Embark on a full-day guided tour from Cancún that immerses you in the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural charm of the Yucatán Peninsula. This well-curated excursion takes you from the world-famous ruins of Chichén Itzá to the stunning cenote of Chichi Kan and ends with a sightseeing visit through the colonial town of Valladolid, all in one seamless journey.
With hotel and designated meeting point pickups available between 5:00 and 8:00 am, your adventure begins early. After pickup, relax aboard an air-conditioned bus as your professional English-speaking guide introduces you to the day’s itinerary.
The highlight of the tour is a guided visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the Americas. Explore this sacred Mayan city, starting with the awe-inspiring pyramid of Kukulkán. You’ll discover the secrets behind its unique construction. During the solstice, the pyramid’s shadow perfectly aligns to depict the descent of a serpent, revealing the Mayans’ advanced astronomical knowledge. As you walk up its steep steps, you’ll understand why Chichén Itzá was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
From there, delve deeper into the past as you explore more of the site, including the Temple of the Warriors. This imposing structure features vivid war imagery and is flanked by a forest of columns that watch over Chac Mool, the rain god, highlighting the spiritual and architectural depth of this pre-Columbian city. Note: All visits within the site are strictly guided, as self-guided access is not permitted.
Next, it’s time to cool off with a refreshing swim at the beautiful Chichi Kan cenote. Surrounded by natural rock formations, this hidden gem offers a serene escape. Life jacket rental is required for 100 MXN (Around USD 5) per person. After your swim, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring local cuisine, accompanied by an authentic tequila tasting.
The day continues with a scenic bus tour through Valladolid. While the current itinerary allows for 25 minutes in the town due to local circumstances, you’ll still get to see the highlights: the historic Iglesia de San Servacio, the charming Palacio Municipal, and the colorful Mercado Municipal, all from the comfort of the bus. If Valladolid is closed due to special events, you’ll enjoy extended time at the cenote or archaeological site instead.
You’ll return to Cancún approximately 12 to 13 hours after your initial pickup, filled with memories, insights, and photos of this unforgettable journey.
Ready to Get the Most Out of Cancún?
This all-in-one day trip is perfect for those who want to go beyond the beaches and discover the depth of Mexico’s cultural heritage. Every detail is taken care of, from hotel pickup and expert guidance to entry tickets, lunch, and transportation.
Your package includes:
- Round-trip transport by comfortable bus
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting point pickups)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) professional guide
- Entry to Chichén Itzá
- Access to Chichi Kan cenote
- Buffet lunch
- Tequila tasting
What’s not included:
- Chichén Itzá tax: 741 MXN (US$38.24) for foreign adults, 133 MXN (Around US$6.86) for foreign children (ages 3–11), 342 MXN (Around US$17.65) for Mexican adults.
- Life jacket rental at the cenote: 100 MXN (US$5.16) per person.
Special Discounts:
Mexican citizens and people with disabilities may receive a discount on the Chichén Itzá tax by presenting proper identification. This applies to Mexicans over 60, retired citizens, students, teachers, researchers, children under 12, and disabled individuals of any nationality.
Booking Info:
Reserve up until the tour starts (subject to availability). Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins. After that, cancellations or no-shows will not be refunded.
The tour is accessible to those using folding chairs, but pets are not permitted. All services are delivered following Civitatis’ Sustainability Code.
Interesting Facts About Cancún
Cancún may be known globally for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, but the region is steeped in history and natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Here are a few fascinating facts:
- Chichén Itzá, just a few hours from Cancún, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- The Kukulkán pyramid’s design reflects the Mayans’ intricate knowledge of astronomy, especially during the solstices.
- Cenotes like Chichi Kan are natural sinkholes once considered sacred by the Maya. They served as both water sources and ceremonial sites.
- Valladolid, although only briefly visited on this tour, is one of the oldest colonial towns in Yucatán and showcases a mix of Spanish and indigenous culture through its architecture and marketplaces.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or curious traveler, this guided city tour from Cancún offers an enriching escape beyond the ordinary beach vacation.
Popular Activities in Cancún
Guided Tours on the Yucatán Peninsula
Tulum
Playa del Carmen
Holbox
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the full-day guided tour take and what time does it start?
Answer: The tour lasts approximately 12 to 13 hours. Pickups from hotels or meeting points begin between 5:00 and 8:00 AM.
2. Is the visit to Chichén Itzá guided, and can I explore the site on my own?
Answer: Yes, the visit is fully guided by a professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guide. Self-guided exploration is not allowed within the site, guests must stay with the tour group.
3. Are there any extra fees for swimming in the cenote?
Answer: Yes, swimming at the Chichi Kan cenote requires renting a life jacket, which costs 100 MXN (approximately $5 USD) per person.
4. What happens if the visit to Valladolid is canceled?
Answer: If Valladolid cannot be visited due to local events, the itinerary will adjust to give you more time at either the cenote or Chichén Itzá archaeological site.
5. How does the booking and cancellation policy work?
Answer: You can book the tour up until it starts, depending on availability. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time are fully refundable. No refunds are provided for late cancellations or no-shows.
