Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 82 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya worth booking?
Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya is a 12-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $85 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 82 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (82)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Set off on an exciting adventure through the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula! Our journey begins at the breathtaking Chichen Itza, where ancient Mayan ruins tell stories of a civilization long past. Explore the myste
What you get
- Certified guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Brief visit to colonial Valladolid
- Bottled water
- Access to Nool-Ha Cenote Locker service and life vest in Cenote Facilities sit to cenote
About this experience
Set off on an exciting adventure through the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula! Our journey begins at the breathtaking Chichen Itza, where ancient Mayan ruins tell stories of a civilization long past. Explore the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as your guide reveals its hidden secrets. Following , we'll enjoy a delicious lunch in Kaua Mayan Town, savoring the rich flavors of traditional Yucatecan dishes. Recharged and refreshed, we’ll head to the stunning Cenote Nool-Ha, ideal for those seeking a tranquil, authentic experience and a peaceful escape from the crowds. Then we'll travel to Valladolid, a picturesque colonial town known for its vibrant streets and historic buildings. Wander through its charming plazas, admire the colorful facades, and experience the lively markets, immersing yourself in the authentic cultural atmosphere of Mexico. Join us on this unforgettable journey, where history, nature, and culture come together to create lasting memories
What's included
Included
- Certified guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Brief visit to colonial Valladolid
- Bottled water
- Access to Nool-Ha Cenote Locker service and life vest in Cenote Facilities sit to cenote
Not included
- Gratuities
- Optional drinks
- Government fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Riviera Maya
Pick-ups from the Riviera Maya between 6:50 and 8:30 am. You will be transferred to the starting center for excursions to the archaeological sites. There you will board the transportation, a certified guide will welcome you and accompany you during the course of the day providing assistance and interesting information.
60 minutes here
Chichen Itza
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! Our tour begins at El Castillo, the iconic pyramid symbolizing the Mayan calendar. Next, we’ll explore the Great Ball Court, where ancient games were played. Don’t miss the Temple of the Warriors, adorned with intricate carvings. Here ther is also a Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole used for rituals. marvel at the Observatory, showcasing the Mayans’ advanced astronomical knowledge. Let’s step back in time and uncover the mysteries of this ancient civilization
120 minutes here
Kaua
xperience the rich flavors of Yucatán with a regional buffet lunch in Kaua. Enjoy succulent Cochinita Pibil, tender Beef , and flavorful Chicken. Explore a variety of fresh pasta, salads, and boiled vegetables. Savor the sweetness of fresh fruit and traditional Yucatecan desserts. This feast highlights Yucatán's culinary heritage, showcasing a vibrant mix of dishes that reflect the region's cultural and gastronomic traditions. Later, discover the secrets of Yucatán Peninsula's culinary techniques and visit a local artisan workshop to see hand-carved stone creations, a testament to the area's artistic legacy
60 minutes here
Chichikan
Cenote Nool-Ha Yucatan captivates with its lush jungle surroundings and crystal-clear waters. Visitors plunge into its deep, freshwater pool, embraced by natural beauty. The cenote offers a refreshing escape from the Yucatan heat, inviting exploration and relaxation. Its mystical allure and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility amidst Mexico's captivating landscapes.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Valladolid, a charming Pueblo Magico in Yucatan, where every corner exudes magic and history. In just 30 minutes, immerse yourself in the town's vibrant atmosphere as you stroll past colorful colonial buildings adorned with intricate facades. Explore bustling markets brimming with artisanal crafts and sample local delicacies like marquesitas. Capture Instagram-worthy moments against the backdrop of the iconic San Servacio Cathedral. Valladolid's essence will leave you spellbound, craving more of Mexico's enchanting beauty.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:10 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:20 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:00 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:10 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Ends at
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:20 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Ends at
For this meeting point, the appointment is at 07:00 AM. Remember to be 15 minutes before.
Options you can book
Plus: BKF, Lunch & Drinks
Plus Option : PLUS: Box Breakfast ,5 Sofdrinks or beer on board, Lunch Buffet + 1 Drink ( Beer or Softdrink ), Mosquito Repellant Pickup included
Classic tour with Lunch Buffet
Regular Option : Includes: Lunch Buffet Visit to Exclusive Nool-Ha Cenote Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cancun Vacation Experts
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children ages 3 years and under are free, but seats are subject to availability; they may have to ride on parents' laps if seats are not available
- Operated by a multilingual guide
- It is recommended that you wear or bring comfortable lightweight clothing, walking shoes or sneakers, a hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunblock, a swimsuit, towel and change of dry clothing
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
6 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
82 verified traveler reviews for Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent
Great trip and friendly guides
Response from the operator: Dear Justin, Thank you for your kind review. We’re so happy to hear you had a great trip and enjoyed the company of our friendly guides. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon. Kind regards
via Tripadvisor
False description
Don’t be fooled by the description. The tour is very long, and there are more than 20 tourists. The lunch break is also long because they want people to buy souvenirs. The burger is not good at all.
via Viator
Chicken Itzel, Cenote, Vallalodid
It is a long day but the tour guides were knowledgeable and took good care of us. There were enough stops that it didn’t seem as long as it was and Carlos was especially funny. Buy the upgrade. It was nice to have a boxed meal and drinks on the bus. You also receive a free locker at the cenote
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to write a comprehensive review about your experience. This is valuable for us. We hope to serve you again in a future.
via Viator
Bad organisation/timing. Good otherwise
Once we got the the attraction parts of the trip it was great. But organisation was terrible. Our pick up time was brought forward by 50 minutes at 6.30 the night before - lucky I saw the email. We were picked up on time at 7.10, drove to the next hotel and pulled over in a layby to be told that the next pick up was 8.40 so we had to sit on the coach til then. Unacceptable. Had we been picked at at 8 as planned it would not have been so bad. A 12 hr trip took 14hrs. I would not have taken children on this trip had I known it would be 14hrs and involve spending hours waiting for the next pick up after ours was brought forwards. Disappointing. Have had great organisation on Viator trips years ago. Leads me to wonder if the organisation has gone downhill, or whether this was a one off
Response from the operator: Thank you for the time you take to write this feedback. We would like to clarify that the pick-up time confirmed with you the night before your tour was the originally scheduled and assigned time. There were no changes made to this schedule. The 08:00 AM start time indicated on the itinerary is approximate and refers to the general departure time of the tour. This is precisely why we kindly ask our customers to contact us the day before to confirm the exact pick-up time. As we did not receive a call or email from you, we proactively sent a message with your confirmed pick-up time. According to our records, the tour departed from the next hotel at approximately 08:15 AM, which aligns with the expected schedule and logistical flow. Please keep in mind that tour durations may vary slightly due to traffic, weather conditions, and operational logistics. Our records indicate that your tour lasted approximately 13 hours, which is within the standard timeframe and consistent with the published itinerary. Additionally, we noted that your drop-off was among the first on the return route.
via Viator
Careless service and lots of stress
I am not so sure what is the business model here because apparently they have partnerships with other agencies but definitely RUN from these guys if you’re looking for a stress free day. I started having issues with them 7:00am. I came to the hotel they asked me to wait at and nobody showed up. So I called the number that is on the ticket and the guy is was extremely rude and careless about the issue. I told him I’ve been waiting and he said “the driver was waiting too, so he already left” with a tone of somebody who didn’t believe me at all. Luckily I have a picture proving that I was waiting and it shows the time so I can at least prove a point, if that’s of any help. There was a van outside and nobody called my name and the name on the van was different than the name provided in the ticket which is ALSO different than the agency I originally booked with. I would not be able to know if this was my guy or not and all the arrangements were a mess. Not a single contact was made, not a call, not a message, nothing. I’ve been told by the careless guy on the phone that I needed to go meet the driver somewhere so I paid 22usd more for a service that wasn’t provided and was supposed to be included. I did what I have to do to not miss the day I planned for myself but the sh*tshow kept happening. I arrived at the location to checkin and get a bracelet and there are some third party also careless and also rude people taking care of the procedures. I was told the driver would be waiting but I kept going in and out the mall zone looking for info until someone decided to help (the only dude who wasn’t rude and careless the whole morning, bless him). They charge extra 20usd for state fee and the conversion rate if you pay in pesos is a scam, which is a low move considering you are in Mexico and this is their national currency. So on top of all the issues, you still have to give them money if you want to proceed and try to have a good day out after all of that. Awful customer service, awful people and service providers. I hope the places are fun so the money at least pays for something. I’ve been all around Mexico and Central America and there are kind and sweet people that are happy to have you here. This agency is just not one of them. AVOID and look for one of the many other options around the area. This is just not worth the stress, other competitors can for sure do it better.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $85 to $125
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cancun Vacation Experts, who run 23 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.2.
See everything Cancun Vacation Experts runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya cost?
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Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa del Carmen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa del Carmen is not rushed.
Is Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 82 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa del Carmen can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa del Carmen and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichen Itza Day Trip from Riviera Maya start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa del Carmen within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?
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On Outty we rank every Playa del Carmen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza from Cancun : Cenote, Valladolid and Mayan Cuisine, Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid with Lunch and transportation, From Playa del Carmen ATV Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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