Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cancun, Mexico
+24
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Say goodbye to the Riviera Maya beaches and see a different side of the Yucatan. This guided tour explores Chichen Itza’s pyramid temples and colonial Valladolid, with a swim in an underground cenote. All options include a tequila tasting and buffet lunch, but upgrades are available for transfers from Cancun or Riviera Maya hotels and entrance tickets—or book a private tour with flexible pickup times.
- Discover the Yucatan's rich history, both Mayan and colonial Spanish
- Enjoy a guided tour of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Avoid the crowds with an early visit to the World Wonder
- Choose from multiple tour options to fit your travel style and budget
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicleRound-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle with onboard restroom
- Certified bilingual tour guide throughout the experience
- Early visit to Chichén Itzá with guided tour and free time to explore
- Access to Cenote Saamal with changing rooms and restroom facilities
- LunchTraditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya (Included in all tour options)
- Free time at Valladolid’s historic main square
- Additional charges for lockers and life jackets$5.00 per person
- Admission Fee - Chichén Itzá (skip-the-line access included; included in All-Inclusive option)MX$780.00 per person
- Beverages during lunch
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Chichen Itza
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Cenote Saamal
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
3
Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, such as beach attire, and suitable footwear.
- Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, your camera, and some extra cash.
- Please be aware that the pickup service is available only in Cancún and the Riviera Maya. For guests in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, we will assign a convenient meeting point.
- Please note that the entrance fee to Chichen Itza is not included. We recommend bringing cash for beverages, and optional lockers and life jackets.
- The use of lifejacket in the cenote is mandatory
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 6,874 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Drew_G, Jul 2026
Dont go on this scam of a tour. First off the Itinerary is a lie, the first stop is a tourist trap where they try and sell you fake authentic mayan calenders and $100 rocks. Then they take you to chichen itza but instead of an hour guided tour and an hour walking around, they give you 40 minutes by yourself to walk around the site and tell you that if you are late to the bus they will leave you behind. This is a scam plain and simple, dont book this.
siyu_w, Jul 2026
This trip was not very pleasant for us. In the morning, we were told that the waiting time at the hotel gate was 6:30. We arrived at 6:20, but the tour guide didn't pick us up until 7:00. Later, we passed a place called kaua, where the tour guide took us to a shopping spot, but this place was not in the tour group itinerary at all. We waited there for more than an hour. Later, when we arrived at Chichen Itza, it was already 12:00 noon and we queued up for a long time to go in. There were a lot of people at noon and it was very sunny, which was completely inconsistent with the tour group's title that we arrived at Chichen Itza very early to avoid the crowd. Later, the tour guide asked us to gather under the tree at 2:20. We waited under the tree at 2:05, but there was no one else in the group except us and the other two groups. The four of us were sure that the meeting point we heard was here, so we waited until 2:20, but there was still no one else. The store next to The staff told us that our team had left and gathered at the entrance. We didn't have the contact information of the tour guide, so we quickly ran to the entrance, but found that our tour bus was not there. Later, we contacted the viator platform, and the customer service told us that they had left. We had no choice but to have four We spent 600 pesos to take a taxi to the next stop together, which greatly shortened our lunch and the playing time in the sinkhole.
Samiparna_C, Jul 2026
Very good tour with Tony. The cenote was awesome. Bring an umbrella for summer tour for the pyramid area or rent it. Long day so pleas be prepared.
Karys_P, Jul 2026
César was an amazing guide!! He was super knowledgeable and very funny as well. My boyfriend and I had such amazing time. I would definitely recommend this tour to my friends and family.
Chelsea_H, Jul 2026
This was my second tour to chichen itza and Luis and Alfredo were fantastic. I learned a lot that I didn't know. We started by going to a small Mayan village and learning about obsidian and the Mayan people and how chichen itza was built. After we made it to the pyramids and had a guided tour followed by some free time. Again, Alfredo taught me things I hadn't learned on a precious tour. After we went to lunch which was hot and delicious and an opportunity to swim in a beautiful cenote. You had plenty of time for everything. We followed it up with a tour of the town Vallodid and a tequila tasting. The town was cute. Luis was a great driver. It was a long day but a great day
Sydney_J, Jul 2026
We booked for an early morning tour, paid more for this to avoid crowd and hot weather. They book you to a tour operator Sat Mexico/ San Mexico. They send you a different itenerary from what I booked from Aviator. I messaged the tour company making sure it is the one I booked for, they say it was. But it was not, they still bring you to this cultural shop before chichen itza. By the time you get there its noon time ot was so hot, my wife almost pass out. It was scary being a tourist. We would have avoided the experience if they gave us the right tour we booked for.
ANA_O, Jul 2026
The whole tour was very nice, our guide Norma was exceptional. She is very knowledgeable and funny, it made the experience better. She explains very well we learned a lot from her.
Alexis_A, Jul 2026
Chichen Itza, Cenote, and some tequila tasting..
Tony is a veteran and experienced tour guide, he’s also good in marketing that you will find yourself buying something from the obsidian and tequila shop 😁. He speaks Spanish and English and explained well the location and important things that you need to know as a tourist. 5 out 5.
Jose is an excellent driver, I can easily spot the bus from the gate. 5 out 5.
Lunch buffet is fine, don’t expect too much. 2 out of 5.
Eventhough this is a large group tour, the experience is well organized and you can tell that the operator has been doing this tour for a long time. The customer service is responsive and you will even received a message once the bus is about to leave so there is no reason for you to missed the bus on each stop.
Lucas_T, Jul 2026
Where should I start? Carlos and Cesar from SAT Mexico were absolutely fantastic. It was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a tour. Cesar was the most passionate and caring man you’ll ever meet about the history and deeply meaningful culture of the Mayan people. If you want a fun and engaging experience surrounding the rich culture of Mexico. Cesar and Carlos are your people.
The value for money is great, the excursion to the Cenote is a real fun experience with great food and better service.
But the highlight of the tour is the visit to the Chichen Itza. Cesar explains all of the intricate details of the historical site in fantastic fashion. Everything you ever wanted to know about the site is in his head, just ask.
Overall, my partner and I (Grace) could not of been happier with experience, we hope those who choose to use this tour in the future have as much fun as we did.
- Lucas and Grace - 02/07/26
Kiela_A, Jun 2026
What an awesome time! The air-conditioned bus that arrived to pick me up at a location near my hotel was big, spacious, and comfortable. Our tour guide, Alfredo, was absolutely the best. He shared some interesting historical facts with us on the way to Chichén Itzá, which made the ride not seem like such a long one. The Kukulkan Temple was so beautiful to see, along with hearing about its history! Alfredo kept us all very informed and entertained! Afterward, swimming in the cenote was an awesome experience! The buffet that accompanied the cenote had delicious choices and everything served was great! The last stop was tequila tasting and that was quick but fun and will leave you feeling good! Overall, an awesome time and Alfredo made the difference! Thanks Alfredo, you were great!
Deborah_G, Jun 2026
This was a really fun excursion. Our guide Luis was friendly, funny and extremely knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed learning about the Mayans today and meeting a shaman. Chichen Itza was fascinating. The lunch buffet delicious and felt authentic, the cenote was beautiful and refreshing. I am glad we stopped at VallaDolida but as tequila tastings go, it was short and ok. The tequila was delicious and the host was very nice. I was expecting longer and more info on how it was made. The town was interesting but we did not have quite enough time to enjoy it more. The bus was comfortable and they took good care of us. Highly recommend.
joshjohns98, Jun 2026
Average tour with all the characteristics of a tour to a place with mass tourism.
Cesar is a great guide with good enthusiasm and energy.
However, there is simply not enough time at the places you pay for the tour to take you to.
First stop was a giant gift shop with all the usual overpriced souvenirs. We spent far too long here. The weather was lovely while we were in the gift shop. When we finally arrived to Chitchen Itza, it started raining. It was frustrating to have spent so long in a gift shop while it was lovely weather. It felt like wasted time.
We were told we would have 2 hours in CI. By the time you factor in everyone getting from the bus to the gate, getting the tickets, renting the umbrellas, walking to CI and getting back to the bus again, it was realistically only 1 hr 20 mins more or less there.
At the cenote is where we had time to explore the cenote, swim and have lunch. 2 hours isn't enough to do it all without a rush. Also, they tell you at booking that it costs extra to rent a life jacket. What they don't tell you is that it is also now mandatory to rent a life jacket to swim. Don't rent a life jacket, no swimming in the cenote. It would be handy to know this beforehand. Also, it costs to rent a locker for your stuff while you swim. All just a way to make extra money.
All in all, an average tour for its money. It wasn't too expensive but it really needs to give more time in the key places and not feel so rushed.
Phung_L, Jun 2026
Our guide, Rafa, gave us a nice history tour about the area and Mayans. The Chichen Itza portion, lunch and cenote were good highlights. The initial stop for souvenirs was understandable to support local Mayans, and I like the talks about the different kinds of rocks. As for the last stop at Valladolid, I would recommend providing additional experience about this colonial town other than dropping us at a shop to taste tequilas. Would recommend this tour to anyone.
Sashwat_R, Jun 2026
Alfredo was an amazing host! Great job hosting and organizing this tour. Highly recommend this tour! We did this with a 2 yr old kid and it was an absolute blast.
MariaJonica_D, Jun 2026
This tour is highly recommended. Cesar & Tiburco did a great job! Cesar was wonderful & very knowledgeable about Chichen Itza. It would have been better if we spend less time in the souvenir shop and add it to the cenote.
Hava_C, Jun 2026
The first stop was not on the schedule. It was too long and significantly delayed the tour in Chichen Itza.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback. During the route to Chichen Itza, there is a short scheduled stop to allow travelers time for restrooms and refreshments before continuing the journey. We understand your concern regarding the timing and appreciate you sharing your experience.
Your comments are important to us and help us continue improving the coordination and pacing of the tour for future guests.
Jyotirugmani_I, May 2026
Due to ongoing strike our trip was changed to Ek balam instead of chichén itzá. The change was duly communicated ahead of time. The guide was knowledgeable and very courteous. We loved the experience at ceynote a lot.
Ashley_O, May 2026
It's allowed you to see so much and you might think it's not a lot of time but it's tons! Though don't make this the second day you arrive if you travel in late, we had to because of a cancelled flight, as it's really early you have to be up and a long day.
YennyTatiana_A, May 2026
I had a problem with the taxi that was taking me to the meeting point, but the guide was aware of it. He was only two minutes late and said he would wait for me. When I arrived, I saw the blue bus... I was about to get out of the taxi when the bus started moving. I called the guide and told him I was there, and he said a patrol car had forced them to move and that I should follow the bus in my car. I did that, and the bus eventually took a different route. The guide texted me saying they couldn't stop anymore.
Dani_C, May 2026
This was a wonderful experience with a good balance of guided tour and free time. Hugo was excellent and we learned so much about Mayan culture. The lunch buffet was delicious and we especially loved swimming in the cenote!
Imogen_H, May 2026
Amazing! Luis and Eduardo were the best guide and driver, very knowledgeable and friendly! Definitely recommend to anyone!!
Bernadette_P, Apr 2026
Tour was excellent, tour guide is knowledgable. Travel is relaxing. Visiting Chichen itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world is smooth with free time and opportunity to explore. Passing by cenote and swimming in fresh water before travelling back is an excellent stop after a warm tiring day.
Inna_U, Apr 2026
Amazing tour, great experience! I liked listening to Tony who was leading the tour, he shared a lot of interesting stories. We were picked up from hotel, everything was very smooth.
Karthik_C, Apr 2026
The first stop at a shopping center is waste of time. It would have been better if that was only a bathroom break and more time was given for lunch and cenote
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We appreciate you taking the time to highlight what could have improved the overall experience. The balance of time across the different stops is an important part of how guests experience the day, and feedback like yours is valuable as we continue reviewing itinerary flow and stop duration.
Our goal is always to create a tour that feels well paced, enjoyable, and worth the time spent at each location. We appreciate your perspective.
Donna_P, Apr 2026
I had a blast! Luis and Edwin were high energy, funny and very knowledgeable. They ensured everyone was taken care of and had a good time. Chichen Itza itself was spectacular! The cenote was beautiful and buffet lunch was tasty. Yes it was an all day out trip but that's because it took a while to pick up and drop guests back to their hotels. I would personally love to do another tour with these guys! Much love from Donna from Trinidad and Tobago🩷
Danie_B, Apr 2026
This tour is exactly as described. Our guide Luis & driver Manuel did everything to make it enjoyable. Seeing the ruins (much larger area than we expected) was incredible & the Cenote was a great experience. Lunch was great. Definitely a worthwhile excursion.
Viktoriia_M, Apr 2026
We had an absolutely amazing time on our tour to Chichen Itza! The whole experience was fantastic, but what made it truly special was our guide Edwin. He was wonderful—very knowledgeable, fun, and engaging. He told fascinating stories about Mayan history in such an entertaining way that the time flew by.
Jennifer_W, Apr 2026
This tour is really great because you get to do several different activities. First you visit a Maya Co-op (1 hr) for some shopping or snacks, then Chichenitza (2 hr), the buffet and cenote ( 1 hr 40 min) and finally a quick stop at Valledolad (30min). I brought my two teen girls and they had a great time. Other than the 1at atop, we could have used a little more time, but as it was already a 13 hr day, so not really much you could change. Rafa was a knowledgeable and fun guide. I learned a lot.
Kate_L, Mar 2026
Absolutely perfect way to view Chichen Itza from Cancun. The day is long, but everything is set up flawlessly and it flows well. Lunch is delicious (includes everything except the drinks), cenote is beautiful, and Chichen Itza is definitely best experienced with a guided tour. Bus is comfortable and needed for quick naps. You make two “tourist” stops to buy things. We had Uli and Norma as our guides and they were incredible. Would highly recommend this tour with them as guides.
Mirriam_S, Mar 2026
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, the bus ride was comfortable and the experience is memorable.
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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