Travel with total peace of mind. Pay in full on the day of the activity! **Restrictions apply**
Why choose a local expert over big travel agencies?
"We are leaner, quicker, and truly authentic. Most importantly, by cutting out the middlemen, we offer better prices with an outstanding price-quality ratio"
Check out this video to see what the excursion consists of
What's included in your experience:
Everything you need in one trip. This package highlights the best of the region, so you can just relax and enjoy the experience
- Total price: $75.00 USD per person ($35 USD Tour + $40 USD Chichen Itzá Entrance fee & taxes)
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional driver
- Regional lunch (drinks not included)
- Certified guide
- Cenote visit (life jackets not included)
- Visit colonial city of Valladolid
Where to Meet & Availability
If you are staying in La Veleta, Aldea Zama, the Hotel Zone, or Downtown, the meeting point is outside the entrance of Super AKI. The schedule may vary, but it's generally between 08:20 AM – 08:50 AM
If hotel pickup is important to you, please check out this option with pickup included
Ideally, you should book at least one day in advance to guarantee availability. However, specifically for this city, last-minute bookings are possible, keep in mind you have to go at meeting point in downtown area
Travel distance
Tulum is strategically located in the Riviera Maya, making it closer to the archaeological site (149 kilometers, which is approximately 92.6 miles, map). The transportation follows the Coba - Valladolid route
New Wonder of the World
Wow, it's absolutely mind-blowing! When you pair that with our highly knowledgeable tour guides, it makes for an excellent combination. Our guides are dedicated to explaining the rich history of the Mayans, their way of life, and their social structure, among many other fascinating insights
This trip is incredibly educational and fun at the same time! It's truly an iconic monument, and during this visit, you'll have the chance to capture one of the best photos of your vacation at the Great Pyramid of Kukulcan.
The images are breathtaking, but only by seeing them live and in full color can you truly discover how incredible and magical this place is
We visit a Yucatan Cenote: A splash in crystal-clear waters
We'll also visit a spectacular cenote, where we'll have the chance to go for a swim. With sunlight streaming in through the collapsed roof and the water shimmering below, it's a stunning sight. The water is a bit chilly but manageable; you'll get used to it after a moment. It's a "must-do" experience don't miss out on the chance to dive in, as it's incredibly refreshing!
We'll spend about 1 hour at this location, where admission is already included in the price. You'll also have access to all facilities, such as restrooms, changing rooms, showers, etc. (Lockers and life jackets are available for an extra fee)
Yucatecan Buffet: A culinary journey through the peninsula
A traditional lunch is included in the price. We'll visit a restaurant where we can taste regional dishes from this area of Mexico, with several options such as pork, chicken, fruit, salads, desserts, and more. Note: Drinks are not included. It's the perfect way to recharge your energy!
Colonial Valladolid: A charming express visit
The final stop will be the colonial city of Valladolid, built by the Spaniards in the 1500s as a replica of their own city of the same name. It's a unique place, featuring a beautiful park and an ancient church. Seeing the local Mayan people gathering and spending time around the church is truly a sight to behold
You can't miss it!
Did you know that this must-see destination is the crown jewel of the Riviera Maya? It is truly one of the most iconic locations in all of Mexico
If you are on vacation and haven't visited this enigmatic place yet, it is a must-see just like the Statue of Liberty in New York. It's a destination you simply have to experience at least once in your lifetime
Estimated duration
However, I want to be completely transparent: the archaeological site is not nearby, and it's not a quick trip. You'll need to dedicate an entire day of your vacation to this visit after all, good things take time.
This activity has an approximate duration of 10 hours. The transportation follows the Coba - Valladolid route, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours to reach the ruins and the same for the return trip. Please keep in mind that all schedules are approximate, as they depend on external factors such as traffic, road repairs, etc.
The Mayan Train
How does the Mayan Train affect this excursion? Unfortunately, the Mayan Train doesn't offer direct departures from Tulum to Chichen Itza. The train first goes to Cancun, where passengers must transfer to another car to reach the archaeological zone
That's why, currently, traveling by bus or private van is a much better option for this activity
Should there be any changes, we'll make the necessary adjustments, as we are locals and live right here in the city
Tips from your guide
There are 2 Super AKI stores; one of them is recently opened. Please note that our meeting point is the one located on the federal highway coming from Playa del Carmen at Coba Avenue. Here is the exact location
- Drinks during lunch
- Life jackets at the cenote
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
One of the advantages of meeting at Super AKI is that you can buy last-minute items such as
- Sun hats / Caps
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water
- Snacks for the road
And the essential items you should bring are
- Phone for photos
- Cash for small purchases
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Light and comfortable clothing (Light colors are preferred due to the sun)
- Sneakers and sandals
The easiest and most affordable way to pay is in cash on the day of the excursion. However, you can also pay with a credit card; please take into consideration that there is a 4-5% surcharge for bank commissions (Visa or MasterCard only)
If you wish to pay in advance, the best way to do so is through our website
If you are a group of 4 people or fewer, you don't need to pay anything in advance; you can pay on the day of the excursion. In this case, there is no cancellation policy
All we ask is that if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible
If your group consists of more than 4 people, please send us a WhatsApp message. It's very likely that a deposit will be required to guarantee your attendance
If you are a group of more than 4 people and have paid a deposit, the following criteria apply
- Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance
- No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance (Only for groups of more than 4 people)
- No refund for no-shows
Unfortunately, the archaeological site is not designed for individuals with mobility issues. While most of the main buildings are relatively close to each other, it's necessary for guests to be able to walk, even if only for short distances within the site
Similarly, to swim in the cenote, basic swimming skills are required. The use of a life jacket is mandatory to better enjoy the experience
- Payment on the day of the excursion applies only to groups of fewer than 4 people. If you make two separate bookings, we cannot guarantee that you will be on the same bus
- No circulatory or heart conditions
- Be punctual at the meeting points designated by the tour guides
- The archaeological site has uneven terrain, roots, and gravel; therefore, it is not recommended for wheelchairs
- Basic swimming skills are required to enter the cenote
- Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian
- Must have the ability to walk, even if only for short distances
- Climbing on the ruins is strictly prohibited
1. Do you offer pickup directly from my hotel door?
The meeting point is outside the entrance of Super AKI at 08:30 AM.
Unfortunately, we do not offer a pickup service. If you would like to be picked up at your hotel, please check this other excursion, which includes Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytun.
2. Is the pickup time the same if my accommodation is in the Hotel Zone, Aldea Zama, La Veleta, or Downtown?
Regardless of whether you are staying in the Hotel Zone or Downtown, the meeting point is always outside Super AKI. If being picked up is very important to you, please check this option: Cenote Ik Kil + Cenote Suytun
3. How long is the total travel distance to the archaeological site?
The round trip takes approximately 2 hours each way. Please keep in mind that the total travel time alone is about 4 hours.
You can find more information at this link: How long does an excursion last?
4. What kind of dishes are offered in the included buffet?
We serve typical regional food from Yucatan. The main options available are:
- Cochinita pibil (Slow-roasted pork)
- Pollo pibil (Slow-roasted chicken)
- Spaghetti
- Rice
- Beans
- Salads
- Fruit
5. Are there food alternatives for vegetarians, vegans, or individuals with food sensitivities?
There are some vegetarian-friendly selections available, such as rice, beans, spaghetti, salads, and fruit. However, the buffet is not specialized in vegetarian cuisine. If you require more options, please contact us, as we offer premium tours where the buffet provides a wider variety
Regarding allergies, it is the guest's responsibility to ask if a dish contains any ingredients they may be allergic to; if so, they must refrain from eating it. To discuss this in further detail, please send us a message
Review
ReviewsCan't decide? If you would like to see what people who have already taken the tour think, we have sections on TripAdvisor; send us a message to request more information
Vlacho1984
"It's true what they say: if you don't go there, you haven't really been to Mexico!!! I highly recommend going with a guide; they explained everything to me, and it was very interesting. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes, and bring a hat or an umbrella if it's very hot, as there is no shade."
Marian G
Regarding Chichen Itza, it's impossible not to go! You have to see it for yourself it's breathtaking, truly incredible, and thrilling to witness
Things to keep in mind:
Street vendors and scammers along the paths can be quite persistent and tiring with their sales pitches
Claudia L
"If you believe in the energy of the cosmos and the power of purification, this place is one of the most wonderful sites in our country"
Yasodhara V
"The Temple of Kukulcan and the Observatory are certainly impressive. Beyond those, the archaeological site doesn't have many well preserved buildings. Additionally, there are many vendors, which I didn't particularly like; I enjoyed Uxmal much more"
Carmen
"An excellent place to visit, filled with culture and archaeology. It's an experience where you learn so much about the Mayan culture. In our opinion, it's the best place to buy souvenirs because the prices are very good. You must protect yourself from the sun as it is quite hot and sunny. This is a 'must-visit' location because, as the saying goes, if you go to Mexico and don't visit this place, it's like you were never there at all... The entire site is beautiful. It also depends a lot on how you go it's much better to go with a guide or company so they can tell you the whole Mayan history"