Tulum: Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote Saamal and Valladolid

Planning a day trip from Tulum to explore the heart of Yucatán’s ancient treasures and charming towns? This guided tour promises a blend of history, nature, and local culture, all wrapped into one long but potentially rewarding day. With visits to the iconic Chichen Itza, a refreshing swim in Cenote Saamal, and a quick stop in Valladolid, it covers many highlights—if the schedule works for you.

What makes this tour interesting is the opportunity to see some of the region’s most famous sights without the early wake-up call. Plus, the guides seem to be a key highlight, often praised for their knowledge and engagement. On the flip side, the experience has drawn some criticism for timing issues and a somewhat rushed schedule.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized, culturally rich outings and doesn’t mind spending a bit of time on a bus, this tour could be a good fit. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace, especially at the cenote or Valladolid, or are very particular about timing, you might want to consider alternatives.

Key Points

• Balanced cultural and natural experience: Combines Machu-like ruins, a cenote swim, and a colonial town.
• Knowledgeable guides: Often praised for their helpfulness and storytelling.
• Timing can be tight: Some travelers felt the schedule was rushed, especially at the cenote and Chichen Itza.
• Value for the price: At $98 per person, it covers transportation, entry fees, and a tour—though experiences may vary.
• Transport quality varies: Some reviews mention cramped seating and uncomfortable conditions.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with options to reserve and pay later.
• Authentic experiences depend: While some felt the stops are worthwhile, others found Valladolid too crowded or touristy.
• Food and shopping: Includes a buffet lunch and a stop at a Mayan shop, which some travelers found rushed or sales-driven.
• Suitable for: Travelers looking for a comprehensive day out, with an emphasis on culture and history, ready for a longer day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Departure from Tulum and Transportation

Starting in Tulum, this tour begins with a relaxed morning, avoiding the early hours some other excursions require. The transportation is provided by a travel company, Travel Open Vacations, and while some reviews commend the organization, others mention cramped seating during the long drive—over two hours each way. If you’re tall or sensitive to tight spaces, be prepared for some discomfort.

Chichen Itza: The Main Attraction

The highlight of the trip is, of course, Chichen Itza. While the tour claims to cover the site in about an hour, some travelers find this insufficient—”more than an hour would be better,” as one reviewer noted. The site’s grandeur and historical significance are undeniable. You’ll see the famous El Castillo pyramid and other structures, although some mention that not everyone gets to explore equally, as the guide or group size may limit access.

The timing here is crucial: visiting during the hottest part of the day can make the experience less comfortable. Several comments suggest that an earlier start at Chichen Itza would make the visit more enjoyable and less rushed.

Cenote Saamal: Swimming and Refreshment

Next, the tour heads to Cenote Saamal, a beautiful sinkhole where you can cool off. This stop is often highlighted as the most enjoyable part, with clear water and a natural setting. However, many feel the allotted time—about 50 minutes—can be tight. You’ll need time to get changed, rent a life jacket if needed, and actually swim.

One reviewer commented, “the time at the cenote was a bit short,” especially considering the logistics of changing and getting into the water. If swimming is a priority, be prepared for a quick experience, and consider bringing your own towel and essentials.

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Valladolid: A Brief Town Visit

The tour includes a stop in Valladolid, a colorful colonial city. Some travelers appreciated the chance to see a typical Mexican town, even if just for 30 minutes, but others found it too crowded or felt it was a rushed, touristic stop. One reviewer called it “pointless,” while another said it was “crowded and not very authentic.” If you’re looking for a deep cultural experience here, you might be disappointed.

Lunch and Shopping

A buffet lunch is included, but several reviews mention it being rushed—only 30 minutes—and not always satisfying. Plus, there’s a stop at a Mayan shop where some felt pressured to buy souvenirs or overpriced alcohol. The timing of these stops can feel more like sales pitches than authentic cultural exchanges.

Return to Tulum

The entire day stretches to about 13 hours, which can be a long time if you prefer a more leisurely pace. Some travelers found the schedule unbalanced: for example, visiting the cenote first leaves you wet and uncomfortable during the rest of the day, and the heat during the midday Chichen Itza tour can be exhausting.

Transportation and Comfort

Transportation quality is a mixed bag. While the guides are clearly experienced and engaging, some reviews point out cramped seating and no legroom on the bus. The long hours on the road can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to extended travel in small vehicles. A few travelers suggested that a shorter, more focused tour might be a better option, especially one that emphasizes fewer stops but with more time at each.

Guides and Cultural Insights

Many reviewers praise the guides, especially Rafael and Victor, for their knowledge, helpfulness, and engaging storytelling. They add value to the experience by providing insights that make the sites come alive. One reviewer highlighted that Victor was “extremely professional, helpful, and knowledgeable,” turning the day into a learning experience.

But some mention that the bilingual guides sometimes speak both English and Spanish simultaneously, which can be hard to follow. If you’re interested in history and culture, a good guide makes all the difference.

Pricing and Value

At $98 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—including transportation, entrance fees, and guided commentary. For those wanting to maximize their day and see major sights without worrying about logistics, it’s a reasonable price. However, the value depends heavily on how much you enjoy rushed schedules and long bus rides. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at specific sites, it might feel a bit rushed for the price.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re eager to see Chichen Itza, swim in a cenote, and get a taste of Valladolid without having to plan each detail yourself. It suits travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule and are comfortable on a bus for several hours. If your priority is knowledgeable guides, cultural highlights, and convenience, this tour offers a good way to hit many highlights in one day.

However, if you’re sensitive to timing, prefer a relaxed experience, or want to spend more time exploring each site at your own pace, consider alternative options or shorter tours focusing on fewer stops.

FAQs

Is transportation comfortable? Some reviews mention cramped seating and no legroom, so if comfort is a priority, be prepared for a tight ride, especially on the return trip.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you have the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How long do stops last? The tour allocates about 50 minutes at Cenote Saamal, 2 hours at Chichen Itza, and 30 minutes in Valladolid, with some feeling these times are too short.

Is lunch included? Yes, there’s a buffet lunch, but reviews suggest it’s rushed and not very filling, so consider bringing snacks or extra drinks.

Are guides bilingual? Many guides speak both Spanish and English, but some reviews mention that they sometimes switch languages mid-sentence, which could be confusing.

How long is the total tour? Expect around 13 hours, so it’s a long day—best for travelers comfortable with extended outings.

Is the tour suitable for children? The reviews don’t specify age restrictions, but with long hours and busy sites, it may be better suited for older children or teens.

What should I bring? Essentials include water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a towel for the cenote.

Will I get enough time at each site? Some travelers felt the schedule was a bit rushed, especially at Chichen Itza and the cenote, so if you’re eager to explore more thoroughly, this might not be your ideal tour.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid offers a convenient way to see some of Yucatán’s most famous attractions without the hassle of planning. The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude enhance the experience, while the inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and lunch makes it straightforward.

However, the schedule’s tightness and long hours may not suit everyone—especially those who value a leisurely pace or more time at specific sites. If you’re comfortable with a busy day and are eager to pack in multiple highlights, you’ll likely enjoy the trip. But if you prefer a more relaxed approach, consider choosing a shorter or more focused tour.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for value, cultural insight, and adventure, provided they’re prepared for some long hours and a bit of a rush.

You can check availability for your dates here: