
Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 58 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid worth booking?
Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid is a 9-hour experience in Cancun, Mexico, from $98 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 58 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (58)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $98 per person
Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote Day Trip: a journey to one of the 7 wonders of the world! Enjoy the experience to be one of the first group to get inside the site. Hotel pickup and a certified guide In German , French , Italian , Spanish or English. We’ll visit Chichén Itzá, the most famous city of the ancient Mayan empire, with a guided tour to explore its historical and architectural highlights. Afterward we will vist an exclusive cenote, where we’ll enjoy a traditional regional buffet and a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of this underground river, a true icon of the Yucatán. We finish the tour visiting Valladolid, one of the oldest cities on the Yucatán Peninsula and a current Magical Town, where we’ll stroll through colonial streets and shop for local souvenirs.
What you get
About this experience
Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote Day Trip: a journey to one of the 7 wonders of the world! Enjoy the experience to be one of the first group to get inside the site. Hotel pickup and a certified guide In German , French , Italian , Spanish or English. We’ll visit Chichén Itzá, the most famous city of the ancient Mayan empire, with a guided tour to explore its historical and architectural highlights. Afterward we will vist an exclusive cenote, where we’ll enjoy a traditional regional buffet and a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of this underground river, a true icon of the Yucatán. We finish the tour visiting Valladolid, one of the oldest cities on the Yucatán Peninsula and a current Magical Town, where we’ll stroll through colonial streets and shop for local souvenirs.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Life jacket
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- tax and fee 20 usd per person
- operation fee 30 usd
What you'll see and do
Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá Discover, a trip to one of the 7 wonders of the world! The most famous city of the ancient Mayan empire: Chichén Itzá, and one of the seven new wonders of the world, where we will take a guided tour so you do not miss any of the fascinating details of the architectural and historical features of this destination.
180 minutes here
Cenote Agua Dulce
we will visit a beautiful and exclusive cenote, there we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, with typical dishes of the region. In addition, we will have the opportunity to swim, refresh and relax in the crystal clear waters of this underground cave, geographical icon of the Yucatan peninsula.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Visit Valladolid, one of the oldest cities in the Yucatan peninsula and currently one of the two Yucatecan Magical Towns. There we will go to downtown, to appreciate its colonial streets, architecture
50 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
pick up from Riviera & Tulum
pick up from Riviera & Tulum : Please reserve this option if your hotel is located in Playa del Carmen , Tulum Puerto Aventuras , Akumal or Riviera Maya Pickup included
pick up from Cancun
Transportation Cancun: Transportation available from Cancun , Costa Mujeres , Hotel Zone , Puerto Morelos , Northern Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Blue Caribe
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 55 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Overall good, but not as advertised.
I give this tour 2 stars because of the misleading description on Viator, which might not be the fault of the operator, Blue Caribe. I chose this tour for my family because of the early arrival and for the promised time at the stops. Many tours promise 1.5 hours at Chichen Itza whereas this one says it provides 3 hours (spoiler: it does not). We got picked up at our hotel in Playacar at 5:45am. We made a stop nearby to transfer passengers between buses and were on the road around 7am. Our bus guides were very friendly and gave a lot of information along the driveWe arrived at Chichen Itza around 8:45 am Yucatan time (9:45am Quintanaroo time). This was just after opening, and we did arrive before most of the crowds. However, we had only 1 hour and 45 minutes at the site. My family of four happened to be the only english speakers on our bus so we got a tour guide to ourselves at the site, and this was still just enough time to get the basic tour tour highlightd the site. It left NO free time to look around the site on our own or to shop the local vendors, which does require time to try to distinguish the fake products from the locally made ones and you do need to negotiate. While we did not arrive with intent to buy anything, upon seeing the many, many vendors we had hoped to have a few minutes to do so. (Given the misleading time description, and resulting disappointment, this portion of the tour gets 2 stars. I can only imagine what the group of 20-30 Italians on our bus experienced on their tour of the site, which must have felt more rushed as their tour guide tried to manage the large group and allow time for photos). We then drove 45-60 minutes to Cenote Agua Dulce. The drive passes by an impoverished area which I appreciated as a view of the real Yucatec... you can catch glimpses of people cooking or working in their yard, and children playing. We spent 1.5 hours for lunch and a swim, which was plenty of time. You can find photos on Google... it's a large cavern with stellactites and several small openings in the roof; it is not the large open-hole type. The meal seemed to be hosted by a local family, which I assume/hope owned the property and has found a way to make a profit from it. It felt like a cook-out under a wood veranda with a palm-leaf roof. There was rice, black beans, a pork dish, a chicken dish, salad, bread, sweet bread, salsa, watermelon, and iced hibiscus tea (other beverages can be purchased). It is supposedly traditional "Yucatec" recipes, but was essentially indistinguishable from other "Mexican" food. That is just an observation, not a criticism... my family liked the food. (I give this portion of the tour 4 stars). (I note that we passed several cenotes along the way to Agua Dulce. While I like believing that the tour helps support a local family, I do wonder if we could have stopped at a closer cenote and spent more time at Chichen Itza). The next stop was Valladolid. We had only 30 minutes, which was barely enough time to rush to buy an ice cream and taste some tequilas at one of the shops along the plaza. Given the fragment of time we had there, I would just as well have cut it out of the tour and spent more time at Chichen Itza. (1.5 stars for this stop, given the scant time). Overall, this was a good tour, but disappointing given the variance between the description and the actual times spent. My family also got lucky because we were the only English speakers on the bus and got our own site guide. If I had to do it again I would book a "small group tour" and avoid the risk of not having the same good luck. There are many small group tours that cost less and (purport) to provide the same amount of time at the site. While the "early arrival" did beat the most of the large crowds, I do not know if that would make a big difference if you get stuck in a group of 20 people with a single guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed review. We truly appreciate guests who invest the time to explain both the positive aspects of their experience and the areas where they feel we can improve. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed many parts of the excursion, especially the early arrival at Chichén Itzá before the larger crowds, the friendliness and professionalism of our team, the cenote experience, the lunch, and your visit to Valladolid. It is also wonderful to hear that your family appreciated having a dedicated English-speaking guide and that the overall organization of the day met many of your expectations. At the same time, we are sorry to learn that some aspects of the experience did not fully match what you were expecting. We understand how important it is to have clear expectations before booking a tour, and we sincerely regret any disappointment you may have felt. As indicated in our itinerary, the schedule and order of the activities may vary depending on operational conditions. Our priority is always to provide the best possible experience while ensuring a smooth operation for all our guests throughout the day. Your comments are genuinely valuable to us. Feedback like yours helps us continue evaluating every part of the experience and finding ways to improve both our service and the information we provide to future travelers. Thank you once again for choosing Blue Caribe. We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and hope your family leaves Mexico with many wonderful memories. Warm regards, Blue Caribe Tours Team 🌴🇲🇽✨
via Tripadvisor
Long Day but Very Fun!
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The pick up and drop off was right at our door, so it was also very convenient. It is a long day, but definitely worth it!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience and appreciated both the knowledge of your guide and the convenience of our door-to-door transportation. We know it's a full day of adventure, so it means a lot to hear that you found it well worth the journey. Thank you for choosing Blue Caribe! Warm regards, Blue Caribe Tours Team 🌴🇲🇽
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Erika and Lorenzo
Wonderful excursion. Thank you to the entire team for their kindness, helpfulness, and highly professional guidance. We first visited Chichén Itzá, with its rich history and unique charm, followed by lunch and a relaxing swim in the Agua Dulce cenote, before finishing the day in the colonial town of Valladolid. Special thanks to Erika, who shared with us a wealth of information and fascinating stories about the ancient Maya culture and traditions. I highly recommend this tour. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who selflessly helped me when I collapsed due to the high temperatures at Chichén Itzá: first, to the local guide who called the paramedics; to the paramedics who examined me and escorted me back to the bus; to the bus driver; and to Lorenzo and Erica, who looked after me with great care throughout the rest of the excursion. Last but not least, my sincere thanks also go to Egon and the lovely couple from Slovenia, who provided me with first aid and support when I needed it most. ❤️
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the excursion and appreciated the history, culture, and beauty of Chichén Itzá, the cenote, and Valladolid. Your kind words about Erika, Lorenzo, and our entire team mean a great deal to us, and we will be sure to share them. Most importantly, we are very glad to know that you recovered well after feeling unwell in the heat. The safety and well-being of our guests is always our highest priority, and we are pleased that our team, together with the local guide, paramedics, and the kind assistance of your fellow travelers, could support you when you needed it most. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Blue Caribe. Warm regards, Blue Caribe Tours Team 🌴🇲🇽✨
via Tripadvisor
Phenomenal Guides
This is a great tour for the price: We were picked up at 5:45am from PDC, then went to Tulum to pickup more guests. The drive was a little long on the way (4 hours). Expect to arrive at Chichen Itza at 8:45am, and stay until 11am. Then head to the city for about 50 minutes, and lunch at the cenote after. The tour guide Marie and our driver Nestor were phenomenal and very kind. I appreciate that they don’t attempt to sell you on anything and take you to your activities efficiently and on schedule. The food was authentic and very delicious. The cenote was beautiful and not crowded at all. Overall a wonderful experience.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience and found the tour to be a great value. It is wonderful to know that you appreciated the organization of the day, the authentic food, and the peaceful visit to the beautiful cenote. A special thank you for your kind words about Marie and Nestor. We will be delighted to share your compliments with them—they will be thrilled to know their professionalism and kindness made such a positive impression. Thank you for choosing Blue Caribe and for sharing your experience with future travelers. Warm regards, Blue Caribe Tours Team 🌴🇲🇽✨
via Viator
This is the tour to choose!
Informative, pleasant, and our guide took care of everything. Gave us history and even took our family photos! This is our second time visiting Chichen Itza, and this tour was far superior to our first. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly honored to hear that this was your second visit to Chichén Itzá and that our tour exceeded your previous experience. It means a great deal to our team. We are delighted that you enjoyed your guide’s knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful touches like helping with your family photos. Creating memorable experiences is exactly what we strive for. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Blue Caribe. We hope to welcome you back to Mexico for another unforgettable adventure. Warm regards, Blue Caribe Tours Team 🌴🇲🇽✨🏛️
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Blue Caribe, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.0.
See everything Blue Caribe runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cancun.
How much does Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid cost?
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Prices start at $98 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cancun 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 Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Cancun is not rushed.
Is Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 58 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cancun, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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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 Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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Around 20 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 Cancun 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 Cancun and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid 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 Cancun 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 Cancun?
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On Outty we rank every Cancun 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, Early Access to Chichen Itza with optional pick-up, Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting. 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 Cancun?
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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 Cancun?
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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.
What is included in Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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Included: Lunch; Bottled water; Life jacket; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Certified tour guide. Not included: tax and fee 20 usd per person; and operation fee 30 usd. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1120 listed pickup locations in and around Cancun. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cancun. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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Across 58 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim, Lunch & Valladolid?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including pick up from Riviera & Tulum, pick up from Cancun. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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