Chichen Itza Early Access Tour with Cenote Swim & Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient Chichen Itza at dawn then cool off in a cenote

You’ll walk into Chichen Itza before most visitors arrive—just you, your guide, and ancient stones in the morning light. Explore with stories from a local expert, swim in a crystal-clear cenote after wandering the ruins, and share lunch with your group before heading home full and sun-drowsy.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush—like someone pressed pause on the world. We’d just walked through the gates at Chichen Itza, early enough that the sun was still gentle and there were only a handful of us. Our guide, Luis, grinned as he pointed out how the light hit El Castillo. He said if you listen close, you can sometimes hear birds echoing off the stone. I tried it. Maybe I imagined it, but for a second I swear I heard something strange and high—probably just my stomach rumbling for breakfast.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing by the Temple of the Warriors. Luis told stories about Mayan games that made me laugh (and wince—those rules were brutal). The stone felt cool when I ran my hand along it, still damp from last night’s rain. No crowds meant we could linger anywhere we wanted. There was this moment near the Great Ball Court where everyone just went quiet—no one said anything, just taking it all in. Even Luis seemed to lose his words for a second.

Afterwards, we drove out to this cenote—a limestone pool hidden under trees. The water was cold enough to make me gasp but so clear you could see your toes wiggling under the surface. Lunch was at a local spot: soft tortillas, slow-cooked cochinita pibil, and some spicy salsa that nearly knocked me out (Luis laughed when I reached for more water). By then it was barely noon and we were already heading back towards our hotel in Valladolid, tired but kind of wired from everything we'd seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Early access tour of Chichen Itza

• Hotel pickup early morning
• Travel to Chichen Itza
• Explore Chichen Itza with guide
• Visit Temple of the Warriors and Great Ball Court
• See Kukulcán temple
• Enjoy Mexican buffet lunch

Top questions

What time does the Chichen Itza early access tour start?

The tour includes early morning pickup from your hotel so you arrive right as Chichen Itza opens.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Chichen Itza?

Yes, a buffet lunch of regional Mexican dishes is included after visiting Chichen Itza.

Does this tour include swimming in a cenote?

Yes, after exploring Chichen Itza you'll stop for a swim in a cenote before lunch.

Are entrance fees to Chichen Itza covered?

All entry fees and taxes for Chichen Itza are included in your booking price.

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

You have guided sightseeing plus free time to explore at your own pace before leaving for lunch and the cenote.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

Yes, air-conditioned transport picks you up and drops you off at your hotel.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and families with children or infants are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle straight to Chichen Itza with all entry fees covered; guided exploration plus free time; an authentic buffet lunch of regional Mexican food; time to swim in a cenote; and drop-off back at your hotel by midday or early afternoon.