.
While we expected to receive a tour guide showing us the sights and talking about the usual historical information of the area we were visiting, what we actually got was SOOO…MUCH…MORE!! 😀
Our tour guide Alex, was fantastic and we definitely recommend him to anyone looking to book this tour, in the future. Not only did Alex take us on an adventure, he was incredibly insightful about the area, the subject matter, and really made us feel the cultural connections to the area. Most of all, he was a great, ‘down to earth’ kind of guy. While very professional, he seemed authentic and that was what we appreciated most.
Mike –
These guys are excellent and patient and understanding. They do things per your request. They are knowledgeable especially Juan Jose and Carlos the driver is an excellent driver we felt safe and he helps you get in and get out of the van. They were an excellent team. I have to use a cane and they helped me and were generally very concerned about my wellbeing the whole time. I can’t say enough good things about these two guys. Excellent says enough. I asked for a certain drink for my trip and it was ready in the van. So nice to have expert service.
Jeanne –
Amazing tour! Our tour guide, Arturo, was awesome. He was knowledgeable and made sure everything was going well for us throughout the tour.
William –
My wife and I love history and we also wanted to explore Mexico, not just stay on the resort. We booked this a little nervous not knowing really how it would be spending an entire day with a stranger…Man I can honestly say this was the best part of our vacation. Alex and Omar were awesome. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone coming here. Alexis knew a ton and had the timing for the whole trip down perfectly.
For anyone scrolling this is a real review.
Alex and Omar, thank you guys.
You genuinely made this vacation.
Lady B –
Amazing tour and guide!
We had an amazing time going to Chichén-Itzá and Valladolid with Absolute Adventure!
Arturo was our guide, and we got there just as the park was opening. Because we were there before the crowds, we were able to get photos with the temples as backdrops — and no one else around. Basically had the park to ourselves for a while, which was valuable!
We learned so much about the ancient city from Arturo, who was able to point out aspects of the temple and history that we would have completely missed had we been in the park on our own. We then went to Valladolid for a fantastic lunch, and got to walk the city on our own for a bit — stopping off in a beautiful old church at one point.
If you are in the Yucatán Peninsula, make sure you book a tour worth Absolute Adventures! It’s worth taking a private tour and not to be missed!
Mark –
We loved our private group excursion to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. Dulce and Arturo were very professional and accommodating and led us on an excellent tour. Rodrigo was a great driver as well.
Stephen –
We went on two tours with Absolute Adventure Mexico. Tulum, Turtles & Snorkelling and Chichen itzá & Valladolid. On both trips Alex was our guide and Carlos our driver. I can’t recommend the trips highly enough. Alex was a fantastic guide and Carlos a courteous driver. The Chichén itzá trip was great. We got there early and spent 3 hours there with expert commentary from Alex. He’s also a great photographer and took amazing photos of us together. Tasty Mayan lunch at a picturesque courtyard next to the church in Valladolid, but didn’t get much time to explore the city.
Stephen –
Our trip was absolutely awesome and will be remembered for a lifetime. It was our 34th anniversary and we couldn’t have spent it in a better way. Our guide, Dulce was extremely knowledgeable and informative throughout the ruins and the colonial town we visited for lunch, she even convinced the waiter to let us order from the breakfast menu, which was delicious. Omar, our driver, was very cautious navigating traffic on the busy roadways while also delivering us in a timely manner. Have already recommended this tour to friends/family and will do so in the future!!👍
OJay07 –
Exceeded expectations! Thank you Alex and Carlos for an amazing time on our private tour of Chichen Itza. It was one of the best days of our holiday. As Alex says a private tour is more like friends, relaxed and personal. You can ask lots of questions. There wasn’t a question Alex didn’t know the answer to. So much knowledge about the history of not just Chichen Itza but Mexico in general. We arrived to Chichen Itza early which was great because we were ahead of the crowds and could get great photos. It was worth setting off at 6am. Plenty of water on the mini bus to keep us refreshed. Honestly couldn’t fault the tour and will definitely use Absolute Adventure again if we return to Mexico.
Jessica –
I highly recommend Absolute Adventure tours! I planned a large group tour (30 people) to Chichen Itza and from the very first email they were professional and easy to work with. The day of the trip they were punctual for pick up, and our guides Alex and Dulce were incredible, so nice, and made sure everyone had a great time, and their history/tour on Mayan history was so interesting. The restaurant lunch was very tasty and in front of a beautiful cenote. Everyone had an amazing time and I will use them again the next time we are in Tulum. Highly recommend!!!!
Alex –
We LOVED our Chichen Itza tour and would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone! It was an incredible day and was exactly what we were looking for. Hands down, the highlight of the trip had to be our Tour Guides Alex and Omar.
Alex was incredibly knowledgeable, took great care of us and really made the day that much more special. We’ve already recommended our friends reach out to Absolute Adventures and request Alex on their trip to Tulum in November.
Thanks so much Alex, Omar and Absolute Adventures!
Jamie –
Loved our tour with Juan 😉 worth every penny and not really too much more than a group tour but you are able to arrive at Chichen when the gates open and walk around with very few people. Juan was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He conveyed the history of the site in an engaging and funny manner and we really enjoyed our day with him. Bonus points for managing to take a nice photo of us 🙂 Would highly recommend!
A.R. –
Dulce (guide) and Omar (driver) were excellent. Dulce had answers to all of our questions and they were both very accommodating. The lunch stop had excellent food — be sure to stick to the Mayan section of the menu for a treat.
Lisa –
Juan is very knowledgeable on Chitchen Itza. We learned a lot about the Mayan culture. It was a great experience. This was our third adventure with Absolute Adventures and our tour guide, Juan. He is awesome! Looking forward to more!
gumbisdad –
Great trip to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. Juan was excellent as always and very knowledgeable. Great idea to go early. Very crowded and 10 degrees hotter than Cancun.
Aine –
Best way to see Chichen Itza
Photos from Chichen Itza and Valladolid tour March 2, 2022. We were staying at a hotel in Playacar. Our guide, Juan, made the trip so fun and informative! Our driver, Josue, got us safely and conveniently to each stop and was always waiting with cold drinks and snacks. This was the second of two tours we took with Juan and Josue and they were the highlights of our time in Mexico!
We were picked up at 6:00 am at our hotel. This made all the difference in our experience because there were were among the first to enter Chichen Itza and had the chance to take photos without other tourist in the pictures and were also wrapping up before it got too warm to enjoy the site. The restaurant in Valladolid was outstanding!
Meghan –
What an amazing trip! Absolute adventure Mexico knows how to give a proper tour. Daniele our tour guide was so knowledgeable, friendly and fun to hang out with! If you want to have a fun and stress free trip I highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico!
Ashley –
Well worth it to have a private tour! No picking up others at different resorts and you choose the pace of the tour! From the time of booking the staff has been very helpful and communicative. We scheduled pick-up at 5:30 from Riviera Maya, but I would recommend 6 instead. We got coffee and a light breakfast at a gas station shortly after pick-up . From there the ride was enjoyable, we asked a lot of questions and got to know our guide Daniele and driver Jesue, but we could have slept if we wanted to. We were offered drinks to take into Chichen Itza and again drinks and snacks when we got back to the van. We went to Valladoid for a wonderful lunch in an outdoor garden setting with some time to shop around the city square. Our tour guide Daniele was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our driver Jesue was very kind and respectful. We had such an enjoyable time and look forward to our tour of Tulum in a few days! Many thanks!
Liezel and Marco –
It was a very good idea to come there early. There was not many people and we went to all around the temple. Chris explained everything very clear with humor ofcourse 😊 the cenote was very great and also not full. The local food in Valladolid was very delicious. Gonna book again for sure with Absolute adventure Mexico 🇲🇽
gpsd –
When I first booked the private tour it felt a little pricey. After having the full experience, it ended up being a great value! Having private transportation for a 2.5 hour drive is worth the price alone. Daniele and Pascual were friendly and knowledgeable. COVID protocols were in place and respected (everybody wore masks in the van and sanitizer was provided). We did do the recommended pickup time of 6:30 AM. We ended up getting to Chichen Itza right as it was opening and avoided large crowds and the heat. Well worth the early wake up call. Daniele gave us a guided tour of the site full of interesting facts about Chichen Itza and Mayan culture. It was ultimately up to us how much time we wanted to spend on site before heading off to Valladolid. We liked having the flexibility. The trip to Valladolid was fairly quick, but enough to see the Zocalo, do some shopping and have a nice lunch. The cost of lunch was included in the tour price and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend booking any of these private tours and would use this company again the next time I am in the Riviera Maya.
Karla –
Our party of 12 had an amazing experience. Chris and Daniele were our guides and were accommodating to both the young and old (our group was from ages 69 to 8). After Chichen Itza, we were taken to a great lunch in Valladolid right in front of the town square and next to the beautiful colonial church. I highly recommend Absolute Adventure and will be using them again the next time we are in the Riviera Maya.
khess –
My boyfriend and I just got back from Mexico today, and did the Chichén Itzá private tour. The experience all around was an absolute 10/10. Our tour guide Chris was knowledgeable, professional, and just an all around nice person to spend the day with. The extra money spent for this tour was more than worth it! We got to Chichén Itza early, and were able to have the place mostly to ourselves before hordes of people and tour buses started arriving. This was also beneficial as it was a hot day, and we beat the heat. There is very little shade available at the site. It was so nice to have a personal guide to take us around, explain the history, and answer our questions. The cenote that we visited was breathtakingly beautiful. I cannot describe it and do it justice. Though it was further away from Chichén Itza, it was worth the drive. It was not crowded at all. We got to spend a lot of time there and take it in. Throughout this trip I never felt rushed anywhere. By going to Valladolid I felt like we got to experience a more authentic experience in Mexico. I felt safe the entire time. We also had ample time in town to eat, shop and relax. The restaurant we stopped at was excellent, and the old Spanish architecture of the buildings was beautiful. Also, our driver was excellent as well and kept all of our belongings safe while we were out enjoying the sights. I plan on booking with Absolute Adventure again in the future, and would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
Kristen G –
We took the private tour to Chichen Itza and Valladolid today. Our guide picked us up promptly at 6am. We stopped for coffee (included) and were on our way. The driver also stopped whenever we needed to for restroom breaks as it is a bit of a long drive.
Once we got there, our guide was very knowledgeable about the ruins. What was most impressive was his own excitement and passion for Mayan culture. I loved that we were able to arrive right when the site opened. We were one of the first people there, so our photos are impeccable and without other tourists blocking our view of the ruins. You can tell that he truly enjoys the tours and talking about the history. The restaurant in Valladolid that was chosen for us was amazing. He recommended what to order and our meal was perfect. Valladolid is such a beautiful city and I’m so glad it was included in the tour.
Both our guide and driver were professional, safe and accommodating to our needs. 10/10 would take a tour with Absolute Adventure again.
Thomas –
The best excursion I’ve ever been on! Our group (4 of us) booked a private chichen itza tour with a stop for lunch and shopping in Valladolid. We were picked up right on time (6a) at hour hotel (Hard Rock Rivieria Maya) and we stopped at a local convience store to grab a small breakfast-on-the-go (paid for by Absolute Adventure). Then we hit the road for a 2-3 hour trek to the site. Our tour guide was awesome, he was kind and friendly and read the room well. We were tired from getting up early so he let us sleep with no distractions for a portion of the drive. When we were finally awake, he was talkative and told us stories and great info about the areas we were passing through. He taught us some fun Spanish words and phrases. He was just awesome, not sure how else to describe the experience with him. This is the best part, as we arrive at chichen itza he explains that he is going to get out before us to get to the front of the ticket line and our driver will escort us up to the waiting area. We didn’t have to wait in line for tickets or anything!!! He took care of all the accommodations at the site and we were literally the first people into the site! We got so many great pictures and because we were the first in there was no crowds to ruin the pictures! He took us through the whole site (which is way more than just the temple) and gave us some awesome info and history that was fascinating! It was so cool to see some of things we learned about in grade school. The site and tour were top notch and I’m so glad that we choose Absolute Adventure and a private tour, it was so worth it! Tour guide and driver were simply awesome and I can’t recommend this company enough.
Jamy –
We hired a private tour for three and had Manuel as well as pasqual as a driver. Very informative guide and pace was dictated by a handicap. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire day and cost was appropriate for the service. Highly recommend this small group for tours.
Explore F –
I reserved our private tour of Chichen Itza and Valladolid based on a lot of research and excellent reviews of Absolute Adventure Mexico online and I am happy to say that it was a great choice. Our tour guide Juan was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable, professional and patient with our non-stop questions. He took care of all the details and made us feel like absolute VIPs. The lunch in Valladoilid was an awesome experience as well as we tried some local Mayan dishes which felt like true Mexican hospitality. I would highly recommend this company and diffidently book again. It was a great experience from easy booking online and communications before and after our trip with Claire regarding the logistics. Highly Highly recommended!!
Michael –
Early pick up at El Dorado Royale resort, breakfast on the go and arrival at Chichen Itza before the crowds was a terrific set up to a great day. Claire was wonderful with us, two over 55 year old couples. She was educating, entertaining and patient answering all our questions. She referenced a binder visually tieing in the past with what we saw in front of us at the ruins. Tremendously interesting, at our pace. Very good lunch followed at Valladolid providing more insight. Highly accommodating, extremely knowledgeable without sounding preechy, Claire is simply terrific and made the Mayan culture come alive for us.
Richard –
Incredible site with unbelievable history. Truly one of the great wonders of the world. This trip was made even more special by our guide, Juan. His knowledge and gifted personality made an amazing day even more remarkable.
Bailee –
We loved Chichen Itza and its gorgeous pyramid. Arturo shared plenty of information with us and took pictures during the tour. We went at our own pace, no rushing. Top Notch tour with Arturo! For sure I will recommend Absolute Adventure tours and hire this company again when coming back to Cancun!