Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

History, cool waters & colonial charm from Tulum to Chichen Itza

You’ll walk ancient paths at Chichen Itza with a small group and local guide, then cool off swimming in a Yucatan cenote before sharing lunch together. In Valladolid, colorful streets and quiet plazas invite you to slow down and soak up real life — not just sights. This day trip leaves you carrying more than photos home.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the van because I’d run back for my sunglasses — turns out you really do need them in Yucatan. Our guide, Ana, didn’t seem bothered though. She just smiled and said we’d make up the time on the road to Chichen Itza. I sat next to a couple from Mérida who shared their favorite taco spot (I wrote it down but promptly lost the note). The drive was longer than I expected but there was this low hum of excitement as we got closer. You could smell the heat coming off the fields even with the windows up.

Walking through Chichen Itza felt like stepping into someone else’s memory. Ana pointed out tiny details — like how you can clap near El Castillo and hear that weird echo bounce back at you. Kids were running around pretending to be ancient warriors (or maybe just burning off energy). I kept touching the stone walls, half-expecting them to be warm from all those centuries of sun. The main keyword here really is “day trip Chichen Itza,” but honestly it’s more than a checklist stop. There’s something heavy in the air — history or humidity, maybe both.

Afterwards we drove to this cenote I can’t pronounce (Ana tried teaching us; Li laughed when I butchered it). The water was so cold it made my teeth ache but also woke me right up after all that sun. Lunch was simple — chicken with bright green salsa and tortillas that tasted smoky, like they’d just come off someone’s grandmother’s stove. We swapped stories while drying off on rough towels.

Valladolid surprised me most. The colors are almost too much — pinks and yellows that don’t fade even when clouds roll in. Old men played dominoes by the square and a woman sold little bags of candied pumpkin seeds (I bought some for later but ate them all before we left). No one rushed us; Ana let us wander as long as we wanted before heading back toward Tulum, everyone quieter now except for a few snores from the back seats. I still think about that cool hush inside the cenote sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid

• Guided walk at Chichen Itza
• Walk through Valladolid city
• Swim and relax at cenote

Top questions

How long does the Chichen Itza day trip take from Tulum?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time from Tulum, visits to Chichen Itza, a cenote swim, lunch, and a stop in Valladolid.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum are included with your booking.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entrance fees for Chichen Itza and the cenote are included in the price of the tour.

What should I bring for swimming in the cenote?

You should bring a towel, bathing suit, flip flops or comfortable shoes, an extra t-shirt, hat or umbrella for sun protection, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for local vendors.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A traditional lunch is included along with snacks and drinks throughout the day.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The group size is small—between 2 to 6 people per tour for comfort and safety.

Can infants join this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request; please mention when booking if needed.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves walking at archaeological sites and swimming if desired.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum, all entrance fees to Chichen Itza and a local cenote, guidance from an experienced local guide throughout each stop, snacks and drinks along the way plus a traditional lunch before returning home in comfort by evening.