Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá Tours

4.4(2,204 ratings)
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in multiple languages
Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Cancun
Top experiences in Cancun
























Valladolid Mexico downtown street with colorful colonial buildings and people walking
Aerial view of Chichen Itza, showcasing the iconic El Castillo pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico.
Chichikan cenote with clear water surrounded by lush greenery in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico.
Tourists swimming in a cenote, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, surrounded by lush greenery and Mayan history.
Chichen Itza tour guests enjoying a lunch buffet with traditional Mexican dishes.
Women posing in front of Chichen Itza temple, Mexico, during a guided tour.
Tourist exploring ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan.
Couple standing before Chichen Itza temple, Mexico.
Cenote near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing natural limestone formations and turquoise waters.
Fountain in a park with the Church of San Servacio in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico in the background.
Valladolid Mexico downtown street with colorful colonial buildings and people walking
Aerial view of Chichen Itza, showcasing the iconic El Castillo pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico.
Chichikan cenote with clear water surrounded by lush greenery in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico.
Tourists swimming in a cenote, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, surrounded by lush greenery and Mayan history.
Chichen Itza tour guests enjoying a lunch buffet with traditional Mexican dishes.
Women posing in front of Chichen Itza temple, Mexico, during a guided tour.
Tourist exploring ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan.
Couple standing before Chichen Itza temple, Mexico.
Cenote near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing natural limestone formations and turquoise waters.
Fountain in a park with the Church of San Servacio in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico in the background.
Valladolid Mexico downtown street with colorful colonial buildings and people walking
Aerial view of Chichen Itza, showcasing the iconic El Castillo pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico.
Chichikan cenote with clear water surrounded by lush greenery in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico.
Tourists swimming in a cenote, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, surrounded by lush greenery and Mayan history.
Chichen Itza tour guests enjoying a lunch buffet with traditional Mexican dishes.
Women posing in front of Chichen Itza temple, Mexico, during a guided tour.
Tourist exploring ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan.
Couple standing before Chichen Itza temple, Mexico.
Cenote near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing natural limestone formations and turquoise waters.
Fountain in a park with the Church of San Servacio in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico in the background.
4.5(762)

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

from
$62
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
Timeline
Map
START POINT

4 starting points available

1. Crown Paradise

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

3. Smart Cancun

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

1

Chichén Itzá

150 min

3 attractions

Tickets included

Guided tour

Nearby things to do

passby-image
Kukulcán Pyramid
passby-image
El Castillo
passby-image
El Juego de Pelota

3.4 km

4 minutes

2

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

3

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

4

END POINT

4 ending points available

1. Crown Paradise

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

3. Smart Cancun

4. Hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya

Explore Yucatán with ease—round-trip transfers, convenient pickups, and stunning sights!

  • Everything you get: Get an early start to explore Chichén Itzá’s pyramids and ball courts, swim in a serene cenote, and stroll Valladolid’s colonial streets. Enjoy hassle-free transfers and a hearty buffet lunch.
  • Why choose this: This comprehensive tour offers a blend of cultural and historic insights, and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers seeking a rich & wholesome adventure.
  • Upgrades: Opt for hotel pickup in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya for added convenience.

Explore Yucatán with ease—round-trip transfers, convenient pickups, and stunning sights!

  • Everything you get: Get an early start to explore Chichén Itzá’s pyramids and ball courts, swim in a serene cenote, and stroll Valladolid’s colonial streets. Enjoy hassle-free transfers and a hearty buffet lunch.
  • Why choose this: This comprehensive tour offers a blend of cultural and historic insights, and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers seeking a rich & wholesome adventure.
  • Upgrades: Opt for hotel pickup 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 or Playa del Carmen
  • Bilingual expert guide (English/Spanish)
  • Entry to Chichén Itzá and a sacred cenote
  • Guided tour of colonial Valladolid
  • Buffet lunch with authentic Mexican cuisine

Exclusions

  • Drinks
  • Mandatory life vest rental
  • Chichén Itzá tax
  • The tour will last approximately 12 hours.
  • The Chichén Itzá tax ($39 for adults & $6 for children) must be paid on-site (only via credit card). Mexican citizens, bring your ID to get a discount.
  • The mandatory life vest for the cenote can be rented at $9 and is not included in the ticket price.
  • You’ll get travel insurance for your trip.
  • 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
762 ratings
568
127
14
8
45
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Saudi Arabia
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Chile
  • Portugal
Guests from United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Felipe
Mar 2025Verified booking
5/5

It was a super complete experience, Rodolfo and Kevin were an extraordinary team and we were able to learn a lot about the Mayan culture. The whole tour is totally worth it because it presents a lot of variety and cultural learning.

View original review in Spanish

review media 0
review media 1
review media 2
review media 3
review media 4
reviewer
Thomas
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The driver, Jesus, was partcularly skilled. The ride was perfect for such a long journey. Both Frank and Mayo were nice and informative I had a great time!

reviewer
Paulo
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Kevin's work and energy, the quality of the bus journey and the plan for the day. Could be better the star of the day in Playa del Carmen (point zero)

reviewer
Thanhquyen
Mar 2025Verified booking
3/5

Our group did not like the hidden costs and prefer transparency with the total cost including Chichen Itza fee, taxes, life jackets and locker. Your website said the life jackets was optional but it was mandatory when we got there. We didn't want to swim and only want to walk down to the cenote but was told we can't since we didn't pay for the jackets. We felt we didn't get our money's worth. The buffet was ok and thought it was mostly inexpensive ingredients was served. If they had sold the tequilas in smaller bottles (less than 3 oz) we would have bought them as samples.

reviewer
Etienne
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Great tour and guide Jonny Cash and driver Jonathan

reviewer
Rizwan
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Excellent Guide. Very well priced

reviewer
Belema
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Views were breathtaking and the tour guide Ramiro was awesome. A huge thank you to Ramiro and Kevin and Julio

reviewer
Rémy
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Very nice tour, The guide Rodrigo was really good

reviewer
MARK
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Abu
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Momchil
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Lisa
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Alyson
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Isabel
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

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.
Cenote with clear waters and hanging roots near Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula.
Tourists enjoying buffet lunch and tequila tasting on Chichen Itza tour, 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.
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.
Cenote with clear waters and hanging roots near Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula.
Tourists enjoying buffet lunch and tequila tasting on Chichen Itza tour, 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.
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.
Cenote with clear waters and hanging roots near Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula.
Tourists enjoying buffet lunch and tequila tasting on Chichen Itza tour, 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
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
Timeline
Map
START POINT

5 starting 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

1

Ek Balam

90 min

Tickets included

71 km

70 minutes

2

Chichén Itzá

120 min

Tickets included

Guided tour

51 km

45 minutes

3

Cenote Chichikan, Valladolid

180 min

Tickets included

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

2 hours

4

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.
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.
Tourist exploring ancient structures at Chichen Itza temple during sunrise.
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.
Tourist exploring ancient structures at Chichen Itza temple during sunrise.
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.
Tourist exploring ancient structures at Chichen Itza temple during sunrise.
4.3(742)

Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour

from
$64
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
Timeline
Map
START POINT

4 starting points available

1. Crown Paradise

2. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

3. Shared Meeting Point: Smart Cancun

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

1

Chichén Itzá

150 min

3 attractions

Tickets included

Guided tour

Nearby things to do

passby-image
Kukulcán Pyramid
passby-image
El Castillo
passby-image
El Juego de Pelota

3.4 km

4 minutes

2

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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.3
742 ratings
460
178
30
15
59
What our guests say
reviewer
Antonio
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

The tour guide and driver were amazing, Francisco and Santos, and the tour itself was fun! The only downside was the pickup time, calling it a sunrise tour, but arriving 2 hours after sunrise was underwhelming. Other than that everything was great

reviewer
Francesca
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Timothy
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jul 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Micah
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Thurman
Jun 2024Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Alycia
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Jun 2024Verified booking
5/5

Chichén Itzá ToursPlaya del Carmen to Chichén Itzá Tours

Things to know before booking tours from Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá

  • Located about 194km from Riviera Maya, reaching Chichén Itzá will take you about two and a half hours. Some tours also offer pick-ups from shared meeting points in Playa del Carmen, a city in the Riviera Maya region. Going from Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá will take you about two hours and fifteen minutes. 
  • If you choose a guided tour, such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Lunch, you’ll also get the benefit of round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point or directly from your hotel, depending on which option you choose. 
  • If you choose the Skip-the-Line ticket, you’ll be able to explore the site at your own pace. This could take anywhere between 1-3 hours, depending on how much you want to learn about the site. 
  • On the other hand, if you choose a guided tour that also includes a visit to other attractions such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch or the Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch, you’ll need a minimum of 8 hours from start to finish. 
  • These longer tours also typically include a Mexican buffet-style lunch that includes dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) or lime soup.
  • The Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour starts early in the morning, giving you early access to the site before the crowds build. This tour, however, ends before noon, and thus doesn't include a meal.

Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá: Choosing the ideal tour

Experiences
Key Features
Book Now
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
Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch
Entry to Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch
Entry to Chichén Itzá & another archaeological site | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide
Early Access Tour Chichén Itzá
Entry to Chichén Itzá | Round-trip transfers | English or Spanish-speaking guide
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
Itinerary for your Chichén Itzá tours from Playa del Carmen

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen

By car
By bus
Via a guided tour

  • You can also take a bus from Playa del Carmen that takes you directly to Chichén Itzá or includes a transfer in Valladolid. The whole ride will take you about 3-4 hours, including stops, but the air conditioning makes this a comfortable journey.
Tourist guide explaining Chichen Itza temple history to visitors in front of ancient pyramid, Mexico.
  • The best way to explore Chichén Itzá is to choose a guided tour. These offer transfers in an AC coach from a shared meeting point or from your hotel, and also give you the benefit of a bilingual guide who offers key insights into the site’s history.

Recommended tours:

  • Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Lunch
  • Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch
  • Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch
  • Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour
  • From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

The best time to go for your Chichén Itzá tour

  • Weekdays vs weekends: Chichén Itzá can get incredibly busy, especially over the weekends. Moreover, Mexican citizens and residents also enjoy free entry on Sundays. This makes weekday mornings the best time to book Chichén Itzá tickets when the weather’s at its best and the site is less crowded. 
  • Peak season vs low season: The best time to go from Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá in terms of weather is during the dry season (November to April), more specifically in winter (December to February). This is when the weather is comfortable, which also makes this a busy period. However, reaching the site early can help you skip the queues and crowds.

Key tips for the perfect visit to Chichén Itzá 

  • Visit the site on a weekday as far as possible, as weekends and Sundays can get extremely busy. 
  • If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of organizing your own transportation to and fro, opt for a guided tour. These include round-trip transfers from shared meeting points or from your hotel. 
  • A visit to Chichén Itzá can involve a lot of walking, so a pair of comfortable shoes and plenty of water are a must. 
  • Make sure to wear respectful attire, as this is a heritage site. Avoid keeping shirts unbuttoned and don’t wear swimsuits. However, you can carry a swimsuit if your tour includes visiting a sacred cenote. 
  • Avoid littering the site and climbing the various structures. 
  • While you’ll find several souvenir shops around the site’s vicinity, the shops near the parking lot offer cheaper options.

Frequently asked questions about Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá tours

What is the best way to reach Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen?

If you want to go to Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen, you can choose to travel by car, bus, or opt for a guided tour that includes round-trip transfers. 

Are Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen the same?

Playa del Carmen is a city in the larger Riviera Maya region, and thus, they are not exactly the same.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, you can book various Chichén Itzá guided tours and skip-the-line tickets in advance. This way, you’ll avoid waiting in the ticket and tax queues, allowing you to spend more time exploring the site.

What are the operating hours of Chichén Itzá?

Chichén Itzá is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with the last entry permitted at 4pm

Is it possible to climb the pyramids at Chichén Itzá?

No, climbing the iconic pyramid, El Castillo, is prohibited to preserve the structure and ensure visitors’ safety.

Are guided tours available?

Absolutely! You can choose from various guided tours on Headout. Some also combine a guided tour of the site along with visits to other archaeological sites such as Coba, Ekʼ Balam, and even cities like Valladolid.

Millions love heading out with us

Estelle Bass

Estelle

Apr, 2021
I went with my kids on this tour. Really appreciate the reduced ticket price for kids. The guide was excellent, he also knew how to make the tour interesting for children which was a huge bonus.
Chichen Itza Guided Tour
Lisa Walton

Lisa

May, 2021
Had a great time on this tour. Wanted to visit the Chichen Itza since a long time and I finally got a chance to go. We decided to take the guided tour as we wanted to know everything there was to know on our visit. The guide did not dissapoint. He was thourough and well versed and knew all the history of the place.
Chichen Itza Guided Tour
Shannon Padilla

Shannon

Apr, 2021
The guide was great and the app is amazing. The tickets were emailed instantly and all the details are specified so there is no confusion. Plus there customer service is amazing.
Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour
Jean Webster

Jean

Apr, 2021
A friend recommended me this app and honestly it has been very nice . Helped a lot on our trip to nex Mexico. Took a number of tours from here it was excellent.
Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour
Thomas Cerasuolo
US

Thomas

United States
May, 2025
The driver, Jesus, was partcularly skilled. The ride was perfect for such a long journey. Both Frank and Mayo were nice and informative I had a great time!
From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
Paulo Rodrigues
PT

Paulo

Portugal
May, 2025
Kevin's work and energy, the quality of the bus journey and the plan for the day. Could be better the star of the day in Playa del Carmen (point zero)
From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
Nora Shaw

Nora

May, 2021
We were planning to go to just Chichen Itza but this tour sounded really fun so we voted for this. Did not dissapoint. Had a ball swimking at the cenote.
Chichen Itza Tour & Cenote Swim with Buffet Lunch
Amy Payne

Amy

Apr, 2021
Loved the tour. Had some issues figuring out the meeting points but customer service was very helpful and kind . The guide was fluent in spanish and my soanish friend could enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Chichen Itza Tour & Cenote Swim with Buffet Lunch