Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza Early Access with Pick-up & Lunch

If you’re dreaming of visiting the iconic Chichen Itza and want to beat the crowds, this early access tour from the Riviera Maya might catch your eye. It promises a chance to experience the ancient Mayan site in the cooler, quieter morning hours, guided by knowledgeable professionals. But, as with any popular destination, there are some things to consider before booking.

We love how this tour offers early access—it’s a rare chance to see the site before it gets crowded and noisy. The expert guide adds a lot of value, helping you understand the significance of the ruins, and the included regional buffet lunch makes the day more comfortable. However, some travelers have noted the lengthy travel times and limited time at the ruins as potential drawbacks. This tour works best for those who prioritize an authentic, less crowded experience over a quick visit.

If you’re someone who enjoys historical sites, appreciates good guides, and doesn’t mind a bit of travel, this could be a good fit. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or more free time at each stop, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Early access means fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
• Professional bilingual guides help bring the Mayan site to life.
• Expect a full day of travel and sightseeing, including a regional buffet lunch.
• It’s best suited for travelers who value guided insights and a structured itinerary.
• The tour doesn’t include the Chichen Itza tax (42 USD), payable separately.
• Some reviews mention long travel times and limited free time at the site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Picture of the Tour Experience

Let’s take a detailed look at what this tour offers and what you can expect from start to finish. Being aware of the full itinerary and logistics helps you decide if it fits your travel style.

Pickup and Transportation

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in the Riviera Maya. The tour provider will confirm your pickup time the day before, so you can plan accordingly. Keep in mind that if your hotel is in a difficult-to-access area, there might be an additional fee of $10 USD. The transportation itself involves a bus or coach, with a total travel time of about 2 hours to the site.

One review pointed out that the pickup process can be longer than expected: “We were picked up at 5 am and traveled an hour in the wrong direction before heading to Chichen Itza,” which was a bit frustrating. So, if early mornings aren’t your thing, or if you prefer a more straightforward transfer, this might be a point to consider.

Arrival at Chichen Itza: Early Morning Benefits

Arriving in the early morning is one of the tour’s biggest selling points. You’ll get to walk around the ruins before the crowds and heat set in. This quiet time allows you to appreciate the architecture and wonder at the El Castillo Pyramid, known for its ingenious design and the way it marks the equinoxes.

Your guide will lead a guided tour, sharing insights into the history and significance of the structures. You’ll visit highlights like the Great Ball Court, where ancient Mayans played ballgames that held cultural importance, and see other temples and ruins that tell stories of a civilization that thrived centuries ago.

The Guided Tour: What You’ll Learn

Having a professional bilingual guide really enhances the experience. As one reviewer noted, “Omar was a fantastic guide and made the tour very interesting.” Guides can transform a visit from a simple walk into an engaging lesson, revealing details you might miss on your own.

Your guide will explain the significance of El Castillo, pointing out how its mathematical precision and alignments reflect the Mayans’ advanced understanding of astronomy. You’ll also hear about the Great Ball Court, where echoes and the layout demonstrate its importance in ancient rituals.

More Great Tours Nearby

Time at the Ruins: Pros and Cons

Once the guided tour wraps up, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace. However, some reviews mention that the time allocated—about 2 hours—feels a bit tight, especially considering the overall length of the trip.

One traveler from Spain commented, “A lot of traveling and not enough time at the ruins,” which is a common concern. If you’re a history buff or keen to photograph every detail, the limited free time might be a little disappointing. You’ll get a quick taste rather than a deep dive into the site.

Lunch and Rest

After exploring, the group heads to a local restaurant for a regional buffet lunch. The menu is typically made with fresh ingredients and offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. This sit-down meal helps break up the day and provides some much-needed fuel before heading back.

Return Journey: Long but Comfortable

Post-lunch, it’s time for the longer ride back—about 2.5 hours—so bring something to listen to or relax with during the trip. One review mentioned arriving back around 4 pm, after a full 13-hour day that included early mornings and several hours on the bus.

While some found the travel tiring, others appreciated the chance to sit back and reflect on the day’s sights in comfort. The transportation is air-conditioned, which helps keep the journey more bearable.

Pricing and Value

The cost for this tour is $76 per person, which includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, entrance to Chichen Itza (excluding the $42 USD tax), and the buffet lunch. For many travelers, this is considered good value given the early access and guided experience.

However, it’s important to note that the Chichen Itza tax isn’t included in the price. This additional fee must be paid via credit card either the day before or upon arrival, and it’s discounted for Mexicans, students, teachers, and residents with ID.

When you factor in the logistics—early pick-up, transportation, guiding, entrance fee, and meal—the price seems reasonable, especially compared to other tours that might lack early access or a guided component.

Is the Tour Worth the Price?

If you’re passionate about history and want to avoid the large crowds, then yes, this tour offers good value. The early access alone makes a difference in how much you’ll enjoy the site. The guided explanations deepen your understanding, and the included meal adds convenience.

Conversely, if you prefer more free time to wander or explore independently, or if long travel hours bother you, you might find this package a little restrictive. Some reviews highlight the limited amount of time at the ruins, which is a trade-off for the early access.

What the Reviews Say

From the few reviews available, the overall rating is 4 out of 5, with some praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. One traveler from the UK shared, “Omar made the tour very interesting,” emphasizing the value of a good guide.

On the downside, one person from Spain mentioned, “We spent a lot of time traveling and only about an hour and a half at the site,” which highlights that the overall experience can sometimes feel rushed. Another review appreciated the early start but noted that some people might find the long travel times exhausting.

These insights reveal that, while the tour excels in providing an authentic experience with fewer crowds, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a leisurely day. The logistics and timing are quite structured, leaving little room for extra exploration or spontaneous wandering.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who values guided insights, wants to see Chichen Itza early, and doesn’t mind a full day of travel, this tour will serve you well. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate structured itineraries and don’t mind paying the optional $42 USD tax separately.

However, if your priority is more free time, less travel fatigue, or a relaxed pace, you might want to consider other options. The long hours on the bus and limited free time at the site mean this isn’t the best choice for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers a solid experience for those eager to see Chichen Itza with fewer crowds and insights from expert guides. The early access is a significant perk, especially if you like beating the heat and the crowds to get great photos and enjoy the site peacefully.

The value for money is reasonable, considering the guided tour, transportation, and meal. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, or travelers wanting to maximize their day without missing the main highlights.

That said, be prepared for a long day and some tight timing at the ruins. If you’re someone who wants to linger longer or explore more freely, this might not be the best fit.

In the end, this tour offers a practical, well-organized, and informative way to experience Chichen Itza, especially if your main goal is to avoid crowds and learn from guides who bring the history alive.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Riviera Maya, with times confirmed the day before.

Can I pay the Chichen Itza tax in advance? No, the $42 USD tax is paid separately by credit card either the day before or upon arrival at the site.

What languages are guides available in? Guides are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.

How long is the trip? The entire tour lasts about 10.5 hours, including travel, guided tour, lunch, and return.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? No, the tour involves a lot of walking and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Does the tour include access to any cenotes? No, this specific tour focuses on Chichen Itza and does not include a cenote swim.

Are professional cameras allowed? No, professional cameras and selfie sticks are not permitted during the site visit.

What if I want more free time? The tour design limits free time at the site; if you prefer more flexibility, other tours with longer or unstructured visits might suit you better.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This guided tour offers a practical, engaging way to visit Chichen Itza early in the day, primarily for those who want to avoid crowds, learn from local guides, and enjoy a structured experience. While the long hours and limited free time are worth considering, the overall package provides a solid introduction to one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: