Chichen Itza is the most popular pre-Columbian Mayan city in Mexico. Especially famous for its main pyramid, El Castillo, it offers an incredible glimpse into the ancient civilization and its traditions. You probably already have the Chichen Itza ruins on your travel itinerary (as you should!)
Coming from Cancun, you can either visit on your own by driving here or taking the bus, or you can join a tour.
To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend going with an organized tour. The history and symbolism of the site are too important to be missed, and having a guide will make sure to dive deep into their secrets. Plus, it’s the most hassle free option.
I visited Chichen Itza twice, once with a tour and once on my own, and of course I enjoyed the guided visit much more.
But how do you know which tour is the best option? With the incredible number of excursions available, making the right choice can feel quite overwhelming.
And this is why I’ve crafted this list of the ultimate Chichen Itza tours from Cancun. I combed through thousands of tours (literally) and selected the very best tours so you don’t have to.
➥ Why can you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for 10 years, and I’ve developed a knack for identifying high-quality tours and excursions. Having visited Mexico many times, and spent a few months in the country, I know exactly what a trip needs to offer to make your visit to Chichen Itza memorable.
I personally use Viator for booking tours around the world, and I recommend it because it offers a great cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
On a time crunch? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive |
| PRIVATE TOUR | VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour |
| SUNRISE TOUR | Chichen Itza Sunrise and Cenote Ik Kil |
| MAYAN RUINS | Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour |
| COMBO TOUR | Combo Tour: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplore and Chichen Itza |
OUR PICK: The BEST Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun
Our top pick is the Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour. This tour is very similar to the one I went on, which unfortunately isn’t available anymore.
The trip starts early in the morning with a transfer to Chichen Itza from your hotel or a meeting point. This excursion takes you to explore the magnificent archaeological ruins with a certified guide. This way, you’ll get to not only admire the ancient structures but understand their purpose and history, which makes a huge difference.
After a comprehensive tour of the ruins, you’ll go to the nearby Chichikan cenote. Spend some time there, taking a refreshing dip and relaxing by the open cenote that features limestone walls and even a waterfall.
After a traditional buffet lunch, the last destination is the town of Valladolid. Oozing colonial charm, this location is a gem in Yucatan, and you’ll have free time to explore it before heading back to Cancun.
➤ Why this tour of Chichen Itza? Besides having over 16 THOUSAND 5-star reviews?! It’s a super comprehensive tour that not only takes you to the ruins (with a professional guide to tour it with) but also to explore the major landmarks of the region.
You’ll spend time in Valladolid, Yucatan’s most beautiful colonial city, and swim in one of the most beautiful cenotes. Plus, a tasty Mexican lunch will help you refuel after your adventures, and it’s all included in the tour price.
But it’s not just me saying it! Read what the reviews say:
”Great tour!! I loved learning about the ruins and the Mayan history. My tour guides were awesome. Special thanks to the driver Bryan who drove the bus the whole day and kept us safe. The cenote they took us too was so beautiful!! I had never seen one in person so it was awesome being able to swim in one. Visiting the town of Valladolid was a nice added stop. Loved the tequila tasting; I have never tasted something so yummy. Overall, this tour is definitely worth it. Highly recommend!”
Mishell_V – Read more reviews
This Chichen Itza excursion from Cancun includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, a tour around Chichen Itza (entrance fee excluded), visit to a cenote, free time in Valladolid, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Premium Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun
The Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid with Lunch is a full-day trip that starts with pick-up at your hotel. You’ll be taken to the archaeological site for a 2.5-hour tour around the ruins, perfect for understanding the history behind them.
Then it’s time for a refreshing dip in cenote Ik Kil, one of the most beautiful in the area. You’ll have an hour to swim in the natural sinkhole, and then visit the city of Valladolid. Enjoy a traditional lunch, and take the chance to participate in a Temazcal ceremony before going back.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a bilingual guide, lunch, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Early Access to Chichen Itza from Cancun
With this Chichen Itza Early Access, Cenote & Buffet Lunch you’ll be the first to enter the archaeological site, beating the crowds. I visited Chichen Itza first thing in the morning and can confirm it’s worth the early start!
A professional guide will help you experience Chichen Itza’s history and architecture in-depth, and you’ll then follow them through the jungle to the Yaxunah ruins.
Finally, relax with a refreshing swim in cenote Chichikan and cap off the trip with a scrumptious lunch and tequila tasting.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a tour guide, cenote entrance, lunch, and tequila tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Private Tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun
I wrote a whole post about the best private tours to Chichen Itza, but here are a few options:
▶️ The VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour is a 10-hour excursion that starts with an early morning visit to Chichen Itza. You’ll beat the crowds and the heat as your guide introduces you to the fascinating history of the site.
Walk around the structures and soak in the unique atmosphere of the ruins as you learn about their original inhabitants.
After the visit, head to cenote San Lorenzo Oxman to relax and swim in the clear waters. End the tour with a local lunch in Valladolid before returning to your hotel in the Yucatan Peninsula.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all entrance fees, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out the Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour, Sacred Cenote & Lunch. This 7-hour excursion takes your group (up to 15 people) on a trip to the country’s most famous Mayan ruins.
You’ll tour the archaeological site with a private guide, ideal for history buffs eager to know it all. Discover curious facts about the structures and the civilization that lived in them, and then visit a sacred cenote.
You’ll have time to swim and cool off before strolling around the colonial town of Valladolid, and relishing a scrumptious local lunch.
This tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all entrance fees, snacks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ How about a Luxury Chichen Itza Tour? You’ll be picked up at your preferred time in a Suburban vehicle, and driven straight to the archaeological site while enjoying water or beer from a cooler.
Take your time to discover this Wonder of the World, and then the itinerary is up to you! Would you like to visit a cenote? Wander around Valladolid? Stop for lunch in a local restaurant? Your professional driver will be happy to provide recommendations.
The tour accommodates up to 6 people, so the bigger the group, the cheaper it gets!
This tour includes: A private driver for 10 hours, round-trip transportation from the Mayan Riviera, and a cooler with water and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour from Cancun
The Chichen Itza Sunrise and Cenote Ik Kil from Cancun is a private tour for early birds. You’re guaranteed to skip all the crowds by accessing the ruins before the day has even begun!
You and up to 14 friends will tour the site with a professional guide as the sun rises above the horizon.
Learn the fascinating details about the Mayan culture, and then pay a visit to Ik Kil cenote for a refreshing swim. The tour allows for a flexible itinerary, so you could add another destination to your trip.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza + Other Mayan Ruins
Chichen Itza + Coba Tour from Cancun
The Chichen Itza & Coba Tour with Cenote Swim from Cancun offers a fantastic combo. You’ll start the day with an early visit to Chichen Itza. Explore the ancient ruins with a professional guide, marveling at the size and intricate details of the pyramids.
Enjoy a refreshing break at Cenote Samaal, where you can go for a swim, and then make your way to the stunning Coba Ruins. This spectacular archaeological site is one of the largest in the area, and allows you to climb its tallest pyramid!
Take in the spectacular views of lush foliage around it before you refuel with lunch.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, lunch, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza + Ek Balam Tour
Would rather explore a lesser-known site? This Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & buffet lunch Tour might be just what you’re looking for.
It’s a 12-hour excursion that starts with a comprehensive tour of Chichen Itza, Mexico’s most famous archaeological site. A guide will introduce you to its history and the purpose of each structure as you explore it.
Break the day with a scrumptious lunch and a cenote swim, and then embark on another trip back in time at the site of Ek Balam. You’ll have an expert archaeologist as your guide, and then enjoy free time to wander around the ruins on your own.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum in One Day from Cancun
This Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch is perfect if you have limited time and want to focus your trip on visiting Mayan ruins. You’ll check out the three most popular ones in a single day!
Visit Chichen Itza on a guided tour, followed by a refreshing swim in Ik Kil Cenote. You’ll then be treated to a delicious buffet lunch to refuel.
Spend the afternoon exploring the spread-out site of Coba, surrounded by vegetation. The ruins are best explored in a pedicab – and that’s what you’ll do!
You’ll also get to climb up its tallest pyramid before making your way to Tulum. The Tulum Ruins stand out for being perched atop a cliff and hold fascinating history. This is one of the most comprehensive Mayan ruins trips you’ll find!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a private guide, entrance fees, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go City Cancun Pass with Chichen Itza
A great way of visiting Chichen Itza is by using the Go City Cancun Pass. It allows you to visit over 40 attractions in the city and save up to 45%.
It’s especially a good idea if you plan on spending a few days in Cancun, as it can help you save a lot of money, and if you’re looking to go o a few tours and/or visit parks that are usually expensive.
With the All-Inclusive pass, you can enjoy a Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun that includes transfers, entrance fees to both the ruins and Cenote Saamal, a guided tour of Chichen Itza, a Mexican buffet lunch and some free time in Valladolid. ➥ GET YOUR GO CITY CANCUN PASS HERE
Chichen Itza Combo Tour from Cancun
If you have a short time in Cancun, you can benefit from one of the combo Cancun tours to Chichen Itza. These include other attractions in the Riviera Maya, besides the famous ruins.
This 2-Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option is the perfect adventure. It takes you to enjoy some of the best attractions Mexico has to offer!
Besides the Mayan ruins, you’ll choose one of the adventure parks to spend a thrilling day at.
Xcaret is a natural park, home to several fun and cultural attractions. You can get an adrenaline rush at Xplor, soaring through the jungle on ziplines, or swim in the gorgeous natural aquarium at Xel Ha. Food and drinks are included in all of them.
You can use your admissions on different days, although they have to be experienced within 15 days of each other.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, Chichen Itza entrance fees, access to the park of your choice, food and beverages, all equipment, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
