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Chichen Itza Tour from Playa del Carmen
Book with confidence: 100% Safe. Pay everything on the day of the excursion! **Restrictions apply**
Paul - Customer Service
"By booking directly with the operator, you are guaranteed a lower rate with no third-party fees included"
We are a local agency
What's included in your experience
You will discover the most iconic and representative landmarks of Chichen Itza and its surroundings
- Full Chichen Itza Experience – $75 USD per person (Includes: Tour $35 USD + Entrance Fees & Taxes $40 USD)
- Premium Transportation: Round-trip travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Culture & Guiding: Guided tour with a certified expert and free time to explore at your own pace
- Gastronomy: Regional buffet lunch (drinks not included)
- Nature: Visit and swim time at a spectacular cenote (life jacket not included)
- Bonus: Complimentary stop in the colonial city of Valladolid
No deposit required – Risk free booking
Consider this: you make a reservation a week in advance, but on the day of the tour, there's a heavy downpour, you're drained from previous excursions, or you've fallen ill. We are all human, and unexpected things happen
If you are a group of fewer than 4 people, you don't have to pay anything in advance. Just send us a message and we'll be happy to reschedule for another day or simply cancel
We want you to enjoy your trip without any worries. That's why we give you full control over your booking: zero deposits and zero risk of scams. You can rest easy knowing your money stays with you, as payment is only made when the transportation picks you up on the day of the activity
Our expert guides
Ignacio Antonio Dzib Chan - Your mayan expert
Our guides are more than just companions; they are ambassadors of Mayan culture. Each one brings extensive experience and is INAH certified to provide a professional, in-depth explanation at the archaeological site
I am Ignacio Antonio Dzib Chan, one of the lead guides who will take you to this Wonder of the Modern World, and I'm here to answer some of our clients' most frequently asked questions
Travel Time
Many travelers ask me if the 2.5-hour journey from Playa del Carmen feels too long. I always tell them it's actually the perfect amount of time to introduce them to Mayan astronomy. My goal is that when you arrive at the Temple of Kukulcán or the Great Ball Court, you won't just see stones; you'll understand why this civilization changed the world. I make sure that every corner of the archaeological site comes to life for you.
Pickup
I know hotel pickup is often the biggest concern. I personally coordinate the routes in Playacar and Downtown to ensure we are always on time. What our clients appreciate most is our 'No upfront deposit' policy. I love seeing the look of relief on their faces when they see the transportation arrive punctually and realize they can pay the full amount upon boarding. For us, your peace of mind comes first; that's why we take care of every detail from the moment you step into the transportation.
No Hidden Costs
My favorite part is the cenote stop and the regional lunch. I always explain the 2026 entrance fees in detail (the CULTUR and INAH payments), so there are no surprises at the ticket office. If you have any questions about the buffet or the Yucatecan menu (like the cochinita pibil), I'll be your guide. My job is to make sure you enjoy this Wonder of the World without worrying about hidden costs or the day's logistics.
Isolated showers are expected for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It is important to clarify that since they are isolated, it doesn't mean it will rain all day; nonetheless, carrying a rain poncho is recommended just in case. Based on the forecast, the best days will be Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Logistics and meeting points
Our main office is located here, and we have 3 key locations across the city to ensure we are always close to you
Playacar - Hotel Zone
We offer pickup at all hotels in Playacar. We provide door-to-door transportation service throughout the Hotel Zone. We pick you up directly from the hotel lobby, including hotels such as: Riu (Lupita, Tequila, Yucatan), Sandos Playacar, Viva Wyndham, Royal Hideaway, and Allegro Playacar
Downtown
Our transportation route runs along the entire 10th Avenue up to 50th Street. If you are staying at a hotel on 5th Avenue, please keep in mind that since it's a pedestrian-only zone, you will need to walk to a nearby meeting point. Don't worry, we have several convenient locations, such as
- Plaza Antigua
- Corner of 2nd Street and 10th Avenue
- Coco Bongo
- Scotiabank on Constituyentes Avenu
- Mega Soriana
- Bodeguita del medio
- Viva Mexico handicraft store on the corner of 38th Street and 5th Avenue
We recommend sending us a WhatsApp message with the name of your hotel or your location, and we'll gladly point you to the closest pickup spot to your accommodation, as we have many more available
Hotels on the outskirts of the city
If you are staying on the outskirts of the city, we also offer pickup service. For example:
- Paradisus
- Sandos Caracol
- Princess
- Mayakoba
- Ocean Maya Royale
- Blue Bay Esmeralda
- Occidental Xcaret
It would be a very long list to name every hotel where we offer pickups, but there is a 90% chance we can come directly to yours! Send us a WhatsApp message and we'll gladly give you the scheduled pickup time for your specific hotel
Schedules
At 06:50 AM, our transportation begins picking up guests at their various hotels. Usually, one group of vans covers the Playacar area, while another group handles the Downtown area, and a third group services the hotels on the outskirts of the city. Our goal is to pick everyone up simultaneously between 07:00 AM and 07:45 AM
Once you are on board our shuttles, you will be taken to a central meeting point where the main transportation departs for the Archaeological Zone
Availability
If you book at least one day in advance, we'll always have availability, provided that the reservation is made before 06:00 PM
Duration
Please take into consideration that the archaeological zone is quite a distance away we are talking about 185 kilometers or 115 miles (check this map). However, due to the distance and the various sites we visit, this experience has a total approximate duration of 11-12 hours.
Please keep in mind that all times are approximate. If you have a prior commitment, such as a dinner reservation or a flight to catch, please contact customer service to determine if your time constraints are compatible with the reality of the activity's schedule
Itinerary
The itinerary is as follows. Please note that to ensure smooth logistics and avoid crowds, we reserve the right to adjust the schedule. Although the order of the stops may change, the full experience and educational value are guaranteed
- Cenote
- Regional Lunch
- Chichen Itza
- Valladolid
- Return to the original departure point
We are local specialists and offer various alternatives for you to explore this Wonder of the World at your own pace and style
If you are looking for an excursion that visits Chichen Itza as the first stop, we have this alternative available by van; if you prefer an option including Cenote Suytun or Cenote Ik Kil, we have this other variant available
In addition to options that only visit the archaeological site and are back in Playa del Carmen between 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM
We tailor our services to your expectations; we offer all combinations in addition to private tours. Send us a WhatsApp message and let us know what you have in mind—it is very likely we have the perfect option for you.
You can pay on the day of the excursion Restrictions apply
RISK-FREE for you; we rely on your honestyChichen Itza via Tren Maya: What nobody tells you before booking
Why using the Mayan Train is not a good option today (February 2026)?
Because there is no direct departure from this city; you are required to go to Cancun first, which is a major detour
The archaeological zone is on Section 4 and this city is on Section 5; the junction where Sections 4 and 5 meet is in Cancun. Furthermore, the departure schedules still do not align. Based on our experience, the best option is to go directly by bus or van.
If the logistics change, we will update this information. Since we are located throughout the Riviera Maya (we are locals), we are ready to offer a Mayan Train package but only if the necessary logistical requirements are met to ensure a high-quality experience.
Not Included
There are basically two items not included: drinks during the buffet lunch and life jackets at the cenote
Additionally, there are two optional items meaning they are not required like the two mentioned above which are gratuities or tips and souvenirs (100% optional)
What to bring
Since this is a full-day experience, we recommend prioritizing your comfort to fully enjoy the tour. We suggest bringing along: sun protection, cash for minor expenses, a swimsuit, a towel, sneakers or athletic shoes for the archaeological site, and sandals for the cenote.
- Fully charged cell phone
- Cash for small purchases
- Towels
- Swimsuit
- Fresh, comfortable clothing
- Sneakers and sandals
- Hats and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water (optional)
Payment Methods
The ideal, easiest, and most cost-effective option for groups of fewer than 5 people is to pay in cash on the day of the activity. We accept Mexican Pesos (MXN), US Dollars, or Euros
You may also pay with a credit card. Please take into consideration that credit card payments incur a 4-5% surcharge for bank commissions (Visa or MasterCard only)
You can also pay through our website
For groups of 4 or more, a deposit is required to guarantee your booking, with the remaining balance due on the day of the activity
Cancellations
Book today and pay upon arrival! For small groups of up to 4 people, we do not require upfront payments or deposits. Forget about cancellation policies: simply reserve your spot and pay on the day of your adventure with total freedom
Only applies to groups of more than 4 people (5 people and up).
Free cancellation: Let us know 24 hours in advance and there is no issue. No hidden fees. If it is less than 24 hours, we will be unable to process refunds as spaces and services will have already been reserved
Restrictions
- We want you to travel together! Due to operational policies, payment on the day of the tour is only available for small groups (fewer than 4 people). If you are traveling in a larger group, we recommend making a single reservation in advance; otherwise, you might be assigned to different vehicles and may not share the same ride
- We appreciate your punctuality at each meeting point to avoid delays that could affect the experience for the entire group
- Wheelchairs are not permitted
- To enter the cenote, it is essential to know how to swim, and the use of a life jacket is mandatory (rental not included)
- Not recommended for young children (under 2 years old)
- Participants must be in good physical and emotional health
- It is necessary to be able to walk short distances independently
- Climbing or touching the ruins is strictly prohibited
- The use of drones is not permitted
Guide's Recommendations
- Please note that this Wonder of the Modern World is located in the state of Yucatan, where the time is one hour behind Quintana Roo. It is vital to consider this difference to avoid confusion and ensure your punctuality at the meeting points set by your guide
- Optimize your shopping: In stores like Walmart, Mega, or Chedraui, you will find a wide variety of souvenirs of the Wonder of the Modern World at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the historic site. These stores have an entire aisle dedicated to souvenirs not just of the archaeological zone, but of the entire region such as keychains, charms, t-shirts, etc.
Reviews
ReviewsOur experiences are backed by Cancun Bay Tours, our official operator with TripAdvisor certification. Join the thousands of travelers who have already enjoyed an adventure with us!
Rating: 4.5/5 – Based on 1,130 traveler reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See what our travelers are saying
Carlos D
- August 20, 2025 -
"There is a reason why this is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World: it is truly phenomenal. The moment you arrive and face the Great Pyramid (El Castillo), it leaves you speechless. On-site, expert guides will share the deep history and legends of this sacred place
One of the wonders I truly appreciated was the quetzal’s chirp emitted by the pyramid when you clap in front of it; a magnificent acoustic phenomenon. Among other things, the Great Ball Court leaves you speechless, and the Astronomical Observatory is, without a doubt, one of the most mystical structures I have seen so far
It's a place you must visit at least once in a lifetime. One tip: wear comfortable shoes (avoid flip-flops), dress in light clothes, and bring plenty of water, as you'll be doing a lot of walking under the sun
Victor
- August 25, 2025 -
"When we arrived and saw this monument, we were struck by the doubt of whether it was even built by humans. Such is the magnificence of this site and the wonders surrounding it that it makes you question absolutely everything. The Great Serpent, the Ball Court, and the various temples mean you could spend an entire week discovering new details. If you go see it, it will leave you speechless!"
Juan P
- December 1, 2025 -
"An imposing millennial site, full of wisdom and ancestral history. It's a shame that our government has sold out, granting 1,500 permits to street vendors who swarm these sacred places, which are recognized by the world as a Wonder of Humanity"
Sara
- January 18, 2026 -
"It was an unforgettable experience, for real! From the moment I arrived at the archaeological site, I felt like I was transported back in time. Seeing those imposing pyramids, the majestic temples, and everything left behind by a civilization with so much history... honestly, it took my breath away. It was insane!."
The tour included an expert guide who perfectly explained the history and significance of each monument. We toured the Kukulcan Pyramid.
Minthaca
- January 19, 2026 -
"Although admission is free for Mexican nationals on Sundays, choosing a tour that includes transportation, lunch, and a guide is the best way to explore this massive complex and its many structures at your own pace. Don't forget to wear sun protection, respect the site rules, and take the opportunity to buy handmade crafts directly from local vendors, who offer better prices to visitors from Mexico"
Latest Update
Starting March 16th 2016, the entrance to the archaeological site will change. Access will now be through the North Entrance, passing through the CATVI (Visitor Center) and the Great Mayan Handicraft Market, located right next to the new museum
According to Chichen Itza authorities, this new entrance will allow visitors to begin their tour in an organized manner, passing through the Great Mayan Arch and entering from the Sacred Cenote area, which connects directly to the El Castillo esplanade
This change involves adjustments to the tour circuits
Don't settle for info from a call center hundreds of miles away. We live here and breathe Chichen Itza every single second. We know exactly what's happening on-site in real-time, ensuring your entry through the new access point is perfect and hassle-free