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M T.
October 22, 2025
Overall a positive experience, but with some negatives that unfortunately weighed heavier. Here’s the breakdown:
The Positives:
- This is one of the few tours that includes the entrance fee to Chichen Itza for about $70 USD and I found it a fair deal.
- Departure and arrival were perfectly on time, and the ride went smoothly.
- Our guide Victor was great, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and fluent in both Spanish and English. He shared fascinating details, even teaching us how to read numbers in Mayan (so fun!).
- The lunch buffet at the Mayan village was delicious, with freshly baked tortillas straight from a traditional oven, plus plenty of meat, fish, and salad options.
- The Mayan shaman’s ceremony and hearing him speak in the Mayan language was truly special.
- The Chichen Itza site itself is breathtaking, well maintained, and there’s enough shade to escape the heat.
- Valladolid is a magical city! Charming, authentic, and full of beautiful people. I’d love to go back!
The Negatives:
- The cenote we visited didn’t look at all like the one shown in the tour pictures. It was a deep, dark, enclosed cave with no natural light, and honestly, a bit disappointing. I only wanted to see it without swimming, but was told I had to pay $6 USD for a life vest just to enter (even though the cenote entrance was supposedly included in the tour price).
- They offer photo ops with a parrot, but then charge around $35–$40 USD for five photos. You can try negotiating, but it’s clear they don’t appreciate it.
- At the bar, I ordered a lemonade and was charged for a smoothie (which costs more). When I questioned it, they insisted that’s what I ordered, even though I literally pointed to it on the menu… I just let it go.
- At the Mayan village shop, the guides give emotional speeches about Mayan poverty in comparison with the Western lifestyle, which feels manipulative. It makes you feel you need to buy something out of guilt rather than genuine interest. Once inside the prices are absurd, like $30 USD for a “digital Mayan birth chart” you could make online, or other overpriced souvenirs. I’m all for supporting locals but with fair prices and optional tips, not through guilt tactics.
- During lunch, dancers performed a Mayan show (which was fun!), but then went around asking for tips right after, breaking the magic of the moment. The same goes for the waiters, who placed a big “TIPS” basket on our table and insisted on contributions after charging $10 USD for a lemonade. I’d prefer if these tips were simply included in the tour cost so the experience stays smooth and relaxed.
- When arriving at Chichen Itza, another group joined ours. The guides split us into Spanish and English speakers, and unfortunately, Victor stayed with the Spanish group. The English-speaking guide who replaced him barely spoke English, and it became very frustrating. Within 10 minutes, half the group left the tour to explore on their own, we couldn’t understand a thing. It’s a real shame, because this was the part I looked forward to most, and with Victor it could’ve been perfect.
- On the way back, the guide made speech about tipping him and the driver, technically “optional,” but phrased in a way that clearly pressured everyone. I’d honestly rather have a small guide tip included in the package, it would feel more authentic. Hearing the guide later tell the driver how much each person tipped was very unprofessional and left a bad taste.
In summary:
It’s a decent tour with good structure, timing, and some wonderful moments but the constant push for tips and upsells really damages the experience. My message to the tour organizers: please focus on offering a smooth, authentic, and transparent experience. Mexico is a gem of a country, it doesn’t need tourist traps to shine.
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Sarah P. September 04, 2025
Hi we really enjoyed the trip yesterday, absolutely brilliant. We wanted to say a big thank you to Roberto, he really made the trip, really knowledgeable and so funny, he had us in stitches with his jokes! He’s best guide ever. Really good value for money too, lunch was excellent, thoroughly recommend
L
Lucie P. May 15, 2025
If you’re looking for a semi-private or small group tour to Chichen Itza, this is your sign to book with this company!
I didn’t want to spend 12+ hours on a crowded bus with 60 tourists, slow hotel pickups, and extra hidden fees—so I chose this small group option and I’m so glad I did.
We were 15 people in a very comfortable, air-conditioned van (max 20). César, our guide, and Carlos, our driver, were amazing—super professional, kind, and made us feel safe and well taken care of the entire day.
Everything was included: entrance to Chichen Itza, cenote Ik Kil, life jackets, lunch with a drink—no surprise costs, which is rare!
The day was smooth and well organized: 6:45am pickup in Playa del Carmen, 10-12 at Chichen Itza, followed by lunch, swimming in the cenote, a quick visit to Valladolid, and back.
Honestly, my hotel offered the same tour for twice the price… but with a big tourist bus. No thanks. This was 100% the better choice
