10 hour(s)
English
Included
Authentic, informative, and well-organized tour
Great value focused on culture, not commercial stops
Learn about Mayan culture and Mexico’s history
Early arrival at Chichen Itza to avoid large crowds
€ 132.24
€ 121.66
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
This small group shared tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam offers an authentic and enriching experience for those interested in exploring the ancient world of the Maya. Starting early in the morning, you’ll arrive at Chichen Itza before the big crowds, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and thorough visit to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Led by professional guides, the tour focuses entirely on culture and history, with detailed explanations about Mayan civilization and Mexico’s past. Unlike other tours that include shopping or unnecessary detours, this experience is designed to maximize your time at the ruins without distractions. After your visit to Chichen Itza, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and stay refreshed with bottled water provided on board. The journey continues to Ek Balam, a lesser-known but equally fascinating archaeological site where you can climb ancient structures and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle. This tour does not fall into the typical tourist trap category, and you won’t be wasting time or money on stops that aren’t part of the cultural experience. The total duration of the tour, including transportation to and from your hotel or meeting point, ranges from 11 to 12 hours, depending on the location of your accommodation, making it a full and rewarding day of discovery.
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Cenote entry
All visits guided
Bottled water on the transportation
Early access to Chichen Itza
Profesional guide speaking English
Drinks at the restaurant
Gratuities
Chiche Itza and Ekbalam State Taxes
Towel & swimsuite
Flip flops & change clothes
Water bottle
Cash
No public transportation nearby
Not wheelchair accessible
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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This place is amazing. You can feel the energy from the temple…. Indescribably….
This was the highlight of our stop at the Cozumel port while on a week-long Caribbean cruise. This shore excursion r included boat and car transportation, and entry into the area. We originally wanted to see it by air but the activity got canceled due to low participation; a good thing because you need to see this from the ground. GETTING THERE: Because we were at the Cozumel port, we had to endure an almost hour long boat ride from Cozumel island to the Playa Del Carmen port on the mainland. From there, it was a 2-hour drive to the site. THE SITE: We had just under 2 hours at the site which wasn't nearly enough to see it all as I noticed we missed quite a few things on the southern end after looking at a map, such as the Sacred Cenote and many other structures. The site is infested with street peddlers selling the same things. The only interesting retail item was volcanic glass that was shaped into a smooth disc. Other than being able to look through it at the sun like they're safe solar glasses, it would be just a hockey puck collecting dust in your showcase. El Castillo is the centerpiece of the site and is the first to greet you. At nearly 100' high, the 4-sided pyramid temple looked to be in great condition for being constructed in the 12th century. While it would've been cool to walk to the top on one of the four stairways, I totally agree with the hands-off approach as these treasures need to be preserved. There is, however, something interactive you can do with El Castillo. Stand close to the perimeter ropes at the center of the staircases. By doing a loud clap, the sound travels up to the pyramid's temple and reverberates back to you in the form of a bird's chirp. Also, be sure to check out the excavation site next to El Castillo that reveals some of its impressive foundation. The Temple of Warriors was very impressive as well. While not as tall as El Castillo, the numerous columns that front the pyramid which represent warriors, featured intricate carvings like a deeper petroglyph. The Skull Platform is a low wall filled with carvings of skulls. The mix of deep carvings, light colored stone and black mold from the elements makes for awesome contrasted photos in color or black & white. The Great Ball Court is a long field flanked by two structures full of etchings/carvings that also acted as a scoreboard. The main sport was the Mesoamerican ballgame, similar to raqcuetball. TIPS: Allow yourself the entire day if you want to see everything. Food isn't allowed inside but drinks were okay. OVERALL: When is a UNESCO World Heritage site not worth experiencing?
⚠️ Tourist Trap – Be Cautious! ⚠️ This place is misleadingly marked on Google Maps as an entrance to Chichén Itzá, but it is NOT the official entrance. They charge 1,041 MXN (~$52 USD) for a package that includes a “shuttle” and lunch – but if you’re arriving by car, you can drive directly to the official parking lot at Chichén Itzá and skip all of this. The shuttle is unnecessary, and the food they offer is mediocre and overpriced. We were charged around 450 MXN for a very limited menu, with dishes that did not match what was listed, and drinks were not included. Overall, it felt like a scam targeting unsuspecting tourists. 🎯 Pro tip: Drive directly to the official entrance, pay the actual ticket price (~600 MXN), and eat wherever you want – there are better and cheaper options nearby. Don’t fall for this trick – you can visit Chichén Itzá easily and more affordably without this detour.
Our tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless and enriching. The tour guides Christian and Ivan were both very friendly and made the experience very enjoyable and educational. Ivan was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of the Mayan civilization, bringing each moment to life with fascinating stories and insights. Chichen Itza itself is awe-inspiring – seeing the towering pyramid of El Castillo up close left me speechless. The site is well-preserved, and every corner seemed to reveal something new and exciting. Walking through the ancient ball courts, temples, and the sacred cenote felt like stepping back in time. The transportation was comfortable, and we were given plenty of time to explore and take photos. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cancun – it's an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty! A must-see and a 5-star experience!
Loved to be there on the solar eclipse this October! Wonderful experience. The ruins are magical and have a lot to tell . On the other hand it seemed like just a tourist attraction to sell people stuff around the pyramid. Vendors are a bit pushy but apart of that is amazing spot.
