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Full-day private tour of Chichen Itza with expert guide
Excursions & day trips
Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen, Mexico
4.9/5
Free Cancellation
Language:
English
,
Italian
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration:2 hours
Do this because
You'll visit this UNESCO-listed site, home to the famous El Castillo pyramid and Maya temples
In Chichen Itza, you'll beat the crowds to see the sacred cenote and carvings of ancient rituals
You can cool off with a swim in a sacred cenote, once believed to be a portal to the underworld
There's a traditional lunch in a Maya village, where you'll taste local dishes like cochinita pibil
Your expert guide will bring history to life with stories of Maya traditions and lost civilizations
What to expect
The ruins of ancient Chichen Itza are a must-visit when in Cancun. This private tour lets you discover the site before the crowds arrive. Better still, you'll explore the complex with one of our local experts, who'll share in-depth knowledge with you. Argelia, one of our guides, says ‘You'll learn about the calendars in the Temple of Kukulkan and its sacred staircase, where each equinox the shadows represent the descent of the feathered snake.' Afterwards, you'll enjoy a cenote swim and visit a Maya village for lunch.It's an early start so as to be the first to arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the perfect time to snap a few selfies. The stillness adds even more mystery to the magnificent Maya monuments. There's the mighty Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Jaguars and the macabre Tzompantli, among many landmark sites. ‘The bas-reliefs that tell us about the magical beliefs inspired by their interpretation of the stars,' says Argelia.Next, head to an underground cenote for a swim in its clear waters. Then it's on to the village for lunch. All the food is locally grown and prepared to traditional recipes. Argelia says, ‘You'll taste typical Yucatecan food such as chaya empanadas, cochinita pibil, chicken in axiote rice and black beans and steamed vegetables.' You'll also see the locals show off their skills hand-weaving hammocks – an age-old craft – and find out how this cottage industry helps support the community.
What's included
Transport
Guide
Guided tour
Lunch
One soft drink
Admission fees
Exclusive TUI itinerary
Skip-the-line ticket
Driver
What to remember
This is a private tour option
When selecting this tour there will be different options depending on your group size
Please select the corresponding option in the dropdown menu with your group size, eg for 2 adults, select 2 adults and then the 'Tour for 1-2 guests' option
Additional drinks incur extra charges
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring insect repellent
Bring a towel
Bring a hat
Bring suitable footwear
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking Fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation Fee
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins
Reviews
Excellent
4.9/5
Based on
54 reviews from verified customers
A
Ali
January 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 33 years old
Excellent
Opted to splash out for the private tour so we could do everything at our own pace. Our guide and driver were absolutely brilliant. We were one of the first through the gates at Chichen Itza and really did beat the crowds. Had a really informative guided tour with Saul around the site, and then free time to explore. The cenote swim was magical, we were the only ones in the water, and lunch was good. Enjoyed walking around the village too. It is expensive to do it this way but a real treat.
J
Janet
January 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 52 years old
Excellent
Amazing site full of history
C
CM
November 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 40 years old
Excellent
Our guide Saul was fantastic, helpful and knowledgeable. The trip was well planned and we never felt rushed. Would recommend this private tour, brilliant day out.
P
Pand
October 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 26 years old
Excellent
The tour guide Ray was very good , it was quite a lot of money - nearly £1,000 for four people . The village yalcoba really has nothing there so we were taken to someone house , sweet but we did feel quite uncomfortable looking round someone’s garden and kitchen and then being shown things we can buy. The cenotes agua dulce - I would have liked to know it was this one in advance as it was too dark for us to swim. It’s an enclosed one with minimal lighting so none of us swam. Lack of info by TUI!
E
E
August 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
Great
It was very expensive.
K
Kat
May 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 39 years old
Excellent
Saul was a fantastic guide. Knowledgeable, flexible and funny. Really enjoyed every part of the trip. Also great that there was plenty of cold water and some snacks. It would be useful to know in advance whether to bring food for breakfast as this was not clear on the website and also stress flipflops for the cenote.
D
DJ
April 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
Excellent
Very friendly guide who was knowledgeable. We were grateful some pizza and muffins were provided as it was an early start. The highlight was having the cenote to ourselves.
H
Humph
April 2024
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 23 years old
Excellent
Our guide Victor was very friendly and knowledgeable. He times the different aspect’s brilliantly to avoid the big crowds. He pitched the information at the right level for the mixed ages.
L
lessimuench
March 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 6 years old
Excellent
A
Adrian & Sharon
February 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 45 years old
Excellent
We had an amazing day. The visit to Chichén Itzá was absolutely breathtaking. Fabulous! Next stop was a drive to an Cenote. Again, an amazing experience, swimming in the cool, clear waters of an underground pool followed by a fabulous lunch. The tour was nicely rounded off with a stroll around a Mayan village. Our tour guide, Saul, was extremely knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. All round, this was a fantastic trip and definitely worth the early start.
K
Karen - UK
January 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 47 years old
Excellent
The private tour was more expensive but worth it. We got there when it opened and were able to take pictures without other people featuring in them. We had the cenote swim to ourselves too. Debby the guide was very knowledgeable and the tour went at our pace which because of the heat was appreciated. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Debby even got some aloe vera to sooth my sunburn. Would take a private tour everytime over a group one.
D
Debs
December 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 32 years old
Excellent
It feels so exclusive to have the private tour - that was fantastic. Our guide Luca was amazing - his knowledge was exceptional. He took the time to explain every part of the tour of the site but equally if we wanted to spend more time in one part we could be flexible - the benefit of the private tour. We also visited the Centote and a Mayan village both enjoyable. We felt safe with our driver Toño, the car was clean and comfortable. Overall 100% recommend this tour worth every single penny!
K
Kath
December 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 35 years old
Excellent
Lottie our tour guide was absolutely amazing. She had a wealth of knowledge making the whole experience truly memorable.
M
Mark
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 36 years old
Excellent
Lotte and Benjamin made our visit to Chichen Itzá a once in a lifetime experience. Knowledgeable guide, both friendly and fun. Loved the mayan town visit and to see some of the local culture. Who highly recommend as only a small amount more than going on a large bus. The cenote swim was amazing x Highly recommend this tour
C
Colin
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 44 years old
Excellent
A great day out and we were very pleased to have chosen the private tour. The cost was a little higher but we benefited from a more personal service as a small group (5) than we felt larger groups received.
L
Linda
October 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 39 years old
Excellent
We paid for the private tour which was brilliant for us. The guide was so knowledgeable and so enthusiastic about Chichen Itza.
L
Lee
September 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 35 years old
Excellent
Guide was knowledge and excellent throughout visit. Answered all questions and courteous and thoughtful at all times including supporting us with photos and providing drinks/water and snacks throughout journey. I did think the cost was a little steep in terms of our party of 4, but this would be my only critical point.
I
Ignacio
September 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 27 years old
Excellent
Luca was amazing at explaining and keeping the group engaged. The Cenote was amazing.
B
Ben G
September 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 22 years old
Excellent
C
Claire Morris
August 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 36 years old
Excellent
Myself and my 2 sons thoroughly enjoyed our private tour. We arrived before the crowds for Chichen Itza and the pool so had them all to ourselves. Our guide, Erick was really knowledgeable and very friendly. Would definitely recommend
B
Boinkit
August 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 33 years old
Excellent
It was an amazing day. Jose our guide was fun and knowledgeable. At no point did we feel rushed. We were left to enjoy ourselves and when we wanted to go to the next bit of the tour he'd take us. Just fabulous.
F
Flossy
August 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 30 years old
Excellent
Fantastic tour! So pleased we paid the extra money to get a private tour as it exceeded all our expectations. We had an excellent guide (Debby) who was extremely professional throughout - prompt at pick ups/drop offs, very knowledgable about the local area/people/sights etc, could speak excellent English, very friendly and polite, and we felt safe at all times with her. We were a group of 3 adults and a 13 year old. Chichen-Itza is a must-see and doing it privately is worth every penny!
T
T Church
August 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 37 years old
Excellent
Our guide was fantastic and told us so many wonderful facts not only of Chichen Itza but of Mexico as a whole. He knew where to go where there were no crowds so photo opportunities were amazing. The trip to the cenote was breathtaking and going on a private tour we were ahead of the huge coaches so got the cenote to ourselves - magical ! Definitely a trip worth taking despite an early start
D
Dirk
August 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 26 years old
Excellent
Fantastic way to visit a special place. Our guide Ray was knowledgeable and opened our eyes to his culture. We wanted to go Private just my wife and I to avoid the crowds and this delivered. We arrived when the place opened before the crowds and vendors had even set up. Got the place to ourselves. Then went to a Mayan village and helped make tortillas. Finished the day going to a local Cenote again before any other tours and had the place to ourselves again. Amazing thanks Ray
D
Debbie
August 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 33 years old
Excellent
Fantastic knowledgable guide and ability to flex to your agenda- not wait for others..
J
JC
July 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 40 years old
Great
Our guide Ariel was good. The service he provided with his knowledge of the area was excellent. The water and snacks he had arranged for us were very welcome. However it’s a long day - nearer to 11 hours than the 8 hours shown on the booking….. young children or those who don’t like sitting in a minibus might struggle!
J
Jackie Brown
July 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 44 years old
Excellent
G
George
July 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 27 years old
Excellent
We really enjoyed the private tour guide sharing his vast knowledge of Mayan life. The trip to the cenote was amazing. Ray and the driver looked after us all day and we all had a great experience.
A
Ashley
July 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 20 years old
Excellent
Guide & driver we’re brilliant & very informative
P
Parsons
July 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 32 years old
Excellent
We found the trip to the grave yard and Mayan village really fascinating.
A
Allan Ferguson
July 2023
From Malaysia
Traveled as
With family
- 34 years old
Excellent
Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly
K
Katie
June 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 19 years old
Excellent
Jose was great and very knowledgeable, we were pretty much the first In The Chichen Itza when it opened and we beat all the other tours to the ceynote which meant we had it to ourselves for 15 minutes which was amazing!
M
Magdalena
May 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With friends
- 23 years old
Excellent
The tour was amazing!We have selected to go early in the morning to avoid the crowd and we got some nice pictures.Jose the tour guy was absolutely awesome, he kept us in the shade while walking around the Chichen Itza as it gets really hot there. We have learned a lot about the Mexican history also Jose the driver was driving very safe and was keeping our stuff safe and making sure we have cold drinks. Swimming in the Cenote was a refreshing experience and the traditional lunch was really tasty.
M
Mckean Family
April 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 27 years old
Excellent
Early start def needed and worth it. Journey went quickly and chichin itza didnt dissapoint. Snacks, drinks and lunch included so you don't have to take any extra with you. Plenty of restroom stops and places to purchase additional drinks and food if required. Cenote was very impressive but my 12yo daughter was scared as it was 20m deep and dark being a closed cenote. Mayan Village interesting but not really needed. Very impressive overall and lunch was delicious. Highly recommend
A
Alison Roberts
April 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 32 years old
Excellent
Having the private tour meant we got to the site before it even opened and you were able to explore the ruins and learn from our guide before it was too hot and crowded - as we were leaving the crowds were really coming in and it made us very grateful for having been there so early. 100% worth the extra money and early start - we leant lots from our guide Gus who looked after us very well. Great day :-)
H
Hughes
March 2023
From United States of America
Excellent
Arriving at chichen itza and a cenote as one of the first visitors of the day with a really knowledgeable tour guide made it worth paying extra. It is expensive doing it this way, however if you can afford it, it is worth it so you can have more time to explore and get great photos of just you
D
Dave and sarah
March 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 33 years old
Excellent
A great day from start to finish , the pick up was on time and the driver Benjamin got us there in good time before the site opened the tour representative lottie was friendly, fun and very knowledgeable . A great day
K
Katarzyna
January 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 33 years old
Excellent
Przewodnik super bardzo ciekawie i dokladnie opowiadal , bardzo ciekawe miejsce pokazuje cala historie majow polecam rowniez cenote dla tych co lubia jaskinie
C
Caitlin
January 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 13 years old
Excellent
Service from start to end was brilliant, there were drinks and snacks in the bus which were fresh and cold. There was no pressure to buy anything at all, which allowed the guide to give us his honest advice and information. Our guide José was extremely knowledgeable and friendly!
K
Karen
November 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 47 years old
Great
Enjoyed the cenote visit and lunch
A
ABH
November 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 58 years old
Excellent
The private tour was excellent and well worth the extra money it cost. The driver took care and was responsive to our needs and the guide gave great information and again was very responsive to our requests. We were lucky it was not too hot on the day we went as it gets very busy and the sites are fairly exposed but being early we avoided all the congestion and heat from the midday sun.
A
Annie
October 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 58 years old
Excellent
Our guide, Hugo Matin was brilliant, knowledgeable, fun & very informative. He explained every step of the way & ensured understanding, there was no pressure at any point in the trip, relaxed & enjoyable. Hugo's spoken English was superb. Thoroughly recommend him above & beyond. The nice thing too was he interacted with all Our driver Jose was safe & felt relaxed with him. He was helpful with helping me out of the transit & despite limited understanding of languages, very courteous young man.
T
Tina&Rob
September 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 39 years old
Excellent
I highly recommend the private tour. From pick up to drop of we had 5??treatment from Estefano his knowledge was first class, his care to us all was impeccable with water to hand and small nibble. ????????more like him needed. Thank you Moses for long driving day, due care and attention getting us there and back ??
D
Dylan
August 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 31 years old
Great
Our guide Reyes (Ray) and driver Miguel were great. Ray was local and extremely knowledgeable. Around a 2hr trip each way but chichen Itza is impressive. Would recommend a hat and plenty of water as it's a huge heat trap there. Cenotes were beautiful and a must, the village tour can be missed I'd say as you can't help feel.like your imposing on families. All in a really good day but expensive.
A
Adam B
August 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 21 years old
Excellent
We were picked up in a private air-conditioned car. Our guide Sayeed was friendly and knowledgeable. He told us about the areas we were driving though on our route, and some background history to Chichen Itza and the Maya. Once we arrived at Chichen Itza (nice and early) we got to see the whole site before the huge crowds arrived. Our guide pointed out lots of features, and answered any questions we had. Afterwards, we beat the crowds to the amazing Cenote. Lunch was great too!
M
Maria
August 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 29 years old
Excellent
The guide was really good, spoke good English and took us to see real Mexico the mayas in the market kids school in the jungle and a cemetery. The whole experience was just amazing.. loved it
P
PaulG
July 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 38 years old
Excellent
Leah the guide was fantastic and explained a lot about the history of the site and the Mayans. She made the day a fantastic experience
D
De De Cockskes
June 2022
From Belgium
Traveled as
As a couple
- 43 years old
Great
Wij vonden het heel duur. De cenottes die wij hebben bezocht waren niet wauw. Weinig verlichting wat maakte dat deze minder indrukwekkend waren dan andere cenottes welke wij hebben kunnen bekijken via de foto's van andere hotelgasten. Moest dit even indrukwekkend geweest zijn als de rest van de trip, was het voor ons perfect. De gids en chauffeur geven wij beiden een 10. Top !
M
Michael W
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
Excellent
Yolanda our guide was excellent. Overall trip was well worth doing. Lunch was a bit of a challenge for young children.
M
Molly
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 28 years old
Excellent
Guide was excellent and it was great getting to Chichen Itza early before it got too busy. The cenote was quiet and lunch was delicious. While the Mayan village was interesting, this was our least favourite part of the trip. Private tour was definitely worth it rather than going in a larger group
N
Nick Wright
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 31 years old
Excellent
Our guide Ray was amazing, very knowledgeable and passionate, we took so much away from our experience. Top tip, go for the 05:10 pickup it’s a lot quieter/cooler and therefore more enjoyable.
A
AA
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Excellent
Best guide we have had for a visit, so much better than being with a group.
S
Shane, Gem, James and Becky
January 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With friends
- 32 years old
Excellent
Our guide Stefano was very knowledgable, friendly and made our tour a brilliant day trip.
A
Anonymous
October 2021
From United Kingdom
Excellent
Gianluca was a fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating, flexible, kind, brilliant tour guide. What an amazing day!!
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