Tour to Chichen Itza, Izamal & Cenote From Merida

This tour to Chichen Itza, Izamal, and a cenote from Merida offers a comprehensive look into the rich Mayan heritage and colonial charm of Mexico’s Yucatan region. At just over €60 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to explore these iconic sites with the convenience of transportation, guides, and meals included. Whether you’re intrigued by the grandeur of Chichen Itza or captivated by the vibrant yellow buildings of Izamal, this tour promises to immerse you in the diverse culture and natural beauty that make the Yucatan a must-visit destination. Of course, the opportunity to swim in a refreshing cenote is the icing on the cake.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Merida.

Key Points

• A full-day tour exploring Chichen Itza’s ancient Mayan ruins, the colonial town of Izamal, and a refreshing cenote swim.
• Cost of €61.57 per person, including air-conditioned transportation, lunch, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees.
• Highlights include in-depth historical insights at Chichen Itza, culture in Izamal, and the opportunity to swim in a stunning cenote.
• Excellent reviews with a 95% traveler recommendation rate, though the quality of the included lunch has been noted for improvement.
• Advance planning recommended to manage expectations regarding potential changes to the cenote location and to prepare accordingly with swimwear and towels.

Tour Overview and Details

This tour takes travelers on an exciting adventure from Merida to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, the vibrant colonial town of Izamal, and a refreshing cenote.

With 92 positive reviews and a 95% traveler recommendation, the tour offers excellent value at €61.57 per person. The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers and doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs.

Pickup is between 8:10 am and 8:40 am, and the tour includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch, a guide, and all necessary entrance fees.

Highlights include the breathtaking cenote, historical insights at Chichen Itza, and cultural exposure in Izamal.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation, a full-day guided experience, lunch, and all necessary entrance fees.

Entrance to Chichen Itza costs $643MXN for foreigners and $285MXN for Mexican nationals. Access to the cenote is an additional $200MXN per person.

The tour operator, Traveler Tiger, provides a comprehensive package that covers all logistics, allowing travelers to focus on the experience.

With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized outing.

Tour Experience and Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating journey that encompasses the stunning cenote, the majestic ruins of Chichen Itza, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Izamal.

At the cenote, they can cool off with a refreshing swim, marveling at the natural beauty of this underground oasis.

The tour then moves to the world-famous Chichen Itza, where a knowledgeable guide provides in-depth historical insights into this ancient Mayan city.

The final stop is the charming town of Izamal, known for its yellow buildings and rich cultural traditions, offering a unique opportunity to take in the local way of life.

Feedback and Reviews

Feedback from past participants paints a positive picture of the tour, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 92 reviews.

Travelers commonly praise the friendly guides, the well-organized schedule, the enjoyable lunch, and the breathtaking cenote.

However, some critiques note the food quality and unexpected changes in the cenote location.

These reviews suggest that the tour provides a memorable experience, with the highlights being:

• Knowledgeable guides who offer historical insights at Chichen Itza
• A well-organized itinerary that allows for cultural exposure in Izamal
• The opportunity to swim in a beautiful cenote, a notable attraction on the tour.

Tour Operator and Notable Comments

Traveler Tiger operates the tour, according to the information provided. Notably, some travelers commented that the music played in the van was too loud for their liking.

This feedback suggests that the tour company could consider adjusting the volume or offering alternative options for those who prefer a quieter environment during the transportation portions of the tour.

The tour appears to be well-organized, with knowledgeable guides leading the excursion to the cenote, Chichen Itza, and Izamal.

While minor issues like music volume were noted, the tour seems to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for the majority of participants.

Recommendations for Future Travelers

Based on the information provided, future travelers would do well to prioritize swimming in the cenote during the tour. This appears to be a highlight of the experience, with many positive reviews highlighting the enjoyable swim.

Plus, visitors should:

• Prepare to enjoy the rich history and culture of the region, including the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and the charming town of Izamal.

• Manage expectations around the quality of the included lunch, as some reviews have noted room for improvement in this area.

• Be mindful of any potential changes to the cenote location, as mentioned in a few critiques, and plan accordingly.

Chichen Itza Entrance Fees

The entrance fees for Chichen Itza vary depending on whether the visitor is a foreign tourist or a Mexican national. Foreign travelers pay $643MXN, while Mexican nationals pay $285MXN. This difference in pricing reflects the site’s status as a major international attraction as well as efforts to make it more accessible to local visitors.

Entrance Fees	Foreigners	Mexican Nationals
Chichen Itza	$643MXN	$285MXN
Cenote	$200MXN	$200MXN
Total	$843MXN	$485MXN

The cenote entrance fee of $200MXN applies to both foreign and Mexican visitors, providing an opportunity for all to enjoy the natural wonder. Understanding these fees in advance can help travelers budget appropriately for their Chichen Itza experience.

Cenote Entrance Fee

Along With the Chichen Itza entrance fees, visitors will also need to pay $200MXN to access the cenote. This fee provides access to the stunning natural swimming hole, where travelers can:

• Swim in the crystal-clear, refreshing waters
• Explore the impressive limestone formations and cave systems
• Enjoy a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation amidst the Yucatan heat

The cenote entrance fee is a standard charge for this type of natural attraction and is included in the overall tour cost.

Visitors should come prepared with swimwear, towels, and a sense of adventure to make the most of this unique opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on the tour details, it does not appear that you can bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, suggesting that the tour operator provides these items. It’s best to check with them directly to confirm the policy.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?

The tour guide is fluent in multiple languages, allowing them to effectively communicate with and provide insights to travelers from diverse backgrounds during the tour. Multilingual guides ensure a more inclusive and enriching experience for all participants.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site During the Tour?

The tour spends approximately 2-3 hours at Chichen Itza, 1-2 hours at the cenote, and 1 hour at Izamal, allowing travelers to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Swimming Gear for the Cenote Visit?

Yes, you’ll need to bring your own swimming gear for the cenote visit. The tour doesn’t provide swimsuits or towels, so be sure to pack what you’ll need for a refreshing dip in the natural swimming hole.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions or requirements. Travelers of all ages are welcome to participate, though the activity at the cenote may not be suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility.

The Sum Up

This tour to Chichen Itza, Izamal, and a cenote from Merida offers an enriching cultural experience. It includes transportation, knowledgeable guides, lunch, and entrance fees, providing a seamless and enjoyable outing. Highlights are a refreshing swim in the cenote, historical insights at Chichen Itza, and immersion in the charming town of Izamal. The tour is well-suited for those interested in Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and natural wonders, making it a great choice for visitors to the region.