Chichen Itza, Izamal & Private Cenote: Early Entry, Home Cooked Lunch

Summary

Chichen Itza sunrise entry, private cenote swim and Izamal’s yellow streets

You’ll slip into Chichen Itza before sunrise crowds arrive, wander ancient stones almost alone, then swim in a private cenote owned by a local Mayan family who’ll cook lunch right there. Afterward you’ll explore Izamal’s golden streets and climb its pyramid — all with an early start and plenty of warmth along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Reaching the Merida Cathedral before dawn, I was still rubbing sleep from my eyes when our guide handed me coffee and a sandwich (I’m not usually a morning person, but that first sip helped). We set off for Chichen Itza while the sky was just starting to lighten — no crowds yet, just that quiet hum of anticipation in the van. When we arrived, there were only a few birds calling out across the stones. Our guide — I think his name was Jorge — pointed out details on the carvings I’d never have noticed alone. He even offered to take photos for us before anyone else wandered into the frame. There’s something strange about being almost alone in such a famous place; it felt like we’d slipped backstage somehow.

I wandered off for a bit after the tour portion, just letting the sun creep up over El Castillo. The air started to warm up fast, and you could smell earth and grass baking under it. Then we piled back into the van and headed toward this private cenote — apparently discovered by accident in a family’s backyard (can you imagine?). The water was cold enough to make me gasp when I jumped in. The family who owns it waved from their porch while we swam; later they served us sopa de lima and guacamole with tortillas so fresh they were still steaming. Someone’s abuela smiled every time she handed out another plate. I tried to say thank you in Mayan but probably butchered it — she just laughed kindly.

Izamal was next — all those yellow buildings glowing under the afternoon sun, with people sitting on stoops or riding past on old bikes. Our guide showed us where to climb up Kinich Kakmó pyramid for a view over town (not too steep but my legs felt it). Walking through those streets after lunch, everything felt slow and golden; maybe I was just full or maybe that’s how Izamal always is. On the way back to Merida, everyone got quiet for a bit — tired or just thinking things over. Sometimes travel days stick with you for reasons you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chichen Itza, cenote swim, Izamal visit

• Meet at Merida Cathedral
• Depart early to Chichen Itza
• First group entry and guided tour
• Free time to explore Chichen Itza
• Travel to private Mayan family cenote
• Swim in crystal clear cenote water
• Enjoy homemade Yucatan cuisine meal
• Drive to the magic town of Izamal
• Climb Mayan pyramid and explore town
• Return to Merida and drop off

Top questions

How early does this Chichen Itza day trip from Merida start?

The tour departs at 5:50 am from Merida Cathedral to ensure early entry at Chichen Itza.

Is swimming in the cenote included?

Yes, swimming in a private cenote owned by a Mayan family is included.

What kind of food is served during this tour?

You’ll have homemade Yucatan dishes like sopa de lima, guacamole, panuchos, salbutes, and fresh tortillas prepared by the host family.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are always available upon request for both breakfast sandwiches and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso).

How long do we spend at Chichen Itza?

You’ll have around 2.5 hours including guided tour time plus some free time to explore on your own.

Can you climb pyramids on this tour?

You can climb Kinich Kakmó pyramid in Izamal as part of the experience.

How many travelers are on this tour?

The group size is maximum 10 travelers per vehicle for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup at Merida Cathedral with coffee and breakfast sandwich (vegetarian/vegan available), guided entry into Chichen Itza before crowds arrive with all federal entry fees covered, bottled water throughout the journey, time to swim in a private family-owned cenote followed by a homemade Yucatan lunch prepared fresh (with options for all diets), plus stops at Izamal where you can climb Kinich Kakmó pyramid before returning comfortably to Merida by late afternoon.