Chichen Itza & Cenote Dos Ojos from Tulum: private day trip

Swim in a cenote after walking through a Maya pyramid

A private day trip from Tulum visits Chichen Itza, the Maya archaeological site, then stops in the colonial town of Valladolid before ending at Cenote Dos Ojos, where you swim in clear groundwater inside a natural sinkhole. The tour includes hotel pickup, a live guide in English, Spanish or Italian, all entrance fees, lunch and 11 hours of transport and time at each stop. Service animals are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote

• Explore Chichen Itza archaeological site
• Visit colonial town of Valladolid
• Swim in Two Eyes Cenote

The Experience

The van picks you up from your Tulum hotel and drives inland to Chichen Itza, one of the largest pre-Columbian cities built by the Maya. You walk the site with your guide, who explains the architecture and history of the pyramid and the structures around it. The Viator Hospitality Suite at the site gives you a comfortable place to rest and regroup before heading back out into the heat.

After Chichen Itza, the route passes through Valladolid, a colonial town with colorful streets and historic charm where you have time to walk around. Lunch is included during the day—the operator arranges it so the meal fits into the schedule without eating up your time at the sites. Drinks and snacks travel with you in the van from the start, so you stay comfortable on the drive.

The final stop is Cenote Dos Ojos, a natural sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing the groundwater underneath. You swim in the cenote—bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. The cenote is where the ancient Maya drew water and occasionally made offerings, and today it is a place to cool off after a full day of walking and driving. The van returns you to your hotel by evening.

What’s included

• Private transportation with air conditioning and hotel pickup.
• entrance fees to Chichen Itza and Cenote Dos Ojos.
• lunch.
• drinks and snacks in the van.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Italian.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by AB Transfers MX

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so the guide, timing and stops are yours alone—not shared with other travelers. Choose it if you want to move at your own pace through Chichen Itza, spend as much time as you want at the cenote, and avoid the logistics of renting a car or booking separate guides and transport. The 11-hour commitment means a full day away from your hotel, but it covers three distinct stops and returns you by evening.

Top questions

What is Chichen Itza and why is it worth the drive from Tulum?

Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya during the Terminal Classic period, located about two hours inland from Tulum. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico, with a pyramid and many other structures that show the scale and sophistication of Maya civilization. The tour includes entrance fees and a guide, so you do not have to arrange entry or navigate the site alone.

What exactly is Cenote Dos Ojos and can I really swim in it?

Cenote Dos Ojos is a natural sinkhole created when limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing groundwater underneath. Yes, you swim in it—the cenote is open for swimming and is a popular stop on tours in the region. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen; the water is clear and cool.

How long is the drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza?

The full tour is 11 hours from pickup to return, which includes the drive to Chichen Itza, time at the site, the stop in Valladolid, the cenote swim and the drive back. Chichen Itza is roughly two hours inland from Tulum, so most of the day is spent at the sites and in transit.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included in the tour price. The operator arranges the meal as part of the day's schedule. If you have specific dietary needs, contact the operator before booking to discuss options.

Do I need to be in good shape to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You walk around the Chichen Itza site, explore Valladolid on foot and swim at the cenote. Most of the day is spent at a comfortable pace, but there is walking involved and the Yucatán heat is intense—bring water and sunscreen.

Can I bring my baby or young child?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available in the van, and service animals are allowed. The tour is long (11 hours), so plan for rest time and bring supplies for your child's comfort during the drive and at the sites.