Chichen Itza, Valladolid & 2 Cenotes Tour from Tulum

Two cenotes and an ancient pyramid in one day, leaving from your Tulum hotel

A full-day tour from Tulum City combines Chichen Itza's guided ruins visit with swimming at Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytun, plus a stop in colonial Valladolid. The itinerary pairs a one-hour guided tour of the pyramid El Castillo with free time to explore the site at your own pace, two separate cenote swims, and a brief walk through Valladolid's central square. Round-trip transport, meals, drinks and a bilingual guide are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chichén Itzá and nearby cenotes

• Guided tour of Chichén Itzá
• Free time at Chichén Itzá
• Swim in Cenote Ik Kil
• Visit Cenote Suytun photo spot
• Stop in Valladolid town

The experience

If you're staying in Tulum without a car, this tour solves the logistics of reaching Chichen Itza and the cenotes in a single day. Transport picks you up from your hotel in Tulum City and handles the drive both ways. The day starts at the ruins, where a guide walks you through the history and layout of the site for an hour, then leaves you free to wander on your own for another hour: time enough to photograph El Castillo and explore the smaller structures without feeling rushed.

After the ruins, you swim at Cenote Ik Kil, a natural sinkhole ringed by limestone walls and jungle vegetation where you'll spend about an hour in the water. The second cenote, Suytun, sits on a different scale: a stone platform descends into the pool, and a shaft of sunlight cuts through the cave opening above, creating the kind of light that photographs well. You get an hour there too. Between stops, the van provides a box lunch (sandwich, juice, fruit) and drinks. Later, a Mexican buffet meal is served. A 20-minute stop in Valladolid's main square gives you time to walk around the colonial architecture, grab a local snack if you want one, or simply sit and watch the town.

The tour runs 12 hours door-to-door. Bring a towel, swimsuit and a change of clothes. A life vest is mandatory at both cenotes. Backpacks aren't allowed at the ruins, so pack only a small bag. The order of stops can shift depending on the day, and the preservation tax (15 USD per adult, 10 USD per child) is separate from the tour price.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from your Tulum City hotel.
• one-hour guided tour of Chichen Itza plus one hour of free exploration.
• one-hour swim at Cenote Ik Kil.
• one-hour swim at Cenote Suytun.
• box lunch and drinks during transport.
• Mexican buffet meal.
• 20-minute stop in Valladolid.
• bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• life vests at both cenotes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Altustours

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you're staying in Tulum without a car: the hotel pickup and round-trip transport mean you don't arrange separate rides to reach the ruins or the cenotes, and the 12-hour day fits both into one departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is El Castillo and why is it the main thing to see at Chichen Itza?

El Castillo is the pyramid at the center of Chichen Itza, built by the Maya around the 12th century. It's the largest structure on the site and the reason most visitors come. The guided portion of the tour focuses on it and the surrounding plaza.

Can I swim at both cenotes, or do I choose one?

You swim at both Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytun on the same day. Ik Kil is surrounded by jungle walls and vines. Suytun has a stone platform and a natural light beam from the cave opening above. Each swim lasts about an hour.

How much free time do I have to explore Chichen Itza on my own?

After the one-hour guided tour, you have one hour of free time to walk around the ruins at your own pace, take photos and explore the smaller structures beyond the main pyramid.

What's included in the meals, and when do I eat?

A box lunch (ham sandwich, juice and fruit) is provided during transport in the morning. A Mexican buffet meal is served later in the day. Drinks are available throughout the tour in the van.

Do I need to bring anything special for the cenote swims?

Bring a towel, swimsuit and a change of clothes. A life vest is mandatory at both cenotes and is provided. Backpacks aren't allowed at the ruins, so pack only a small bag for the day.