Chichen Itza & Yaxunah Ruins: Private Tour with Cenote & Lunch

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/31

Duration12h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Chichen Itza’s grandeur meets Yaxunah’s quiet ruins then cool cenote waters

You’ll walk ancient grounds at Chichen Itza with a local guide, then explore Yaxunah’s quiet ruins where history feels close enough to touch. Cool off in a sacred cenote before sharing a homemade Mexican lunch and tequila tasting with your group—moments that linger long after you’re home.

12h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mayan ruins and cenote swim

Visit Chichen Itza ruins
Explore Yaxunah archaeological site
Swim in sacred cenote

The Experience

We were already halfway down that long, sun-baked road when our guide, Jorge, started telling us about the rivalry between old Mayan cities. I was still chewing on a piece of pan dulce from breakfast—probably not the most traditional way to prep for a day trip to Chichen Itza from Cusco (well, we came from Mérida actually, but you get me). The first glimpse of Chichen Itza is just… big. Not in a postcard way, more like you suddenly feel small standing next to El Castillo. Jorge pointed out some carvings I’d never noticed in photos—jaguars, skulls—and there was this faint smell of copal incense drifting over from somewhere. I tried to imagine what it sounded like here centuries ago; now it’s mostly camera clicks and kids running ahead.

Yaxunah was totally different—quiet, almost sleepy under the trees. No crowds at all. The stones felt rougher under my hand (I know you’re not really supposed to touch, but everyone else did too), and Jorge just grinned when I asked if anyone ever gets lost here. He shared stories about the local families who help keep these ruins standing—he even waved at a woman selling mango slices by the path. There was something raw about Yaxunah that made Chichen Itza seem almost polished by comparison. I didn’t expect to care much about that part, but honestly, I still think about that silence sometimes.

The cenote swim was colder than I thought it’d be—maybe because the sun had been so relentless all morning. We all laughed when one of us slipped on the mossy steps (no injuries, just pride). Lunch after felt deserved: spicy cochinita pibil and tortillas that someone’s abuela must’ve made fresh. Tequila tasting too—I tried saying “salud” in Spanish with my best accent; Jorge laughed and corrected me gently. By then we were sunburned and happy and maybe a little bit sleepy on the ride back.

What’s included

Your day includes private comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees for both Chichen Itza and Yaxunah ruins, guided commentary in English or Spanish throughout the journey, time to swim in a sacred cenote, plus a Mexican buffet lunch with tequila tasting before heading back relaxed and full.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amigo Tours