Chichen Itza, Coba & Ik Kil: Small Group Day Trip Pickup

Summary

Yucatan pyramids, jungle cenote swim and Mayan stories in one long day

You’ll walk ancient Mayan cities at Chichen Itza and Coba with a local guide, swim in the cool blue waters of Cenote Ik Kil after a buffet lunch, and bike jungle paths with your small group. Expect laughter, honest moments of awe (and maybe sore legs), plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about getting there yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the sun hit the stones at Chichen Itza — not harsh, but sort of golden, like someone turned down the world’s brightness. Our guide, Luis, kept pointing out details I’d never notice alone (the serpent shadow trick on El Castillo was wild). There were crowds, sure, but being in a small group meant we could actually hear his stories. I tried to imagine what it sounded like here centuries ago — now it’s mostly camera clicks and the odd vendor calling out “sombrero amigo!”

Lunch was this buffet near Cenote Ik Kil — not fancy, but after sweating through the ruins, that cold juice tasted like heaven. The cenote itself… honestly, I hesitated at first (it looks deeper from above), but once you’re in, it’s just cool water and echoes bouncing off stone walls. My friend lost her flip-flop and had to fish it out with a borrowed stick; everyone laughed. The air smelled green — if that makes sense — like wet leaves and limestone.

Coba came last. We biked through shady jungle paths (bikes included) to get to Nohoch Mul pyramid. Climbing up those steps was no joke — my legs still remind me — but the view over the treetops felt worth every wobble. Some kids raced past us on the way down; I took it slow because my knees aren’t what they used to be. By then we were tired and a little dusty, but happy. Funny how you can feel both at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Coba Ruins

• Explore Chichen Itza Mayan city
• Swim at Cenote Ik Kil
• Visit Coba Mayan Ruins

Top questions

How long is the Chichen Itza Coba Ik Kil day trip?

The tour lasts a full day from Playa del Carmen, including all transfers between sites.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included near Cenote Ik Kil along with drinks.

Can you swim in Cenote Ik Kil during this tour?

Yes, swimming in Cenote Ik Kil is part of the itinerary and life jackets are provided.

Are entrance fees for Chichen Itza and Coba included?

Entrance fees for Coba and Cenote Ik Kil are included; Chichen Itza fee ($40 USD/adult) is paid at pickup.

Is hotel pickup available from Playa del Carmen?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying in Playa del Carmen.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people per tour.

Do you need to be fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and pyramid climbing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, entry fees for Coba ruins and Cenote Ik Kil (with life jacket and locker use), unlimited water bottles on board, juice and snacks during transport, a buffet lunch with drinks at the cenote stop, plus all-day guidance from a knowledgeable local guide before returning comfortably by minivan in the evening.