Chichen Itza with Cenote and Valladolid

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun and want to see the highlights of the Yucatán Peninsula’s ancient Mayan past, a day trip to Chichen Itza combined with a swim in a cenote and a stroll through Valladolid sounds tempting. This tour, offered by Mayab Travel Tours, promises an 11-hour adventure that packs in history, nature, and local charm—all for about $95.34 per person. At first glance, it seems like a good value considering the transportation, guided insights, meals, and activities included.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to walk through Chichen Itza with an archaeologist who can bring the stones alive with stories and context. Second, the opportunity to relax in a beautiful cenote—a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water—after hours of sightseeing. On the flip side, the long bus ride (more than five hours each way) and reports of organizational hiccups are worth considering. This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see multiple attractions in one day and comfortable on larger group trips with some potential unpredictability.

Key Points

• Expert-guided tour enhances understanding of Chichen Itza’s significance
• Well-organized transportation includes round-trip transfers with onboard drinks and lunch
• Diverse stops include Valladolid’s colonial streets and a scenic cenote swim
• Long travel hours require patience, with some reviews noting logistical issues
• Authentic local food and drinks keep you energized during the day
• Group size capped at 50 ensures a manageable experience, but some reviews mention communication issues

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

This tour is designed as a full-day adventure from Cancun, with pickup available from most hotels—making the logistics fairly straightforward. The company, Mayab Travel Tours, offers an air-conditioned vehicle, and you’ll be accompanied by a bilingual guide. The price includes entrance to Chichen Itza, a Yucatecan buffet lunch, drinks onboard (including soft drinks and beers), and a waiter service on the bus, which really helps keep everyone in good spirits during the long ride.

You’ll start early, with pickup typically around 7:00 AM, and head straight to the main attraction—Chichen Itza. Here, your guide with archaeological expertise will walk you through the ancient structures, helping you appreciate their history and symbolism. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable guides like Javier and William are, making the experience more enriching than just wandering through ruins alone.

Next, after around two hours at Chichen Itza, you’ll head to Valladolid, a charming colonial city founded in 1543. You’ll visit the Church of San Servacio—a colonial-era building with a story—and stroll its streets, feeling the ambiance of a town that has preserved its historic character. Some travelers found this stop a delightful contrast to the ruins, a chance to see a living Mexican town with vibrant colors and local life.

The final major stop is the Xcajum Cenote, a natural swimming hole surrounded by limestone formations. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here. Most travelers find swimming in the cool water a perfect way to unwind after hours on the bus. However, some reviews mention that the swim time can be short, so if you love water and want more time, bring your floaties and be ready to make the most of it.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Chichen Itza – The Heart of the Tour

Once at Chichen Itza, you’re in the realm of ancient Maya engineering. The El Castillo pyramid is the star attraction, rising 24 meters (79 feet) with a precise astronomical purpose. Your guide will explain how it served as a calendar and a symbol of Maya cosmology. You’ll also see the Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the El Caracol observatory. Expect to spend about two hours here.

Many reviews praise the guide’s insights, noting that “Javier was wonderful,” with stories that help bring the stones to life. But be prepared for some groups to feel crowded or for the need for audio sets, as one traveler pointed out that “with a large tour group, it would have been helpful to have audio sets” to hear the guide better.

Valladolid – A Colonial Treasure

After the ruins, your next stop is Valladolid, a city that still reflects its Hispanic-era charm. The highlight here is the Church of San Servacio, founded in 1543, with its colonial architecture and history. You can stretch your legs, browse some shops, or just absorb the lively atmosphere. Some travelers find this stop a pleasant break and appreciate the chance to see a traditional Mexican town.

It’s a quick visit—about 15 minutes—so don’t expect an in-depth tour. Still, it offers a glimpse into local life and a chance to snap some photos of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.

Xcajum Cenote – Nature’s Refreshment

The cenote is the final highlight. Surrounded by limestone formations and mineral-rich water, it’s a natural spot for swimming. Expect 45 minutes to relax, snorkel, or just float in the cool water. Some reviews, like one from Lilia P, describe it as “a great excursion,” emphasizing the beauty and serenity of the cenote.

However, a few travelers, such as Animesh D, noted that the swim was scheduled late in the day, around 5 PM, when the cenote was closing—so timing may impact your experience.

Additional Stops and Experiences

One review mentions a “shaman stop” that felt somewhat touristy or scammy—a quick ceremony followed by a gift shop visit. While not part of the core itinerary, some travelers have reported additional stops or experiences that may not have been on the original plan.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Traveling with up to 50 people, the tour is more of a group experience than an intimate adventure. The buses are air-conditioned, but some reviews complain about the cold air blasting during the ride and the discomfort of older buses—something to consider if you’re sensitive to temperature or comfort.

Most travelers find the transportation convenient, especially with the round-trip transfers included, and the onboard drinks help pass the long hours. Yet, delays and organizational issues have been reported, including late pickups and some confusion about itinerary timing.

Food and Drinks: A Nice Touch

The included buffet lunch features typical Yucatecan dishes, which many guests find tasty and filling. The drinks on the bus, including soft drinks and beers, are a nice perk, helping keep spirits high during the lengthy journey. Reviewers like Lilia P appreciated the attentive service, noting that “drinks were passed out throughout the entire ride.”

Authentic Experience or Tourist Trap?

While the tour offers authentic insights, especially from guides who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, some reviews point out the touristy nature of certain stops. The gift shop at the shaman stop and the somewhat commercial feel of some attractions might detract from an entirely authentic experience. Others found the visit to Valladolid and the cenote genuinely beautiful and worth the effort.

The long travel time is a double-edged sword—it can feel exhausting but also gives ample opportunity to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the scenery.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the cost, this tour provides a lot of value—entrance fees, guided commentary, meals, drinks, and transport—all bundled into one day. But the experience hinges on your expectations: if you’re eager to see Chichen Itza with a knowledgeable guide and don’t mind the long hours and busy group setting, it’s a good choice.

The reviews are mixed, with some praising the guides’ expertise and delicious food, while others highlight organizational flaws or short water stops. It’s clear that the tour offers an immersive, structured day—perfect for those who like a guided group with all logistics handled.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip suits travelers looking for convenience, with a full itinerary that covers major highlights without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for first-timers eager to see Chichen Itza and experience Valladolid and a cenote in a single day. If you’re comfortable in group settings and can handle a long day on a bus, this tour provides a practical way to explore beyond Cancun’s resorts.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, personalized guided tours, or avoiding lengthy bus rides, you might find this experience a bit rushed or crowded. It’s not the best fit for those seeking a more intimate or flexible sightseeing experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In summary, this tour from Cancun offers an accessible and rich introduction to Maya history and local culture, with the added bonus of swimming in a cenote. The guided insights make the ruins more meaningful, and the local buffet ensures you’re well-fed during the long day. The included drinks and round-trip transfer make logistics easier, especially for first-timers.

But be prepared for some long hours and potential organizational hiccups. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and authentic sights, though some mention that the tour feels a bit rushed or tourist-heavy at times.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines history, nature, and local flavor without the hassle of self-organizing transportation, this tour could be a great choice. Just keep your expectations realistic about the crowds, the drive, and the schedule.

FAQs

Is pickup offered from my hotel?
Yes, pickup is generally available from most Cancun hotels, making the start of your day stress-free.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers round-trip transportation, entrance to Chichen Itza, lunch, drinks onboard (soft drinks and beers), and a waiter service on the bus.

How long is the bus ride?
You can expect over five hours of travel each way, so be prepared for a lengthy journey—some reviews note it can stretch beyond that.

Can I swim in the cenote?
Yes, you’ll have around 45 minutes at the cenote, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or simply relax in the water.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long hours and bus conditions if traveling with very young children or elderly.

Are there any extra costs not included?
Yes, GoPro taxes are not included, and lockers or life jackets at the cenote are not part of the package.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

In the end, this tour is a solid option for those wanting to see the main highlights of Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a cenote in one go, with the convenience of guided commentary and included meals. Just go in with an open mind about the long hours and some organizational quirks—your effort will likely be rewarded with unforgettable sights and stories from a well-versed guide.