
Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 416 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal worth booking?
Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal is a 10-hour experience in Merida, Mexico, from $82 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 416 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (416)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $82 per person
Avoid crowds, beat the heat, no tourist traps, get to taste the best of the Yucatan cuisine home made cooked and swimm in the only private cenote, off the beaten path. Our 5:50 am departure, will guarantee to be the first group inside Chichen Itza and take amazing pictures. Togheter we'll unveil the importance and history of this ancient maya city. A beautiful cenote, own by a family with mayan heritage discovered by stroke of luck in the backyard of their home, plenty of time to enjoy the crystal clear freshwater of this unique gem. The family will cook authentic home made food with fresh ingredients & hand made corn tortillas, all prepared at the moment. In Izamal you can climb the mayan pyramid of Kinich kakmo, walk among the magic streets of the city and visit the convent.
What you get
About this experience
Avoid crowds, beat the heat, no tourist traps, get to taste the best of the Yucatan cuisine home made cooked and swimm in the only private cenote, off the beaten path. Our 5:50 am departure, will guarantee to be the first group inside Chichen Itza and take amazing pictures. Togheter we'll unveil the importance and history of this ancient maya city. A beautiful cenote, own by a family with mayan heritage discovered by stroke of luck in the backyard of their home, plenty of time to enjoy the crystal clear freshwater of this unique gem. The family will cook authentic home made food with fresh ingredients & hand made corn tortillas, all prepared at the moment. In Izamal you can climb the mayan pyramid of Kinich kakmo, walk among the magic streets of the city and visit the convent.
What's included
Included
- *air conditioned vehicle with reclinable seats ( maximum 10 travelers)
- Private cenote fee entrance
- Professional licensed and experienced tour guide
- Guided tour in Chichen itza and free time (2.5 hours)
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
- lifevest at the cenote
- Pick up Cafe LA Habana Santa Ana 5 35 am
- Pick up Hyatt Regency 5 30 am
- Three pick up locations
- Pick up Catedral San idelfonso 5 50 am
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance ticket fee Chichen itza foreign visitors $700 mx pesos cash only
- Entrance ticket fee Chichen itza mexican visitors, temporary and permanent residents $310 mx cash only
What you'll see and do
Cathedral de Merida
Our beautiful day will start departing from the Cathedral San Idelfonso at 5 50 am
30 minutes here
Chichen Itza
Upon our arrival we will the first group to enter in Chichen itza, since we will avoid long lines tu buy tickets. Our professional licensed tourguide will help you taking amazing pictures without people, then we will walk among the temples to unveil the history and misterys of this ancient mayan city
90 minutes here
Chichen Itza
Now you'll have free time to explore on your own pace more of Chichen itza. our professional tour guide will advise you where to go.
60 minutes here
Holca
Hit the road again towards the private cenote, a off the beaten path unique gem discovered by struck of luck in the backyard of mayan family home, the only one in Yucatan
Pass by without stopping
Holca
First, you'll swimm in the crystal clear water of the mayan family cenote, you'll meet the family and discover the history of this gem After swimming you will taste the home made food flavors of the Yucatan cuisine. Guacamole, sopa de lima, panuchos, salbutes and hand made fresh tortillas for tacos, all prepared with fresh ingredients, and some are from the family garden. Fresh local fruit locally grown will be part of this food experience. If you are vegetarian or vegan, don't worry since options are always available
150 minutes here
Izamal
Back to the road to the magic town of Izamal
Pass by without stopping
Izamal
Get to climb in one of the mayan pyramids that can be found in the town, as well we will discover the history of the yellow town.
90 minutes here
Merida
Back to Merida and we will drop you off at the meeting point. Thanks!!
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Merida
Crossroad calle 60 and calle 45 Corner Cafe La Habana santa Ana pick up time 5 35 am
Meeting point
Merida
Main entrance hyatt hotel located in Avenida Colon. Pick up 5 30 am
Meeting point
Merida
Meeting point 5 50 am Catedral San Idelfonso, located intersection calle 60 and 61 Centro Merida
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Crossroad calle 60 and calle 45 Corner Cafe La Habana santa Ana pick up time 5 35 am
Ends at
Main entrance hyatt hotel located in Avenida Colon. Pick up 5 30 am
Ends at
Meeting point 5 50 am Catedral San Idelfonso, located intersection calle 60 and 61 Centro Merida
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No weelchair acces
- Private tour available under request
- Childrens 12 years old and under, free entrance ticket to Chichen itza
- Meeting points available: Hyatt Hotel 5 35 am Cathedral San Idelfonso 5 50 am
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 416 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
416 verified traveler reviews for Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect Day
Very positive experience. Communication was easy and our guide was very confident throughout the whole process. Little details such as coffee and water really pushed the experience into 5 stars for me. I am very happy to have gone with this tour group.
via Viator
Intimate tour with the freedom to explore
Our tour guide, Hernan, was a delight. Gave a ton of info to us, seamlessly going between English and Spanish. He made sure we knew exactly what was happening and where we were going. All 3 activities: Chichen Itza, the family cenote, and Izamal, were equally fun and informative. Lunch was delicious. I'll dream of that cenote for years to come. What a treat!!
via Viator
Family of 6 Had a Blast!
This was such a great experience! They were so knowledgable and we learned alot. I traveled with a 2 year old and everything was accessible. Starting with transportation it was cool and comfortable. Going early was definitely a good idea. We beat the crowds and most of the heat for Chichen Itza. Eating with a local family who also owned the cenote was awesome. Food was good and the cenote was refreshing. But beware it is steep to go down. We made it in time to climb pyramid and tour Izamal. Highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
Unique Experience
Delio provided an excellent experience by picking us up promptly, he had sandwiches , water and coffee for us and gave a historical context of Chichen Itza and Izamal. The family's cenote was pristine and intimate. The food was delicious, everything about this tour was amazing.
via Viator
Delio was the best tour...
Delio was the best tour guide! He’s been a tour guide for over 30 years. He is so knowledgeable, kind and funny. We were the very first ones in line to get into Chichén Itzá as it opened. It was great to be there with less people. We had ample time to tour it with delio and walk around alone. The cenote was owned by a private family with no other tourists there, just our group. The lunch the owners made was the best tacos I’ve had in Mexico. Izamal was a short stop with not much to do/see, but it was worth it to see the pretty town. Overall great experience and would recommend!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $82 to $1,599
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 146
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences runsWhy this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Merida.
How much does Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal cost?
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Prices start at $82 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Merida 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, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Merida is not rushed.
Is Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 416 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Merida, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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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, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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Around 146 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 Merida 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?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Merida and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal 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 Merida 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 Merida?
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On Outty we rank every Merida experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Merida: Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food, Chichen Itza Full Day Tour, 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida. 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 Merida?
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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 Merida?
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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, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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Included: *air conditioned vehicle with reclinable seats ( maximum 10 travelers); Private cenote fee entrance; Professional licensed and experienced tour guide; Guided tour in Chichen itza and free time (2.5 hours); and Bottled water. Not included: Lunch; Entrance ticket fee Chichen itza foreign visitors $700 mx pesos cash only; and Entrance ticket fee Chichen itza mexican visitors, temporary and permanent residents $310. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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Crossroad calle 60 and calle 45 Corner Cafe La Habana santa Ana pick up time 5 35 am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal 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, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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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, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal?
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Across 416 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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