Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya! Culture Day

Cancun, Mexico

13 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chichen Itza on this day tour from the Riviera Maya. Learn about Mayan history as you explore the ancient site, including the Kukulkan pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors. Afterward, take a swim in crystal-clear waters of a cenote and enjoy a delicious buffet of traditional food. Finally enjoy free time to explore the magic town of Valladolid.

Explore Chichen Itza and beyond on a tour from the Riviera Maya
Explore the rich culture and history of the Yucatan
Hassle-free Riviera Maya hotel pickup and drop-off
Includes a delicious Yucatan–style buffet lunch

What's Included

Round shared transportation with A/C
Bilingual guide (certified)
Access to the Cenote Noolha (can be replaced by Cenote Chichikan depending on availability)
Free time at Valladolid (25 minutes)
Visit at Chichen Itza Ruins (1 hour guided and 1 hour free)
Mexican buffet meal

Beverage in the restaurant
Life Vest 5 USD
Preservation Tax of 17 USD per person

$17.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Meeting points for travelers that are in downtown hotels and airbnb's or any location that we can't reach: Playa Del Carmen: Cocobongo at Playa Del Carmen Tulum: There is no pick up in any hotel or airbnb, the meeting point will be at Super Aki market main gate over in federal avenue The pick up time is set acording to your location, the travelers that doesn't provide pick up location will need to get in contact with us as soon as posible, otherwise we will be not be able to provide the service

Operating hours
.7:00 am

Itinerary

Chichen Itza

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

CENOTE NOOLHA BY CHICHIKAN

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Valladolid

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Near public transportation
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate

Does not include Preservation Tax of 17 USD per person
Travelers must bring swim suit, change of clothes and towels
Life vest mandatory
Cenote Noolha can be replaced by Cenote Chichikan depending on availability
The order of the stops may change
Backpacks are not allowed at Chichen Itza Ruins (Any type of backpack)
Only small bags are allowed at Chichen Itza
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

3.6

based on 7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Paparazzi for money

Yendry_R, Mar 2026

The transportation was ok, we waited for 45 minutes in a gas station without any information, then we went to a cenote which it was cool, after the cenote, we went to meet mayan people, they had different stations, like 5, in every station they asked for tip, two steps later, more tip, they posed for "free" pictures, but asked for tip, we did the free tequila tasting but it was mostly to sell you tequila, they walked you through a souvenir shop and they follow you to sell you stuff, they tried to sell me a cleansing and an oil that smelled like mint, but they said it wasn't, for $1000 pesos about $60, didn't asked how much for the cleansing. Finally we went to the included lunch, I saw all kinds of foods walking throughthe restaurant, but they told us we were in a separate area, in that area our lunch was, white Rice, runny beans, mash potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a choice of tacos. When we thought we were leaving because we were in the van, a guy came to do a toast, he gave us a tiny little bit of passion fruit with agave, then they tried to sell you a bottle of it. IN THE VAN! I almost forgot, the entire area is very humble until you get to their restaurant, that's a different story. We got picked up at 7 am got home at 8:30 pm and that's the only included meal. We got to Chichen Itza, beautiful place except for all the vendors around, and outside the pyramids, is a constant harassment, this is why I called it paparazzi, and don't forget to save tip for your driver!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

For any readers, there is one important thing about any tour or travel in Mexico. Tips are never mandatory They are locals that only work for tips, without a fix salary. The restaurant gives them the chance to take space and give out demonstration of the culture Everyone that tried to sell something is because they needed it, they create those drinks and souvenirs based on their culture heritage And again, you can always just say "no, thank you" and keep going The tour information was clear about the duration of the tour and the fact that only 1 meal is included. There are many spots where to buy food throughout the tour

Great day at the pyramid et al.

philip_r, Feb 2026

It is a long day, but well worth it. There are enough stops & toilet breaks to break it up. Make sure you have a good breakfast or take a few snacks and water as lunch is a few hours after the start. Our trip was on a large bus from Playa Del Carmen with a few others joining the bus from a minibus (van) at a petrol (gas) station. The air-con blasted a bit so might be worth taking a sweater just for the journey itself. Our trip had a Mexican guide who spoke great English and he spoke for almost all of the outward journey with some great info about the Mayan culture. And was mostly silent on the return journey to let people sleep as it was getting dark and we were tired. And in particular I found the history of their counting system and calendar fascinating (and even earnt myself a cold beer with a correct calculation :) ). They offer you the chance to buy your own dedicated Mayan "birth certificate" which a handful of people on the bus chose to do. Expect to see plenty of hawkers trying to sell you stuff, but easy to dismiss politely. The pyramid is well worth the trip and despite having lots of people around, the site is large enough to allow plenty of opportunity to get your personal photos/selfies. The Cenote where we swam was also a great bonus (and the water is less cold than the mandatory shower you have to take first). But you can decline the whole thing and sit at the snack bar - or access the large Cenote just for photos which requires a life jacket (as steep & slippery steps to get down and the ledge is slippery) - but there is also a smaller Cenote at the lunch stop where you can take some photos without going anywhere near the water or paying for a lifejacket. The lunch stop was a welcome break and the food ok - wuith spicy and non-spicy options. Depending on the level of trip you have paid for, you may or may not have drinks included but you can purchase some if not. We stopped in a Mayan village which was very interesting. They showed us some of their carvings which were exquisite and ceremonies. And we had a multiple tequila tasting (I loved the Mango - note bottles are $39US at the airport duty free or $49 in PDC) We also stopped in Valladolid which is a very picturesque town with numerous coloured facades and a great central square. We only had 30 minutes there but i think a couple of hours or more would be worth it if you have more flexibility. Overall a fabulous day out.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We highly appreciate such a detailed review Thank you for the chance to share this experience with you, we also appreciate the time it took for you to make the review in such detail We hope other travelers can read it to have a clear idea about the tour from the perspective of a traveler We hope to welcome you again soon! Mexico has plenty more to offer

I do not recommend this activity

Lynda_R, Dec 2025

You havé to eat at stops because you havé lunch at 3h30 which is a non sensé when you had breakfast at 6

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Lunch took place around 1:00 pm, the time frame that you claimed is not accurate

Underwhelmed

Trevor_G, Dec 2025

The bad: Pickups took almost 2 hours which was very frustrating as we were on the first pick up at 7am. We arrived at 6:45 as instructed, but the pick up was late around 7:15. We proceeded to stop at about 5-6 places not far away. The company should really consider limiting to 1 or 2 spots to save time. We were hoping to get some sleep on the way, but the guides insisted on doing a lecture on the microphone for about and hour and a half straight, delivered with a somewhat belittling tone as though speaking to a group of 6th grade students on a field trip. He took a long time to explain very simple ideas - like we should be grateful, we’re spoiled, rich, ignorant city-folk, etc. It was a bit unusual, and frustrating that it prevented us from sleeping. This continued in between stops. I think their intention is to be informative but the tone is way off. They also try to get you to buy things along the way as well. There were some bright spots. They did a good job of explaining expectations for the trip, and do/don’ts. However we ended up waiting an extra 30 mins for 2 people who were late coming back to the bus which was annoying. The meal took place at a sort of “cultural center” which is basically a large gift shop. They presented a Mayan blessing and explained that corn is gluten free (as it that were surprising) and some objects made from obsidian. It seemed they were killing time before it was our turn to eat. This part was WAY longer than necessary and they allotted 20 mins for us to shoo in the store followed by about 30 mins in the hot sun waiting for our turn to eat. The food was ok all things considered. A couple tips: bring some cash / coins for things like using public bathrooms, buying souvenirs. The locker rental at the cenote is not included but you can avoid it and leave most of your stuff on the bus. There is a place to drop your towels/flip flops before descending to the pool. Bring snacks and water. I was able to buy some empanadas for breakfast at the gas station where they stopped to consolidate buses. Also pack plenty of patience (and noise cancelling headphones) Be prepared to return around 8pm or so.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

The tour is advertised as a shared tour, on the way to the ruins other people are being picked up, it does not affect the duration of the tour The guides share information of the Mayan Culture and the contrast between those times and today. There was no "tone", the guides give an explanation that anyone in the group can understand and appreciate at their own pace

Mixed feelings on this package

John_K, Jan 2025

Time spent on bus is more than advertised, about 7hrs total. Bus waited 1/2 hr at one stop for two people, should have left if they weren't ready. Guide was good, Mayan ruins were amazing. In hindsight would not have bought a package that includes cenote visit. Added too much time.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

The tour is advertised as a ful day tour, traffic might delay arrival times We are glad that you still had a great time with the guide at the ruins

Our guide Victor was...

KOROBI_Q, Jul 2024

Our guide Victor was excellent. So knowledgable and funny. He brought energy to the day which was a very hot summer day.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Our staff tries the best to make the day as special as possible! We'll make sure to commend your guide There is still plenty more to explore, Mexico has so much more to offer!