Valladolid: Chichén Itzá + 2 Cenotes Shared Transportation

Valladolid: Chichén Itzá + 2 Cenotes Shared Transportation – A Detailed Look

If you’re thinking about exploring the Yucatán’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour offers a solid option. It’s designed for those who want a well-organized day visiting one of the most iconic Mayan sites and cooling off in beautiful cenotes, all in a small group for a more personal experience.

What definitely caught our attention are the early start — it means you get to beat most of the crowds at Chichén Itzá — and the opportunity to swim in two very different cenotes, each with its own vibe. One downside? The tour doesn’t include entrance fees, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. But overall, it seems ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture and nature without the stress of bigger tour groups or long lines. It’s especially good if you prefer small groups, personalized attention, and authentic moments away from the crowds.

This tour is a good fit for anyone looking to maximize their day with a little bit of everything. Budget travelers who want a comprehensive experience, history buffs eager for an early visit, or nature lovers wanting a swim in cenotes will find it appealing. Families with older children can also enjoy this day out, thanks to its relaxed pace and manageable group size.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances personal attention and flexibility in exploring sites.
• Early departure helps beat the crowds at Chichén Itzá, making the experience more peaceful and immersive.
• Two unique cenotes—Xcajum and Nool Ha—offer different swimming experiences, from open water to cave-like pools.
• Professional, knowledgeable driver provides helpful insights and recommendations to enrich your visit.
• Cost includes transportation and guide, but you’ll need to cover entrance fees separately, which are reasonable considering the experience.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, giving you peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect on This Tour

This tour offers a carefully balanced day, combining the awe of ancient Mayan architecture with the refreshing escape of cenote swimming. It all begins early, with pick-up from your Valladolid accommodation around 7:00 or 7:30 a.m., depending on your chosen start time. Small-group tours tend to be more relaxed, and with only up to 10 participants, you’re unlikely to feel overwhelmed or rushed.

The Journey to Chichén Itzá

The drive from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá takes about 40 minutes, during which your driver, who is a local and fluent in Spanish and basic English, will give you some background or tips for enjoying the site. The early start means you’ll arrive before the bulk of travelers, which many reviewers appreciated — “Magnificent experience! The visit to Chichen Itza was impressive, and Mica took us there at the best times before the crowds arrived,” one traveler raved.

Once at Chichén Itzá, you’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to explore at your own pace. The site is sprawling, and the Pyramid of Kukulkán is the star attraction. But you’ll also see other significant structures like the Temple of the Warriors and the Ball Court. The tour doesn’t include the entrance fee ($671 MXN for general admission), so you’ll want to bring some cash or card for that.

Tips for Visiting Chichén Itzá

Given the early arrival, you can take your time wandering around, snapping photos without the throngs. The site can get hot, so comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are must-haves. The benefit of this schedule is that you can really soak in the atmosphere and see things more intimately, rather than battling crowds or fighting for good angles.

Cenote Exploration: Xcajum and Nool Ha

After soaking up Mayan history, your group will head to two cenotes, each with its own character and charm. The first stop is Cenote Xcajum, where you can swim, relax, and cool off from the heat. It’s an open cenote, meaning you’ll get plenty of sunlight and a beautiful natural setting. The entrance fee (around $400 MXN if you choose the full experience with food and drinks) includes life jackets, which many find helpful if they’re not strong swimmers or just want extra safety.

Your guide, Mica, and the driver will be there to recommend the best spots or share fun facts about these natural formations. Reviewers mention how beautiful and peaceful these cenotes are — “The last cenote is a thing of beauty, different from the usual tourist places,” one traveler said, highlighting how these spots can feel like hidden gems.

The second cenote, Nool Ha, is more cave-like and offers a different ambiance, with some reviewers describing it as almost mystical. The swimming here might be more enclosed and darker, which adds to the adventure.

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The Return Journey

After about 75 minutes at Nool Ha, you’ll head back to Valladolid, a 30-minute drive that allows for some reflection on the day’s highlights. The entire adventure wraps up around mid-afternoon, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in Valladolid or further afield.

Why This Tour Works Well

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable and friendly guide. Mica, the guide, is often described as warm, attentive, and full of interesting insights about Mayan culture and the sites visited. Several reviewers, like Simone from Italy, mentioned how much they appreciated the guide’s kindness and expertise.

Another highlight is the peaceful experience at the cenotes. Since you visit two, you often find yourself swimming alone or with just a handful of others, making the moment all the more special. “The cenotes were incredible, we were literally alone, which made the moment even more magical,” a traveler shared.

Pricing-wise, at $58 per person, this tour offers good value. It includes transportation, a small group, and a guide, which enhance the overall comfort and intimacy. Entrance fees are extra, but considering the cost of individual entry and the experience, it’s quite reasonable. Many reviewers felt the price was fair for what they received, especially given the early access and the exclusivity of the cenotes visited.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Bring cash for entrance fees and any extras like food or souvenirs.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
• Pack sun protection—a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Use biodegradable insect repellent to avoid bothering local wildlife and stay comfortable.
• If you’re interested in learning more about Mayan culture, consider asking your guide questions—they’re often very knowledgeable.
• Arrive at your pickup point 10 minutes early to ensure smooth departure.
• Remember, this is a small group tour, so it’s best to go with an open mind and some flexibility.

Summary: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a blend of history, natural beauty, and intimate experiences. It’s particularly good if you want to beat the crowds at Chichén Itzá and enjoy tranquil swims in cenotes. If you’re on a budget but still want quality guidance, this tour offers a lot for its price. It’s also great for those who prefer small groups over larger, more commercial tours, and for travelers interested in authentic, local insights from a native guide.

While it doesn’t include meals or the site entrance fee, the overall value remains high thanks to early access, expert guidance, and the opportunity to swim in two beautiful cenotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for entrance to Chichén Itzá separately?
Yes, the site entrance fee is not included in the tour price. You’ll need to budget around 671 MXN for general admission, or less if you’re a Mexican citizen or a child.

What is included in the tour?
Transportation, a certified driver who speaks Spanish and basic English, and a small-group experience (up to 10 participants). The guide is optional but highly recommended.

How long is the tour?
The entire day lasts about 8 hours, with early pickup and return around mid-afternoon.

Can I swim in the cenotes?
Absolutely. You’ll have several hours at each cenote to swim and relax. Life jackets are provided, and the cenotes are noted for their beauty and tranquility.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for travelers with older children who can handle walking and swimming. Younger kids might find the outdoor cenotes less ideal, but it depends on the family.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, swimwear, cash, biodegradable insect repellent, and a small towel.

How do I handle booking and payment?
You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide knowledgeable about Mayan culture?
Yes, many reviews mention how guides like Mica are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share cultural insights, making the experience more meaningful.

In short, this tour offers a well-rounded day of exploring one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites and swimming in stunning cenotes, all with the intimacy of a small group and the advantage of early access. If you’re happy to cover entrance fees separately and want a reliable, relaxed, and authentic experience, this one’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: