Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal Departures From Tulum

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and cooling off in the captivating Cenote Saamal can make for an unforgettable day trip from Tulum. This comprehensive tour provides a guided experience, transportation, and regional cuisine, giving visitors a well-rounded taste of the region’s history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes that have long captivated the hearts and minds of those who venture to this enchanting corner of Mexico.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day excursion to Chichen Itza and Cenote Saamal, departing from Tulum with a maximum group size of 60 people.
• The tour is priced at $70 per person and includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, bilingual guide, and a regional buffet lunch.
• Exclusions include the drink buffet and life vest at the cenote ($60 MXN) and a preservation tax ($22 USD per adult, $19 USD per child).
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with back or heart problems, pregnant travelers, or those needing wheelchair access.
• The meeting point is at Super Akí Tulum along the Federal Highway towards Tulum Ruins, with the tour bus departing at 9:45 AM.

Tour Overview

The Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal is a full-day excursion that takes travelers to two of Mexico’s most iconic destinations.

The tour departs from Tulum and has a maximum group size of 60 people. It’s rated 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 42 reviews, with a price of $70 per person.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a bilingual guide, and a regional buffet lunch. However, the drink buffet and life vest at the cenote, as well as the preservation tax, are extra.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back or heart problems, or for pregnant travelers, and it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees to both Chichen Itza and Cenote Saamal, and a bilingual guide to provide insights throughout the day. Plus, a regional buffet lunch is provided. However, the drink buffet and life vest rental at the cenote, as well as a preservation tax, are not included and must be paid for separately.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Round-trip transportation	Drink buffet and life vest at cenote ($60 MXN)
Entrance to Chichen Itza and Cenote Saamal	Preservation tax ($22 USD per adult, $19 USD per child)
Bilingual guide	Cash required for preservation tax
Regional buffet lunch

Health and Safety Guidelines

Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues, as well as pregnant individuals.

While the majority of travelers can participate, the tour provider advises certain precautions:

1. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
2. Bring a swimsuit, towels, and extra clothes.
3. Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Visitors should consider their physical capabilities before booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring Chichen Itza and the Cenote Saamal.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Positive tour experiences and mixed feedback from participants characterize the Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal.

Travelers praise the beautiful Chichen Itza and cenote, as well as the informative insights on Mayan history from guides. The regional buffet lunch also receives positive remarks.

However, some criticize the tour organization for excessive shopping stops and time management issues. Communication problems with bilingual guides and feeling pressured to buy and tip are noted concerns.

Guides’ health affecting the tour experience is another issue raised. To enhance the overall experience, the tour operator should review scheduling, address guide performance, and reduce shopping stops based on participant feedback.

Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance the overall experience of the Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal, the tour operator should review the scheduling and communication regarding the tour duration and lunch stops.

This would address the concerns raised about time management and organization. Plus, the tour guides’ performance should be closely evaluated to ensure they provide adequate historical context and minimize any communication issues.

On top of that, the operator should consider reducing the number of shopping stops, as some reviewers felt pressured to buy and tip throughout the tour.

By implementing these improvements, the tour can better meet the expectations of its participants.

Key Suggestions for Improvement:

1. Review scheduling and communication regarding tour duration and lunch stops.
2. Address guide performance and ensure they provide adequate historical context.
3. Consider reducing shopping stops to enhance the overall experience.

Booking and Pricing

The Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal is available for booking from $70.00 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot through the tour operator’s website or by contacting them directly. The full-day excursion includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide.

Booking Options	Price
Adult (13+ years)	$70.00
Child (4-12 years)	$55.00
Infant (0-3 years)	Free
Preservation Tax	$22.00 USD/adult, $19.00 USD/child
Additional Fees	$60 MXN for drink buffet and life vest in cenote

Reservations can be made in advance to secure availability, as the tour has a maximum capacity of 60 travelers.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Departing from Tulum, travelers will find the meeting point, Super Akí Tulum, conveniently located along the Federal Highway towards the Tulum Ruins.

The meeting point is easily accessible, with the following directions:

1. Head north on the Federal Highway for approximately 3 kilometers.
2. Look for the Super Akí Tulum store on the right-hand side of the road.
3. The tour bus will be waiting in the parking lot, ready to depart at 9:45 AM.

Arriving on time is crucial, as the tour will depart promptly to maximize the day’s activities at Chichen Itza and Cenote Saamal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour generally does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s best to confirm this with the tour operator in advance, as some tours may have specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Are Professional Photography Services Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer professional photography services. Travelers can take their own photos during the tour, but there’s no option to purchase professional photos or have a photographer accompany the group.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific requirements for children, though the tour may not be suitable for very young kids due to the activity level.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Yes, private or customized tour experiences can be requested. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about available options and any additional costs. The tour provider may be able to accommodate special requests to personalize the experience.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a fee, and no-shows won’t receive a refund. Travelers should review the policy carefully before booking.

The Sum Up

The Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal departs from Tulum, offering a full-day adventure exploring the iconic Mayan ruins and a refreshing swim in a cenote. Priced at $70 per person, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, though additional costs may apply. With a group size of up to 60, this tour combines historical insights and natural beauty for a memorable experience.