17 Best Chichén Itzá Tours From Cancún

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Located about two and a half hours from Cancún is the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá. Also labeled as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this site of Mayan ruins was once home to a thriving civilization. Today, the landmark houses the remnants of this city and is a bucket list destination for various travelers, especially ancient history enthusiasts.

If you're interested in visiting this world-renowned landmark, you'll be pleased to learn that there are many guided excursions you can book. To help you choose the perfect option, this list covers 17 of the best Chichén Itzá tours from Cancún.

Almost all of these exciting tours include additional stops as well, including cenotes, other archaeological sites, and even a tequila factory! Read on to discover what fun tours to Chichén Itzá you can book while visiting Cancún.

Are you on your way to Cancún last-minute?

Book your Cancún accommodations and experiences early! Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Cancún

• Bed & Breakfast Pecarí (under $50 USD a night)
• Adhara Hacienda Cancun (under $100 USD a night)
• Sina Suites (rated highly)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Cancún

• Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ Admission Tickets (very popular)
• Río Secreto Nature Reserve From Playa del Carmen
• Private One-Way or Roundtrip Transportation to Cancun Hotels
• Coco Bongo Nightclub
• Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in Cancun With Light Dinner & Open Bar

17 Tours of Chichén Itzá From Cancún

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Chichén Itzá, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid

One of the most popular excursion options from Cancún is a Chichén Itzá, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid tour. This full-day group tour will take approximately 12 hours, including travel time to and from Cancún.

Your first stop is the incredible Chichén Itzá. After admiring the Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), your guide can offer more information on the site's importance and history.

Next, you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before venturing to Cenote Saamal for a refreshing swim. Your memorable day will end by exploring the colonial town of Valladolid, one of the Yucatan Peninsula's oldest cities. All activities on this tour are included in the price except for Chichén Itzá tickets for admission.

Valladolid, Cenote Chichikan, and Chichén Itzá

Another excellent option is a Valladolid, Cenote Chichikan, and Chichén Itzá day trip. Your group day tour will begin in the town of Valladolid, where you can admire the architecture and visit some local shops and cafes. You can also wander through Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado and marvel at the beautiful Templo de San Servacio.

Next, you'll head to Cenote Chichikan to swim and unwind a little before lunch. You can enjoy a tequila tasting along with your buffet lunch.

Finally, you can make the journey to Chichén Itzá. The tour gives you approximately two and a half hours here, and your guide can provide lots of information on the famous Mexican landmark. Admission tickets to Chichén Itzá are not included in this excursion, but all other activities are covered.

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, Cobá Archaeological Zone

If you want to see an additional archaeological site, booking this small group tour to Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote, and Cobá is a must. Your day begins at Chichén Itzá, where you have three hours to walk around with your guide, learning more about the amazing site.

Next, swim in Cenote Ik Kil before enjoying a buffet lunch with beverages included. Your last stop of the day is the impressive Cobá Archaeological Zone, which features Mayan ruins surrounded by lush jungle. While admission to Cobá and the cenote are included in the price, admission to Chichén Itzá comes at an additional fee.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Zona arqueológica de Coba

• Hotel Jungla y Estrellas (value for money)
• Kaab Coba (scored highly by guests)

Chichén Itzá, Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, Valladolid

Another of the top private tours to Chichén Itzá from Cancún is a Chichén Itzá, Cenote Oxman, and Valladolid full-day trip. Your private excursion will begin at the renowned Chichén Itzá. Early arrival at the site means that you can explore the area with minimal crowds.

After about three hours with your guide at Chichén Itzá, you'll visit Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman to get in the water and relax before heading onto Valladolid. Once in the colonial town, you can unwind over lunch in a charming local restaurant and wander around the center of the town.

Xocenpich, Chichén Itzá, Cenote Saamal, Valladolid

If you want to experience Mayan culture, a tour to Xocenpich and Chichén Itzá, plus Cenote Saamal and Valladolid is an ideal choice. The day begins in the Maya village of Xocenpich (or Xocempich), where you'll be welcomed by a Maya shaman and get to enjoy a Folkloric ballet. Time to browse handicraft shops is also on the schedule.

Afterward, head to Chichén Itzá to explore for approximately two and a half hours. On the guided walking tour, you can visit famous attractions like El Castillo and Juego de Pelota. A dip in a cenote and a buffet lunch follows. Your exciting day trip ends with a brief visit to Valladolid.

Chichén Itzá and Cenote Chichikan

One of the best travel tips for visiting Chichén Itzá is to arrive as early as possible. This early access Chichén Itzá and Cenote Chichikan tour allows you to do just that.

You'll get access to the site before many of the crowds arrive, letting you to take in all it has to offer in relative peace and quiet. Your expert guide will give you more information on everything you see before moving on to a tranquil cenote for a swim. While here, you can relax with a buffet lunch and do a tequila tasting.

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, Valladolid

While many Cancún to Chichén Itzá tours are group excursions, there are also Chichén Itzá private tours to book if you want a more personalized experience. One of the recommended options is a Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid private day trip.

After pickup from Cancún, your personal tour guide will first take you to Chichén Itzá and will be able to answer all of your questions about the site's history. Having thoroughly explored the Mayan ruins, you can stop for a buffet lunch, which includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The afternoon will be spent swimming in the beautiful Ik Kil Cenote and wandering around the charming town of Valladolid. You can also customize the tour to add a trip to the jungle paradise of Selva Maya.

Another benefit of this tour is that everything is included in the tour price, including Chichén Itzá entrance fees. If you want to explore the renowned landmark at your own pace, a private Chichén Itzá excursion is definitely the way to go!

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Ik Kil

• Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa (5-star rating)
• Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza (soak up the sun poolside)

Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik Kil Sunrise Tour

If you're an early riser, choosing a sunrise Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik Kil tour can't be missed. You'll get to marvel at the Mayan ruins under a beautiful pink and orange sky as the sun comes up. Visiting during this time of day also means that crowd levels will be low.

After around two hours of viewing the archeological site and learning more about its history, you can go to the cenote for an early morning swim. Breakfast is also included. Notably, this tour is private, allowing you to customize your day trip if desired. Customization can consist of adding a trip to Cobá, Ek Balam, or Tulum.

Chichén Itzá, Yaxuna Archaeological Zone, Xcajum Cenote

Yaxuna (or Yaxunah) is another fascinating archaeological site in the Riviera Maya area. You can check out this site on a private Chichén Itzá and Yaxuna Archaeological Zone tour. This day trip also includes access to the stunning Xcajum Cenote.

The day begins at Chichén Itzá, where you have about two hours to wander around while your professional tour leader tells you all about the things you see. Next on the itinerary is the archaeological site of Yaxunah, where your guide can again provide an array of information on the landmark.

Lastly, you can unwind by swimming in the clear waters of Xcajum Cenote. Lunch is included, as is admission to Yaxuna and Xcajum Cenote. Admission to Chichén Itzá is extra.

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Hubiku, Valladolid

Another fun Chichén Itzá day trip from Cancún that includes a visit to Valladolid is a Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and Cenote Hubiku tour. After collection from Cancún, you'll be transported to Chichén Itzá for a three hour guided tour.

Next, you can enjoy the cool, clear water of Hubiku Cenote, which sits surrounded by a lush and tranquil jungle. After a buffet lunch with an open bar, you get the chance to stop in Valladolid to wander through the old-fashioned streets. Admission to Chichén Itzá is not included, but all other parts of the tour are incorporated into the price.

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, Cobá, Tulum

A day trip to Chichén Itzá, Cobá, Tulum, and Cenote Ik Kil is the perfect way to see multiple world-famous landmarks in one day. The first stop is Chichén Itzá, where your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the ancient Maya civilization connected to the site.

Next, cool off with a cenote swim and enjoy a buffet lunch. Do note that Cenote Selva Maya may be visited instead of Cenote Ik Kil. The afternoon will be spent exploring Cobá and Tulum, including their respective archaeological sites.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Tulum

• IIK Tulum Luxury Condo by Spot Rentals (good value)
• Trece Lunas Tulum (rated highly)

Ek Balam Archaeological Site, Chichén Itzá, Cenote Chichikan

Ek Balam Archaeological Site (Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam) is a lesser-known set of Mayan ruins. However, this site is well worth visiting along with Chichén Itzá. On a Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, and Cenote Chichikan excursion, your day will begin at Ek Balam Archaeological Site.

As you will arrive early, crowds will be low, allowing you and your guide to thoroughly explore and learn more about the site's history. You can even climb a pyramid structure here to admire the surrounding jungle from up high.

Next, you'll head to the star attraction of the day, Chichén Itzá. As you wander around, your tour guide can teach you about things like Mayan cosmology, philosophy, and mythology. A Mexican buffet lunch follows, along with a swim in Cenote Chichikan, which features a small waterfall.

Chichén Itzá and Isla Mujeres

Why book a day trip when you could purchase a fun two-day excursion? If you're interested in a multi-day excursion, a Chichén Itzá and Isla Mujeres trip is one of the best options. Combining these day trips also reduces the total rate a little.

Your first day includes the Chichén Itzá trip from Cancún. Along with viewing the site, you can swim in a cenote and go to Valladolid. Lunch is also included; however, note that you must pay extra for Chichén Itzá admission.

Your second day lets you sail to the stunning Isla Mujeres on a catamaran (which is one of the most unique things to do around Cancún). From the boat, you can hop in the water to swim and go snorkeling. There's also open bar access, and you have some time to explore the main town in Isla Mujeres. On both days, you'll be picked up and returned to Cancún, making this tour convenient and affordable!

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Isla Mujeres

• Villa Elena Isla Mujeres (mid-range)
• Casa Barco Hotel Boutique (top-rated)

Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, and Mayapan Traditional Agave Distillery

From multiple Mayan archeological sites to a beautiful cenote and even a tequila factory, this Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, and distillery tour has everything!

Your first stop of the day after pickup is the Ek Balam Archeological Zone. After looking around with your informative guide for about an hour, you'll continue on to Chichén Itzá and its many excellent sites, like the Warriors' Temple and the Pyramid of Kukulkan.

After a busy morning of sightseeing, you can relax in the crystal clear waters of Cenote Ik Kil. This tour culminates with a fascinating tequila factory tour, where you can learn about the distilling process and do a tasting.

Thiago Neves/Shutterstock.com

Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and Xcaret Park

A two-day Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and Xcaret Park excursion is one of the best Chichén Itzá trips from Cancún for those traveling with kids. However, it's also excellent for adults looking to enjoy some unique activities along with seeing the archeological site.

Your first day takes you to Chichén Itzá, where a guide will show you around. You can also wander through the colonial town of Valladolid and stop for a delicious lunch.

The second day allows you to experience all of the attractions of Xcaret. At the eco theme park, you can swim in natural pools and through underground rivers, follow jungle trails, and much more! Lunch is also included while in the park.

🏨 Accommodations close to Xcaret Park

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks - All Fun Inclusive (rated 5-stars)
• Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive Resort (4-star rating)

Chichén Itzá Adventure Tour (with ATVs and Ziplining)

Are you looking for something a little more adventurous? Then opt for a Chichén Itzá adventure tour, complete with ATVs and ziplining. This is another two-day tour with transportation to and from Cancún each day.

On day one, you'll head to Chichén Itzá. Here, you can explore with a professional guide before going for a cenote swim. A traditional Mexican buffet complete with tequila tasting is also included.

Your second day is a thrill-seeker's dream! You'll go to Selvatica Adventure Park, where you can ride ATVs through the jungle and zip line through the forest canopy. Lunch is also included on day two, and you can swim in another cenote.

🏨 Stay nearby Chichén-Itzá

• Hotel Puerta Chichen (value option)
• Hotel Chichen Itza (budget option)

Self-guided Chichén Itzá Tour

An organized tour isn't for everyone. If you would prefer to make your own way from Cancún to Chichén Itzá, you don't have to lose out on the benefits of a tour guide.

Booking a self-guided Chichén Itzá tour allows you to explore at your own pace while learning more about the site via an audio guide. The app provided also has a map and works with cellphone GPS, so you don't have to worry about roaming fees. Do note that this only includes the audio guide and tour app, you must pay for admission when you get to Chichén Itzá.

In Conclusion

Visiting Chichén Itzá has to be on your to-do list when in Cancún. Luckily, getting to the attraction is easy thanks to numerous tours to Chichén Itzá that depart from Cancún.

As you will have seen, many of these excursions include stops at other locations, making your day trip even more memorable. No matter which tour option you go for, you're guaranteed to have a fantastic time exploring these famous ancient Mayan ruins.

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