Private Chichen Itza Tour

Thinking about visiting Chichen Itza but want a more customized, less rushed experience? This private tour might just be what you’re looking for. Unlike large group excursions, this option offers you and your party the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid crowds and have control over their day.

What we really like about this tour is its flexibility—getting there early before the crowds arrive, or spending more time at certain sites, makes a big difference when you’re trying to soak in the atmosphere of such a historic place. Another highlight is the chance to combine the ruins with visits to cenotes and the charming colonial town of Valladolid, giving a well-rounded Yucatan adventure.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this tour does not include a guide at Chichen Itza itself, so if you’re a history buff or want detailed insights, you’ll need to arrange that separately. Still, for travelers who enjoy a casual, self-directed visit, this setup can be perfect.

Ultimately, this experience suits those who appreciate personalized travel, want to avoid the crowds, and are happy to explore independently, with the option to add their own guides or activities along the way.

Key Points

• Flexibility is key: You can start your day whenever you like, enabling early access or more relaxed pacing.
• Private group means exclusivity: No strangers, just your party, allowing for a tailored experience.
• Includes transportation and amenities: Air-conditioned vehicle, water, beers, and ice keep you comfortable throughout the day.
• Visit beyond the ruins: Stops at cenotes and Valladolid make for a diverse day trip.
• No guide included at Chichen Itza: If you want detailed explanations, organize that separately.
• Good value for a private tour: The $606 rate covers up to 8 people, making it a cost-effective way to explore with friends or family.

This tour offers a different approach to visiting one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites. Instead of being herded with a large group, you get to create your own timeline, which is a real treat if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Plus, being able to start early—pickup at 7 a.m. if you wish—means beating the crowds and enjoying the site in a quieter setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Pickup Options

Your day begins with a pickup from one of five locations: Costa Mujeres, Tulum, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Playa Paraiso. This flexibility is handy, especially since it saves you from long, uncomfortable bus rides or complicated transfers. The driver, who speaks both English and Spanish, will pick you up in an air-conditioned van, and the journey to Chichen Itza takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Exploring Chichen Itza

Once you arrive, you’ll have about four hours to explore the site freely. Since you’re in charge of your schedule, you can spend extra time at your favorite spots, take photos without feeling rushed, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The site opens at 8 a.m., and if you choose an early pickup, you’ll be among the first visitors—something many travelers consider a significant advantage.

Keep in mind: The tour fee covers parking and tolls, so no surprises there. But entrance fees to Chichen Itza are not included, so you’ll need to purchase tickets separately if you want to go inside the ruins.

Post-Ruins Visit: Valladolid and Cenotes

After your archaeological adventure, the tour continues with a stop in Valladolid, a lovely colonial town where you can enjoy some sightseeing, shopping, or simply wandering the main plaza. You’ll get about two hours here—plenty of time to check out the cathedral or grab a snack.

Many travelers appreciate this part because it offers a taste of local life, away from touristy spots. Plus, the option to visit cenotes adds another layer of fun—although entrance fees are not included, and you’ll need to pay for the cenote visits separately if interested.

End of Day: Flexible Drop-Offs

The tour wraps up with drop-offs at your choice of five locations, including Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres, Cancún, Playa Paraiso, or Tulum. That way, you can seamlessly continue your trip without wasting time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price:

• Exclusive, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• An English-speaking driver
• Toll roads and parking fees at Chichen Itza
• A cooler with ice, water, and beers, ensuring you’re refreshed throughout the day
• Total duration of 10 hours, offering ample time to explore at your own pace

Not included:

• Entrance fees to Chichen Itza and cenotes
• Food and beverages at any stops
• Guided tour inside Chichen Itza (though you can arrange this separately)

This setup is ideal if you prefer a flexible schedule and are comfortable exploring without a guide. If you’re a history enthusiast craving detailed explanations, you might want to hire a guide separately, but many find that the freedom of a private, self-guided visit outweighs this.

Reviewers seem to love this tour for its flexibility and personalized approach. Duc from the US noted that arriving early “was the best decision ever,” and the ability to upgrade to a private tour after arriving early made a big difference. He appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guide, which added to the overall experience.

Kristine, also from the US, emphasized the value of the private setup, mentioning they “were able to beat the crowds” and enjoyed a tailored experience with a recommended guide. These comments reinforce that the main advantage here is the control over your day and avoiding the rush of large tours.

If you’re someone who enjoys making your own plans, values comfort and exclusivity, and wants flexibility, this private tour could be a real winner. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a small group or family and prefer not to be bound by fixed schedules.

However, keep in mind that since no guide is included at Chichen Itza, you’ll need to do some planning on your own or hire a guide if you want detailed insights. This tour is best suited for travelers who like to explore independently but appreciate the convenience of private transport and the option to customize their day.

This private Chichen Itza tour offers a balanced mix of flexibility, comfort, and the opportunity to create your own adventure. With the option to start early, visit other attractions like Valladolid and cenotes, and the freedom to spend as much time as you wish at each stop, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want a more personalized experience.

The price point, divided among up to eight people, makes it an economical way to enjoy a private day in Yucatan. The included amenities like water and beers in a cool box add comfort, and the attention to timing ensures you avoid the big crowds and tourist rush.

For travelers who are comfortable exploring without a guide at every site or those who want a flexible, relaxed day, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be prepared to organize your entrance fees and perhaps a guide if you’re craving detailed historical context.

Can I start the tour early?
Yes, you can choose to be picked up at 7:00 a.m., giving you a head start before the site opens at 8 a.m.

Is the tour private for my group only?
Absolutely. This is a private tour, so only your group will be in the vehicle and exploring together.

What locations can I be dropped off at?
Drop-off options include Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres, Cancún, Playa Paraiso, and Tulum.

Are entrance fees to Chichen Itza included?
No, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately for the archaeological site.

Does the tour include a guide at Chichen Itza?
No, there is no guide included at the ruins, but you can arrange for one separately if you desire.

How long is the trip from pickup to Chichen Itza?
It takes approximately 2.5 hours by van, depending on your pickup location.

Can I visit cenotes during this tour?
You can visit cenotes, but entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to swim or explore them.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, change of clothes, flip-flops or closed-toe shoes, and biodegradable insect repellent.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, families comfortable with independent exploration and a flexible schedule should find it suitable.

What makes this tour different from a standard group trip?
The biggest difference is the flexibility—you control your timing, and you won’t be part of a large, guided group, making for a more relaxed, personalized experience.

Overall, if you’re after a tailored day with the freedom to explore, skip the crowds, and enjoy Mexico’s Yucatan at your own pace, this private tour is a smart choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: