Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour

PRIVATE TOUR: Explore Chichen Itza with a personal certified guide, take a refreshing dip in a cenote, and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid.

  • 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.
  • Breathtaking Cenotes! Pick from Oxman, Samula or Xkeken – You’ll love the adventure!
  • 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

Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.

Early Bird 60 days 10% Off (*T&Cs) Coupon EARLY2MONTHS Copied!
Book 2 or more tours 10% Off (*T&Cs) Coupon MULTITOUR Copied!
Seamless Booking & Free Cancellation

 Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!

  • For larger groups, contact us.

    Extra fee may apply by location.

    • USD
      We don't operate from Cancun Playa Mujeres

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    (12oz cans e.g. Corona, Modelo, Tecate upon availability)

    • USD
Secure your tour with 20% deposit
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  • Description
  • Price Includes
  • General Info
  • Itinerary
  • What to Bring
  • Reviews

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour – Private & All-Inclusive

 

Dreaming of visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Our all-inclusive Chichen Itza and cenote tour is the perfect Riviera Maya day trip for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. Designed exclusively for your group, this private experience blends world-famous Mayan ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and authentic Yucatec flavors—at your pace and without the crowds.

Skip the Crowds at Chichen Itza with Your Private Guide

Upon arrival, your entrance tickets are ready so you can skip the lines and begin exploring right away. With your certified private guide, you’ll discover Chichen Itza at a comfortable pace and enjoy commentary tailored to your interests.

Stand before the legendary El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), walk the vast Great Ball Court, and learn the symbolism etched into sacred temples and ceremonial platforms. Your guide brings the site to life with insights on Mayan astronomy, architecture, and traditions that shaped this ancient city.

Refreshing Swim in a Stunning Cenote

After your journey through history, cool off in one of Yucatán’s most beautiful cenotes—either Cenote Oxman, Cenote Xkeken or Cenote Samula. These crystal-clear freshwater pools lie within dramatic limestone caverns, creating a magical setting for swimming, floating, and relaxing.

We provide life vests for comfort and safety, and your guide shares the geological and cultural importance of cenotes in Mayan life. Whether you take a dip or simply admire the view, this stop is often a highlight of the day.

Traditional Lunch & Free Time in Valladolid

To round out the experience, we’ll visit the colonial city of Valladolid, one of the most charming towns in Yucatán. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional dishes such as cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and handmade tortillas.

After lunch, enjoy free time to stroll colorful streets, browse local shops for handicrafts, or relax in the main square before returning to your hotel.

Why Travelers Love This Chichen Itza Cenote Tour

Private & all-inclusive: just your group and your guide, with logistics handled for a seamless day.

Flexible pace: explore comfortably, avoid crowds, and focus on what interests you most.

Award-winning service: trusted local team with thousands of 5-star reviews.

Join us for an unforgettable Chichen Itza and cenote tour and see why it’s our most popular private day trip in the Riviera Maya.

 

 

Other Private Tours You May Like

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.

 

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
  • Chichen Itza entrance fees and state tax
  • Cenote entrance fee and life vests
  • 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: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
  • Tips

General Info

  • Private Tour: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
  • Duration: 11-12 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • Swimming: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
  • Which cenote will you visit? The day of your tour, you can choose between Cenote Oxman, Xkeken or Samula.
  • 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

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 – 12:15pm: Transportation
12:15pm – 01:15pm: Swim in Cenote Oxman or Xkeken or Samula
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
03:30pm – 06:30pm: 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.

What to Bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

 
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
 
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!

305 reviews for Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour

  1. FadoraTheAdventurer

    Great adventure!The tour was great! Josh and Omar were great! Safe driving and attentive. Josh was knowledgeable about the history and a great guide. The Canote Oxman was nice, and not crowded. Totally recommended!Great adventure!

  2. Geraldine

    My friends and I booked a private tour to Chichen Itza and Cenote Oxman with Absolute Adventure including lunch. Our tour guide was Josh and driver Omar. We had a wonderful and informative tour. They picked us up on time. And we learned a lot about the Mayan and Mexican culture. Josh answered all our questions. We highly recommend this tour company and tour guide and driver.

  3. Diane H

    An absolutely magical experienceI can’t say enough good things about our experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico! Our guide Josh and driver Enrique were kind, professional, and knowledgeable. The day itself was absolutely perfect, with thoughtful touches like cold drinks and snacks provided in the van.

    The day started early, which was great because we arrived at Chichén Itzá before the tour buse and crowds, and before the blazing hot afternoon sun. We spent about two hours on the tour of the ruins, which was perfect. Josh knew a ton about the history and culture and was eager to share his knowledge.

    After the ruins, we went to the cenote to swim. We were offered the choice of a larger, more well-known cenote and a smaller one that was a bit quieter. We chose the quieter one, which was enclosed inside a cave. It was absolutely magical. The water was very cool and clear and there were very few other visitors. It was really like nothing we had ever experienced.

    After the refreshing swim, we went to a small restaurant in the town of Valladolid. We were offered the choice of five different entrées, all of which were superb. The owner of the restaurant was a very friendly woman and the service was great. She actually gave us fresh mangoes from her mango tree.

    Following lunch, we had about 30 minutes to walk around the main square in the town. We got some delicious ice cream and checked out the cathedral on the square.

    We arrived back at our hotel at about 5 PM, very tired and very satisfied. The private tours may be more expensive than some of the larger tours that take buses, but the service is tailored toward your interests, and all of the ticketing is taken care of before you go so there is no waiting in line at any of the attractions and no added costs because everything is included (except a tip). Because we were in a group of five people, the whole day felt like a really interesting conversation instead of a formal tour.

    I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but be aware that there is quite a bit of walking and you have to be OK with very hot weather. We wore sun protective clothing to the ruins, which worked very well. Lots of people also had sun umbrellas, which was also a great idea.An absolutely magical experience

  4. Diane H

    I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico! Our guide Josh and driver Enrique were kind, professional, and knowledgeable. The day itself was absolutely perfect, with thoughtful touches like cold drinks and snacks provided in the van.

    The day started early, which was great because we arrived at Chichén Itzá before the tour buse and crowds, and before the blazing hot afternoon sun. We spent about two hours on the tour of the ruins, which was perfect. Josh knew a ton about the history and culture and was eager to share his knowledge.

    After the ruins, we went to the cenote to swim. We were offered the choice of a larger, more well-known cenote and a smaller one that was a bit quieter. We chose the quieter one, which was enclosed inside a cave. It was absolutely magical. The water was very cool and clear and there were very few other visitors. It was really like nothing we had ever experienced.

    After the refreshing swim, we went to a small restaurant in the town of Valladolid. We were offered the choice of five different entrées, all of which were superb. The owner of the restaurant was a very friendly woman and the service was great. She actually gave us fresh mangoes from her mango tree.

    Following lunch, we had about 30 minutes to walk around the main square in the town. We got some delicious ice cream and checked out the cathedral on the square.

    We arrived back at our hotel at about 5 PM, very tired and very satisfied. The private tours may be more expensive than some of the larger tours that take buses, but the service is tailored toward your interests, and all of the ticketing is taken care of before you go so there is no waiting in line at any of the attractions and no added costs because everything is included (except a tip). Because we were in a group of five people, the whole day felt like a really interesting conversation instead of a formal tour.

    I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but be aware that there is quite a bit of walking and you have to be OK with very hot weather. We wore sun protective clothing to the ruins, which worked very well. Lots of people also had sun umbrellas, which was also a great idea.

  5. ShelleyDB

    Awesome Josh and driver KiAmazing day. Very knowledgeable and lovely guide and driver. Very clear on plans , schedule and options. Was an absolute pleasure to work with Josh again. Ki had an immaculate mini van that was very comfortable ✨✨✨Awesome Josh and driver Ki

  6. Roxanne S

    Awesome experienceLuis and Rodrigo were excellent. Luis is very knowledgeable and will share information you didn’t know. This tour was excellent and our entire family enjoyed it.

    I would definitely go again.Awesome experience

  7. John

    WOW! Where to begin?! We had a GREAT experience with Absolute Adventures. A quick overview —
    Guide: Josh (Joshua)
    Driver: Kiki (Enrique – sp?)
    Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid
    Everything from start to finish was really outstanding — from pick-up to drop-off.
    Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about Chichen Itza and provided SO much history, cultural background, and insight during the guided tour. I honestly can’t imagine if we had just gone on our own and tried to explore the site without our guide. Just as we finished at Chichen Itza, it began to rain… I mean, like tropical storm rain. It poured! But, Josh and Kiki were right there in it with us.
    Next, we went to Xkeken cenote. Usually there is a choice of cenotes on the tour, but due to the rain and storm, it was recommended that we do Xkeken, since it is a cave cenote. Our guide explained that there would be a chance that the other cenote option would be closed due to the storms. All said, the Xkeken was great. We were able to stay there about an hour before heading to Valladolid for lunch and shopping.
    Lunch was fabulous. Unfortunately the rain continued, so after spending some time in the town center area, we looked like wet dogs and were completely water logged. But, from there, it was the return trip to our resort. So, we had about 2 1/2 hours to dry out and relax.
    I would HANDS DOWN use Absolute Adventures again. Thanks to Josh and Kiki for giving us an excursion to remember and talk about for years to come!

  8. Lia

    We took a private tour to Chichen-Itza, cenote and Valladolid. Our guide Arturo and the driver Enrique were extremely nice, tanks to them for such a wonderful experience. We came at 8am to Chichen-Itza so in places we were the only one, in the cenote (we asked for Arturo’s recommendation), was incredible, again, no one there. And after enjoyed the local cuisine in Valladolid. Definitely would love to repeat this tour or choose another with same company.

  9. Jordan

    My wife and I did the private chichen itza, cenote, Valladolid tour with absolute Mexico on Friday May 15 2026.

    Everything was incredible, our tour guide Eddy, his knowledge was nothing short of extraordinary, we learned so much, many things I had never considered or thought about before. We got to the ruins before it even opened which allowed us to get inside the second they opened, explore the entire available ruins when it was practically empty and vendors were just setting up. By the time we left, the tour busses were just arriving, which meant the cenote we visited was also empty and ours to explore ourselves since the other big tours were still at chichen itza. Lunch in Valladolid was exceptional too and the town is absolute beautiful.

    The driver was also extremely good and got us everywhere correctly and safely.

    I highly recommend absolute adventure mexico for any tours you want to do, it will be an easy, laid back, stress-free day where everything goes smooth and perfect. I learned so much and I never thought I’d get the opportunity to see chichen itza.

    Thank you again absolute adventure mexico!! And also a special thanks to our guide Eddy and our driver Enrique!

  10. Jen

    We had an absolutely incredible full-day tour with Arturo and his driver, and I can’t recommend this company highly enough.

    From the moment they picked us up, everything was seamless, professional, and right on time. Our driver was exceptional—smooth, safe, and so comfortable to ride with that everyone in our group commented on what a wonderful driver he was throughout the day.

    Arturo was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of interesting information, while also being completely happy to move at our pace and let us enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. He chose a delicious restaurant for lunch and made some excellent recommendations for our table that we all loved.

    And the cenote experience… absolutely breathtaking. We ended up being the only people at the cenote we chose for most of our time there, and getting to swim in that kind of peaceful, almost sacred silence was something I’ll never forget.

    Overall, this was a first-class experience from start to finish. Wonderful people, excellent service, and memories we’ll treasure forever. I would recommend Arturo and his team to anyone without hesitation!

  11. Natalie

    We had a fantastic trip to Chichen Itza, one of the Cenotes and Valladolid with our guide Dulce and driver Omar. Dulce was so knowledgeable and really lovely. A huge thank you to Omar who safely got us from A to B kept us hydrated and cool throughout the heat. Would 100% recommend Absolute Adventure to anyone looking for a private tour in Mexico. Thank you Dulce & Omar for looking after us!

  12. Caitlin

    We booked two tours with Absolute Adventire, chichen itza and cenote and the reef tour. Our guide JJ and driver Josmar were both absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I love that everything is included (even lunch), meaning we didn’t have to worry about anything throughout the days. With a group of 2 adults and 6 older teenagers/young adults this meant less stress for myself and my husband which is a huge win. We also love that we had the same guide and driver for both excursions! I would recommend both tours and Absolute Adventure again and again.

  13. Ian C

    Excellent touWe had a great tour with Luis and Yosmar. Luis in particular was extremely knowledgeable and was able to find all of the ideal spots and point out the intricacies.

  14. Garrett

    Louis Arturo and Omar thank you for the amazing trip to Chichen Itza!!! Great tour!!

  15. A. J

    Our private tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico to Chichén Itzá was one of the highlights of our trip. Booking the tour was straightforward. They communicated all the necessary details in advance. On the day of the tour, they were right on time. The entire tour lasted from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

    There were two people in our party. The van was spotless and comfortable, and they had a cooler with drinks and snacks for the journey. Taking the toll highway from Playa del Carmen made a huge difference; we avoided traffic and had a smooth, relaxed ride. During the drive, we had great conversations. We covered everything from history and politics to social issues and current events.

    Arriving at Chichén Itzá early (around 8:00 a.m.) was great. We did a lot of walking. We beat the massive crowds and experienced the site in a much more peaceful and meaningful way. The place itself is absolutely stunning, truly breathtaking, and Eddy’s depth of knowledge made it even more impactful. His explanations were engaging and easy to follow. He was also very patient as we took so many pictures.

    After exploring, we headed to a cenote. This one is in a cave. It wasn’t crowded at all, so we were able to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere. The water was incredibly refreshing, and the setting was beautiful. A perfect way to end our tour and get all the dust off, and get away from the heat.

    We wrapped things up with lunch at a lovely restaurant. It was clean, the service was great, and the food and drinks were delicious, a perfect way to end the experience.

    Overall, this tour was great. It was well-organized, personalized, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We paid $426.96 USD, and it was a great value. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Eddy and Omar, for such a memorable day!

  16. Raphael

    Eddy and Rodrigo were fantastic tour guides at Chichen Itza. Eddy had deep knowledge of the site and was able to answer many of our random questions. It was clear he had spent a long time studying Mayan history! Would recommend touring with Eddy Rodrigo at Absolute Adventure to anyone!

  17. Jamie C

    Arturo’s awesome tourArturo was a fabulous guide through the cenotes. He and Luis tailored the experience to our group and was full of interesting insights about the geography and local history. Thanks for making it such a meaningful and personable experience!

  18. Kiesh

    Beat the crowds and experience Chichén Itzá the right wayOur private tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico to Chichén Itzá was one of the highlights of our trip. Booking the tour was straightforward. They communicated all the necessary details in advance. On the day of the tour, they were right on time. The entire tour lasted from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

    There were two people in our party. The van was spotless and comfortable, and they had a cooler with drinks and snacks for the journey. Taking the toll highway from Playa del Carmen made a huge difference; we avoided traffic and had a smooth, relaxed ride. During the drive, we had great conversations. We covered everything from history and politics to social issues and current events.

    Arriving at Chichén Itzá early (around 8:00 a.m.) was great. We did a lot of walking. We beat the massive crowds and experienced the site in a much more peaceful and meaningful way. The place itself is absolutely stunning, truly breathtaking, and Eddy’s depth of knowledge made it even more impactful. His explanations were engaging and easy to follow. He was also very patient as we took so many pictures.

    After exploring, we headed to a cenote. This one is in a cave. It wasn’t crowded at all, so we were able to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere. The water was incredibly refreshing, and the setting was beautiful. A perfect way to end our tour and get all the dust off, and get away from the heat.

    We wrapped things up with lunch at a lovely restaurant. It was clean, the service was great, and the food and drinks were delicious, a perfect way to end the experience.

    Overall, this tour was great. It was well-organized, personalized, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We paid $426.96 USD, and it was a great value. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Eddy and Omar, for such a memorable day!

  19. Anely

    We had a private tour for a family of six. It was amazing. They are on time and our guide Dulce was too nice.

  20. Tom the Gardener

    Firstly let me say that JJ (Jaun) made this tour so enjoyable. The price seemed very reasonable for a party of 12 and the organisation was perfect. Picked up at the allotted time and kept us well informed on where we were and how the day was progressing. We went to Chichen Itza, Xkeken Cenote and Valladolid for a meal and every aspect was wonderful. Once again JJ was brilliant in giving us a captivating history on Chichen Itza and an understanding of the Mexican capture and way of life. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour with Absolute Adventure.

Add a review
  • Description
  • Price Includes
  • General Info
  • Itinerary
  • What to Bring
  • Reviews

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour – Private & All-Inclusive

 

Dreaming of visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Our all-inclusive Chichen Itza and cenote tour is the perfect Riviera Maya day trip for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. Designed exclusively for your group, this private experience blends world-famous Mayan ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and authentic Yucatec flavors—at your pace and without the crowds.

Skip the Crowds at Chichen Itza with Your Private Guide

Upon arrival, your entrance tickets are ready so you can skip the lines and begin exploring right away. With your certified private guide, you’ll discover Chichen Itza at a comfortable pace and enjoy commentary tailored to your interests.

Stand before the legendary El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), walk the vast Great Ball Court, and learn the symbolism etched into sacred temples and ceremonial platforms. Your guide brings the site to life with insights on Mayan astronomy, architecture, and traditions that shaped this ancient city.

Refreshing Swim in a Stunning Cenote

After your journey through history, cool off in one of Yucatán’s most beautiful cenotes—either Cenote Oxman, Cenote Xkeken or Cenote Samula. These crystal-clear freshwater pools lie within dramatic limestone caverns, creating a magical setting for swimming, floating, and relaxing.

We provide life vests for comfort and safety, and your guide shares the geological and cultural importance of cenotes in Mayan life. Whether you take a dip or simply admire the view, this stop is often a highlight of the day.

Traditional Lunch & Free Time in Valladolid

To round out the experience, we’ll visit the colonial city of Valladolid, one of the most charming towns in Yucatán. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional dishes such as cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and handmade tortillas.

After lunch, enjoy free time to stroll colorful streets, browse local shops for handicrafts, or relax in the main square before returning to your hotel.

Why Travelers Love This Chichen Itza Cenote Tour

Private & all-inclusive: just your group and your guide, with logistics handled for a seamless day.

Flexible pace: explore comfortably, avoid crowds, and focus on what interests you most.

Award-winning service: trusted local team with thousands of 5-star reviews.

Join us for an unforgettable Chichen Itza and cenote tour and see why it’s our most popular private day trip in the Riviera Maya.

 

 

Other Private Tours You May Like

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.

 

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
  • Chichen Itza entrance fees and state tax
  • Cenote entrance fee and life vests
  • 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: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
  • Tips

General info

  • Private Tour: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
  • Duration: 11-12 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • Swimming: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
  • Which cenote will you visit? The day of your tour, you can choose between Cenote Oxman, Xkeken or Samula.
  • 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

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 – 12:15pm: Transportation
12:15pm – 01:15pm: Swim in Cenote Oxman or Xkeken or Samula
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Lunch in Valladolid + free time
03:30pm – 06:30pm: 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.

What to Bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

 
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
 
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!

305 reviews for Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour

  1. FadoraTheAdventurer

    Great adventure!The tour was great! Josh and Omar were great! Safe driving and attentive. Josh was knowledgeable about the history and a great guide. The Canote Oxman was nice, and not crowded. Totally recommended!Great adventure!

  2. Geraldine

    My friends and I booked a private tour to Chichen Itza and Cenote Oxman with Absolute Adventure including lunch. Our tour guide was Josh and driver Omar. We had a wonderful and informative tour. They picked us up on time. And we learned a lot about the Mayan and Mexican culture. Josh answered all our questions. We highly recommend this tour company and tour guide and driver.

  3. Diane H

    An absolutely magical experienceI can’t say enough good things about our experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico! Our guide Josh and driver Enrique were kind, professional, and knowledgeable. The day itself was absolutely perfect, with thoughtful touches like cold drinks and snacks provided in the van.

    The day started early, which was great because we arrived at Chichén Itzá before the tour buse and crowds, and before the blazing hot afternoon sun. We spent about two hours on the tour of the ruins, which was perfect. Josh knew a ton about the history and culture and was eager to share his knowledge.

    After the ruins, we went to the cenote to swim. We were offered the choice of a larger, more well-known cenote and a smaller one that was a bit quieter. We chose the quieter one, which was enclosed inside a cave. It was absolutely magical. The water was very cool and clear and there were very few other visitors. It was really like nothing we had ever experienced.

    After the refreshing swim, we went to a small restaurant in the town of Valladolid. We were offered the choice of five different entrées, all of which were superb. The owner of the restaurant was a very friendly woman and the service was great. She actually gave us fresh mangoes from her mango tree.

    Following lunch, we had about 30 minutes to walk around the main square in the town. We got some delicious ice cream and checked out the cathedral on the square.

    We arrived back at our hotel at about 5 PM, very tired and very satisfied. The private tours may be more expensive than some of the larger tours that take buses, but the service is tailored toward your interests, and all of the ticketing is taken care of before you go so there is no waiting in line at any of the attractions and no added costs because everything is included (except a tip). Because we were in a group of five people, the whole day felt like a really interesting conversation instead of a formal tour.

    I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but be aware that there is quite a bit of walking and you have to be OK with very hot weather. We wore sun protective clothing to the ruins, which worked very well. Lots of people also had sun umbrellas, which was also a great idea.An absolutely magical experience

  4. Diane H

    I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Absolute Adventure Mexico! Our guide Josh and driver Enrique were kind, professional, and knowledgeable. The day itself was absolutely perfect, with thoughtful touches like cold drinks and snacks provided in the van.

    The day started early, which was great because we arrived at Chichén Itzá before the tour buse and crowds, and before the blazing hot afternoon sun. We spent about two hours on the tour of the ruins, which was perfect. Josh knew a ton about the history and culture and was eager to share his knowledge.

    After the ruins, we went to the cenote to swim. We were offered the choice of a larger, more well-known cenote and a smaller one that was a bit quieter. We chose the quieter one, which was enclosed inside a cave. It was absolutely magical. The water was very cool and clear and there were very few other visitors. It was really like nothing we had ever experienced.

    After the refreshing swim, we went to a small restaurant in the town of Valladolid. We were offered the choice of five different entrées, all of which were superb. The owner of the restaurant was a very friendly woman and the service was great. She actually gave us fresh mangoes from her mango tree.

    Following lunch, we had about 30 minutes to walk around the main square in the town. We got some delicious ice cream and checked out the cathedral on the square.

    We arrived back at our hotel at about 5 PM, very tired and very satisfied. The private tours may be more expensive than some of the larger tours that take buses, but the service is tailored toward your interests, and all of the ticketing is taken care of before you go so there is no waiting in line at any of the attractions and no added costs because everything is included (except a tip). Because we were in a group of five people, the whole day felt like a really interesting conversation instead of a formal tour.

    I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, but be aware that there is quite a bit of walking and you have to be OK with very hot weather. We wore sun protective clothing to the ruins, which worked very well. Lots of people also had sun umbrellas, which was also a great idea.

  5. ShelleyDB

    Awesome Josh and driver KiAmazing day. Very knowledgeable and lovely guide and driver. Very clear on plans , schedule and options. Was an absolute pleasure to work with Josh again. Ki had an immaculate mini van that was very comfortable ✨✨✨Awesome Josh and driver Ki

  6. Roxanne S

    Awesome experienceLuis and Rodrigo were excellent. Luis is very knowledgeable and will share information you didn’t know. This tour was excellent and our entire family enjoyed it.

    I would definitely go again.Awesome experience

  7. John

    WOW! Where to begin?! We had a GREAT experience with Absolute Adventures. A quick overview —
    Guide: Josh (Joshua)
    Driver: Kiki (Enrique – sp?)
    Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid
    Everything from start to finish was really outstanding — from pick-up to drop-off.
    Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about Chichen Itza and provided SO much history, cultural background, and insight during the guided tour. I honestly can’t imagine if we had just gone on our own and tried to explore the site without our guide. Just as we finished at Chichen Itza, it began to rain… I mean, like tropical storm rain. It poured! But, Josh and Kiki were right there in it with us.
    Next, we went to Xkeken cenote. Usually there is a choice of cenotes on the tour, but due to the rain and storm, it was recommended that we do Xkeken, since it is a cave cenote. Our guide explained that there would be a chance that the other cenote option would be closed due to the storms. All said, the Xkeken was great. We were able to stay there about an hour before heading to Valladolid for lunch and shopping.
    Lunch was fabulous. Unfortunately the rain continued, so after spending some time in the town center area, we looked like wet dogs and were completely water logged. But, from there, it was the return trip to our resort. So, we had about 2 1/2 hours to dry out and relax.
    I would HANDS DOWN use Absolute Adventures again. Thanks to Josh and Kiki for giving us an excursion to remember and talk about for years to come!

  8. Lia

    We took a private tour to Chichen-Itza, cenote and Valladolid. Our guide Arturo and the driver Enrique were extremely nice, tanks to them for such a wonderful experience. We came at 8am to Chichen-Itza so in places we were the only one, in the cenote (we asked for Arturo’s recommendation), was incredible, again, no one there. And after enjoyed the local cuisine in Valladolid. Definitely would love to repeat this tour or choose another with same company.

  9. Jordan

    My wife and I did the private chichen itza, cenote, Valladolid tour with absolute Mexico on Friday May 15 2026.

    Everything was incredible, our tour guide Eddy, his knowledge was nothing short of extraordinary, we learned so much, many things I had never considered or thought about before. We got to the ruins before it even opened which allowed us to get inside the second they opened, explore the entire available ruins when it was practically empty and vendors were just setting up. By the time we left, the tour busses were just arriving, which meant the cenote we visited was also empty and ours to explore ourselves since the other big tours were still at chichen itza. Lunch in Valladolid was exceptional too and the town is absolute beautiful.

    The driver was also extremely good and got us everywhere correctly and safely.

    I highly recommend absolute adventure mexico for any tours you want to do, it will be an easy, laid back, stress-free day where everything goes smooth and perfect. I learned so much and I never thought I’d get the opportunity to see chichen itza.

    Thank you again absolute adventure mexico!! And also a special thanks to our guide Eddy and our driver Enrique!

  10. Jen

    We had an absolutely incredible full-day tour with Arturo and his driver, and I can’t recommend this company highly enough.

    From the moment they picked us up, everything was seamless, professional, and right on time. Our driver was exceptional—smooth, safe, and so comfortable to ride with that everyone in our group commented on what a wonderful driver he was throughout the day.

    Arturo was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of interesting information, while also being completely happy to move at our pace and let us enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. He chose a delicious restaurant for lunch and made some excellent recommendations for our table that we all loved.

    And the cenote experience… absolutely breathtaking. We ended up being the only people at the cenote we chose for most of our time there, and getting to swim in that kind of peaceful, almost sacred silence was something I’ll never forget.

    Overall, this was a first-class experience from start to finish. Wonderful people, excellent service, and memories we’ll treasure forever. I would recommend Arturo and his team to anyone without hesitation!

  11. Natalie

    We had a fantastic trip to Chichen Itza, one of the Cenotes and Valladolid with our guide Dulce and driver Omar. Dulce was so knowledgeable and really lovely. A huge thank you to Omar who safely got us from A to B kept us hydrated and cool throughout the heat. Would 100% recommend Absolute Adventure to anyone looking for a private tour in Mexico. Thank you Dulce & Omar for looking after us!

  12. Caitlin

    We booked two tours with Absolute Adventire, chichen itza and cenote and the reef tour. Our guide JJ and driver Josmar were both absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I love that everything is included (even lunch), meaning we didn’t have to worry about anything throughout the days. With a group of 2 adults and 6 older teenagers/young adults this meant less stress for myself and my husband which is a huge win. We also love that we had the same guide and driver for both excursions! I would recommend both tours and Absolute Adventure again and again.

  13. Ian C

    Excellent touWe had a great tour with Luis and Yosmar. Luis in particular was extremely knowledgeable and was able to find all of the ideal spots and point out the intricacies.

  14. Garrett

    Louis Arturo and Omar thank you for the amazing trip to Chichen Itza!!! Great tour!!

  15. A. J

    Our private tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico to Chichén Itzá was one of the highlights of our trip. Booking the tour was straightforward. They communicated all the necessary details in advance. On the day of the tour, they were right on time. The entire tour lasted from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

    There were two people in our party. The van was spotless and comfortable, and they had a cooler with drinks and snacks for the journey. Taking the toll highway from Playa del Carmen made a huge difference; we avoided traffic and had a smooth, relaxed ride. During the drive, we had great conversations. We covered everything from history and politics to social issues and current events.

    Arriving at Chichén Itzá early (around 8:00 a.m.) was great. We did a lot of walking. We beat the massive crowds and experienced the site in a much more peaceful and meaningful way. The place itself is absolutely stunning, truly breathtaking, and Eddy’s depth of knowledge made it even more impactful. His explanations were engaging and easy to follow. He was also very patient as we took so many pictures.

    After exploring, we headed to a cenote. This one is in a cave. It wasn’t crowded at all, so we were able to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere. The water was incredibly refreshing, and the setting was beautiful. A perfect way to end our tour and get all the dust off, and get away from the heat.

    We wrapped things up with lunch at a lovely restaurant. It was clean, the service was great, and the food and drinks were delicious, a perfect way to end the experience.

    Overall, this tour was great. It was well-organized, personalized, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We paid $426.96 USD, and it was a great value. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Eddy and Omar, for such a memorable day!

  16. Raphael

    Eddy and Rodrigo were fantastic tour guides at Chichen Itza. Eddy had deep knowledge of the site and was able to answer many of our random questions. It was clear he had spent a long time studying Mayan history! Would recommend touring with Eddy Rodrigo at Absolute Adventure to anyone!

  17. Jamie C

    Arturo’s awesome tourArturo was a fabulous guide through the cenotes. He and Luis tailored the experience to our group and was full of interesting insights about the geography and local history. Thanks for making it such a meaningful and personable experience!

  18. Kiesh

    Beat the crowds and experience Chichén Itzá the right wayOur private tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico to Chichén Itzá was one of the highlights of our trip. Booking the tour was straightforward. They communicated all the necessary details in advance. On the day of the tour, they were right on time. The entire tour lasted from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

    There were two people in our party. The van was spotless and comfortable, and they had a cooler with drinks and snacks for the journey. Taking the toll highway from Playa del Carmen made a huge difference; we avoided traffic and had a smooth, relaxed ride. During the drive, we had great conversations. We covered everything from history and politics to social issues and current events.

    Arriving at Chichén Itzá early (around 8:00 a.m.) was great. We did a lot of walking. We beat the massive crowds and experienced the site in a much more peaceful and meaningful way. The place itself is absolutely stunning, truly breathtaking, and Eddy’s depth of knowledge made it even more impactful. His explanations were engaging and easy to follow. He was also very patient as we took so many pictures.

    After exploring, we headed to a cenote. This one is in a cave. It wasn’t crowded at all, so we were able to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere. The water was incredibly refreshing, and the setting was beautiful. A perfect way to end our tour and get all the dust off, and get away from the heat.

    We wrapped things up with lunch at a lovely restaurant. It was clean, the service was great, and the food and drinks were delicious, a perfect way to end the experience.

    Overall, this tour was great. It was well-organized, personalized, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We paid $426.96 USD, and it was a great value. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Eddy and Omar, for such a memorable day!

  19. Anely

    We had a private tour for a family of six. It was amazing. They are on time and our guide Dulce was too nice.

  20. Tom the Gardener

    Firstly let me say that JJ (Jaun) made this tour so enjoyable. The price seemed very reasonable for a party of 12 and the organisation was perfect. Picked up at the allotted time and kept us well informed on where we were and how the day was progressing. We went to Chichen Itza, Xkeken Cenote and Valladolid for a meal and every aspect was wonderful. Once again JJ was brilliant in giving us a captivating history on Chichen Itza and an understanding of the Mexican capture and way of life. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour with Absolute Adventure.

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FAQ Chichen Itza Cenote Private Tour

Is the Chichen Itza Cenote 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.
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!

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.

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.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Is swimming experience required for this tour?

No previous swimming experience is required.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

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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