Chichen Itza,Cenote Chichikan& Valladolid from Playa del Carmen.

Requested additonal money!

They requested additional $25,0 on the bus! Even that this amount was not specified in any place. Thieves! It was not told not in the email, not by phone.

Response from the operator: I understand you're upset, but it seems there may be a significant misunderstanding: We sent you a message the day before asking you to pay your preservation tax for the Mayan ruins that the federal government of Merida charges for the cleaning and restoration of the site. You accepted that you did not even read the message, and it is your responsibility. Your comment is inappropriate and out of place when you do not accept that you are angry with yourself and you take out your frustration behaving like a Karen even though you are a man. If on the day of the tour we had known that you were leaving this review, we would have gotten off the bus and yesterday you were sitting very happy on the bus Preservation tax What visitors pay at Chichén Itzá is correctly understood as a Federal Preservation Tax or Conservation Fee, not simply an entrance fee paid to a private entity. Here's the breakdown: Mandated by Federal Government: The fee is set and collected under the authority of Mexico's federal government, primarily through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH - Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia) and sometimes involving the state government of Yucatán for specific portions. Purpose - Preservation & Conservation: The primary, legally mandated purpose of this fee is to fund the ongoing preservation, conservation, research, and maintenance of the Chichén Itzá archaeological site and other cultural heritage sites managed by INAH. This includes vital work like: Structural stabilization of ruins. Preventing erosion and vegetation overgrowth. Archaeological research and excavations. Site security and management. Visitor facilities maintenance (paths, restrooms, etc.). Applies to Everyone: As you stated, both international tourists and Mexican nationals/residents (including locals from nearby communities like Pisté) are required to pay this federal tax. This reinforces that it's a government levy for a specific purpose, not a discretionary entrance charge. Money Does Not Go to us/Individual: You correctly point out that the money collected does not go to us personally or even directly to the local community in a general sense. It is collected by the authorities (often at the ticket booth) and channeled into the federal and state systems dedicated to heritage conservation. Differentiation from Entrance Fee: While often bundled and paid at the same point, the preservation tax is a distinct component. Sometimes it's listed separately on the ticket or receipt from a smaller portion that might go to the state for local infrastructure or community benefits, but the bulk is the federal conservation fee. In summary: It's a Tax: A mandatory charge levied by government authorities. Purpose: Exclusively for the preservation and upkeep of Chichén Itzá (and similar sites). Payer: All visitors, regardless of origin (local, national, international). Recipient: The federal government (INAH) and potentially the state government, not private individuals or local vendors. Therefore, calling it a "Preservation Tax," "Conservation Fee," or "Federal Heritage Tax" is the most accurate description Warm Regards

via Tripadvisor

It was Ok

It was okay. Chichen itza was cool but the time at the cenote was very limited and we spent nearly 2 hours trapped at the "lunch" spot which turned out to be a mediocre buffet in tourist trap shop wasting so much time with all pestering u to buy stuff. Last stop in the town at the food/market/community place it was barely enough time to get off the bus to stretch let alone get dinner. Far too much time wasted in tourist trap.

Response from the operator: Dear Customer: We are very sorry about your experience. From the beginning, before purchasing the tour, the description mentions that it is a shared tour, not a private one. The guide leads the group, and the food is regional from the state. Many people like Yucatecan cuisine. However, the description also mentions this buffet. We invite you to book the private tour; we think it would be better for you. Best regards. Best Regards

via Tripadvisor

Great experience coupled with annoying coffee ride

Chichen itza and the cenote were great. However, vallaldolid and the Mayan site were like a coffee drive that lasted 6 hours. We started at 7am and arrived at chichen itza only at 1.30pm. So would only recommend a tour with chichen itza and the cenotes. The tour guides rudolpho and Rhett were great. Also the bus driver Michael.

via Tripadvisor (translated)

It's was okay

Chichen itza was cool to see and the cenote swimming was great. The guide Victor was knowledgeable and friendly. However we spent nearly 2 hours trapped in a tourist shopping area which was quite annoying.

via Viator

Cenote + Chichen Itza + valladolid

The sights visited were fabulous, to do absolutely! Cons: way too much waiting in the day that left us little time for the last site and too many requests to pay and tip even on the bus!

via Tripadvisor (translated)