Chichen Itza, Beautiful Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour
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Cancun, Mexico
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This full-day tour from Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Puerto Aventuras packs a sightseeing punch—see Valladolid, a 16th-century colonial city, visit the ancient Maya metropolis of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend leisurely time relaxing in the peaceful Cenote Noolha, where you'll have unlimited use of the zipline. With round-trip hotel transport, a buffet lunch, and a guide to explain everything, this is a hassle-free experience you don’t want to miss.
- Discover Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil (If option selected), and Valladolid with a guide
- Explore Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Swim in the tranquil Cenote Noolha and feast on a delicious buffet lunch
- Hotel transfers from Puerto Aventuras, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Cancun
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This tour makes covering these top Yucatan attractions easier (and less expensive) than trying to arrange transportation independently, especially if you're traveling with your family or large groups. Bring a few pesos if you want to rent a locker or life jacket for easy floating at the cenote.
What's Included
- Pick up & drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional certificated bilingual guide
- Lunch (regional buffet)
- Guided visit to Chichen-Itza & free time there
- All Taxes & Fees, no extra or hidden charges
- Swimming in the stunning Oxman cenote, located near the old Hacienda
- Lifejackets in the cenote
- Drinks, unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
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Itinerary
After an early-morning pickup from your Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Puerto Aventuras hotel, travel with your guide to UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza, the city-cradle of ancient Mayans.
During this tour, explore the area and gain insight into its top landmarks, including the Kukulkan pyramid, an astronomical observatory, and the ball court. Learn about the dangerous game of pok-ta-pok played by warriors. You’ll also have free time to enjoy Chichen Itza on your own.
Take a break from sightseeing with a swim in Cenote Ik Kil(If option selected), a vine-fringed natural swimming hole sunk deep into the earth. You’ll enjoy your included buffet lunch here, with free time for photos or more swimming.
Refreshed, continue to Valladolid, also called the Sultaness of the East. Get to know this sleepy city, with colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, on a short guided tour.
Then, hop back on the bus for drop-off at your hotel in the evening.
During this tour, explore the area and gain insight into its top landmarks, including the Kukulkan pyramid, an astronomical observatory, and the ball court. Learn about the dangerous game of pok-ta-pok played by warriors. You’ll also have free time to enjoy Chichen Itza on your own.
Take a break from sightseeing with a swim in Cenote Ik Kil(If option selected), a vine-fringed natural swimming hole sunk deep into the earth. You’ll enjoy your included buffet lunch here, with free time for photos or more swimming.
Refreshed, continue to Valladolid, also called the Sultaness of the East. Get to know this sleepy city, with colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, on a short guided tour.
Then, hop back on the bus for drop-off at your hotel in the evening.
1
Kaua
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Chichen Itza
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Hacienda Oxman Cenote
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
Valladolid
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Bring towels, sunscreen and sunglasses, bottled water, remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
- You may want to bring a light sweater or jacket as it could get cold on the transportation on our way to Chichén Itzá and back.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, flip flops are not recommended for the archaeological site.
- Don’t bring tripod for your camera, as it is not allowed to get these inside the Mayan Ruins.
- You must contact local supplier at least 24 hours before your product date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher.
- Please don´t forget to specify your accommodation name and/or address in the booking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 56 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jose was an awesome guide/coordinator for the day! He was knowledgeable, funny, professional, and kind! The highlights of the tour for me were Chitzen Itzá and swimming in the Cenote. The handicraft tour was also enjoyable and they had a great selection of various souvenirs. The city of Valladolid was beautiful but you dont have much time there. A very fun and enjoyable day!
Reviews
4.3
based on 544 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
Our tour guide Jose was very knowledgeable and friendly. Also Johnny and Abran made sure everything went smoothly
Our tour guides, Alex and Victor, helped perpetuate a scam at Kona. We were forced into a line to get a “free“ picture with natives. They then denied us water for over an hour as the bus was locked. When we finally were given lunch, we weren’t allowed to take our water with us into the restaurant. They wanted to upsell us for water! We ended up eating the watermelon for liquid. We got very dehydrated. After the tour, they tried to scam us with honey. They told us the honey had no alcohol in it. They had a picture on the honey of us with the natives! We had not approved them taking a picture of us. We thought the only picture taken of us was on our phone. We felt very high-pressured to buy the bottle of honey since they put it in our hands on the bus. They told us it had no alcohol in it. Alcohol is against our religious beliefs and they lied about it. When we got home, we found out it has alcohol! These two guides perpetuated a scam with the locals to part visitors with their money and lied about alcohol.
The only good part of the tour was our guides were knowledgeable about the area.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Karensa,
Thank you for your feedback. However, several statements in your review are factually incorrect, and we believe it is important to clarify what is actually included in the tour.
Our tour description clearly states that drinks during lunch are not included. Drinking water is provided on the bus, and guests are welcome to take it with them. If the bus is temporarily locked while the group is at the restaurant, guests simply need to wait until the group returns. The bus cannot be left open because guests’ personal belongings remain inside. Drinks are also available for purchase at the restaurant and at other stops during the tour.
There is absolutely no “scam” involving water or lunch. Suggesting that our guides intentionally withheld water in order to force guests to purchase it is a serious and completely unfounded accusation.
We are equally concerned about the allegations regarding the honey. Honey itself is a non-alcoholic food product and contains no alcohol. The souvenir bottle with the photograph is an entirely optional purchase. Before the photograph, the guide explains what it is, that the photograph is optional, and that the bottle is available for purchase separately. There is absolutely no obligation to participate or buy anything.
You chose to participate in the photograph and subsequently purchased the honey bottle. It is therefore particularly difficult to understand how this voluntary experience can now be described as being “forced” upon you.
We are also disappointed by the disrespectful way the Maya community was referred to in your review. The correct name is Kaua, not “Kona.” The community and its people deserve to have their name represented correctly and respectfully, especially when serious accusations are being made about them.
We respect every guest’s right to leave a review, even when their expectations differ from ours. However, calling our tour a “scam” and accusing our guides and local partners of deliberately deceiving tourists are serious allegations that we cannot simply accept.
The tour you booked included the advertised services: comfortable transportation, the cenote visit, entrance fees, a professional guided tour of Chichén Itzá, and Valladolid. We are genuinely surprised that, after receiving the services described in the tour, the main basis for a one-star review is a voluntary photograph and purchase, as well as water that was provided on the bus.
We are sorry that you left with such a negative impression, but we strongly disagree with the characterization of our tour and our team as a “scam.”
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Chichén Itzá itself is absolutely gorgeous and worth visiting—but I strongly recommend booking your tour through a different company on Viator.
Unfortunately, our experience with this tour company was extremely disappointing. The people in charge, particularly Alejandro, our tour guide, were unkind, aggressive, and made what should have been an enjoyable vacation experience incredibly uncomfortable. It became very clear that he had connections with many of the stops included on the tour, and we were repeatedly pressured to spend significantly more money than we were comfortable with.
The most frustrating part was being pressured to purchase tequila for over $320 USD for two small bottles, despite knowing that the same or very similar products could be purchased for significantly less elsewhere in the area. When my husband stood up for me and questioned the price, Alejandro became insulting toward him. A tour guide should never make a guest feel intimidated, embarrassed, or upset to the point of tears.
We were also discouraged from purchasing anything from the vendors at Chichén Itzá because we were told their products were inexpensive and lower quality. While that may sometimes be true, we later realized that many of the same types of products were available at the stores this company took us to—just at substantially higher prices.
The cenote itself was pleasant, but overall, the experience was overshadowed by the pressure to purchase, the treatment from the tour staff, and the lack of professionalism. The guides also drank during the tour, and there was very little effort made to address or assist with issues that arose because of it.
Chichén Itzá: absolutely visit.
This tour company: absolutely not.
Do yourself a favor and choose another tour operator. You deserve to enjoy your vacation without being pressured, insulted, or made to feel guilty for saying no.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Dear Karena,
We are sorry to read this review, as several of the accusations made in it are simply not true and do not reflect how our tours are operated.
First, our guides do not consume alcohol during tours. This is strictly prohibited. Our guides are checked at our office before departure and are required to report back after the tour. We take this responsibility very seriously. Nevertheless, we will of course review the details of this particular tour internally.
We also want to clarify the comments regarding purchases. We do not force, pressure, or require our guests to buy anything. At the cultural stop, guests are simply shown the products available and are free to decide whether they are interested in purchasing something. No purchase is required.
It is also important to carefully read the tour itinerary and inclusions before booking. The visit to the artisan village is clearly stated in the itinerary published on Viator. It is not a hidden or unexpected stop added during the tour.
This stop also has an important logistical purpose. The bracelets for entry to Chichén Itzá are provided there, allowing our guests to avoid standing with the entire bus in the entrance line, which can otherwise take more than 30 minutes. The cultural aspect of the stop is an additional part of the experience.
We are also disappointed that the review focuses almost exclusively on an alleged disagreement regarding purchases while completely overlooking what is actually included in the tour: entrance fees, comfortable transportation, lunch, a cenote visit, a professional guide, and other services included in the tour price. We work hard to offer a complete Chichén Itzá experience at a competitive price, without hidden mandatory purchases.
We have checked our records and had not received similar complaints from other guests regarding guides drinking during tours or guests being forced to make purchases. We will, of course, investigate this particular case, but we cannot accept accusations that do not correspond to our operating procedures.
It appears that the main dissatisfaction arose from the fact that the guest did not appreciate the artisan-village stop, despite this being clearly stated in the tour description before booking. We respect every guest's right to leave a negative review, but it is unfair to turn a disagreement with an included and clearly disclosed part of the itinerary into personal accusations against our guide.
We encourage all future guests to carefully review the itinerary and inclusions before booking so they can choose the experience that best matches their expectations.
Our goal remains to provide a safe, professional, comfortable, and enjoyable experience, with all purchases at the artisan stop being completely optional.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Very hot in the summer! Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen, loose fitting clothes. Educational and fun!
This experience gives you knowledge and brings you back in time, in order to understand and to walk into the Mayan world!!! Gabriel gives out with passion, all the info about the Mayan culture and civilization. But please be careful on the Cénote!!!! I didn’t rent the locker and was a mistake. My things got misplaced from somebody. I thought that they were stolen and I asked for security. His name was Oscar. Me and two of his co workers we were calling his name and refused to come. After I called louder he came down there and he didn’t help me at all!!!!! I found my backpack to another place of where o left it but I was relieved that I did. But Oscar the security guy , not only he didn’t help but I found out later that he accused me to my travel guy that I was mental ill or I was taking grubs!!!! So please do not take your valuables down there!!! It’s dark and crowded and you won’t get any help from Oscar’s!! Other than this the tour will exceed your expectations
Great experience, loved all of it. Our driver and tour guide, Walter were the best. Highly recommend Viator and this tour. Thank you.
Our guide and driver were very friendly, professional, and attentive throughout the entire day. They did an excellent job and made the experience as pleasant as possible.
However, my personal opinion is that the tour is poorly planned. We were picked up very early in the morning, but instead of going directly to Chichen Itza, we made several stops and did not arrive until around 2:30 PM, which is the hottest part of the day. The extreme heat made it difficult to enjoy the archaeological site and appreciate its beauty.
I honestly believe the itinerary should be reorganized. Since guests are already being picked up early, the tour should go directly to Chichen Itza first, allowing visitors to arrive around 9:00–10:00 AM when temperatures are much more comfortable. After that, the group could stop for lunch and learn about Mayan culture, then visit the cenote, and finally spend some time in Valladolid before returning.
The cenote was not particularly enjoyable for our family, and overall the long travel time compared to the time spent enjoying the attractions left us feeling that much of the day was spent in transportation.
The staff were excellent, but the overall experience would be greatly improved with a better-planned itinerary.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Yohima,
Thank you for your feedback and for your kind words about our guide and driver. We are pleased to hear that you found them friendly, professional, and attentive throughout the day.
We would like to clarify a few points for future travelers. Your hotel was located in the Costa Mujeres area, which unfortunately requires one of the earliest pick-ups on any shared tour due to its distance from the main tourist zones. However, your scheduled pick-up was at 7:05 AM, which is a standard pick-up time for a full-day excursion covering several destinations.
We also feel it is important to clarify the timing described in your review. The statement that the group arrived at Chichén Itzá around 2:30 PM is simply not consistent with how the tour actually operated. If the group had arrived at Chichén Itzá at that time, it would have been impossible to complete the visit, lunch, the cenote stop, the Valladolid visit, and all hotel drop-offs before well after midnight. In reality, guests returned to their hotels at approximately 8:30 PM, with the later return time mainly due to the location of your hotel in Costa Mujeres, one of the farthest hotel areas served by shared tours in the region.
The itinerary is clearly described on the tour page before booking. It includes a cultural stop before Chichén Itzá lasting approximately 40–45 minutes. This stop is part of the planned experience and also serves important logistical purposes that help the day run more smoothly for all guests.
We understand that some travelers would prefer to visit Chichén Itzá first, while others enjoy the complete itinerary as designed. Shared tours must follow a schedule that works for the entire group and cannot be customized to individual preferences. For guests who prefer a personalized schedule, different timing, more time at specific locations, or a direct route to Chichén Itzá, we offer both small-group and private tours, which may be a better fit.
We appreciate your feedback and are glad that, despite your concerns about the itinerary, you enjoyed the professionalism of our team.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
It was good and memorable is experience. The guide was awesome. Overall nice experience. Value for the money spent
Full day of wonderful locations. Ek Belem was well worth the drive from Cancun. Oxman Cenote is small but still delivers a fun experience. Our guide Marco, and driver Christopher from Coba, were absolutely amazing! Marco shared so much interesting history.
This was such a disappointment. We were 25 minutes late to get picked up from the hotel, the van was absolutely packed and it was uncomfortable to have to sit so very close to everyone else on the tour. Our first stop was a gas stations so the guide and driver could get snacks. Then we were taken to a market that they said was the best place to shop, while advising to not buy from vendors at Chichen Itza. We were supposed to be there for 15 minutes but ended up being there at least 45, and everything was extremely expensive. We then went to Chichen Itza, but after being 'assigned' to a tour guide who walked with us to two features, we ended up with about 30-45 on our own to try and see everything else, before having to meet up and leave. Afyer leaving we went to lunch, which was at the SAME place as the market they'd already taken us to. The food at lunch was good. After that we went to the Cenote for about 45 minutes, and that seemed like the right amount of time to spend there. We were supposed to then have time in Valladolid, but we were dropped off right in front of a shop that they encouraged us to go in, and told to meet back at the same spot in less than 30 minutes. Almost the entire day felt like we were in a hurry, and we missed out on seeing so much. I would not recommend this tour if you want to have to see more of Chichen Itza than El Castillo, or have time to wander a little bit in Valladolid. It felt like the guides must have arrangements with the market that they took us to, and we spent way too long there, especially considering we'd be back there for lunch. We regretted that we chose this tour, and wished we'd chosen one that was just Chichen Itza and maybe one other thing.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Ashley,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations and would like to clarify several points.
Regarding transportation, the initial pick up is often done in vans (minivans) intentionally. This allows us to collect guests more efficiently without having everyone spend excessive time stopping at multiple hotels. All vans then arrive at a main departure point, where guests can use restrooms, purchase a coffee or snack if they wish, and board the large, comfortable bus for the main part of the tour. This system is designed to save time and improve overall logistics.
The stop you mentioned is not only a shopping location. It also serves an important logistical purpose, where guests receive their entrance wristbands for Chichén Itzá, allowing the group to avoid long lines at the entrance, which can often exceed an hour. This helps ensure a smoother experience once arriving at the site.
At Chichén Itzá, the group is divided into smaller groups with dedicated guides, making it easier to hear the explanations, ask questions, and enjoy a more personalized guided experience. The total time at the site is approximately 2 hours (guided tour + free time), as clearly stated in the itinerary. Unfortunately, with a full big-bus shared tour, it is not possible to extend this time further while including all other planned stops. For guests who prefer more time at the site, we recommend our small-group or private tours.
Regarding Valladolid, the visit is a short stop (approximately 30 minutes) in the main square, also clearly indicated in the tour description. The meeting point is near local shops, which is simply a convenient reference location. Entering any store is completely optional. As in many tourist destinations around the world, vendors may invite guests to look at their products, but there is no obligation to purchase anything.
All stops, timing, and structure of the tour are fully described in the itinerary prior to booking, and we always encourage guests to review this information to ensure the experience matches their expectations.
We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you enjoyed the lunch and the cenote. We hope this clarification helps future travelers better understand the format of this shared tour.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
The overall experience was satisfactory. The English guide possessed a wealth of historical knowledge.
However, the lunch was unsatisfactory. During the meal, we were taken to a shop that charged an exorbitant price for an item that was unnecessary. Instead, we could have been served a snake and directly proceeded to Chichen Itza.
The remaining sites were as expected.
As well we are staying all inclusive hotel and during morning we are picked up too early.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Avik,
Thank you for your feedback and for highlighting the knowledge of our guide. We truly appreciate that.
We’re glad to know that overall the experience met your expectations. At the same time, we would like to gently clarify a few points for future travelers. As reflected in your comments, most aspects of the tour, including the guide, Chichen Itza, and the overall organization were positive, which is why we always aim for ratings that reflect the full experience.
Regarding the early pick up, your hotel pick up was scheduled at 7:45 AM, as part of a shared group tour. Pick up times depend on location and group logistics, and this is standard for all shared tours. Guests who prefer more flexible timing are always welcome to choose private tours, where schedules can be customized.
As for the shopping near the restaurant, there is a shop available where guests may choose to browse or not. Purchases are completely optional, and no one is required to buy anything.
All elements of the itinerary, including the order of stops and timing, are clearly described on the tour page so guests can review them before booking.
The tour includes all entrance fees and taxes, lunch, a cenote visit, comfortable transportation, and professional English-speaking guides, all designed to provide a smooth and complete experience.
We appreciate your comments and hope this helps future travelers better understand the tour format when making their decision.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
The day was very long. By the time you factor in pickup/drop off, my kids and I were out for 14 hours.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for your feedback!
We understand that the day can feel long, especially when traveling with children.
Unfortunately, hotels located in Costa Mujeres and Isla Blanca do have the disadvantage of earlier pick ups and later drop offs due to their distance from the main hotel zone. This is a common situation across all shared tours, regardless of the agency, as transportation logistics must accommodate multiple hotel locations.
We always recommend confirming these details in advance, as travel time can vary depending on hotel location. For guests who prefer a shorter day or more flexibility, we also offer small-group and private tours, where schedules can be better adapted to your needs.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope you still enjoyed the experience overall.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Everything was good just didn’t have enough time to enjoy the locations. The first stop was basically a waste of time and really pushy vendors.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Lindsey,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that overall you enjoyed the experience.
We understand that time at each location may feel limited, as this is a full-day itinerary designed to include several highlights in one tour. All stops and their duration are outlined in advance so guests know what to expect when booking. On shared big-bus tours, it is unfortunately not possible to adjust timing based on individual preferences, as the schedule must work for the entire group.
Regarding the first stop, we’d like to clarify that it is not only a commercial stop. It also serves a logistical purpose, where guests receive their entrance wristbands for Chichén Itzá, helping the group avoid long lines at the archaeological site. In addition, it offers a brief introduction to aspects of contemporary Mayan culture. Any items offered for sale are completely optional.
For travelers who prefer more time at each location or a more flexible pace, we also offer semi-private and private tours, which may be a better fit depending on personal preferences.
We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Victor a tour guide was so helpful that he purchased a street taco for me when I was unable to use my credit card to get pesos at an ATM machine
This your is great for those seeking an informative and educational experience. If you’re looking for a restful excursion, do not book. This tour company explains history and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Jose was an awesome guide/coordinator for the day! He was knowledgeable, funny, professional, and kind! The highlights of the tour for me were Chitzen Itzá and swimming in the Cenote. The handicraft tour was also enjoyable and they had a great selection of various souvenirs. The city of Valladolid was beautiful but you dont have much time there. A very fun and enjoyable day!
Julio was a fabulous tour guide. He was knowledgeable and also humorous. He spoke English and Spanish for this tour and it worked well.
It was a fun tour. Jose provided a lot of information for each location in an enjoyable manner. Villadolid was not much to see for 20 minutes and didn’t add value to the experience
The tour was okay overall. The guide was knowledgeable, but the pacing was uneven and the experience felt pretty standard. Good for a first-time visit though just beware of overprice souvenirs and tequila.
We were absolutely underwhelmed with this excursion. It took 14 hours not 12. The first stop was some sort of “cultural center“ that we spent entirely too much time out which really was just a place to shop. The tour guide kind of pressured everyone about spending money to support the Mayan people. The actual site was beautiful, but extremely crowded and again there where too many vendors trying to sell you things. Lunch was OK, but I’ve never seen a Maya eat spaghetti before so it was not culturally appropriate buffet. Drinks were not included and that was stated in the package, but I assumed that meant alcoholic beverages, but it did not so there was another $14 spent on juice to eat with your lunch. The cenote was beautiful once again. It was crowded and very rushed. We had just enough time to change into bathing suit jump in the Cenote swim around for five or 10 minutes and then get out get dressed to meet the bus again. The tour guide was very knowledgeable but spoke so quickly that he was difficult to understand. I definitely would not recommend this trip.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We truly appreciate it, even when opinions differ.
We would like to clarify a few important points for future travelers. The first stop, often referred to as a cultural center, is not only a shopping stop. It is also where guests receive their official wristbands for Chichén Itzá entrance, which allows the group to enter the archaeological site more efficiently and avoid long waiting lines with the general crowd. In addition, this stop is intended to showcase elements of contemporary Mayan culture. While local crafts are offered for sale, purchasing is always optional.
Chichén Itzá and the cenote were visited during the winter holiday season, which is peak travel time in the region. On shared tours operating in large, first-class buses, higher crowd levels are unfortunately unavoidable everywhere, including inside archaeological sites and cenotes. This is not something we can control, but our team always works to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible under these conditions.
Regarding meals, the buffet includes traditional regional dishes as well as some international options. This is done intentionally to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, children, vegetarians, and travelers who may not be able to eat exclusively traditional food.
As clearly stated in the tour description, beverages are not included with lunch. This applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and we kindly encourage all guests to review the inclusions carefully before booking.
It is also important to note that vendors have always been present at Chichén Itzá and will continue to be so, as this is managed directly by site authorities and is beyond the control of tour operators.
We are pleased to know that you enjoyed the transportation, found the guide knowledgeable, and appreciated both Chichén Itzá and the cenote. While we respect your right to leave a 2-star review, we would like to mention that for travelers seeking a quieter experience, no cultural stops, more flexibility, and additional inclusions, we also offer semi-private and private tours, which may be a better fit.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Super awesome day. Long day but totally worth it. Learned a real lot about Maya culture. Breath taking.
It was very. informative. We loved learning about the history and seeing the beauty of Mexico. Totally recommend!
such a fun excursion! wish we had a little more time at the cenote but overall an amazing day! staff was all super friendly, lunch was very good.
It makes for a long day! Depending on where your hotel is located and the location for others it can last longer than 8-12 hours. Our tour lasted 14 hours.
Chichen Itza is well worth it! We had Emilio and he was full of so much interesting information. We also enjoyed the Cenote, but we could have skipped Valladolid. At that point we were all too tired, and ready to be done.
I do wish at the ruins they would have given us time to shop. There were so many cool things that we did not see again.
Not sure I'd do this tour again, but at least we did see one if the 7 wonders of the world.
Also, make sure to ask for a restroom stop on the way back. They offer on the way up, but never on the way back, so you may have to wait quite a long while for a restroom.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience. We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed Chichen Itza and that Emilio made the visit informative and engaging.
We’d like to add some helpful context for future travelers. For hotels located in Costa Mujeres, which is more than 30 minutes north of Cancun, the total duration of the day can be longer due to distance and shared pick up logistics. This is unavoidable on shared and small-group tours. All stops included in the itinerary, including the cenote and Valladolid, are clearly listed in the tour description, and on shared formats we cannot skip locations, as many guests truly enjoy Valladolid, as reflected in the majority of reviews. We always recommend reviewing the itinerary carefully before booking.
Regarding shopping time, on the small-group tour you joined we spend approximately three hours at Chichen Itza, including the guided visit and free time, during which guests are welcome to shop if they wish. Unfortunately, we cannot extend the visit for additional shopping time, as our small-group tours follow a non-commercial policy and are designed to prioritize the cultural experience while still allowing sufficient free time at the site.
For travelers who prefer a shorter day, fewer stops, or a fully customized schedule including more flexibility for shopping or pacing, we recommend our private tours, where the itinerary is designed exclusively around your preferences.
We appreciate your feedback and hope this clarification helps future guests choose the tour format that best suits their travel style.
Best regards,
Olga Sakhrannaia
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Excellent tour! It was informative and had a great flow to the day. The tour guide, Alex, did a wonderful job of doing the duel tour in both English and Spanish. It was evident he is very passionate about the Mayan culture and history! My only note would be to make the pick up times a little more clear, and to have snack/food options offered earlier in the day. As a solo traveler, I felt safe and enjoyed every minute of this tour!
The guide Luis and driver Juan did a wonderful job. My 2-star rating is a reflection of the itinerary itself. We departed Cancun at 9 AM and right at the start of the trip, we wasted 3-plus hours (by design) in a tourist trap called KAUA which should have been totally avoided. Hence we reached Chichen Itza only at 2 PM and then it was all ramble scramble. By the time we finished Oxman Cenote and reached Valladoid it was well past 6 pm EST. Valladoid is an interesting place and we could have easily spent 2 hours exploring the town. Instead we were hustled through there in 30 minutes thanks to all the time wasted at KAUA. And by the time we got back to Cancun it was nearly 10 PM. All restaurants in our hotel were closed and we went to bed without dinner. What could have been a wonderful day was thoroughly messed up thanks to the lousy design.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Krishnakumar,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we’re glad to hear that both the guide Luis and the driver Juan made a positive impression. We would like to clarify several important points for future travelers, as the itinerary and timing described in this review do not reflect how the tour actually operated.
We strongly encourage all guests to review the full itinerary on the tour page before booking. This is a shared big-bus tour and, as is common for this format in Mexico, it includes cultural and logistical stops, all of which are clearly mentioned in the description. While some agencies do not explain these stops in advance, we do so to ensure full transparency before booking.
Regarding timing, we carefully reviewed the operational log of the tour. The group departed Cancún at 8:30 AM (Quintana Roo time), arrived in Kaua at 10:00 AM local Yucatán time, reached Chichén Itzá at 11:20 AM, and departed the archaeological site at 2:00 PM. Lunch followed at 2:20 PM, with departure at 3:00 PM, arrival at the cenote at 3:20 PM, arrival in Valladolid at 4:40 PM, and departure from Valladolid at 5:10 PM. It is important to note that Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo, which often causes confusion when reviewing schedules. Because of this time difference, the return to Cancún was around 8:30 PM with hotel drop-offs, not 10:00 PM.
Regarding Valladolid, this tour includes a 30-minute visit to the main square, exactly as stated in the tour description. For guests who wish to explore Valladolid in greater depth, we also offer a different tour that allows approximately two hours in the city. Finally, we understand that not every tour format suits every traveler. This experience is designed for guests seeking a well-organized, all-inclusive shared tour, while those who prefer fewer stops, longer visits, or a fully customized pace may find our semi-private or private tour options to be a better fit.
We appreciate your feedback and hope this clarification helps future guests choose the tour that best matches their expectations and travel style.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
Site and trip good. But you get hit by hard selling right from the get go.
Selling a $33 calender about yourself.
Selling bug spray on board when wasn't even needed. Selling tequila bottles with your photo on it. Cheap bottle and crap picture. Told not to buy from street vendors who are making a living and taken to expensive shops with the same stuff at x50 the price. Trip itself is well organised but be mindful of all the hard selling. Put me off a little.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Himanshu,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you found the trip well organized.
This is a shared tour operated on a large, first-class bus, and, as clearly stated in the tour description, it includes scheduled stops where items may be offered for sale. This is a common practice on shared tours in Mexico and is fully transparent before booking. All purchases are entirely optional, and guests are never obligated to buy anything.
The tour price includes all entrance fees and taxes, professional English-speaking guides, and comfortable, high-quality transportation, exactly as described.
Shared tours naturally differ from private or semi-private experiences, and each format offers a different balance between price and structure.
We encourage travelers to review the itinerary in advance to choose the option that best suits their travel style.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
This 12 more closely 13 hour excursion is way too long! They make too many stops! The first one is just a tourist trap trying to sell you stuff- there is enough of that at Chichen itza! Chichen Itza is amazing & worth the 2.5-3 hours it takes to get there! But the long trip home with 3 stops.. lunch which is just barely ok, the Cenote which is interesting but way over crowded, and Vallodidad which is a fun stop but not at the end of a long day!
A trip with Chichen Itza & 1 stop is enough!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Katie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for acknowledging that Chichen Itza itself was amazing and worth the journey.
That said, we’re sorry to see a 2-star rating given solely due to the tour’s duration and structure, as all of this information is clearly stated in the tour description before booking. The itinerary, total duration (approximately 12–13 hours), and all scheduled stops are detailed so travelers can choose the experience that best fits their expectations.
Please note that Chichen Itza is located far from the Riviera Maya. The drive takes around 2.5–3 hours after all hotel pick-ups, which is unavoidable on any shared group tour.
The cultural stop before entering Chichén Itzá is primarily logistical: this is where entrance bracelets are placed on guests in advance, allowing the group to skip waiting up to an hour at the archaeological site entrance. This significantly improves the overall flow of the visit.
Regarding the cenote, the high number of visitors is due to the Christmas holiday period, which is peak tourist season. Unfortunately, crowds are common everywhere at this time of year, not only on this tour.
For travelers who prefer shorter itineraries, fewer stops, or more personalized and less crowded experiences, we always recommend booking a private tour, which allows full flexibility in timing and stops.
We appreciate your feedback and wish you safe travels.
Best regards,
The OlMar Travel Mexico Team
It was informative and fun at the same time. I wish we didn’t have to stop at souvenir shop before Chichen Itza because we came to same plaza for lunch. They could have combined lunch and souvenir to save time and maybe allow longer time in Chichen Itza.
Thank goodness I did not select a 5:AM pick up. I selected pickup at 8:AM and van was 15-20 minutes late from hotel. Another family was already in the van and they were on the van since 7:AM. We were brought to another location to meet up with the bus. Even with assigned seating it looks like the over booked. They moved the other family to another bus. Passengers on the bus had booked various packages, as some had rec’d wrist bracelets and rec’d additional beverages (the tour guide often got confused) We booked all inclusive tour that includes entrance fees and lunch. The tour itself was nice as was our lunch (beverages not included and you cannot bring outside beverages). Wish we had more time Chichen Itza, swimming in Cenote and Valladolid and less shopping. It’s still a good tour if you have limited time, plan on a 12 hr day.
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