Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch

This action-packed tour combines Mexico’s rich history, natural beauty, and local flavors—all in one seamless itinerary.

Getting Started

Begin with an early morning pickup from Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen before heading to Chichén Itzá, Mexico’s most famous Mayan city.

What to Expect

Chichen Itza: Your first stop is Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO-listed wonder and home to the iconic El Castillo pyramid. Marvel at the vast Great Ball Court, the mysterious Temple of the Warriors, and other structures that reveal the advanced knowledge of the Mayan civilization.

Cenote: Next, cool off in a cenote, a stunning underground sinkhole with crystal-clear water. The Maya considered these formations sacred, believing they were a gateway to the underworld.

Buffet Lunch: After your swim, enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring local favorites like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), tamales, and handmade tortillas.

Tulum: You can choose to explore Tulum, one of the most picturesque Mayan sites, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Explore ancient temples and learn about its role as a trading port.

Coba: Home to the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán, this site offers long jungle paths that you can rent a bicycle to ride through, making for an exhilarating way to explore its ancient wonders.

Ek Balam: Another crucial Mayan site, Ek Balam offers a more hands-on experience for the history buff in you. Climb the pyramids to a stunning view of the Mayan jungle below you, and explore its defensive walls and art.

Exploring with a Guide: Your expert guide will share fascinating insights about Mayan history, culture, and the significance of each site, making this journey both educational and immersive.

Features

El Castillo Pyramid: The most iconic structure of Chichén Itzá, built to align with celestial events.

Tulum’s Clifftop Ruins: A breathtaking archaeological site with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.

Coba’s Bike Rides: The perfect way to explore Coba’s less-crowded ruins. Rent a bike and head out through the jungles this Mayan site is nestled in.

Ek Balam’s Architecture: A site that lets you climb its ancient pyramids, surrounded by lush jungles and breathtaking architecture.

Refreshing Cenote Swim: A crystal-clear underground pool surrounded by lush jungle.

Buffet-Style Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Yucatecan meal with regional flavors.

Convenient Pickup & Drop-off: Travel comfortably from Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen.

Extras

Meals: Buffet lunch with fresh seafood, grilled meats, and tropical fruits.

Transfers: Door-to-door service from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.

Wrapping Up

As the day ends, return to your hotel and reflect on a day of ancient wonders and coastal beauty.

Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch

Discover Chichén Itzá on this full-day guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. Explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá for approximately 4 hours, where you will see iconic landmarks like El Castillo pyramid, which is over 1,000 years old and stands at a height of 79 feet with each side measuring about 55 meters. The site covers an area of around 6 square kilometers and includes numerous structures such as the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the observatory known as El Caracol. Your visit to Chichén Itzá also allows you access to a cenote for swimming, which is approximately 100 feet deep and was once used by the Maya in religious ceremonies. You will then travel to Tulum’s clifftop ruins, where you can explore the ancient walled city that dates back to the 13th century and covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. The tour also includes a buffet-style lunch featuring traditional Yucatecan dishes and round-trip transportation from your hotel or resort in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.

Explore Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo Pyramid

Your tour stops at Chichén Itzá where you can marvel at the impressive El Castillo pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around 800 AD and standing at an impressive height of 79 feet with each side measuring about 55 meters. This iconic structure is not only architecturally significant but also holds great astronomical importance as it aligns perfectly during the equinoxes to cast shadows resembling serpents on its sides. The pyramid was constructed by the Itza people and later became a major religious center for the Maya, with El Castillo serving as a temple dedicated to Kukulcan, the feathered serpent deity. Visitors spend about 2 hours exploring this site, learning from knowledgeable guides who speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. The pyramid’s intricate carvings and astronomical alignments make it unique compared to other Mayan pyramids, offering a deeper understanding of ancient Maya culture.

Swim in a Sacred Cenote

Your tour stops at a cenote where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural sinkhole that was once sacred to the Maya. These freshwater pools are typically 100 feet deep and vary widely in size, with some covering several acres. The cenotes played an important role in Mayan mythology as they were believed to be gateways to the underworld and used for ceremonial purposes dating back over a thousand years ago. Visitors spend about 30 minutes swimming or relaxing around the pool, enjoying the cool water after exploring Chichén Itzá’s heat. This experience is unique compared to other archaeological sites because it combines history with natural beauty, providing visitors with a more immersive understanding of Mayan culture.

Discover Tulum's Clifftop Ruins

Your tour stops at Tulum where you can explore the ancient walled city that dates back to the 13th century and covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. This coastal site is known for its well-preserved structures such as El Castillo, a temple overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which was built around 1200 AD. The ruins also include the Temple of the Frescoes, featuring intricate murals dating back to the Postclassic period, and the Temple of the Descending God, which features carvings of descending deities believed to represent death or transformation. Visitors spend about an hour walking through these historic grounds with knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Maya inhabitants. The clifftop location offers stunning views of the sea, making Tulum unique compared to other inland archaeological sites.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Chichén Itzá’s pyramids
• Visit a cenote for swimming and relaxation
• Wander through Tulum’s clifftop ruins
• Enjoy buffet-style lunch featuring traditional Yucatecan dishes
• Receive round-trip transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya
• Learn about Mayan astronomy at El Castillo pyramid
• Discover sacred cenotes once used for religious ceremonies
• Experience the ancient walled city of Tulum with stunning sea views

Perfect for history enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, and nature lovers, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience through guided visits to Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo pyramid, a sacred cenote, and Tulum’s clifftop ruins. The 10-hour format allows you to explore these ancient sites in depth, giving you insights into the rich history of the Maya civilization while enjoying traditional Yucatecan cuisine.