Chichén Itzá Day Trip: Cenote Oxman & Valladolid

Three stops in one day: the pyramid, the cenote, the colonial streets

A 12-hour guided day trip from the Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Oxman and Valladolid with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, a certified English or Spanish-speaking guide, and a Mayan buffet lunch. The ruins entry fee (1050 Mexican Pesos) is paid separately at the site. You get an hour of guided exploration at Chichén Itzá followed by free time to wander the plaza and sculptures, then swim in the cenote's freshwater pool, and finish in the colonial city's cobblestone streets and main square.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chichén Itzá, Cenote Oxman, Valladolid

• Enjoy traditional Yucatecan meal and Maya ceremony
• Guided tour of Chichén Itzá archaeological site
• Free time to explore Chichén Itzá
• Visit and swim at Cenote Oxman
• Explore colonial city of Valladolid

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a drive to the Tío Manolo restaurant, where you'll eat a Mayan buffet while watching a traditional Maya ceremony performed by warriors in period dress. From there, the certified guide takes you into Chichén Itzá for a one-hour tour of the Kukulcán Pyramid and other structures—the guide explains the history and layout, then leaves you free for another hour to explore at your own pace, photograph sculptures, or sit in the central plaza. The air-conditioned vehicle moves you next to Cenote Oxman, a natural sinkhole surrounded by tropical vegetation where you can swim in the underground freshwater pool.

The final stop is Valladolid, a colonial city with cobblestone streets, colorful facades and a lively main square—you walk through it on your own, taking in the architecture and atmosphere before the return drive to your hotel. The whole day runs 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. The 1050 Mexican Pesos ruins fee is mandatory and paid separately when you arrive at the archaeological site; it supports maintenance and cultural programs. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and the itinerary suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• certified guide at Chichén Itzá in English or Spanish.
• Mayan buffet lunch with a traditional Maya ceremony.
• one hour of guided exploration at the ruins plus one hour of free time.
• cenote swim at Cenote Oxman.
• time to explore Valladolid's colonial streets and main square.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cancun Vacation Planners

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule, so it suits travelers who want the logistics arranged and don't mind a full day of driving and stops. If you prefer to linger longer at one site or set your own pace throughout the day, a private tour or self-guided visit would work better.

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Top questions

What exactly happens at Chichén Itzá during the tour?

Your guide leads a one-hour tour of the Kukulcán Pyramid and surrounding structures, explaining the history and layout of the site. After that, you have a full hour free to explore on your own—walk the central plaza, photograph sculptures, or linger wherever interests you most.

Is the cenote swim included, and what should I bring?

Yes, swimming at Cenote Oxman is included in the tour price. Bring a swimsuit and towel; a life jacket is not provided, so bring your own if you prefer one. The cenote is a natural freshwater pool surrounded by tropical vegetation.

What's the Mayan buffet like, and when do we eat?

The Mayan buffet is served at Tío Manolo restaurant before you visit Chichén Itzá. You'll eat traditional Yucatecan dishes while watching a live Maya ceremony performed by warriors in traditional attire—it's the opening meal of the day.

Is the 1050 Mexican Pesos fee really mandatory?

Yes, the 1050 Mexican Pesos ruins entry fee is mandatory and paid separately when you arrive at Chichén Itzá. The operator notes this fee supports maintenance of the site and cultural programs, and allows them to offer better pricing on the tour itself.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is certified and speaks either English or Spanish—you'll select your preferred language when you book.