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Cancun to Chichén Itzá Tours

4.4(2,196 ratings)

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Cenote with clear waters and hanging roots near Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan site in Mexico.

Tourist exploring Chichen Itza temples and ancient structures in Mexico.

Valladolid street scene with colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone path.

Tourists enjoying buffet lunch and tequila tasting on Chichen Itza tour, Mexico.

Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan columns and carvings.

Columns in the Temple of a Thousand Warriors at the Ruins of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.

Tourist swimming in a cenote near Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Spanish Cathedral Iglesia de San Servacio with palm trees in Valladolid, Mexico.

4.5(754)

From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

from $62

$37.20

40% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

12 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION12 hours

MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus

Timeline

Map

START POINT

4 starting points available

1. Crown Paradise

Get direction

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

Get direction

3. Smart Cancun

Get direction

4. Hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya

This experience involves pick-up from various locations. You can choose your pick-up location in the next steps.

221 km

2 hours 52 minutes

Chichén Itzá

150 min

3 attractions

Tickets included

Guided tour

Nearby things to do

Kukulcán Pyramid

El Castillo

El Juego de Pelota

3.4 km

4 minutes

Sacred Cenote

150 min

Tickets included

This isn’t just any swimming hole—cenotes were sacred to the Mayans, believed to be gateways to the afterlife. With crystal-clear water and dramatic limestone formations, it’s an otherworldly experience. Take a swim and float beneath vines and sunlight streaming through ancient caves.

Highlights

Mexican buffet lunch

Lunch

A feast of authentic Mexican flavors, this buffet lets you sample regional specialties made with fresh, local ingredients. From slow-cooked cochinita pibil to handmade tortillas and zesty salsas, you get to build your own perfect plate.

42 km

40 minutes

Valladolid

30 min

1 attractions

Free Admission

A charming colonial town with colorful streets, Valladolid is a perfect place to experience authentic Yucatán culture, from its bustling markets to its historical architecture.

Things to do

Shop in Local Markets

Local markets in Valladolid are perfect for picking up handmade hammocks, embroidered dresses, and Mayan chocolate. Yucatán embroidery is a centuries-old craft, each piece taking weeks to complete, its so iconic that it was also featured in Pixar's Coco.

140 km

1 hour 40 minutes

END POINT

4 ending points available

1. Crown Paradise

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

3. Smart Cancun

4. Hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya

Go beyond the guidebook—see Yucatán’s top spots with stories only experts know!

Everything you get: Walk through Chichén Itzá’s ancient ruins with an expert guide, cool off in a sacred cenote, indulge in a sumptuous buffet, and explore Valladolid’s beauty—all this with smooth transfers.
Why choose this: This tour combines multiple UNESCO sites, a cenote, and cultural immersion—perfect for history buffs, families, and adventure seekers.
Upgrades: Choose from multiple pickup options, including hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya, for added convenience.

Go beyond the guidebook—see Yucatán’s top spots with stories only experts know!

Everything you get: Walk through Chichén Itzá’s ancient ruins with an expert guide, cool off in a sacred cenote, indulge in a sumptuous buffet, and explore Valladolid’s beauty—all this with smooth transfers.
Why choose this: This tour combines multiple UNESCO sites, a cenote, and cultural immersion—perfect for history buffs, families, and adventure seekers.
Upgrades: Choose from multiple pickup options, including hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya, for added convenience.

Inclusions

Round trip-transfers from shared meeting points in Cancun (based on option selected)
Hotel pick-up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.
Bilingual expert guide (English/Spanish)
Entry to Chichén Itzá, a sacred cenote, and Valladolid
Buffet lunch with authentic Mexican dishes

Exclusions

Drinks
Mandatory life vest rental
Chichén Itzá tax

Chichén Itzá tax must be paid on-site via credit card. The tax is $39 for adults and $6 for children. Mexican citizens with valid IDs receive a discount.
The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
The mandatory life vest for the cenote can be rented at $9 and is not included in the ticket price.
Travel insurance is also included in your trip.
This tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or visitors with mobility issues.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Chichen Itza ruins with guided tour group, Valladolid visit, cenote swim, buffet, and transfers

Chichen Itza pyramid at sunrise, Yucatan, showcasing ancient Mayan architecture.

Tourist guide explaining Chichen Itza temple history to visitors in front of ancient pyramid, Mexico.

Temple of the Warriors at Chichén Itzá during sunrise on a guided tour.

Temple of the Warriors at Chichén Itzá during sunrise, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

Tour guide explaining Chichen Itza temple and nearby structures in Mexico.

Temple stairs at Chichen Itza with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan pyramid.

Chichen Itza observatory with ancient stone structure and clear blue sky in Yucatan, Mexico.

Tourist exploring ancient structures at Chichen Itza temple during sunrise.

4.3(742)

Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour

from $64

$38.40

40% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

9 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION9 hours

MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus

Timeline

Map

START POINT

4 starting points available

1. Crown Paradise

Get direction

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

Get direction

3. Shared Meeting Point: Smart Cancun

Get direction

4. Hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen

This experience involves pick-up from various locations. You can choose your pick-up location in the next steps.

221 km

2 hours 52 minutes

Chichén Itzá

150 min

3 attractions

Tickets included

Guided tour

Nearby things to do

Kukulcán Pyramid

El Castillo

El Juego de Pelota

3.4 km

4 minutes

END POINT

4 ending points available

1. Crown Paradise

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

3. Shared Meeting Point: Smart Cancun

4. Hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen

Explore Chichén Itzá early in the morning with a bilingual guide—beat the crowds and midday heat.

Everything you get: Get early access to Chichén Itzá before the crowds build up, guided by a Mayan expert. Discover the site's pyramids, ball courts, and sacred cenotes in the golden morning glow. Includes convenient round-trip transfers.
Why choose this: Enjoy the tranquility of early access and expert insights—perfect for history lovers and photographers.
Upgrades: For added flexibility, opt for a hotel pick-up from Cancun Playa del Carmen or shared meeting points in Cancun.

Explore Chichén Itzá early in the morning with a bilingual guide—beat the crowds and midday heat.

Everything you get: Get early access to Chichén Itzá before the crowds build up, guided by a Mayan expert. Discover the site's pyramids, ball courts, and sacred cenotes in the golden morning glow. Includes convenient round-trip transfers.
Why choose this: Enjoy the tranquility of early access and expert insights—perfect for history lovers and photographers.
Upgrades: For added flexibility, opt for a hotel pick-up from Cancun Playa del Carmen or shared meeting points in Cancun.

Inclusions

Entry to Chichén Itzá
Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
Round-trip transfers from shared meeting points in Cancun (based on option selected)
Hotel pick-up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen

Exclusions

Food & drinks
Chichén Itzá tax

The tour will last approximately 9 to 10 hours.
You will be picked up at 4:30am from the meeting point.
There is a Chichén Itzá tax ($39 for adults & $6 for children) that must be paid on-site (only via credit card).
Mexicans, children, students, and teachers (residents in Mexico) have a discount on the Chichén Itzá tax upon presentation of their ID on the day of the tour. The discount will not be applicable without the official identification.
Travel insurance is also included in your trip.
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with limited mobility.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ek Balam ancient Mayan ruins with pyramid and stone structures in Yucatan, Mexico.

Ek Balam ruins with ancient Mayan pyramid in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico.

Mayan ball game field with stone structures at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

View from the top of La Torre at Ek Balam Archaeological Site, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient ruins and lush landscape.

Women climbing ancient Ek' Balam ruins in Yucatán, Mexico.

Ek Balam archaeological site with ancient Mayan pyramid and surrounding jungle in Yucatan, Mexico.

Tourist swimming in a Cenote pool near Chichen Itza, Mexico.

NEW

Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

from $89

$75.65

15% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

12 hr.

Transfers included

Meals included

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION12 hours

MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus

START POINT

5 starting points available

1. Cancun Pick-up Point - Crown Paradise

Get direction

2. Cancun Pick-Up Point - Presidente Intercontinental

Get direction

3. Cancun Pick-Up Point - Oasis Smart Hotel

Get direction

4. Cancun Hotel Pick-Up Point

5. Playa del Carmen Pick-Up Point

Get direction

Ek Balam

90 min

Tickets included

71 km

70 minutes

Chichén Itzá

120 min

Tickets included

Guided tour

51 km

45 minutes

Cenote Chichikan, Valladolid

180 min

Tickets included

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch, shop, and take a dip in the cenote.

2 hours

END POINT

5 ending points available

1. Cancun Pick-up Point - Crown Paradise

2. Cancun Pick-Up Point - Presidente Intercontinental

3. Cancun Pick-Up Point - Oasis Smart Hotel

4. Cancun Hotel Pick-Up Point

5. Playa del Carmen Pick-Up Point

Discover two iconic Mayan sites, a cenote swim, and lunch—history, adventure, and culture in one day!

Everything You Get: Wander through Chichén Itzá’s legendary ruins, then uncover Ek Balam, a hidden Mayan city with intricate carvings and soaring pyramids. Cool off in a sacred cenote before savoring a buffet lunch of Yucatecan specialties.
Why Choose This: The tour blends history, adventure, and local flavors, making it perfect for culture enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Upgrades: Enjoy seamless hotel pickup and drop-off for extra convenience.

Discover two iconic Mayan sites, a cenote swim, and lunch—history, adventure, and culture in one day!

Everything You Get: Wander through Chichén Itzá’s legendary ruins, then uncover Ek Balam, a hidden Mayan city with intricate carvings and soaring pyramids. Cool off in a sacred cenote before savoring a buffet lunch of Yucatecan specialties.
Why Choose This: The tour blends history, adventure, and local flavors, making it perfect for culture enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Upgrades: Enjoy seamless hotel pickup and drop-off for extra convenience.

Inclusions

Round-trip transfers from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Bilingual expert guide (English/Spanish)
Entry to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & a sacred cenote
Guided exploration of both archaeological sites
Buffet lunch with traditional Yucatecan dishes

Exclusions

Drinks
Mandatory life vest rental
Chichén Itzá tax
Ek Balam tax

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours.
The tax for the archeological sites (Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam) is $61 in total and must be paid on-site (only via credit card). Mexican citizens, bring your ID for a discount.
Renting a life vest is mandatory for access to the cenote. A fee of $9 must be paid on-site.
Travel insurance is included.
Not suitable for pregnant women or those with limited mobility.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Cancun to Chichen Itza Tours

Things to know before booking Cancun to Chichén Itzá tours

Chichén Itzá is about 200km away from Cancun. This will take you anywhere between 2-3 hours by car or bus.
You can also combine your tour of Chichén Itzá with other places like Coba or Valladolid. This will increase your tour's duration by a few hours, but is ideal if you want to explore more of Mexico's rich history. For example, the Key Features covers three major attractions and will take about 12 hours from start to finish.
Most tours also offer round-trip transfers from shared meeting points or even from your hotel.
While you can choose a Skip-the-Line ticket to Chichén Itzá, a guided tour is always a better option. It gives you the benefit of round-trip transfers, entry to other attractions, and more importantly, the expertise of an English or Spanish-speaking guide who’d offer deeper insights into the history of this stunning Mayan site.
Longer tours, such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archeological Sites Tour also include lunch. You’ll get to enjoy a hearty buffet with authentic Mexican dishes that are bound to be one of the many highlights of your experience.

Canun to Chichén Itzá: Find your perfect tour

Experiences

Key Features

Tickets

Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, access to a sacred cenote , round-trip transfers, Mexican-style buffet lunch, English or Spanish-speaking guide

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From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

- Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, access to a sacred cenote, round-trip transfers, Mexican-style buffet lunch, English or Spanish-speaking guide

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Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour

- Entry to Chichén Itzá, round-trip transfers, English or Spanish-speaking guide

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Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch

- Entry to Chichén Itzá & another archaeological site, access to a sacred cenote, round-trip transfer, Mexican-style buffet lunch, English or Spanish-speaking guide

Buy Now

Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

- Entry to Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam, access to a sacred cenote, round-trip transfers, Mexican-style buffet lunch, English or Spanish-speaking guide

Buy Now

Itinerary for your tours from Cancun to Chichén Itzá

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Cancun

By car

By bus

Guided tour

From Cancún or the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum), you can take the toll highway 180D westward; the drive is roughly 2.5 hours or 200km from Cancún and about 2 hours or about 185km from Playa del Carmen.
Keep in mind that toll charges of roughly $385 MXN will apply.

You’ll find regular ADO buses from major cities like Cancun, Merida, and Valladolid. You'll find a bus departing Cancun downtown at 8:45am and arriving at Chichén Itzá at around 11:30 - 11:50am.

If you choose guided Chichén Itzá tours, you’ll get the benefit of round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned bus, so you won’t have to worry about getting to Chichén Itzá on your own.

Recommended tours:

Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour
Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour

The best time to take a tour from Cancun to Chichén Itzá

Weekdays vs weekends: Visiting Chichén Itzá on a weekday is generally preferable to avoid the largest crowds. Weekends, especially Sundays, tend to be the busiest as Mexican residents get free entry, leading to an influx of local visitors alongside tourists. You should ideally visit early in the morning on a weekday for the perfect balance between fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Peak season vs low season: The best time to visit in terms of weather is during the dry season (November to April), particularly in winter (December to February), when temperatures are more comfortable, and the humidity is lower. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds, especially around the holidays.

Highlights of Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan architecture.

The Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo)

Gaze at the 30-meter-tall pyramid, which showcases the Mayans’ astronomical precision, especially during the equinox when a serpent-shaped shadow descends the steps.

Tourist exploring Chichen Itza Ball Court, ancient Mayan site in Mexico.

Chichen Itza pyramid illuminated during nighttime light show in Mexico.

See all photos

Tips for your tour from Cancun to Chichén Itzá

The best time to visit Chichén Itzá on a weekday rather than a Sunday, as this is when Mexican citizens and residents get free entry to the site, making it rather crowded.
Opt for a guided tour of Chichén Itzá rather than visiting and exploring the site on your own. This way, you’ll avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation, parking, and paying for extras such as tolls, parking, and so on.
No matter when you visit, make sure to carry enough water and wear plenty of sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be rather sharp.
While the site’s vicinity has plenty of vendors selling souvenirs, you’d be better off buying them at cheaper prices at the parking lot near the entrance.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as your tour will involve a lot of walking over uneven ground.
Make sure to dress respectfully when you visit Chichén Itzá, especially since this is a heritage site. Swimsuits or open shirts are best avoided, especially since the cenotes within the site are closed for swimming.

Plan Your Visit to Chichén Itzá

Frequently asked questions about Cancun to Chichén Itzá tours

What do the tours from Cancun to Chichén Itzá offer?

Your tour to Chichén Itzá from Cancun offers a full-day adventure to one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. Depending on the tour you choose, you could get entry to another notable archaeological site besides Chichén Itzá, round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point or your hotel, access to a sacred cenote, and an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide.

How long does it take to travel from Cancun to Chichén Itzá?

The journey from Cancun to Chichén Itzá takes about 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic and the type of tour you choose.

What are the opening hours of Chichén Itzá?

The opening hours of Chichén Itzá are 8am to 5pm. Last entry to the site is at 4pm. However, keep in mind that if you choose a guided tour, you’ll likely be picked up much earlier in the morning. The pick-up time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.

Can I swim in a cenote during the tour?

Yes, if your guided tour also includes a pit stop at a cenote, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a swim. The cenote is also where you’ll get to enjoy a buffet of delectable Mexican dishes for lunch.

Is it possible to visit Chichén Itzá and return to Cancun in one day?

Yes! All the tours depart early morning and return to Cancun by evening, making it the perfect day trip.