Chichen Itza Plus with Cenote from Cancun and Playa del Carmen

Looking to explore some of Mexico’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail? This Chichen Itza Plus with Cenote tour from Cancun and Playa del Carmen offers a well-paced introduction to Maya ruins, a refreshing swim in a cenote, and a quick stroll through Valladolid’s charming streets. It’s a full-day outing that promises a mix of culture, nature, and local flavor.

What we like about this tour is its hotel pickup, which spares you from trying to find your way to the meeting point, and the chance to swim in Cenote Saamal, which provides a refreshing break from walking around ruins. Also, the inclusion of a regional buffet lunch and free time in Valladolid means you’re not just rushing from one site to another—you get a taste of the area’s vibe, too.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some reviews suggest the experience can lean towards being a bit sales-pitchy, especially at the ruins. So, if you’re the type who prefers a more laid-back, educational visit rather than a shopping trip, you might want to keep an eye on that. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, all-in-one day trip that mixes history, nature, and local town strolls.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers seeking a cool swim, and those new to the Yucatán looking for a guided overview. If you’re after an authentic experience with some comfort and convenience, this could work for you.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and drop-off from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
• Includes a guided tour of Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan sites.
• Offers a refreshing swim in Cenote Saamal, a spectacular natural sinkhole.
• Allows free time in Valladolid to explore at your own pace.
• The tour combines cultural history, natural beauty, and local flavor.
• Priced at a reasonable $87 per person, with many inclusions for the value.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Chichen Itza: The Main Attraction

The day begins early with a 7:00 am pickup, giving you a head start before the crowds arrive. The focus at Chichen Itza is on the Temple of Kukulcán, the iconic stepped pyramid that, during the equinox, creates a fascinating shadow of a serpent. The guide will share more than just dates and facts—expect stories about the Mayan civilization, architecture, and symbolism that you won’t find in a guidebook.

Most travelers find the two hours allocated enough to appreciate the site—though it can feel a little rushed if you’re a history buff wanting to linger. The tour includes free admission to the ruins, but be prepared to pay a preservation tax of $22 for adults and $19 for children, which is standard for archaeological sites in Mexico. An optional life vest (costing $4) is available if you want to wade into nearby cenotes or lakes.

Cenote Saamal: A Natural Wonder and Refreshing Stop

After exploring the ruins, the tour pauses at Cenote Saamal, just outside Valladolid. Here, you’ll enjoy about 1 hour and 30 minutes to swim, relax, and take photos. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are the highlight, and the sunlight filtering through the opening above makes for stunning views and great photo opportunities.

Travelers consistently mention that the cenote is a highlight, offering a refreshing break after the walking tour. The rock formations around the sinkhole add a dramatic touch, and the swimming is a chance to cool off in one of the Yucatán’s most beautiful natural sites. Bring your swimsuit, towels, and extra clothes, as well as biodegradable sunscreen, which is encouraged to preserve this delicate environment.

Valladolid: A Quick Cultural Stop

The final stop is a half-hour visit to Valladolid, a colorful colonial town with vibrant streets and a lively atmosphere. This provides a chance for some independent exploration—grab a coffee, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak in the local vibe. The tour mentions free time, so you can wander at your own pace, which many find adds a more authentic touch to the experience.

Additional Inclusions and Considerations

Your ticket includes a light breakfast—a sandwich, fruit, and juice—to start the day, as well as beverages on the bus (water and sodas). A regional buffet lunch is also part of the package, offering a chance to sample local flavors.

While most travelers appreciate the guided commentary—the guide’s knowledge is a big plus—the reviews indicate some frustration with sales pitches at the ruins, which might detract from the experience for some. Also, note that transportation is by bus, with a maximum group size of 60 travelers, so expect a relatively lively atmosphere.

The Review: What Travelers Are Saying

Two recent reviews give a balanced picture. One reviewer, who gave it a 2-star rating, appreciated Henry, the guide at the temple, calling him “the only redeeming thing about this trip.” The same reviewer found the experience overly commercial, describing the tour as “a big sales pitch,” implying that some stops might have felt more like shopping opportunities than educational visits.

Another traveler, who rated it 4 stars, mentioned that the tour “was not quite as advertised,” noting the lack of a detailed itinerary and some confusion over what was included. Still, they regarded the overall experience as worthwhile, particularly appreciating the stunning views at Cenote Saamal.

This mix of feedback underscores the importance of setting expectations. If you’re looking for a straightforward, guided tour with authentic sightseeing and a natural swim, this tour has a lot to offer. But if you prefer a more educational or less commercialized experience, you might find parts of it a bit commercial.

The Practical Details

• Duration: About 12 hours, starting at 7:00 am.
• Price: $87 per person, which includes most of the essentials—transportation, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and cenote access.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Group Size: Up to 60 travelers, so expect a lively group.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but the physical activity involves walking and some climbing around ruins and in the cenote.

This trip works well for those who want a full-day adventure without logistical headaches. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Mayan history, enjoy natural swimming spots, and want a taste of Valladolid. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes it convenient for travelers staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and the value-packed price makes it appealing.

However, if you’re sensitive to sales pitches or prefer a more immersive, unrushed cultural experience, you might want to consider other options. The tour’s group size and busy schedule make it more suitable for casual sightseers rather than dedicated historians or quiet contemplators.

If you’re after a comfortable, guided overview of some of Mexico’s most notable sights—Chichen Itza, a cenote, and Valladolid—this tour offers a reliable way to see a lot in one day. The stunning views at Cenote Saamal are undoubtedly the highlight, providing a refreshing pause and a chance to connect with nature.

The tour’s value comes from its inclusions—transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch—making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer to avoid the hassle of planning a day trip on their own. Just be aware that the experience might include some sales pitches, and the pace can be fast.

Overall, it’s a solid option for first-time visitors wanting a snapshot of Maya culture and natural wonders, especially if convenience and value are your priorities.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels are included, making it easier to get to and from the tour without extra stress.

What’s the starting time?
The tour begins at 7:00 am, so expect an early start to make the most of the day.

How long do we spend at Chichen Itza?
You’ll have around 2 hours to explore the site with your guide, which gives enough time to see the main structures and hear fascinating stories.

Are drinks included?
Beverages such as bottled water or sodas are provided on the bus, but alcohol is not included or mentioned.

Is there a chance to explore Valladolid?
Yes, you get about 30 minutes free time in Valladolid to walk around and soak in the local atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Are entrance fees included?
Most entrance fees are included, but there’s an additional preservation tax for the ruins ($22 for adults, $19 for children) that you’ll need to pay on-site.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but consider the physical activity involved and the early start.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is around 60 travelers, which can be lively but also means more crowding at popular sites.

Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day combining Mayan archaeology, natural beauty, and local culture with the convenience of guided transportation. It suits travelers who want to see key sights without fuss and don’t mind a busy schedule. For authentic experiences and a focus on exploration, it does the job, especially if you love stunning scenery like Cenote Saamal.