Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid: Tequila, Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Swim in a Yucatan cenote after wandering Chichen Itza and Valladolid with lunch and tequila tasting

You’ll step into Valladolid’s lively square before cooling off in a sacred cenote (don’t rush—let yourself float awhile). Taste local tequila with your lunch, then walk ancient paths at Chichen Itza as your guide shares stories only locals know. There’s space for quiet moments too—if you want them.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—someone sweeping outside a yellow house in Valladolid as we rolled past. Our guide, Ana, waved at an old man selling paletas from his cart, and I thought about how different the air felt here: thick with sun but not heavy. We only stopped for half an hour in Valladolid’s main square, but it was enough to watch a wedding couple pose by the fountain and smell tortillas frying somewhere nearby. I tried to ask Ana about the church (“San Servacio?”), but my Spanish is… well, let’s just say she smiled kindly and answered in English.

After that came the cenote. The path down was cool and damp under my sandals, almost slippery. I hesitated at the edge—everyone else just jumped right in—but finally slid into the water. It was shockingly cold at first, then kind of silky? There was this echo when people laughed or splashed; it made everything feel far away and close at once. Lunch was right there—buffet style—and I piled my plate with things I couldn’t name. Someone handed me a tiny cup of tequila (I’m not much of a drinker), but it tasted almost sweet after all that swimming.

Chichen Itza itself felt bigger than I expected. The Pyramid of Kukulcan looked almost unreal against the sky—like something out of a movie until you see how weathered the stones are up close. Our group split by language so Ana could tell us stories without shouting over everyone else. She pointed out where players used to hit rubber balls through those stone hoops (I still don’t get how they did it). There were vendors everywhere, calling out “Jaguar!” and making those wooden whistles that sound like big cats—I jumped the first time, honestly.

I keep thinking about that moment under the trees near the Temple of Warriors—quiet except for birds and someone humming behind me. You can wander on your own for a bit after the tour part ends; I just sat for a while watching sunlight move across broken steps. Not sure why that sticks with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Valladolid, Cenote, and Chichen Itza

• Panoramic visit of Valladolid
• Walk around Valladolid main square
• See Catholic church with bell towers
• Swim in magical cenote
• Enjoy Mexican buffet lunch
• Taste tequila at cenote
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza
• Explore Chichen Itza freely

Top questions

How long do you spend at Chichen Itza on this tour?

You’ll have both a guided tour and some free time to explore Chichen Itza on your own after seeing key sites like El Castillo and the ball court.

Is lunch included on this Chichen Itza day trip?

A Mexican buffet lunch is included if you book the All-Inclusive option; vegetarian options are available too.

Do you swim in a cenote during this tour?

Yes, there’s time set aside for swimming in a sacred cenote exclusive to your group before lunch and tequila tasting.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup or meeting point options are available depending on what you select when booking.

What languages are offered by guides on this tour?

The guided portion at Chichen Itza is split by language so groups hear explanations in their preferred language.

Is there free time to explore Chichen Itza alone?

Yes, after the guided section you’ll have free time to wander around Chichen Itza by yourself.

Are entrance fees to Chichen Itza included?

The admission fee is included if you choose the All-Inclusive option; tax must be paid separately onsite (no cash accepted).

How long do you stop in Valladolid?

The stop at Valladolid’s main square lasts about 30 minutes for photos and exploring.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer, entry fees to Chichen Itza (with tax covered if you pick All-Inclusive), guided tours split by language, swimming access at a sacred cenote with full facilities like restrooms and dressing rooms, Mexican buffet lunch with vegetarian choices (unless booked as Standard), tequila tasting onsite, plus plenty of time to stroll both Valladolid’s main square and the ruins themselves before heading back home tired—and probably still damp from that swim.