VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour

Outty Ranking 77 5.0 · 75 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $400
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 75 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour worth booking?

VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour is a 12-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $400 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 75 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
5/5 (75)
Duration
12 hours
From
$400 per person

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and get the chance to swim in a freshwater cenote with this private tour from Playa del Carmen. You'll head out to Chichen Itza bright and early to help you avoid the crowds, where you'll have a guided tour followed by free time. You'll also visit the Ek Balam ruins, climb its pyramid and the Oxman cenote, with a stop in Valladolid for an included lunch.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and get the chance to swim in a freshwater cenote with this private tour from Playa del Carmen. You'll head out to Chichen Itza bright and early to help you avoid the crowds, where you'll have a guided tour followed by free time. You'll also visit the Ek Balam ruins, climb its pyramid and the Oxman cenote, with a stop in Valladolid for an included lunch.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Beverages at lunch
    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chichen Itza

      Arrive EARLY, AVOID the crowds and have this MAGIC place to yourself.

      120 minutes here

    2. Ek Balam

      Discover this rich archeological site and climb its pyramid

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman

      Enjoy the cenote by jumping with a rope or going down the stairs

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Valladolid

      Lunch in a local a la carte restaurant in the main square of Valladolid. You will taste authentic Mexican food.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    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
    My Quest Concierge Private Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, photo 2VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, photo 3VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, photo 4VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, photo 5VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour in Playa del Carmen, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Small groups

    6 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    75 verified traveler reviews for VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    75
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    303brittal · October 2026

    Fantastic Day with Family and Friends

    Carlos was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable, accommodating, patient with kids, and a safe driver. We had a great day touring Chichen Itza and cenotes + lunch was delicious! Great attention to detail and taking care of everyone. Looking forward to returning some day. Thanks Carlos!

    via Tripadvisor

    nigela860 · May 2026

    Ready to book our trip again to Mexico!

    Carlos was very knowledgeable about all the tourist sites we visited, especially Ek Balam and Cenote Oxman. He shared many interesting stories about the Mayan culture and history which made the tour even more enjoyable. He was also very friendly and kind especially to my son which we truly appreciated. Carlos escorted us from the Xcaret hotel to our hotel in Cancun with the tourist spots conveniently included along the way. What also made the experience special was how well he planned the timing of our visits. It felt like the places were reserved just for us because he knew exactly when to arrive before other groups came in. Overall, it was a smooth, fun, and memorable experience thanks to Carlos.

    via Tripadvisor

    Brenda_H · February 2026

    Master Guide & Unmatched Expertise: The Ultimate Mayan Excursion

    Our day-long excursion was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the transportation was seamless, but the true highlight was our guide, Eric. As a historian, Eric’s deep expertise in Mayan culture—spanning the language, history, and its relevance to modern life—was incredibly impressive. He didn't just state facts; he brought the landscapes and sites like Chichen Itza and Ek Balam to life with vivid storytelling. Between the awe-inspiring ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and a delicious local lunch, the day was perfectly paced. Eric’s passion, energy (even dancing!), and knowledge were contagious, leaving us inspired to learn even more about this incredible culture. Highly recommended!

    via Viator

    Kathryn_L · January 2026

    Wonderful

    This is a great site to see the pyramids. Our guide Eric was great. I would recommend him. He was knowledgeable and on time Be prepared for the heat and wear sensible shoes.

    via Viator

    Christy_W · July 2025

    Excellent Tour, Fabulous Guide

    Eric took us on an unforgettable journey to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, lunch in Valladolid, and a refreshing swim in a cenote. As a former history teacher, he was an exceptional guide—engaging, insightful, and incredibly knowledgeable. He brought the ancient sites to life with fascinating stories and context that we would have missed on our own. Our family of four loved the private experience, and we came away with memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend!

    via Viator

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    26
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by My Quest Concierge Private Tours, who run 23 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything My Quest Concierge Private Tours runs

    Why this scores 77

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)61
    Value for money (12% weight)53
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)84
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.

    How much does VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $400 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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour take?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 75 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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?

    +

    Around 26 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?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Ride to a life changing cenotes tour, 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Beverages at lunch; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 255 listed pickup locations in and around Playa del Carmen. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour offered in?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?

    +

    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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa del Carmen. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?

    +

    Across 75 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour.

    Pick your date