Chichen Itza Tour from Merida

from/per person ^$65 USD

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What's included in this tour?

Tourist in front of the Pyramid of Kukulkan

This tour is perfect for those looking to maximize their time and budget, exploring the most iconic attractions in a single day without the need to book multiple tours

What's Included

Round-trip transportation
Certified guide
Visit to Izamal (Charming Town)
Visit to Cenote Xcajum (Admission fee not included)
Regional lunch (Drinks not included)
Visit to Chichen Itza (Admission fee not included)
Visit to Valladolid (Charming Town)

The most comprehensive Chichen Itza tour from Merida

A fascinating journey back in time with an expert guide

Hello! My name is Liliana del Rosario González Pérez. It's an honor for me that you are considering this journey through the Maya civilization. I will guide you on a journey back in time where we will discover everything from Jesuit temples and colonial towns to natural cenotes and a delicious regional lunch, culminating with one of the wonders of the modern world: Chichen Itza

True locals, genuine experiences: meet your local host team

Certified guides

If there's one thing we're deeply proud of, it’s our incredible team. We have professional, highly experienced, and motivated guides ready to offer you a unique perspective of the Yucatan Peninsula through a perfect blend of Maya temples, cenotes, Magical Towns, and one of the wonders of the modern world

All of them have years of experience and are certified as federal guides by the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) and backed by INAH. Additionally, they receive ongoing training in the city of Merida to maintain the highest level of service

Hello! My name is Liliana, and I'm one of the lead guides on this tour. In addition, I have the pleasure of coordinating our other tours, such as Uxmal, the Homun Cenotes, and Celestun, among others. My father was also a guide, so I've spent my entire life immersed in this fascinating civilization. Based on this experience, I've put together a list of the most common questions our visitors ask us every day

1.- I don't want to waste 1 or 2 hours of my day stuck in a van driving in circles picking up people around the city

We know that the last thing you want is to spend hours driving in circles before even hitting the road. That's why, to save you time and maximize your comfort, we don't do massive hotel pickups. Instead, we gather all our travelers at a central, easily accessible meeting point in Merida. This makes our departure in the morning and return at the end of the day extremely fast, direct, and comfortable for everyone

2.- Sounds great to see so much, but will we actually have time to breathe, or are we just hopping off to take a quick photo and leave?

With over 10 years of running this excursion, we've perfected the exact balance for every stop. We design our itinerary to give you enough time to explore, take photos, and satisfy your curiosity without feeling rushed. Plus, we maximize your day: our guides share historical insights aboard the transport. That way, when we reach each destination, we go straight to the most iconic spots giving you more free time to enjoy at your own pace, instead of standing around for hours listening to an introduction

3.- I don't want them to start asking me for cash halfway through the tour for things I thought were already included

We take your peace of mind very seriously. That is why, right from your very first contact, we systematically break down what is included and what is not, guaranteeing a surprise-free trip with no misunderstandings at the end of the day

Your tour does include: Round-trip transportation, regional lunch, and the guidance of an official INAH-certified guide, expert in Maya culture
Does not include: Chichen Itza archaeological site admission taxes/fees, cenote entrance fee, or drinks during lunch

4.- Just looking at stones? Not at all. Experience a true cultural immersion

We think exactly like you: walking among monuments without context doesn't require a tour. That is why our greatest pride is our team of guides. Every one of them is a passionate, certified professional, motivated to give their best to transform a simple walkthrough into a fascinating immersion into Maya civilization

On top of that, there's a key factor: logistics. Visiting Chichen Itza, two Magical Towns (Izamal and Valladolid), and a cenote all in a single day while enjoying an unhurried regional lunch is only possible thanks to our more than 10 years perfecting the routes and transit times. Trying to cover this same itinerary on your own by rental car or public transportation, without deep knowledge of the peninsula's highways, is extremely complex and exhausting. With us, your only focus is enjoying the insights and the scenery

5.- I plan to continue my trip to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum after the tour

Maximize your itinerary: The perfect tour to switch destinations without losing a day

This excursion is ideal if you're planning to move from Merida to the Riviera Maya. You can travel comfortably with your luggage on board our transport and, at our last stop, catch a direct bus to your next destination. This way, you maximize your time to the fullest: instead of wasting an entire vacation day just moving hotels, you use the journey to explore Yucatan's most spectacular spots and wake up the next morning ready to enjoy the beach

Excursion gallery

Places we will visit

Izamal, designated a Magical Town by SECTUR

Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua, Izamal

During our tour, we'll visit the Main square and the majestic Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua in Izamal, the famous 'Yellow City.' This beautiful magical town possesses a unique charm, and its convent is the perfect testimony to the fusion between the grandiosity of Maya and Spanish cultures. The site narrates the story of the arrival of the Catholic faith in the region and the profound process of evangelization carried out by the Franciscan monks

This architectural complex stands out for its immense cultural and architectural heritage. As a fascinating historical fact, this site houses the second-largest enclosed atrium in the world, surpassed only by St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, and was blessed by the historic visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993 during his trip to the Yucatan Peninsula

Access to the convent and the church is completely free, allowing you to wander through their colonial hallways with complete freedom. Additionally, on-site local guides are ready to reveal the secrets of its history and the reason behind its iconic yellow color

Xcajum Cenote – Sanctuary of Life

Every visit to Chichen Itza deserves a reward, and nothing is better than a dip in the cool waters of a cenote! Strategically located along the route, this oasis is the perfect refuge to cool off and relax after a warm day exploring the archaeological site

This spectacular open-air cenote with vertical walls features convenient stepped access and a diving area designed for the more adventurous. Its crystal-clear waters offer breathtaking views and a unique natural setting. With your family's safety and yours in mind, the site provides support ropes in the water so you can swim with complete peace of mind, as well as attentive lifeguards while you are in the water. Afterward, you can visit the restaurant to enjoy local cuisine or pick up a souvenir at the gift shop

Conservation Note: To protect wildlife and the delicate fish ecosystem, the use of sunscreens and insect repellents is not permitted when entering the water

Important: Admission to the cenote is not included in the tour price. However, upon purchasing it, you will have access to all park facilities, as well as the use of a life jacket and a locker for your belongings

Regional cuisine

As part of our adventure through this wonder of the world and its hidden charms nestled in the Pueblos Magicos, we will pause to enjoy authentic local cuisine in an unparalleled setting: a magnificent historic hacienda once owned by the region's wealthiest individual

The buffet lunch is renowned for its exceptional quality and variety, featuring delicious options for enthusiasts of traditional Yucatecan cuisine as well as vegetarian preferences. To complement your meal, our homemade fresh fruit drinks (aguas frescas) are an absolute highlight

To enhance your experience, lunch is typically brought to life by a vibrant jarana performance the traditional regional dance performed by talented local dancers. This is complemented by warm, attentive, and professional service from the waitstaff, making it undoubtedly the finest and most complete culinary experience in the entire area

Food options include

Traditionally pit-roasted Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork)
Escabeche chicken (Yucatecan marinated chicken)
Rice
Beans
Salads
Fruit
Spaghetti

Chichen Itza

Visitors in front of the Kukulkan Pyramid

If visiting Chichen Itza has been a childhood dream, the opportunity you've been waiting for has finally arrived a wonder of the world that far surpasses every expectation. This grand archaeological site will captivate you with its vast expanse, majestic temples, and breathtakingly intricate stone carvings

The centerpiece of it all is, beyond question, the Pyramid of Kukulkan. Its monumental scale and architectural precision leave visitors spellbound from its 365 steps (representing each day of the year) to its precise astronomical alignment with the sun, moon, and planets like Venus. Gazing upon it in the middle of the sweeping central plaza, framed by the lush Mayan jungle, you will immediately grasp why UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site and why it serves as Mexico's defining cultural symbol. It stands as a triumph of ancient engineering and symmetry, its steps ascending gracefully toward the sanctuary above

With our tour to the archaeological site from Merida, you will embark on an inspiring journey through the history and hidden secrets of the Maya civilization. It's truly fascinating to discover how an ancient culture mastered such advanced understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, leaving you with a lingering sense of wonder: How did they manage to create such an extraordinary marvel thousands of years ago?

Chichen Itza admission fee

Mexican citizens / Residents: $310 MXN
Foreign visitors: $697 MXN

Benefits for Mexican nationals: If you are a Mexican citizen and hold a valid student or teacher ID, or have a disability, you enjoy preferential rates for admission to the archaeological site. Plus, admission is completely free on Sundays! Contact us via WhatsApp and we will gladly explain the details

💡 MXN Pesos Only: The archaeological site only accepts Mexican pesos or credit cards (card readers may lose connection), so carrying cash in pesos is ideal.

Colonial city of Valladolid

Valladolid is another of Yucatán's great colonial gems. This captivating Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) invites you to discover its architectural splendor and deep cultural richness, where Mayan legacy and Spanish heritage blend seamlessly in every corner

The heart of the city beats in its charming and vibrant Main Square. Dominating one side is the magnificent Church of San Gervasio, dating back to the 16th century, while the center features the striking Fuente de la Mestiza, surrounded by the iconic double-seater 'confidant chairs' for couples. During your visit, you can wander beneath colorful arched portals, admire the cathedral, and perhaps even experience a traditional folk dance performance. Valladolid is truly a tapestry of culture and beauty that captures the true essence of Mexico past and present

Meeting point and availability

Hello! Here are the details about our location and how to reserve your spot:

📍 Our Office Location: We are situated in the heart of Merida's Historic Downtown (57th Street at 62nd Street), just two blocks from the Plaza Grande. Our office is conveniently located near the main downtown hotels, such as Hotel Colon, Holiday Inn, Gamma Merida, Hotel Colonial, and Hotel Santiago

🚐 Pick-up Service (Complimentary Transportation): If you are traveling in a group of 4 or more, we'll come pick you up! This service is available for guests staying in the Paseo de Montejo area or at any hotel in northern Merida

📅 Recommendations to secure your spot: Since this is a very popular experience, we suggest booking in advance:

Regular season: Book at least 1 day in advance to guarantee availability
Peak season / Holidays: We recommend booking at least 2 days in advance to secure your spots

Duration

With such a comprehensive itinerary, this experience turns into an exciting full-day adventure. We begin our journey at 8:00 a.m. and will be back in Merida around 8:00 p.m. (depending on incoming traffic)

To ensure you enjoy the trip to the fullest, we travel in small groups aboard executive vans, making transfers much faster, comfortable, and personalized. By the end of the day, you'll feel like you've experienced a perfect day exploring the most iconic spots in eastern Yucatán a true piece of the heart of the state that will surely leave you wanting to come back for more

Itinerary

Below is the tentative itinerary for this adventure. Please note that the order of the stops may change due to circumstances beyond our control, though the overall experience remains just as complete

Departure from downtown office – 8:00 AM
Visit to the colonial city of Izamal – 9:45 AM
Visit to Cenote Xcajum (Admission not included) – 12:00 PM
Regional Lunch (Drinks not included) – 1:00 PM
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site (Admission fee not included) – 2:30 PM
Visit to the colonial city of Valladolid – 5:30 PM

Guide's Tips

We suggest having a very light breakfast or, even better, waiting until you arrive in Izamal. Right next to the famous church, you'll find the municipal market the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic local breakfast. Trying salbutes, panuchos, or traditional huevos motuleños right there is the best way to immerse yourself in Yucatán's exquisite cuisine. Don't miss it!

Don't miss the chance to swim in the majestic Cenote Xcajum! 💦 To make the most of your time and transition comfortably to the next stop on the tour, remember to come prepared with your swimsuit, towel, and sandals. You're going to love it!

Includes

Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Merida
Professional driver
Regional lunch (drinks not included)
Visit to Izamal (Magical Town)
Visit to Chichén Itzá (Admission not included)
Certified guide inside Chichén Itzá
Visit to Valladolid (Magical Town)
Visit to Cenote Xcajum (Admission not included)
Early departures to make the most of the day

Not Included

Chichen Itza admission fee
Cenote Xcajum admission fee
Drinks during the regional lunch
Simply put, if it is not listed under the "Includes" tab, it is not included

What To Bring

Fully charged cell phone (100% battery)
Camera
Cash
Towels
Swimsuit and a change of dry clothes
Comfortable, lightweight clothing (dark colors are not recommended)
Comfortable footwear (sneakers, sandals)
Hats, caps, umbrellas (the bigger, the better)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water
Food or snacks for the road
Light blanket in case the van/bus AC gets cold
Travel neck pillow
Book, notebook, or games to stay entertained during transit
Small backpack to carry everything
Patience and a positive attitude

Payment methods

Bank deposit (At least 2 days in advance)
Wire transfer / Electronic transfer (At least 2 days in advance)
PayPal (At least 2 days in advance)

Cancellations

We understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. Illness, fatigue, mood changes, or bad weather don't always take a break just because we're on vacation, which is why we rarely charge cancellation penalties

All we kindly ask is that if you are unable to take the tour, please let us know as soon as possible, day or night. This prevents us from attempting to pick you up when you won't be attending, which saves us both time and money

For private bookings, the following policies apply:

No penalty for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
100% fee for no-shows

Restrictions

Most of people can join our tour; however, there are a few key details to consider before making your reservation

To guarantee your reservation, full payment in advance or a deposit is required to secure your spot ($5 USD or $100 MXN per person). The remaining balance is paid upon boarding the vehicle at the meeting point
Guests should not have circulatory issues, as the drive from Merida to Chichen Itza takes 2 to 3 hours
Punctuality at scheduled meeting times is required; delays by individual guests cause schedule disruptions for the entire group
Chichen Itza features uneven terrain, roots, and gravel, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs
Basic swimming ability is required to enter the cenote (otherwise, wearing a life jacket is recommended)
Not recommended for young children
Guests should be in good physical and emotional health
Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian
Guests must be capable of walking, at least for short distances
Climbing the ruins at Chichén Itzá is strictly prohibited for conservation purposes
Drones and tripods are not permitted inside the archaeological site (please send an email for more information)

Traveler Testimonials

Review

Reviews

Rating: 4.5/5 – Based on 1,108 traveler reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perla November 22

Mexico

"Ever since I knew I was taking this trip, I knew I wanted to visit this wonder of the modern world not only because it's one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, but also because, to me, it's a truly beautiful place! Rich in history, enigmatic, and majestic, it's definitely a must-see destination."

Jose R October 10

Mexico

"If you're traveling to this part of Mexico or nearby areas, you can't miss it. The ruins clearly show that the Mayans were the most advanced civilization of their era at least in terms of architecture. The preservation of the pyramids is truly commendable, and there's a good reason why it's one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It's essential to book a tour with a certified archaeological guide; otherwise, you'll just be looking at meaningless rocks. It's an absolute must-visit spot!."

Raul September 14

Spain

"A must-visit for any national or international tourist. It's small compared to other archaeological zones, but very well preserved. I stayed in the city center and took the excursion to Chichen Itza from there, which takes about an hour and twenty minutes. There aren't many shaded areas, so make sure to bring protection like a hat or cap and sunscreen. Our tour included a guide who explained everything as we walked through the archaeological site. You need to bring plenty of water because the heat and walking can quickly cause dehydration—though there are spots selling drinks inside, albeit at higher prices. We also had entry included to a nice cenote just five minutes from the archaeological site. We took advantage of it, and it was worth it. The food was great with a good variety, though we didn't love the cenote itself since it's one of the most popular ones and was absolutely packed with people. They didn't charge us for bringing a camera, even though it was a professional one. I'm not sure if that was because we bought the package or if that's standard, though I've read comments from people who were charged. It's well worth spending a full day here"

Gerardo August 13

Argentina

"For me, it's an absolute must-visit without a doubt! We went with chichen-itzatours (their Mérida office comes 100% recommended), and that's where we met Eric, our wise guide. He kept us engaged with his explanations of the site and gave us plenty of time for photos and questions... It really makes you realize the greatness of the Mayan culture."

"3 days later and you're still processing all the information."

Rodrigo June 6

Argentina

"You absolutely have to go when visiting Merida or Cancun"

Andres August 13

Mexico

"If you're staying in Merida, visiting Chichen Itza is an absolute must. We booked a morning tour directly from the city center, and the drive took about an hour and twenty minutes it went by in no time

The archaeological site is breathtaking, and you instantly realize why it's one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Hiring a certified guide made all the difference; he explained the Mayan history, the architecture, and the incredible acoustics of the El Castillo pyramid in rich detail (hearing the snake-like echo when you clap in front of the pyramid was amazing!)