Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid: Guided Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Swim in a Yucatan cenote then walk ancient Chichen Itza before tasting local flavors in Valladolid

You’ll swim in a crystal-clear cenote, walk among Chichen Itza’s ancient ruins with a local guide, enjoy regional dishes at lunch, and explore colonial Valladolid’s colorful streets. Expect small surprises—like laughter echoing off stone or sharing stories over food—that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost skipped the swim because I didn’t want to change on a bus, but thank god I didn’t. That first shock of cool water in the cenote woke me up better than coffee. The sunlight came through these little holes above us, and you could hear everyone’s voices echoing off the stone. Our guide, Sofia, told us how the Mayans saw cenotes as sacred — she even pointed out some tiny fish darting around my ankles. I tried to float but mostly just splashed around awkwardly (someone behind me laughed — fair enough).

Chichen Itza was next, and it’s bigger than any photo can show. Sofia had this way of telling stories that made the stones feel alive — like when she explained how the shadow snakes down El Castillo during the equinox. We stood by the ball court and she asked if we could imagine playing pok ta pok with a heavy rubber ball. I couldn’t, honestly — those walls are huge. The sun was hot but there was this breeze that kept coming and going; sometimes you’d catch a whiff of earth or incense from somewhere nearby.

Lunch was at this buffet place — not fancy but honestly good after all that walking (the cochinita pibil was my favorite). There were families from Mexico City at our table who taught me to say “gracias” with a proper Yucatecan accent. Then we wandered around Valladolid’s main square for a bit. The pastel buildings looked almost faded in the afternoon light and there were old men sitting under trees fanning themselves slowly, not really talking much. I bought a tamarind candy from a lady who smiled but didn’t say much either.

I still think about that quiet moment by the church in Valladolid before we got back on the bus. Something about being tired and full and just watching people go about their day made it all feel realer than any postcard could ever show.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chichen Itza tour and Valladolid visit

• Arrive at Chichen Itza
• Join guided tour of ruins
• See Kukulkan pyramid
• Visit largest ball court
• Swim in underground cenote
• Stop at Valladolid main square
• Admire colonial architecture
• See Church of San Gervasio
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Chichen Itza day trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day, including travel time from your hotel or meeting point to Chichen Itza, cenote swim, lunch stop, and visit to Valladolid before returning.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, shared air-conditioned transportation is included from your nearest hotel or designated meeting point.

Can you swim in the cenote during this tour?

Yes, swimming in the cenote is included—you’ll have time to enjoy its fresh water before heading to Chichen Itza.

Is lunch provided on this Chichen Itza tour?

A regional buffet lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Will there be a guide at Chichen Itza?

A professional bilingual guide leads you through Chichen Itza’s main attractions and shares stories about Mayan civilization.

Do you visit Valladolid on this itinerary?

Yes, there is a stop at Valladolid’s main square where you can admire colonial architecture and see San Gervasio Church.

Are entrance fees included for Chichen Itza?

The entrance fee to Chichen Itza archaeological zone is included (option with tax included available).

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is bilingual—Spanish and English are both spoken during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes shared air-conditioned transportation from your hotel or meeting point, entry fees for both Chichen Itza and the cenote (with tax option), swimming time in crystal-clear waters, guidance from a professional bilingual guide throughout each site, a regional buffet lunch along the way, visits to a craft store for local finds, plus free time to stroll through colonial Valladolid before heading back home.