Guided Trip to Chichen Itza, Cenote Saamal, Buffet and Valladolid

3.6
(9 reviews)
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

13 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Walk with the Ancients, Swim in the Sacred

Did you know Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Discover why on a fully guided journey through towering pyramids and sacred plazas, led by experts in Mayan archaeology.

Afterward, cool off in the magical Cenote Saamal—where sunlight dances on turquoise waters. Then, feast on Yucatecan delights at a buffet lunch and stroll through the charming streets of colonial Valladolid.

Travel in comfort with luxury panoramic transport and let history, culture, and nature unfold effortlessly.
Your unforgettable day in Yucatán starts here—book now!

What's Included

Brief visit to the historic city of Valladolid, Yucatán
Bilingual guided visit to Chichen Itzá, followed by free time to walk through the site
Shared transportation service with round trip included
Ride in panoramic buses or minibuses with air conditioning
Buffet meal featuring a wide variety of traditional regional dishes
Visit to Saamal Cenote, where swimming is allowed
Certified guides with knowledge of archaeology and Mayan culture who will accompany the group
Drinks in the restaurant or lifejackets for cenote (This can be added with the pricing options)
Entrance taxes for archeological zone and cenote (765 MXN per taveler)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We offer roundtrip transportation (from hotel or meeting point, as applicable) for all travelers who book this tour.

Areas to which the transportation service applies:

PLAYA DEL CARMEN:
• Downtown Playa del Carmen (for hotels on the coast, due to the narrow streets, the closest meeting point applies)
• Hotel zone
• Playacar
• Dorado Royale
• Playa Paraiso
• Punta Maroma
• El Caracol
• Paa Mul

RIVIERA MAYA:
• Puerto Aventuras
• Xpu Ha
• Akumal
• Chemuyil

NOTE:
Some hotels or hotel complexes on the list do not allow access to the facilities, so pick-up at the closest possible access or entrance applies.

NOTE 2:
Some hotels or lodging centers are located in areas with difficult access (very narrow streets, alleys, streets in poor condition, blockages, or for security reasons), so pick-up at the closest possible point applies.

NOTE 3:
The exact pick-up time varies by hotel. Some estimated times are:
Playa del Carmen: 7:00 AM / 8:00 AM
Riviera Maya: 7:20 AM / 8:30 AM

The time that appears on your ticket (7:00 AM) is the general pick-up time.

*** If your hotel is not listed, please ask us if we can pick you up there, or what would be the closest possible meeting point. ***

*** You will receive a final confirmation message (one day before the scheduled date of your excursion) with the exact pick-up time and point, to your contact information. ***

Itinerary

Duration: 13 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Riviera Maya

    The route begins in Riviera Maya with pickup from your hotel or the meeting point confirmed for your reservation. Once travelers are on board, the day leaves the Caribbean coastline behind and moves inland toward Yucatan, where Chichen Itza, cenote waters, local flavors, and colonial scenery shape the experience. This first transfer gives the group time to settle in before reaching the cultural heart of the itinerary.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Chichen Itza

    Before entering Chichen Itza, the itinerary may include a brief stop near nearby points of interest. During this stage of the day, travelers will also stop at a local restaurant close to the archaeological area to enjoy a regional buffet lunch with traditional Mexican dishes. After lunch, the group will continue with the guides toward the entrance of Chichen Itza. Inside the archaeological site, travelers will join an approximately 1-hour guided visit through one of the most important ancient Maya cities in Mexico. The guide will share context about the city’s history, architecture, cultural relevance, and the way daily life developed during the Maya period. Once the guided explanation is complete, guests will have about 1 hour of free time to walk through the site independently, take photos, and experience this landmark at their own pace.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Cenote Saamal

    After the archaeological visit, the day changes from ancient stone structures to freshwater nature. The group will travel approximately 1 hour to reach Cenote Saamal, a natural cenote surrounded by the landscapes of Yucatan. Cenotes were deeply meaningful in ancient Maya culture and were often connected with sacred beliefs and the hidden natural world below the surface. At Cenote Saamal, travelers will have time to swim, refresh themselves in the clear water, and enjoy one of the peninsula’s most characteristic natural settings. After the cenote visit, transportation continues toward Valladolid. The drive takes approximately 1 hour.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Valladolid

    The final visit takes place in Valladolid, a historic colonial city known for its colorful streets, traditional architecture, calm atmosphere, and strong Yucatecan identity. Travelers will have approximately 30 to 45 minutes of free time to explore the area, take photos, walk through the surroundings, and enjoy the local character of this charming town before starting the return route.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Riviera Maya

    After Valladolid, travelers will board the transportation again for the return to the Riviera Maya. The drive back takes approximately 2 hours, offering time to rest after a full day that combined Chichen Itza, a regional buffet, Cenote Saamal, and the colonial atmosphere of Valladolid.

    3 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Large bags, suitcases, or extra luggage are not automatically accepted on this tour. They can only be brought if our team approves the request before the service date and if the vehicle assigned to your reservation has enough available space. Travelers who need to bring luggage must contact us in advance so the transportation setup can be reviewed. Space is limited, and authorization is subject to the operation of the day. Approval should never be assumed.
  • Since April 21, 2026, archaeological sites in Mexico have applied security rules that restrict entry with backpacks, luggage, and similar belongings. For the visit, we recommend carrying only essential items. The most practical option is to bring small belongings that can fit in your pockets or in a compact personal bag. Some items, such as diaper bags, may be considered exceptions, but the final decision is made directly by the security personnel at the entrance. We are not responsible for any item that is refused by the archaeological site. During this tour, travelers may leave belongings inside the transportation vehicle while completing the scheduled visits.
  • Access to the bus or minibus is only allowed at the official boarding time announced by the guide or staff. Guests may not enter the vehicle ahead of schedule, and they may not remain inside while the rest of the group is away. This rule is applied because other travelers may have belongings stored inside the vehicle, and controlled access helps protect everyone’s personal items.
Supplied by Travelity Experiences
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.6 Based on 9 9 reviews
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