Chichen Itza Private Tour & Cenote Swim with Early Access

Summary

Early Chichen Itza entry private tour cenote swim lunch

You’ll walk through quiet ruins at sunrise with your own guide, swim in an open-air cenote surrounded by jungle sounds, and eat slow-cooked Yucatecan food in Valladolid’s sunny plaza. This Chichen Itza private tour includes pickup, all entry fees, and time to linger wherever you want—no rush, just real moments.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the quiet — not silence, but that soft hush before the crowds show up at Chichen Itza. We walked past the sleepy vendors setting up their stalls, and our guide, Marisol, grinned when she saw my wide eyes at the pyramid. She said something about how Kukulkan always looks different in the morning light, and I swear she was right — the stone felt cool if you touched it, almost damp from the night air. I tried to take a photo but ended up just staring for a bit instead.

We wandered around while Marisol told us stories — some official history, some just local gossip (her words). My partner kept asking questions about the ball court and she didn’t mind at all. There was this moment where we stood by one of those carved serpent heads and you could hear birds echoing off the walls. I didn’t expect to feel so small there, in a good way. The main keyword here is definitely “Chichen Itza private tour” — but honestly it felt like we were just tagging along with a friend who happened to know everything.

After that, we drove down the toll road (which really did save time) to Cenote Oxman. The air changed as soon as we got out — thick and earthy, like wet leaves. Some kids were laughing and jumping off the rope swing; I hesitated but ended up doing it too (not graceful). The water was cold enough to shock you awake but in a fun way. I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk back home.

Lunch was in Valladolid’s main square — a proper sit-down meal with things I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say “cochinita pibil” in Spanish). We wandered around afterwards, watching old men play dominoes under the trees. There’s no rush on this day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen; you go at your own pace. Honestly, by the end I felt like I’d actually seen something real instead of just ticking off another site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Chichen Itza and Valladolid

• Arrive early at Chichen Itza
• Explore Chichen Itza with guide
• Jump and refresh in cenote
• Lunch at local restaurant in Valladolid
• Walk and admire colonial town

Top questions

How early do we arrive at Chichen Itza on this private tour?

You arrive early in the morning before most crowds for quieter photos and cooler weather.

Is hotel pickup included in this Chichen Itza private tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for your group.

Can we swim at Cenote Oxman during the day trip?

Yes, swimming at Cenote Oxman is part of the experience after visiting Chichen Itza.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid is included and features Mexican cuisine.

Are entrance fees covered for both Chichen Itza and cenote?

All entry fees for Chichen Itza and Cenote Oxman are included in your booking.

How long can we stay at each site during this private tour?

You can stay as long as you like at each stop—your schedule is flexible within reason.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infant seats and stroller access are available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees for both Chichen Itza and Cenote Oxman, bottled water throughout the journey, a full lunch à la carte in Valladolid’s main square with authentic Mexican dishes, plus plenty of time to explore each place without feeling rushed before returning comfortably in the afternoon.