Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting
Description
Embark on an exclusive journey with us to uncover the marvels of Chichen Itza, a remarkable Mayan archaeological complex. Our commitment to an exceptional experience begins with personalized pickups from your hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, ensuring convenience. Alternatively, choose a convenient meeting point. Explore the grandeur of Chichen Itza, home to the iconic step pyramid of Kukulcan. Enjoy the privilege of arriving ahead of most tourists, exploring the site in a serene manner before the main influx. Next, visit an ancient cenote integral to the Maya people, where our tour stands out with a delightful buffet meal, offering relaxation and culinary delight. Conclude your day with a stroll in Valladolid, a charming town reflecting Yucatan's rich history. Our commitment guarantees an exploration of archaeological wonders and unique moments that make our tour truly special.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Early Morning Visit Your day begins with one of the biggest advantages of this tour: arriving early at Chichén Itzá, before most tour buses and crowds reach the site. Exploring in the early morning means cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better photo opportunities at one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Your certified bilingual guide will lead you through the most important areas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors, sharing fascinating insights into Maya astronomy, architecture, and ancient traditions. The guided portion lasts about 1 hour, followed by free time to explore, walk around the plaza, and take photos at your own pace.
After visiting Chichén Itzá, we continue to the beautiful Hacienda Selva Maya, a historic colonial-style estate surrounded by lush jungle near Valladolid. Here you’ll enjoy a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch served inside the hacienda’s restaurant, offering a spacious and authentic setting to relax and experience local flavors. Within the grounds of the hacienda lies the impressive Cenote Saamal, one of the largest open-air cenotes in the region. Surrounded by towering limestone walls, lush vegetation, and a small waterfall flowing into its crystal-clear waters, it creates a breathtaking natural setting once considered sacred by the ancient Maya. Guests are free to swim in the cenote, enjoy lunch, explore the hacienda, or relax at their own pace during the stop.
Our final stop is the charming town of Valladolid, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Yucatán Peninsula. Here you will visit the historic center and enjoy a Mexican tequila tasting, where you can sample different varieties while learning about the traditions and craftsmanship behind one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits. You will also have time to walk around the main square, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and see the impressive San Servacio Church, located in the heart of the city. This relaxed stop offers a chance to experience the local culture and atmosphere of a traditional Yucatán town before returning.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You can choose hotel pickup (where available) or a convenient meeting point near your hotel. Immediately after booking, our team will contact you to confirm the exact pickup or meeting point based on your location. We offer pickup at most hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. If you are staying at a boutique hotel, hostel, Airbnb or condominium, we will assign a nearby and easy-to-reach meeting point. Common meeting points include Hotel Oasis Smart (Cancun Downtown), Shasa Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall(Playa del Carmen) and Super Aki Tulum. Final details are always confirmed after booking. Pickup time is usually between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Exact pickup details will be shared by email at least 48 hours before your tour date. The tour ends at the same meeting point where pickup takes place.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Reviews(6,859)
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!
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.
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.
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.
This was a great tour and a bang for your buck. The guide Alfredo was incredibly knowledgeable. My only complaint was the pressure to purchase at the first stop, which was a souvenir shop before Chichen. I recommend doing this tour at the start of your trip as it is quite a long day!
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.
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.
The first stop was not on the schedule. It was too long and significantly delayed the tour in Chichen Itza.
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.
The tour was fantastic! Our tour guides Hugo and Norma were incredibly informative, and we loved every minute of it. Just a heads up, it's a long day and it gets very hot in Chichen Itza, bring water and an umbrella. Loved the cenote.
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.
