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Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum

$35 USD

Travel with total peace of mind. Pay in full on the day of the activity! **Restrictions apply**

Why choose a local expert over big travel agencies?

"We are leaner, quicker, and truly authentic. Most importantly, by cutting out the middlemen, we offer better prices with an outstanding price-quality ratio"

Mayan Heritage: Explore the wonder with a local expert

Julio, our INAH-certified guide, bringing Mayan history to life

Hello! I'm Julio, and it will be a true privilege to be your host for this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Hello everyone and welcome to Chichen Itza! For me, this place isn't just where I work; it's my home. I grew up listening to the stories held within these stones and walking these very same paths since I was a child. Today, I have the immense honor of sharing them with all of you

What's included in your experience:

Everything you need in one trip. This package highlights the best of the region, so you can just relax and enjoy the experience

  • Total price: $75.00 USD per person ($35 USD Tour + $40 USD Entrance fee & taxes)
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Professional driver
  • Regional lunch (drinks not included)
  • Certified guide
  • Cenote visit (life jackets not included)
  • Visit colonial city of Valladolid

Check out this video to see what the excursion consists of


Our expert guides

Julio - Get your questions answered by Julio, your local expert in Tulum

Julio Certified Guide and Specialist in Mayan Civilization

We work exclusively with federal guides certified by SECTUR (NOM-08-TUR-2002) and endorsed by INAH. Their extensive experience at Chichen Itza ensures profound knowledge, but it is their charisma and passion that turn a simple walk into a human experience you will remember forever

Hello! I'm Julio. I've spent years traveling the route from Tulum to the heart of the Mayan world, and I know that planning this trip can bring up a few questions. I've put together the most common questions travelers ask me right before booking to help you plan your day stress-free. Take a look, and if you have any other questions, I'm right here to help!

Do I need to pay a deposit or pay in advance to book the tour?

I know exactly how it feels in the 'Wild West' of online sales it can be nerve-wracking to enter your card details before you even travel. That's why we do things differently: if your group is 4 people or less, you don't have to pay a single cent in advance

Your word is enough for us. Go ahead and book your spot today without spending a penny upfront you'll pay in full on the morning of the tour, right before you hop on the transport at our Tulum meeting point. We accept cash (which is the simplest and cheapest way) or Visa and Mastercard. We want you to feel completely safe so you can focus on enjoying this Wonder of the World. It's an honor to lead you on this journey!

Why is the meeting point at Super AKI instead of picking me up directly from my hotel in Tulum?

To be completely honest, we do this to protect your vacation time. Tulum has grown tremendously, and its beautiful boutique hotels are scattered across the Hotel Zone, Aldea Zama, La Veleta, and jungle areas

If we did door-to-door pick-ups at every hotel, you'd spend up to two hours circling through traffic or on unpaved roads before even hitting the highway to Chichen Itza. Nobody wants to start their adventure that way!

By meeting at a central, safe, and easily accessible location like Super AKI, we can board quickly and head straight to the archaeological site. Plus, this spot offers a great advantage for you: it's the perfect chance to use the ATM, visit the restroom, or pick up last-minute snacks, water, and sunscreen before we hit the road. Less time stuck in traffic means more time enjoying the Wonder of the World!

What's the best payment method on the day of the tour? (Do you accept cards?)

Yes, we accept credit cards (Visa or Mastercard), but to be completely transparent with you, we always recommend paying in cash, either in Mexican Pesos or US Dollars

The reason? We want to help you protect your travel budget. Bank terminals charge an additional commission of between 4% and 5% for every card transaction. By paying in cash, you completely avoid these bank surcharges and make your money go much further

What time is the departure from Super AKI, and approximately how long does the activity last?

Our meeting time outside Super AKI in Tulum is generally between 8:20 AM and 8:50 AM (we will confirm your exact time upon booking). We recommend being strictly on time so we can make the most of the day and head straight out for the adventure

As for the duration, please keep in mind that this is not a quick visit. Fully exploring this Wonder of the World requires a full day of your vacation. The total activity lasts approximately 10 hours. The drive via the Coba-Valladolid route takes about 2 hours each way. As locals, we are always transparent: these times can vary slightly due to traffic or roadwork, but we guarantee that the journey is absolutely worth it once you stand face-to-face with the majestic Pyramid of Kukulcan

An amazing week is ahead of us! From Tuesday through Saturday, we're looking at clear skies perfect for exploring the archaeological site worry-free. The only thing to watch out for is Sunday and Monday, when the forecast shows a chance of isolated showers. My expert tip: if your schedule is flexible, book your visit between Tuesday and Saturday to enjoy the ruins with the best possible weather

Don't pay anything in advance! You can pay the full amount on the day of your trip

We know exactly how it feels in the 'Wild West' of online sales, trusting a website with your money can be nerve-wracking. Is it real? Will I lose my deposit if my Tulum plans change? To put those worries to rest, we've eliminated upfront payments. Secure your spot on our Chichen Itza excursion today without entering your card details, and pay our team directly on the day of the tour Restrictions apply

Which places will we visit?

Maximize your trip to this Wonder of the World! Fuel up with a delicious regional buffet, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of a thousand-year-old cenote, and fall in love with an authentic 'Pueblo Mágico' on the ride home

You can't miss it!

Visiting the Kukulcan Pyramid

Did you know this bucket-list destination is the crown jewel of the Riviera Maya? It truly is one of Mexico’s most iconic locations

This trip is incredibly educational and fun at the same time it's truly an iconic monument! During this visit, you'll have the chance to capture one of the best photos of your entire vacation in front of the Great Pyramid of Kukulcan

If you're on vacation and haven't visited this enigmatic place yet, it's a true must-see just like the Statue of Liberty in New York. It's one of those iconic landmarks you simply have to experience at least once in your life

Exploring a Yucatan cenote: Take a splash in crystal-clear waters!

We will also visit a spectacular cenote called Noolha. You'll have the chance to swim inside, with light streaming in through the collapsed roof and the water glowing below. The water is a bit chilly but manageable you'll get used to it after a moment. It's a "don't miss it" experience; don't pass up the opportunity, as it is incredibly refreshing!

We'll spend about 1 hour at this location. By the way, the entrance fee is included in your price, along with access to all facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, showers, etc. (Lockers and life jackets are available for an extra fee.)

Incredible regional Yucatan cuisine

Yucatan Buffet: A gastronomic trip across the peninsula

Included in the price is a traditional meal, where we'll visit a restaurant to taste the regional cuisine of this part of Mexico. There are several options available, such as pork, chicken, fruit, salads, desserts, etc. Note: Drinks are not included. It's the perfect way to recharge your energy!

Colonial Valladolid: A charming express stop

Our final stop is the colonial city of Valladolid, founded by the Spanish in the 1500s as a replica of their own city back home. It's a unique place with a beautiful central park and an ancient church. Seeing the local Mayan people gathered around the church square is a truly remarkable sight to behold

Where to Meet & Availability

Meeting Place

If you are staying in La Veleta, Aldea Zama, the Hotel Zone, or Downtown, the meeting point is outside the entrance of Super AKI. The schedule may vary, but it's generally between 08:20 AM – 08:50 AM

If hotel pickup is important to you, please check out this option with pickup included

Ideally, you should book at least one day in advance to guarantee availability. However, specifically for this city, last-minute bookings are possible, keep in mind you have to go at meeting point in downtown area

Travel distance

Tulum is strategically located in the Riviera Maya, making it closer to the archaeological site (149 kilometers, which is approximately 92.6 miles, map). The transportation follows the Coba - Valladolid route

💡 You can pay on the day of the excursion **Restrictions apply**
NO RISK for you, we trust in your honesty

Estimated duration

However, I want to be completely transparent: the archaeological site is not nearby, and it's not a quick trip. You'll need to dedicate an entire day of your vacation to this visit after all, good things take time.

This activity has an approximate duration of 10 hours. The transportation follows the Coba - Valladolid route, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours to reach the ruins and the same for the return trip. Please keep in mind that all schedules are approximate, as they depend on external factors such as traffic, road repairs, etc.

The Mayan Train

How does the Mayan Train affect this excursion? Unfortunately, the Mayan Train doesn't offer direct departures from Tulum to Chichen Itza. The train first goes to Cancun, where passengers must transfer to another car to reach the archaeological zone

That's why, currently, traveling by bus or private van is a much better option for this activity

Should there be any changes, we'll make the necessary adjustments, as we are locals and live right here in the city

Tips from your guide

There are 2 Super AKI stores; one of them is recently opened. Please note that our meeting point is the one located on the federal highway coming from Playa del Carmen at Coba Avenue. Here is the exact location

  • Drinks during lunch
  • Life jackets at the cenote
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips and gratuities

One of the advantages of meeting at Super AKI is that you can buy last-minute items such as

  • Sun hats / Caps
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Water
  • Snacks for the road

And the essential items you should bring are

  • Phone for photos
  • Cash for small purchases
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Light and comfortable clothing (Light colors are preferred due to the sun)
  • Sneakers and sandals

The easiest and most affordable way to pay is in cash on the day of the excursion. However, you can also pay with a credit card; please take into consideration that there is a 4-5% surcharge for bank commissions (Visa or MasterCard only)

If you wish to pay in advance, the best way to do so is through our website

If you are a group of 4 people or fewer, you don't need to pay anything in advance; you can pay on the day of the excursion. In this case, there is no cancellation policy

All we ask is that if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible

If your group consists of more than 4 people, please send us a WhatsApp message. It's very likely that a deposit will be required to guarantee your attendance

If you are a group of more than 4 people and have paid a deposit, the following criteria apply

  • Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance
  • No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance (Only for groups of more than 4 people)
  • No refund for no-shows

Unfortunately, the archaeological site is not designed for individuals with mobility issues. While most of the main buildings are relatively close to each other, it's necessary for guests to be able to walk, even if only for short distances within the site

Similarly, to swim in the cenote, basic swimming skills are required. The use of a life jacket is mandatory to better enjoy the experience

  • Payment on the day of the excursion applies only to groups of fewer than 4 people. If you make two separate bookings, we cannot guarantee that you will be on the same bus
  • No circulatory or heart conditions
  • Be punctual at the meeting points designated by the tour guides
  • The archaeological site has uneven terrain, roots, and gravel; therefore, it is not recommended for wheelchairs
  • Basic swimming skills are required to enter the cenote
  • Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian
  • Must have the ability to walk, even if only for short distances
  • Climbing on the ruins is strictly prohibited

1. Do you offer pickup directly from my hotel door?

The meeting point is outside the entrance of Super AKI at 08:30 AM.

Unfortunately, we do not offer a pickup service. If you would like to be picked up at your hotel, please check this other excursion, which includes Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytun.

2. Is the pickup time the same if my accommodation is in the Hotel Zone, Aldea Zama, La Veleta, or Downtown?

Regardless of whether you are staying in the Hotel Zone or Downtown, the meeting point is always outside Super AKI. If being picked up is very important to you, please check this option: Cenote Ik Kil + Cenote Suytun

3. How long is the total travel distance to the archaeological site?

The round trip takes approximately 2 hours each way. Please keep in mind that the total travel time alone is about 4 hours.

You can find more information at this link: How long does an excursion last?

4. What kind of dishes are offered in the included buffet?

We serve typical regional food from Yucatan. The main options available are:

  • Cochinita pibil (Slow-roasted pork)
  • Pollo pibil (Slow-roasted chicken)
  • Spaghetti
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Salads
  • Fruit

5. Are there food alternatives for vegetarians, vegans, or individuals with food sensitivities?

There are some vegetarian-friendly selections available, such as rice, beans, spaghetti, salads, and fruit. However, the buffet is not specialized in vegetarian cuisine. If you require more options, please contact us, as we offer premium tours where the buffet provides a wider variety

Regarding allergies, it is the guest's responsibility to ask if a dish contains any ingredients they may be allergic to; if so, they must refrain from eating it. To discuss this in further detail, please send us a message

Review

Reviews

Our 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!

TripAdvisor 2026

Rating: 4.5/5 – Based on 1,130 traveler reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See what our travelers are saying

TripAdvisor Award
Image Vlacho1984 - January 5, 2026 -
Mexico

"It's true what they say: if you don't go there, you haven't been to Mexico!!! I recommend hiring a guide; they explained everything to me, and it was so interesting. Wear sneakers, comfortable clothes, and bring a hat or an umbrella if it’s very hot, as there is no shade"

Image Marian G - January 7, 2026 -
Mexico

When it comes to Chichen, it's a must-see! You have to go and see it for yourself; it's breathtaking and truly incredible. It's actually quite moving to see it in person

Please note:

Street vendors and scammers along the paths can be quite persistent and tiring with their sales pitches

Image Claudia L - January 15, 2026 -
Mexico

"If you believe in the energy of the cosmos and the power of purification, this place is one of the most wonderful sites in our country"

Image Yasodhara V - January 16, 2026 -
Mexico

"While the Temple of Kukulcan and the Observatory are certainly impressive, the rest of the archaeological site doesn't have many well-preserved buildings. Plus, there are so many vendors, which I didn't really like. I much preferred Uxmal"

Image Carmen - January 18, 2026 -
Mexico

"An excellent place to visit, filled with culture and archaeology. It's an experience where you learn so much about the Mayan culture. In our opinion, it's the best place to buy souvenirs because the prices are very good. You must protect yourself from the sun as it is quite hot and sunny. This is a 'must-visit' location because, as the saying goes, if you go to Mexico and don't visit this place, it's like you were never there at all... The entire site is beautiful. It also depends a lot on how you go it's much better to go with a guide or company so they can tell you the whole Mayan history"

Latest Update

Please be advised that, effective March 16, the entry logistics for the archaeological site will shift to the North Access. The entrance route passes through the CATVI and the Mayan Handicraft Market, located adjacent to the new museum

According to site management, the new entrance ensures better organization for the tours. The route begins at the Great Mayan Arch and passes through the Sacred Cenote area until reaching the main esplanade

This change implies a reorganization of the tour circuits

While big agencies wait for an email update, we're already at the gate. We know what's happening in Chichen Itza by the minute because we live here. Don't risk your trip with distant offices; be among the first to use the new entrance this March 16th with those who have the real pulse of the site