Chichen Itza Cenote and Magic Izamal
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Merida, Mexico
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Enjoy the Yucatan's top sights in one day on this small-group tour from Merida. Wake up early to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, before the crowds arrive. Learn about the history, customs, and culture of the ancient Maya, then head to a local cenote for a swim. End your day at Las Coloradas pink lagoon, home to flamingos.
- Enjoy a jam-packed itinerary without the stress of planning
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site — Chichen Itza
- Travel between stops in air-conditioned comfort
- A small group means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Specialized licensed tour guide
- Entrance fee to swimm in a cenote
- Transportation with air conditioned
- Guided tour in Chichen itza and free time 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Coffee and/or TeaWe serve coffee and sandwich (turkey ham, cheese, lettuce and tomatoe) in the morning!
- LunchA selection of the Yucatan Cuisine, main dish Tacos cochinita pibil, panuchos and black mole salbut
- Entry fee of Chichen itza 670mx pesosMX$670.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Catedral de San IldefonsoC. 60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
In front of the main entrance of Cathedral San Idelfonso
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Chichen Itza
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Holca
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Izamal
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Merida
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Small groups
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Alyna_Y
Our tour guide Alejandro and driver Alennadi (sorry probably spelled wrong) but both were amazing! The tour was amazing overall and I definitely recommend. Felt very welcomed, both speak English and Spanish throughout the tour. Our guide Alejandro was very knowledgeable explaining the history of each stop, knew us all by first name basis which made the tour more personal. Yes it’s a long day of travel so be well rested the day before. Prepare for lots of fun, pack snacks, sunblock, swimsuit plus towel for the cenote, and enjoy a day of adventure!
Reviews
4.8
based on 80 reviews
Fei_F, Oct 2023
I’m so glad I went on this trip, our guide Hernan is very considerate, it’s a small group, we saw everything we wanted to see, we were the first ones in Chichén Itzá so we got to avoid the crowds, the cenote is private and very beautiful, the pink lagoon is very pink! Very full packed schedule but not really tiring
FrancesAivan_S, Jun 2023
We’re very thankful for Delio leading our trip. We started very early (like all the other reviews) and we beat the crowds to Chichen Itza. We were leaving the site as the bouts of tourists were coming in but this also means that you won’t have an abundant time getting your pictures taken in each site (you can take pictures of it but the tour was so informative that you have to pay attention to it). Delio was very knowledgeable about the site and was engaging and fun. Just take note of the entrance fee and if you’re planning on bringing GoPros they charge you 50mxn. The cenote wasn’t Tekum (as stated here) but Oxman (for our batch anyway). It’s small but beautiful and the facilities are clean. There are no showers for after the swim but the water in the cenote is refreshing. Be prepared for the heat, pack your sunscreen and hats and towels. You can ask for ice in the restaurant (the food is sufficient, the service is fast, and it will sustain you for the rest of the trip) and bring it with you in the van (they have a cooler) for when you need to lower your body temperature — I include this tip bc I started to have rashes / allergic reactions to the heat and while the van is cool, the heat you will endure in your trip can make you almost feverish. The pink lagoons is good for the pictures, but if you don’t speak Spanish it will not be informative and there’s really not much to know. You can look up information for yourself, otherwise the guides there will just help you with your pictures and not much else. Take note that this has a separate entrance fee. You can’t bring umbrellas inside the park so be equipped with large hats and/or towels. The flamingos are within the area but it’s a 2-3 minute ride from the pink waters. You won’t get up close with them (unlike in Rio Lagartos ??) but Delio brought binoculars so you can see the details in them. Despite not seeing them up close, they’re really beautiful. I suggest you bring good cameras or phones with a good zoom feature otherwise it would only look like dots in the distance. They really are pink but without the binoculars you wouldn’t be able to tell. There are enough stops in between so make sure you take your breaks as needed. Delio was nice to drop us off close/in front of our stay. If you want a good experience, make sure you get him as your guide.
Stephanie_L, Feb 2023
Getting to Chichén Itzá early was great, the tour guide was very knowledgeable. The cenote experience was very cool and lunch was tasty.
Justyna_S, Feb 2023
We had an amazing day with our tour guide Delio. He was great, You can really tell that history of Chichen Itza and mayan culture is his passion. Tour starts early but it's totally worth it as You arrive at Chichen Itza before all the crazy crowds.
Linda_A, Feb 2023
Delia, our guide, and Alinari, our driver, led us on a full day excursion of Mayan history and Yucatán beauty. An early start got us to Chichen Itza before the big crowds. Delio obtained the tickets, so we didn't have to stand in line. Delio led us on a tour of the site, communicating a great knowledge of and passion for the Mayan culture. He also allowed plenty of time for us to explore on our own.
Our next stop was a totally enclosed cenote, where we swam in the delightfully cool and beautiful water with very few other tourists.
Delio arranged lunch to be waiting for us at a local restaurant. Sitting with the other 6 members of our group, we had a delightful time getting to know one another.
After lunch, we visited the pink pools at Las Colorados. This is a very interesting area where water is made pink by the presence of brine shrimp. Then we visited a nearby natural flamingo habitat. Watching these beautiful birds in the water and the air was a great privilege.
Our long yet rewarding day afforded us a variety of experiences with a very fun guide who, for a day, created a family out of strangers.
Deron_P, Jan 2023
The cenote was a magical experience and our guide, Deleo was wonderful.
The pink lagoon was nice, but added a lot of time to the trip.
Andrea_A, Jan 2023
Our guide answered all of our questions and was very informative. There were enough breaks that the day did not drag on and the sites are definitely worth seeing! Lunch was good and in a covered outdoor restaurant. Definitely recommend if you’re new to the area! The guide’s English was quite valuable as this is definitely a predominantly Spanish speaking area and some of the areas are remote.
Leanne_K, Dec 2022
The major attraction (Chichen Itza) was great to see in real life. Because of our booking, we had easy access to the site because the tour departed early. The crowds following were huge and there were long lines at the gate and bathrooms.
Our tour guide David (Alejandro) was fantastic and the driver was also excellent.
Chiara_D, Dec 2022
Fantastic trip to Chichen Itza' with an excellent guide!
The cenote was a fun and appreciated stop.
We did not love the visit to Las Coloradas as the pink water was relatively limited and we only saw a few flamingos for around 5 minutes. It was a very long de-tour!
Noel_V, Nov 2022
Great experience. Very interesting learning about the salt process. Pink water is awesome. Flamingos are beautiful.
selmatatar, Nov 2022
We have done Chichen Itza, cenote, Flamingos tour with Alejandro (our guide) and Alinari (our driver). This tour is a must to join one. We were only three in the group and Alejandro was very attentive to make sure our nor only our comfort but also to provide valuable information and patiently answer our questions.
Alyna_Y, Nov 2022
Our tour guide Alejandro and driver Alennadi (sorry probably spelled wrong) but both were amazing! The tour was amazing overall and I definitely recommend. Felt very welcomed, both speak English and Spanish throughout the tour. Our guide Alejandro was very knowledgeable explaining the history of each stop, knew us all by first name basis which made the tour more personal. Yes it’s a long day of travel so be well rested the day before. Prepare for lots of fun, pack snacks, sunblock, swimsuit plus towel for the cenote, and enjoy a day of adventure!
Nick_S, Nov 2022
Overall great day. We enjoyed all the activities. It’s a great idea to arrive at Chichen Itza early before the heat and the crowds - my friend and I were even the first in to the site because our tickets had been pre-purchased (as foreigners), allowing us to take a couple of great photos. The guide was very engaging and took a great route around the site, avoiding big crowds. It was also nice to get some free time to explore. Cenote was beautiful and cool to swim in. Pink lagoons and pink flamingoes were also beautiful - the latter the highlight of my friend’s day.
Gray_M, Sep 2022
The tour was organized very well, got picked up at 6 am right on time and we got to the chichen itza before any crowds so I was able to take very nice pictures before the crowds flooded in. Then we went to a cenote which was very pretty and then had lunch and went to the pink lake. Pretty good tour to get multiple activities in on one day.
samantha_v, Aug 2022
Amazing experience! Alex and his team where very knowledgeable of the sights we visited. It was a long day but well worth it.
Frederic_D, Aug 2022
The Hacienda Cenote Oxmán
The experience was great and the guide was knowledgeable and instructions were clear. I also liked the driver.
Yahira_G, Aug 2022
Knowledgeable staff that’s friendly. Great locations, conversation, and lunch! Full day that worth it.
Cecile_G, Aug 2022
Great experience! You cannot find a better guide! So knowledgeable & personable! We highly recommend!
Andre_B, Mar 2022
Chichen Itza tour 6am start drive 1.5hrs long. Arriving early is important to avoid the heat and the crowds. With a tour guide you don't have to queue and the overview is very useful for Chichen Itza. No food or drink apart from water is allowed in Chichen Itza. Don't forget cash the entrance fee of 571 pesos is not covered in your original ticket purchase.
The guide on this tour Edgar who freelances so you may not get the same one is called . He was knowledgeable, patient & comfortable to speak to. He speaks Spanish and English, he gave some interesting information about the theories people try to play as truths for Mayan history.
Cenote Samula
Limited time in there and you can't visit X'eken. No jumps from platform and a lifejacket must be worn. Beautiful sites overall.
Las Coloradas was beautiful got to see pink waters of the sea salts on the day. The flamingos were pretty close we got lucky but if you have binoculars and a good guide the views are amazing. Our guide had both plus he so very knowledgeable.
Hisami_K, Mar 2022
Entire trip schedule was perfect! 6am start may sound early, but it is totally worth it! You get to Chichen Itza as it opens so you can beat the crowd. With a knowledgeable guide Edgar, I enjoyed so much learning about every bits he had explained through out the trip.
Ik Kil cenote was beautiful as well, you don’t have to swim if you are not comfortable with swimming.
Las Coloradas was indeed pink and beautiful, but also pale green ocean water with flamingos were so picturesque. I cannot recommend enough. It was very well scheduled and amazing tour!
Mathilde_B, Mar 2022
Guide was not passionate at all was not explaining the surrounding and didn’t have credit to the visit. No historical fact no info nothing
Visit went fast because he wanted to get back on time !
We ask to stop by an “acienda” on the way back but we were told it’s impossible.
I do not recommend this tour via Viator ! If you can book a taxi for a day (1700$MXC) or go by yourself many guide are available at some places !
Response from Host, May 2022
Hi Mathilde, In this tour we don't offer to visit a ¨HACIENDA¨ This is a tour to visit Chichen itza, one cenote, and pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We are very sure that you went to all this places. Alex is a very knowledgable tour guide with more than 15 years of experience, and you can read his name in many 5 stars reviews. He told us that day you was pushing too much to stop in one hacienda, but the areas that you saw that day are privates cattle ranchs.
Very rare that you had another tour with us a few days before which you enjoyed but never leave a review,
Wendy_M, Feb 2022
This trip had it all for me. All the things I wanted to do. Getting to Chichen Itza early was terrific-less people and less heat! Next stop was the cenotes. What a beautiful place and refreshing swim. Following our swim, we went to a local restaurant where the food was good. Our last stops included the pink lagoon and the pink flamingos. Beautiful! I wish I brought a better camera than my iPhone. Our guide, Alex had binoculars which brought the birds into such clarity. Remarkable! The day was long but did not feel that way. I would highly recommend this tour
artwithheart4U, Feb 2022
Loved this experience. Alejandro was a great guide and very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Got us to Chichen Itza before the crowds and got to see the pink lagoon with an actual pick color. A somewhat long day, but you get lots of great photos and memories. 110% worth it!!!
John_K, Feb 2022
Our excellent guide got us to Chichen Itza before the crowds. We stopped at a lovely Cenote, had lunch, and visited the pink lagoon before watching the flamingos at the nature preserve. Our guide Hernand was excellent - friendly, knowledgeable, ans very accomodating to our requests. An excellent experience.
Sophie_M, Feb 2022
Such a lovely tour with a lovely tour guide! Was excellent, prompt and attentive to our needs. Travelled in a group of 3 and learnt a lot along the way!
Jade_C, Jan 2022
Guide Alex was very kind and funny! I expected the tour to be tiresome because we had to drive so much but it was actually a good balance between activities and driving!
Judith_S, Dec 2021
Our tour guid David was extremely knowledgeable and very nice. Hector our driver was obviously an experienced driver.
My favourite part of the tour was the flamingos. Absolutely astonishing. Such graceful creatures. Watching them move was like a ballet. Chichen Itza was an incredible site although has become very commercial with sellers everywhere
I much preferred Uxmal which was just as beautiful if not more so and very peaceful
My least favourite part was the 13 hours we were gone and driving on the highway in the dark!! I think the ceynote needs to be taken out. Leaving at 6 am and returning at 7 pm was just too much.
Kimberley_T, Oct 2021
Hernan is a wealth of information, and impressive in his ability to be a guide switching between English and Spanish all day. An outgoing and funny guy; his tours are not to be missed.
Sarah_G, Aug 2021
This tour was very well organized and Hernan is a very knowledgeable person. We had the privilege to be the first person at Chichen Itza, which was just amazing because we had the chance to take stunning pictures. Furthermore we had some really good explanations from Hernan to everything at this ecological side.
After this we went to the beautiful cenote where we had the chance to swim alone in cristal clear water.
After that we went to a nice lunch spot (not included but super affordable and delicious).
Then we drove about 1,5 hours to las colorados where we saw the pink lake as well as 1000 beautiful flamingos. For us this was a very special and unique experience
KINGUE_R, Jul 2021
Driver guide was excellent,he gave us full explanations on each site and answered each of our request.The tour itself is very complet. We arrived at the opening of the chichen itza and left before the walkabout and the strong heat to denote it then las coloradas. I'll let you discover the rest
From $100.60
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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