Chichen Itza day trip from Tulum: Cenote swim and guided ruins

Swim in a cenote, then walk through the pyramid of Chichen Itza with a guide

A full-day tour from Tulum to Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological zone in the Yucatán, includes a swim in cenote Ik Kil, a professional guide through the ruins, lunch with regional dishes, and round-trip hotel transport. The tour stops in the colonial town of Valladolid and a Mayan village. A certified guide leads the tour in English, Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Chichen Itza and surroundings

• Travel from Tulum to Chichen Itza
• Explore Chichen Itza archaeological site
• Swim at Ik Kil cenote
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Mayan village
• Visit Valladolid historical town
• Return to Tulum

The experience

The cenote Ik Kil comes first. You swim in the natural sinkhole before heading to Chichen Itza itself, so the morning cools you down before the walking begins. The site sprawls across the landscape (the pyramid, the ball court, the temple of warriors), and a professional guide walks you through what each structure meant to the Maya. Lunch happens at a Mayan village with regional dishes and drinks included, which breaks up the day and gives you a sense of how people live in the area now.

Valladolid, a colonial town with pastel buildings and a main plaza, is a stop on the way back to Tulum. The drive from Tulum takes time (this is a full day, not a half-day), but the route itself passes through the landscape you came to see. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. Water and lunch are provided, and the guide handles the history so you can focus on what you're looking at.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tulum.
• professional guide in your chosen language.
• entry to Chichen Itza.
• swim in cenote Ik Kil.
• buffet lunch with regional dishes.
• bottled water and beverages throughout the day.
• stops in Valladolid and a Mayan village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (19 to 50 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Swedish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Tulum Diving and Travel

Is this one for you?The tour runs 5 to 9 hours depending on group size and pace, with walking across the Chichen Itza site in the heat and a cenote swim, so it suits travelers who are comfortable on their feet and in the sun for most of the day. The fixed schedule and group format mean you move with other travelers and follow the guide's timing, not your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Swedish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

How much walking is involved at Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza requires moderate physical fitness to explore the site. You'll walk between the main structures (the pyramid, temples and ball court) across uneven ground and in sun, so comfortable shoes and water matter. The guide sets the pace and you move at the group's speed.

What is cenote Ik Kil like?

Cenote Ik Kil is a natural sinkhole with clear water surrounded by limestone walls and jungle vegetation. You swim in it before heading to the ruins. It's a freshwater pool, not a beach, so bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included at a Mayan village with regional Yucatán dishes and beverages. The buffet format lets you try local specialties without stopping to order.