Chichen Itza & Valladolid: Private Day Trip with Cenote Swim

Summary

Private access to Chichen Itza before crowds plus Valladolid stroll and cenote swim

You’ll start your private day trip from your hotel before sunrise for early access to Chichen Itza with a certified guide—no crowds or lines. Stroll through colorful Valladolid and taste real Yucatecan food before cooling off in a hidden cenote near town. This isn’t rushed or crowded; it’s just you, your guide, and time to actually take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand in front of El Castillo before the tour buses show up? We left from our hotel near sunrise—sleepy but kind of excited—and our guide, Esteban, handed us cold water as we climbed into the van. The air was still cool (for Yucatán), and there was this low hum of birds as we pulled up to Chichen Itza. No lines. Just us, Esteban, and a handful of other early risers. He started telling stories about the ball court—how the losing team didn’t exactly win any prizes—and honestly, I caught myself running my hand along the stone just to feel how old it was. You can almost smell the centuries here. Not sure if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect Valladolid to be so colorful. Pastel walls everywhere, people sitting on their stoops waving or just watching the world go by. Esteban took us to a little place for lunch—he ordered for us because I couldn’t pronounce “cochinita pibil” right (he laughed but in a nice way). The food was smoky and citrusy, nothing like what I’ve had back home. We wandered through the plaza afterward; I tried some weird tamarind candy from a street vendor and yeah, it was sticky but good.

The cenote stop felt almost surreal after all that heat—Xux-Ha is half-hidden by trees and there weren’t many people around. The water was cold enough to make me gasp when I jumped in (Esteban claimed it’s “invigorating”—I’d say shocking). Sunlight cut through the opening above and turned everything blue-green for a minute. I floated on my back just listening to echoes bouncing off stone walls. Still think about that silence sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chichen Itza and Valladolid

• Visit Chichen Itza early morning
• Explore the biggest Mayan ball court
• Walk in Valladolid town
• Try Yucatecan cuisine in Valladolid
• Swim at Cenote Xux-Ha

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this private Chichen Itza tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

How early do we arrive at Chichen Itza?

You’ll be among the first visitors of the day, arriving before most crowds.

Does this tour include lunch?

No set lunch is included, but you will have time in Valladolid to try local cuisine with your guide’s recommendations.

Can we swim in the cenote during this day trip?

Yes, swimming at Cenote Xux-Ha is included after visiting Valladolid.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers and infant seats are available.

Are entrance tickets to Chichen Itza included?

Yes, entry fees for Chichen Itza are part of your booking.

How many guests are required for booking?

The minimum number of passengers is two for this private tour.

What’s included

Your private day includes pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned van, entrance tickets for Chichen Itza with a certified local guide leading you through the ruins before crowds arrive, bottled water on board, time to explore Valladolid’s highlights together (and grab lunch if you want), plus entry and swimming at Cenote Xux-Ha before heading back refreshed.