Chichen Itza Early Access Tour: Cenote Swim & Tequila Tasting

Summary

Swim in a Yucatan cenote and wander Chichen Itza before crowds

You’ll walk through Chichen Itza before most groups arrive, listen to stories from your guide under quiet trees, swim in a cool cenote after midday heat, share lunch with new faces, and drift through Valladolid’s pastel streets—moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the cenote water.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how quiet it was when we walked up to Chichen Itza — just birds and that low hum from the trees. Our guide, Miguel, had this way of explaining things that made me actually picture the old ceremonies here. He pointed out some tiny handprints on one of the stones (kids’ hands, he said), and I kind of lingered there longer than I thought I would. The sun wasn’t too harsh yet, which helped. We’d left Cancun while it was still dark out — honestly, I dozed most of the drive — but getting there early meant we had space to just… look around without elbowing through crowds.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing in front of El Castillo. Miguel let us wander for a bit after his stories, so I tried clapping my hands like he showed us (the echo really does sound like a bird — weirdly satisfying). Then it was back in the van, air conditioning blasting, toward the cenote. The water was cold enough to make you gasp at first touch, but after a minute it felt good — especially with that sticky heat outside. There was this earthy smell down by the water and light flickering off the surface. Lunch was a buffet (I went back twice for cochinita pibil), and someone at our table tried every salsa even though they warned us about the green one.

Valladolid surprised me. Just thirty minutes or so wandering around but enough time to watch old men playing dominoes under a tree and smell sweet bread from a bakery near the square. A woman selling embroidered blouses smiled when I tried my rusty Spanish — she switched to English but kept laughing anyway. The whole day felt both full and kind of gentle somehow. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that echo under the pyramid and how cool the cenote felt on my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour

• Pickup from hotel or meeting point
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza ruins
• Free exploration of Chichen Itza
• Swim in the natural cenote
• Enjoy buffet meal at cenote
• Visit and stroll in Valladolid town

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Chichen Itza tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya; others get a meeting point.

How long do we spend at Chichen Itza?

You’ll have about two hours total: one guided hour plus free time to explore.

Do I need cash for anything during the tour?

Yes, bring cash for Chichen Itza entrance fees, drinks at lunch, lockers or life jackets at the cenote.

Is swimming in the cenote mandatory?

No—it’s optional! You can relax by the water if you prefer not to swim.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No—beverages at lunch are not included in the package price.

How much time do we get in Valladolid?

You’ll stop for about 30 minutes in Valladolid’s main square area.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people who don’t swim well?

Yes—life jackets are mandatory at the cenote and all fitness levels are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with air conditioning (and yes—a restroom onboard), hotel pickup if you’re staying in Cancun or Riviera Maya, entry to a beautiful cenote with changing rooms, a buffet meal after swimming (tequila tasting too), time exploring Chichen Itza with a certified guide plus free time on your own, and a short visit to Valladolid’s lively main square before heading back home.