
Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 185 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen worth booking?
Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen is a 12-hour experience in Cancun, Mexico, from $83 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 185 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (185)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $83 per person
Our Chichen Itza, Cenote Noolha and Ek Balam tour brings you on a unique journey of history, culture and stunning natural beauty. An expert guide leads the way as you explore two Mayan archaeological sites and swim in a sacred cenote. Small group of up to 18 travelers, round-trip transportation and lunch included!
What you get
About this experience
Our Chichen Itza, Cenote Noolha and Ek Balam tour brings you on a unique journey of history, culture and stunning natural beauty. An expert guide leads the way as you explore two Mayan archaeological sites and swim in a sacred cenote. Small group of up to 18 travelers, round-trip transportation and lunch included!
What's included
Included
- Admission to Cenote Noolha
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Chichen Itza + Ek Balam. NON-MEXICANS: USD 83. Mexicans with INE: MXN 552. Paid on board.
- Life jacket rental at Cenote Noolha. Mandatory to swim.
- Drinks are not included if you choose the basic option.
- Mexicans: free on Sundays. Free any day with valid student, teacher or INAPAM ID plus INE.
What you'll see and do
Chichen Itza
One of the most important archaeological sites in the world! Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a “must do” tour when visiting Cancun. An expert guide will lead the way and share the exciting facts and folklore of Chichen Itza and the Mayan civilization. See the ball court, the Temple of a Thousand Columns and of course, the imposing Kukulkan Pyramid.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, natural limestone sinkholes of incredible natural beauty that are perfect for a refreshing swim in a jungle oasis. Immerse yourself in the crystalline waters and admire the spectacular rock formations!
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Mayan ruins of Ek Balam may be less famous than Chichen Itza but they are spectacular! Climb the incredible Acropolis and admire the exceptional carvings and art of the ancient Maya that has been so well preserved and maintained and enjoy the view from the top
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cancun
8:00 Am need confirmation.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
8:00 Am need confirmation.
Options you can book
Hotel Pick up Playa del Carmen
Hotel pick up included Duration: 12 hours Buffet lunch inclluded Pickup included
Tulum: Snack & Drinks on board
Hotel pick up not included: Meeting point is Super Market Super Aki 08:00 AM at Tulum Down Town Duration: 10 hours Included : Buffet lunch, snack, drinks on board
Classic Option from Tulum
Hotel pick up not included: Meeting point is Super Market Super Aki 08:00 AM in Tulum Down Town Duration: 10 hours Buffet lunch included
Plus: Snack & Drinks on board
Hotel pick up included Duration: 12 hours Included: Buffet lunch, snack, drinks on board 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 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cancun Bay Tours
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 185 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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
185 verified traveler reviews for Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly knowledgeable, but the flourishes are lacking
The pickup and booking for the tour was a bit of a mess. But once we got underway, the tour itself was good! First of all - the pickup time at our hotel was 7:10 AM. From there, we were taken to a gas station where the shuttles were meeting to drop people off for the tour…and we were sitting at the gas station for over an hour. Second, Chichén Itzá was closed due to local protests. We only booked two days before our tour, at which point the site was already closed, but we were not told about the issue until we were waiting at the gas station for the tour to start. All that said, once the tour actually started, it was great! Esther, our guide, was very knowledgeable about Mayan culture, and she educated us on the bus ride out to the cenote and Ek Balam. We also gained so much by visiting the Mayan village experience at Chichikan. The cenote was even more beautiful than in the pictures, and while Ek Balam isn’t a UNESCO heritage site, it was still super impressive. The food at the lunch buffet was lackluster, and the margarita I ordered tasted terrible - so don’t expect great food during the tour. If you’re here for the culture and the history, though, I definitely recommend this type of tour.
via Tripadvisor
My first trip to Mexico
The experience was amazing. The tour guide was professional and informative. The tours was properly organized. We were taken care of exceptionally well.
via Tripadvisor
10/10 tour
Amazing experience! Our tour guide Ester and driver Arthur were so good to us!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastico
Enrique kept us safe on the road while Roberto and Gonzalo educated us on the Mayan culture. I had a great time but I would have liked more time at the cenote and the market in Ekbalam. I would recommend this tour to friends.
via Tripadvisor
Amazingly tremendous experience. Love it!!
Found one of the Reps - CODIGO, whilst strolling down 5th/10th avenue in playa del Carmen. Asked about tours and exhibitions, and landed on the option with Chichen Itza, cenote and Valladolid. The experience took me by surprise!! it was full of history, information, culture - I love it! We went also went to Chichikan - where we learned about Mayans and their history and culture. This was fascinating and very interesting! The Chichen Itza was mesmerising to see - the designs and architecture was just amazing and shocking. (To note to bring water and umbrella for next time). Our tour guide ROBERTO. Was super knowledgeable and has translated everything in English and Spanish! He was super helpful, and is very welcoming upon boarding the bus/coach. Our driver LOUIZ, 10* stars to him for driving us back and forth in once piece. Will definitely recommend this tour, to those visiting Mexico !
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
- $83 to $156
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cancun Bay Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.9.
See everything Cancun Bay Tours runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cancun.
How much does Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen cost?
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Prices start at $83 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen 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 Cancun is not rushed.
Is Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 185 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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Around 65 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen 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, Small-Group 3 Hidden Cenotes Adventure with 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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Included: Admission to Cenote Noolha; Lunch; Professional guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Chichen Itza + Ek Balam. NON-MEXICANS: USD 83. Mexicans with INE: MXN 552. Paid on board; Life jacket rental at Cenote Noolha. Mandatory to swim; Drinks are not included if you choose the basic option; and Mexicans: free on Sundays. Free any day with valid student, teacher or INAPAM ID plus INE. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 580 listed pickup locations in and around Cancun. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen offered in?
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It is offered in English 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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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.
What happens to Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen 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 & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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Across 185 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Chichen Itza & Ekbalam with Cenote swim from Playa del Carmen?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Hotel Pick up Playa del Carmen, Tulum: Snack & Drinks on board, Classic Option from Tulum, Plus: Snack & Drinks on board. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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