Chichen Itza Private Tour: Early Access & Valladolid

First through the gate, lunch in a colonial town, time to explore without rushing

A private guided tour of Chichen Itza with skip-the-line access, departing early to arrive when the archaeological site opens. The tour includes a certified guide, entry fees, an à la carte lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid, hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, and roughly nine to ten hours total. You explore the ruins in the cooler morning hours, then spend free time in the colonial city before the return drive.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 255 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Private Van 3 5 departure times: the first at 06:15, the last at 08:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 14 per booking Only you, your guide and driver are included: hotel and rental pickups from Playa del Carmen to Tulum are offered. We recommend a 6:15 am pickup to beat the crowds and the heat. Pickup is included.

Private Van 2 5 departure times: the first at 06:15, the last at 08:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 5 per booking Only you, your guide and driver are included: hotel and rental pickups from Playa del Carmen to Tulum are offered. We recommend a 6:15 am pickup to beat the crowds and the heat. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Chichen Itza tour and Valladolid visit

• Early hotel pickup
• Drive to Chichen Itza (2.5h)
• Skip-the-line entrance
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza
• Free time for souvenirs
• Lunch at Yucatan restaurant
• Explore Valladolid colonial town
• Free time for shopping
• Drive back to hotel (2h)

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Chichen Itza Entry included 3h
2. Valladolid 2h

What’s included

• Skip-the-line entry to Chichen Itza.
• a certified private guide for the full day.
• an à la carte lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid.
• water and sodas in the van.
• hotel or rental pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned minivan.
• all entrance fees and toll roads.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Every day 06:15 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00

Information

Private guided tour of Chichen Itza with skip-the-line entry, à la carte lunch in Valladolid, and hotel pickup by air-conditioned van.

Group Private 2 similar group tours ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (12 to 74 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

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The experience

The day starts with an early pickup from your hotel or rental in a private air-conditioned minivan: roughly two and a half hours of driving to Chichen Itza. You arrive as the gates open, skip the ticket line with your guide, and walk into the site while most visitors are still en route. A certified guide leads you through the ruins with the space and pace of a private tour. Afterward, you have free time to wander the grounds or browse the on-site shops without anyone hurrying you.

After the ruins, the van takes you to Valladolid, a colonial town about an hour away. Lunch is à la carte at a local restaurant. You choose what you want, and the meal is included. Your guide eats with you and can answer questions about the region or the morning's sites. Once lunch is done, you have free time to explore Valladolid's main square and convent areas, or to shop, before the two-hour drive back to your hotel.

Water and sodas travel with you in the van's cooler throughout the day. Toll roads to the site are covered. The tour runs nine to ten hours door to door, and you can book it as a private van for two or three passengers. Choose the size that fits your group at checkout.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?

You're picked up early in the morning so the van reaches Chichen Itza right when it opens. The exact pickup time depends on where you're staying, but the drive is roughly two and a half hours, so plan on an early start.

What does skip-the-line access actually mean at Chichen Itza?

Skip-the-line tickets let you enter the archaeological site without waiting in the queue at the gate. You arrive when the site opens and walk straight through with your private guide, which is when crowds are smallest and the heat is most manageable.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes, lunch is included at an authentic Yucatan restaurant in Valladolid, and it's à la carte. You order what you want from the menu. Drinks at the restaurant are available depending on which van option you choose at checkout.

How much free time do I have in Valladolid?

After lunch, you have ample free time to explore the colonial town on your own: the main square, convent areas, and shops are all within walking distance. Your guide can point you toward what's worth seeing, then you're free to wander at your own pace.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes entry to Chichen Itza, the à la carte lunch, water and sodas in the van, all taxes and fees, pickup and drop-off from your hotel, your certified private guide, and toll roads. Souvenirs, additional drinks, or anything you order beyond the included meal are separate.

Operated by Absolute Adventure Mexico. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago