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..
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
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!
You must be logged in to post a review.
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!
You must be logged in to post a review.
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
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, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.
Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.
Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.
That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!
The drive to Chichen Itza from the coast takes approximately 2 hours and 30 to 40 minutes.
Our professional drivers always respect speed limits to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone.
Yes, absolutely! There are 1 or 2 bathroom stops available along the way at gas stations and convenience stores, where you can take a break whenever needed.
During the guided visit at Chichen Itza, we typically spend about 2 to 2 hours and 15 minutes exploring the site.
We go at your own pace, taking breaks whenever needed to ensure your comfort.
If you wish, we can also adjust the visit to be shorter or longer depending on your preferences.
Our goal is to make the experience as enjoyable and flexible as possible for you.
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.
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!