Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil & Izamal: Day Trip from Merida

Summary

Swim in Ik Kil cenote after Chichen Itza then stroll Izamal’s yellow streets

You’ll wander ancient Chichen Itza with a local guide, cool off swimming in Cenote Ik Kil’s blue water, eat your fill at a Mexican buffet lunch (with veggie options), and stroll through yellow-painted Izamal before heading back to Merida. Expect real stories, cold drinks in the van, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

"You know you can still hear the echo if you clap here," our guide said, standing right in front of El Castillo at Chichen Itza. I tried it — just a single clap — and honestly, the sound bounced back sharper than I expected. The morning air was sticky and full of bird calls. Our little group shuffled behind Carlos (he grew up nearby), who seemed to know every shadow and stone. He pointed out the ball court where ancient games played out, and I caught myself imagining what it must’ve sounded like when the crowd roared centuries ago. There were tourists everywhere but somehow, when we stopped by the Sacred Cenote, it felt quiet for a second. Maybe that was just me zoning out under the sun.

The van ride to Cenote Ik Kil was short — maybe 15 minutes? — but enough time for my shirt to stick to my back. The cenote itself is wild: vines hanging down into blue water that looked almost fake. We got these wristbands from Carlos so we could get in quick, and lockers for our stuff (which I nearly forgot to use). The water was cold enough to make me gasp but honestly, after sweating all morning at Chichen Itza, it felt like a reset button. There were families splashing around, some people doing cannonballs off the side — a couple kids laughed when I tried to swim with my lifejacket riding up around my ears. Not my most graceful moment.

Lunch was at this old hacienda-turned-buffet spot not far from Ik Kil. The food was… well, I might have gone overboard on cochinita pibil and those little lime drinks they served (Carlos called them aguas frescas). After that we headed for Izamal — the “yellow city” — which honestly looks like someone cranked up the saturation on a postcard. Every building is painted this deep marigold color; even the convent glows in late afternoon light. We wandered through the square with Carlos explaining how Izamal mixes Mayan ruins with Spanish colonial stuff and modern life all mashed together. I bought a coconut ice cream from a lady near the park just because it smelled so good walking past her cart.

I’m not sure what stuck with me most: maybe that echo at Chichen Itza or how cool it felt diving into Ik Kil after hours in the heat. Or maybe just watching locals chat on benches in Izamal while everything glowed gold around us. Either way, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Merida that actually feels full (but not rushed), this one’s got layers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chichen Itza, Cenote, Food and Izamal

• Meet at one of three points
• Stop at store for snacks
• Travel to Chichen Itza
• Buy entrance tickets
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza monuments
• Free time at Chichen Itza
• Travel to Cenote Ik Kil
• Swim and change at Cenote Ik Kil
• Travel to Hacienda Yay Beh D’Cámara
• Buffet lunch with drink included
• Travel to Izamal
• Guided tour of Izamal convent and square
• Free time in Izamal main park
• Return to Merida meeting point

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Merida to Chichen Itza?

The tour lasts about 12 hours total, starting around 7am and returning between 7:00–7:30pm.

Is entrance to Chichen Itza included?

No, entrance tickets must be purchased on arrival in cash (Mexican pesos) or by card (with an extra 3% fee).

What do I need for swimming at Cenote Ik Kil?

You’ll need a swimsuit and towel; lifejackets are provided and required for swimming.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included as a buffet at Hacienda Yay Beh D’Cámara along with one drink (fresh flavored water).

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, there are vegetarian options available at the buffet restaurant.

Do you visit Izamal on this day trip?

Yes, there’s a guided walk through Izamal’s main square and convent plus free time to explore.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; there are three meeting points in Merida where you join the van.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is conducted in both Spanish and English.

Are lockers available at Cenote Ik Kil?

Yes, lockers are provided for your belongings while swimming at Cenote Ik Kil.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Mérida with an icebox onboard for cold drinks, guided visits at each stop (in English or Spanish), entrance ticket and lifejacket for swimming at Cenote Ik Kil with lockers provided there, plus a buffet lunch featuring Mexican dishes—vegetarian options too—and one drink before heading back in the evening.