The majestic night show of kukulkan in Chichen Itza Valladolid & Cenote included

Our guide Jesus and our...

Our guide Jesus and our driver Noe were fantastic. They were serviceable and friendly. Unfortunately, our show was cancelled due to rain at Chichen itzá but we were not made aware of this until we drove all the way there and arrived at a closed park. The lack of communication between the park and the operator to get that info to the drivers is why I’m giving 3 stars. It seem to have been raining heavily about 4 hours prior to our arrival. The park knew the show was cancelled. The tour operator could have saved us all hours of driving for nothing with simple communication. For events they know are easily cancelled for weather, and a tour that operates once a week, you’d think they’d stay in contact with the site to make sure the show is still operational before sending everyone out there.

via Viator

Not suitable for English speakers

Having done a similar tour to the Chichen Itza night show in 2017, I was keen to go again, with my new bride, to share what had been an amazing experience. What a disappointment was in store! Although the trip is marketed with an English speaking guide, our guide didn't speak a word of English! The bus driver spoke a little pidgin English and, to be fair to him, he did try to include us, but could barely get past what time to meet back at the bus. As a result the day consisted of us being dropped off at different places and wandering around by ourselves, trying to figure things out. The cenote swim was beautiful, but again, no English spoken anywhere on site, so we were unable to participate in any of the activities offered in the replica Myan village. Sensing our frustration, when we stopped at the obligatory 'shopping' spot (no prices on anything, they appear to make them up depending on how much you understand the currency conversion), the driver took the two of us to a scenic church and took our picture outside, which he said the tour operator would forward to us via whatsapp after the tour. The highlight of the day should have been the tour of Chichen Itza and the Kukulkan Nights show. As it was, there was some debate on whether or not it would go ahead due to an expected storm. When we arrived at Chichen Itza, the bus driver had to stay with the bus, so as we got to the ticket desk, our guide shoved a phone in my hand, on the other end of the line was the tour operator, who evidently spoke some english and told me how the seating would work for the show. At this point I discovered that, whilst in 2017 you could hire headsets to listen to the show in a variety of different languages, for some reason (Covid?) they have stopped doing this and the show is only available in Spanish. We were then frog marched around the site as quickly as possible (presumably in an effort to beat the storm), barely having time to take pictures, before the show started. The show is beautiful, no doubt and my wife, who had not seen it before, found the lighting effects impressive, but neither of us could understand a word of what was being said, or what the images represented. Finally we were carted back onto the bus and arrived back at the hotel in the early hours, exhausted and disappointed with what should have been the highlight of our holiday. As a final nail in the coffin, a few days later, when I hadn't received the picture of us infront of the church, I messaged the tour operator to request it, to be told that there drivers only keep pictures on their phone for 48hrs and then delete them, so it was no longer available! Absolute waste of time and money.

Response from the operator: Hello Daniel, Thank you very much for sharing your detailed feedback. We have carefully reviewed your comments and verified that on the day of your tour, the assigned guide was bilingual, giving explanations both in English and Spanish. Since there were more Spanish-speaking participants, you may have felt that English was not spoken as often, but the service is always provided in both languages. Regarding the shopping stop, the vendors are independent artisans from nearby Mayan communities, which is why prices are not publicly displayed and may vary. About the photo you mentioned, it was reported the following day and shared with you via WhatsApp. As for the changes to the Kukulkan Night Show since 2017, these are determined directly by the venue. Currently, the show is presented as a light and sound experience with explanations in Spanish and English, but headsets in multiple languages are no longer offered. Finally, since this is a shared tour with several hotel drop-offs, it is possible that you were among the last to return, especially considering your stay was at Royalton Riviera. We truly appreciate your feedback as it helps us continue improving our services.

via Viator

Poorly planned

The stop at the Cenote was way too long - meal there was poor and too early. Very little time for shopping at Valladolid. Stood in line at Chichen Itza for a long time. Could not understand show but it was beautiful. No guided tours available at night. Three hour drive home. We were very hungry. Do not recommend.

Response from the operator: Good day, Thank you for your honest feedback. It’s disappointing to know we didn’t provide the level of service we aim for. Your insights help us improve, and we’d like to learn more about your experience to prevent this in the future. Please feel free to reach out to us directly. We request you the following information to verify: - Booking Reference - Lead Traveler’s name - Date of the activity - Name of the tour guide (in case you have it) - E-mail We kindly ask you to send us this information by this means or to our e-mail marketingtoptravelconnection@gmail.com as soon as possible to lift the report and give you a resolution. We thank you for your cooperation. Regards.

via Viator

Amazing

An amazing trip! The cenote was incredible, and our guide Alfredo was so helpful and kind. He knows everybody there. Then on to Valladolid for just a short time, like 20 minutes. But the best part is the show at Chichen Itza. Our great driver Javier got us back to our hotel around 1 am. Very long day, but memories for a lifetime. Thank you!!

Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! It’s always wonderful to hear when guests leave with smiles and special memories. We’re delighted that our tour to Chichen Itza was a highlight of your travels and that our team made you feel welcome. We look forward to your return and to making more unforgettable moments together!

via Viator

The show was canceled without notice.

The show was canceled without notice. The tour guide said because of the rain. But members of the group (from different tour agencies) who communicated with their agencies were told that the show had technical problems?? When we got to the very entrance of the site, approximately 1 hour before the starting time of the show, it was NOT RAINNING, nor was there evidence that it had just rained. We rode on a less-than-comfortable van 3 hours from Cancun to Chi Chen Itza. 6 hours round trip! At the very minimum, our tour agency/operator/guide should have had communication with the event organizers so we wouldn't have to ride hours to the site just to find out that it was canceled therefore avoiding such an insult to the disappointment.

Response from the operator: Dear traveler, Thank you for notifying us about your experience. We value your feedback and would like to address any concerns you may have regarding your recent reservation with us. In order to assist you better, please provide us with the following information: - Booking Reference - Lead Traveler’s name - Date of the activity - E-mail Your comments are essential in helping us improve our services, and we're committed to ensuring your satisfaction. Once we receive your information, we will promptly investigate the matter and work towards a solution. Thank you for your cooperation. Best regards.

via Tripadvisor