Things to do in

Yucatán

Enjoy one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with a variety of architectural styles. Discover how this large pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan civilization from around 600 to 1200 AD, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. Even today, it is still considered sacred by the Mayan people of the Yucatan peninsula. Like many of the cities of ancient Mexico, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden in the jungle. Experience its rich history and stunning ruins.

Travel back in time as you explore the Mayan  archeological ruins of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Connect with nature as you swim in the azure waters of the cenote of Saamal. Eat a mouth-watering buffet lunch and take a guided walking tour of Valladolid. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient cenote of Saamal and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

Journey to the sacred archeological sites of Cobá and Chichén Itzá on this action-packed trip through the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Leave bright and early from your ideal starting point in Riviera Maya, and beat the crowds to truly take in the majesty of each landmark. Head to Cobá first, whose ruins date back to 100-300 B.C. Learn about the significance of the 5 nearby lakes, and appreciate the striking architecture of the vast stone structures. Trek to the top of Nohoch Mul to be rewarded with beautiful jungle views. Venture deeper into the jungle to relax at the mystical Cenote Saamal, the perfect place for a swim and some dazzling photos. Savor a delicious buffet lunch during your adventure. Save the best for last by visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Feel lost in time in the lovingly-kept pyramids, and discover the genius of the city’s unique structures. Take time to rest and reminisce on your drive back home.

In this GetYourGuide Exclusive, your guide will give you an in-depth tour of Chichen Itza. Listen as they provide background information to help you better understand the history of this place. End the tour with lunch at a local restaurant. Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early in the morning at the Chichen Itza Archeological Site. Be the first to enter this Wonder of the World and take amazing pictures with the place almost completely to yourself. Learn how this large city played an important role in Mayan civilization from around 600 AD to 1200 AD and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. The site was abandoned and its ruins were eventually hidden by the jungle. In between the tour, enjoy a typical Mexican buffet lunch at a local family-run restaurant. Swimming at the Saamal Cenote (entry included) and a visit to Valladolid are also on the itinerary.

Explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá and uncover the history of Mayan civilization. Visit important sites, such as the step pyramid of El Castillo, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Get picked up from one of the meeting points in Cancun or Riviera Maya, or at your hotel if you select the VIP or Deluxe tour options. Then, travel to the pre-Colombian city of Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula. Located in the Tinúm Municipality, Chichén Itzá is famous for its step pyramid of El Castillo. Benefit from the services of a guide to learn the history of the ancient city and journey back to the days of the Mayan civilization. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the site, with the option to include a non-alcoholic drink on the VIP and Deluxe tour options. After, visit one of the secret sinkholes, or cenotes, sacred to the Mayan people before returning to your starting point.

Spend a day having fun with your family and friends at the Silcer Beach Club. Make use of the facilities available, relax by the sea or pool, taste the food at the restaurant, and sip drinks from the bar. Start your day of luxury with a 5-minute bus or van ride to get to the Silcer Beach Club in Progreso. Once you arrive at the beach club you will be able to access all its facilities, including a kid’s club.  Enjoy the use of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and showers. Play a game of volleyball in the volleyball field, swim at the pool, go to the lounge, walk along the secluded beach, and take a dip in the sea. Avail of the kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards provided to navigate the sea. Take a break at the bar to order food and drinks. Bring the kids to take part in the beach club, with activities to keep them entertained while you lay by the pool. Select the all-inclusive package with a Mexican buffet and domestic open bar included or choose the option without food and drinks to purchase your own at the bar and restaurant.

Discover the landscapes and cenotes of Hacienda Mucuyché, a former estate and plantation. Wander through the partially-restored buildings, and admire the Arabic and French-style architecture. Soak up the atmosphere in the dining room, the stables, the chapel, and the engine room. Change into your swimwear experience swimming in clear waters of this hacienda's cenotes. Jump into Cenote Carlota, surrounded by lush vegetation. Cool off in the Blue Cenote, a pool within a cave covered in stalactites. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back in Mérida.

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza with a guide on a full-day tour from Cancun and/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 from your guide of 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 taking 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.

Chichen Itza, founded in the year 514 AD, was once the capital of the ancient Mayan civilization. Now you can visit the ancient ruins on a full-day trip from Cancún. Spend your day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, also declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Your day begins with a drive that stops at an underwater grotto, Cenote Ik Kil, where you will be able to admire the unique formation and go swimming in its clear waters. After that, stop for a buffet lunch with fresh salads, soups, rice, chicken, fish, vegetables, and regional dishes. During lunch, you will be treated to a festive show where regional people perform traditional dances to folk music. After lunch, continue on to visit the archaeological site. Once inside, you will be taken on a 1.5-hour tour with a certified guide who will introduce you to the secrets of the Mayans. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important sites before leaving you to enjoy the ruins on your own.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or apartment in Playa del Carmen or Cancún , and then journey by air-conditioned vehicle. Encounter crocodiles in their natural habitat with a visit to a crocodile sanctuary, and look for flamingos in the salt ponds of Las Coloradas. Marvel at the different shades of pink in the lagoons of Rio Lagartos during a boat ride through the mangroves. Keep a look out for different birdlife, including cormorants, ospreys, herons and pelicans. Stop for lunch of salad, soft drinks and a main course of your choice from fresh fish, chicken or a vegetarian option. Get dropped off at your hotel at the end of an incredible day in the Yucatán Peninsula.