Day trip

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Early Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote

Activity provider: TripGuru Mexico
Day trip

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Early Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote

Activity provider: TripGuru Mexico
Save up to 10%

From US$ 85 US$ 76.50 per person

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Chichen Itza ruins on an early access full-day tour. Visit the quaint town of Piste and enjoy a dip in the Ik Kil Cenote while avoiding crowds.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 10 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish, German
Pickup included
Your tour guide will contact you the night before the activity with your pickup time. Please be at your selected meeting point 10 minutes before the start time. The tour guide will be wearing a green T-shirt and a TripGuru logo.
Small group available

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the ancient ruins and gaze at the wondrous carvings and stone structures at Chichen Itza
  • Avoid the crowds with a small group and early access to the sites
  • Visit Cenote Ik Kil, believed to be used by the Maya to pray to the rain god
  • Have a quick look around the charming town of Piste
  • Learn all about these historical and natural sites from your guide
Full description

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza on a guided tour from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Choose between a private or small-group tour and beat the crowds and the heat with early morning access. Learn about the history of Mexico with insightful commentary on one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Start your adventure with an early pick-up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Beat the crowds and the heat as you arrive at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. Follow your guide around the once-bustling complex, learning about the rich history, religion, culture, and daily life of the Maya.

Wander around the Mexican pyramids, gaze at the spectacular stone carvings, and take photos by the glorious steps of the ruins. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and leave right before the morning gets too warm and the crowds increase. Head to the charming town of Piste for a quick look around before making your way to Cenote Ik Kil. Marvel at its stunning views, take photos of the turquoise waters and lush vegetation, and maybe squeeze in a quick dip before going for lunch.

After filling your belly with some local food, board the vehicle once more and make your way back to Cancun and Riviera Maya with nothing but knowledge and memories to remember your adventure by.

Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
  • English and Spanish-speaking guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees if option selected (Chichen Itza 614 pesos, Cenote Ik Kil 350 pesos, payment in cash; no USD or credit card accepted)
  • Lunch (if option with entrance fees is selected)
  • Water
    Not suitable for
    • Pregnant women
    • People with mobility impairments
    • People with heart problems
    • People with respiratory issues

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Swimwear
    • Change of clothes
    • Towel
    • Camera
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent
    • Cash

    Not allowed

    • Drones

    Know before you go

    • This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility
    • The use of a domestic video camera has a cost of 50 pesos
    • Drone cameras are not allowed in the Federal Area
    • Before entering any cenote in the area, you have to take a shower to remove sunscreen and bug spray
    • A life vest is mandatory in all Cenotes (sacred places) in the area
    • Hotel pickup starts up to 2 hours before starting time
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.8 /5

    based on 116 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      5/5
    • Transportation
      4.8/5
    • Value for money
      4.6/5

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    Star rating:

    Alejandro was a very kind, educated and well-spoken guide. He shared so much history and culture and cared deeply about honoring the history of his country. He was also sensitive to our needs as a group and individuals. He was patient yet clear about his expectations while also being flexible to any challenges that happen during a road trip with a group. Whatever he's getting paid, it should be doubled. Alejandro is worth every peso and much more!

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    March 23, 2023

    What an excellent tour! This trip was one of the highlights of my time in Mexico. Our guide Jacqui was knowledgeable and passionate about Mayan history and the Chichen Itza. Even though the pick up was very early, it was definitely worth it as we made it to the site before all the other big tourist buses. The guide gave an invaluable information about the site and helped us to see hidden details that we would have otherwise missed. The only downside was that it would of been nice to have more free time around Chichen Itza site, as half an hour seemed very rushed, especially if you want to see the cenote which is a 5 min walk (one way) from the main area. The Ikl Kil cenote was astonishing, We spent nearly an hour swimming around it and just admiring the surroundings. It is definitely worth going into the cenote first and then going for the buffet lunch. Just a minor thing-the van didn't have much leg room and some seats were broken. Would of been nice to have a better transportation.

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    March 23, 2023

    Beautiful experience and the guide Alex was amazing, funny and super prepared. We were not able to head to chichen itsa site due to some blocks but we went to Ek Balam that was also great and there was the possibility to climb the pyramid. Highly recommend!

    March 23, 2023

    Product ID: 405821