Valladolid is an incredibly charming town in Yucatan, known for its colonial architecture and closeness to the Chichen Itza ruins. However, not many people know that there are incredible cenotes near Valladolid that are worth visiting!
Cenotes are essentially natural sinkholes formed over the centuries and mainly fed by underground rivers, and they’ve become so famous over the last few years that they are now one of Mexico’s major attractions. While the most famous ones are in the Riviera Maya, Valladolid is not far behind.
The cenotes are scattered, so you either rent a car and drive from one to the other, or you’ll have to join a tour. But, while you can find plenty of good cenote tours in the Riviera Maya, there aren’t very many that depart from Valladolid. And of the cenote tours from Valladolid that do exist, several don’t have great reviews!
So I’ve done some research for you and carefully selected the very best Valladolid tours.
➥ Why can you trust me? I’ve traveled extensively in Mexico and explored plenty of cenotes during the 6 months I spent there. I know which cenotes are worth it, and what makes a perfect day tour.
The tours I’ve chosen for this guide are carefully vetted for their knowledgeable guides, ecological awareness, and unique access to some of Valladolid’s most beautiful cenotes.
I usually use Viator to book activities around the world. I especially recommend the platform because of its fantastic cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can receive a full refund on most activities by canceling up to 24 hours in advance.
In a rush? These are the best options:
| THE BEST TOUR | All-Inclusive Cenotes Tour |
| CENOTE TOUR BY BIKE | Go Maya by Bike in Valladolid |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Valladolid and 2 Beautiful Cenotes Private Tour |
| MAYAN RUINS + CENOTES | Tour Chichen Itza, Cenote & Izamal |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cenote Tour from Valladolid
The All-Inclusive Cenotes Tour is a super-comprehensive, full-day trip that takes you to three different cenotes: Suytun, Hacienda Chucum, and Chichikan.
On this 7-hour trip, you’ll be traveling on a vintage truck. After meeting up in the center of the town, you’ll be heading to the cenotes where you’ll have free time to swim in the cenotes.
The first one, Cenote Suytun, is a cave cenote that became famous on Instagram, while Cenote Chukum, a less-known cenote, is surrounded by beautiful Chukm trees.
On your last stop, Chichikan Ecotourism Park, you’ll learn more about the Mayan culture, language, and food through a series of cultural activities. Cap off the trip with a traditional buffet lunch.
➤ Why is this the best tour? It’s just the tour to dive deep into the culture and history of cenotes. You’ll visit three of the most important sinkholes in Yucatan, and learn all about them from a knowledgeable guide. Rather than visiting one cenote and other attractions – like most tours – this excursion focuses solely on cenotes, so it’s the perfect trip to discover Mexico’s natural gems.
Read what the reviews say:
“This whole experience was a gem! I loved driving through beautiful Valladolid in the vintage car. The park Chichikan is fantastic value for all ages. You will learn Mayan language, learn about Mayan foods and crafts and try them too! The cultural activities are well presented and fascinating, and cenote is truly breathtaking. All in all, Chichikan park is a very unique experience in the Yucatan, and not to be missed.”
BerylHelena_B – Read more views
This Valladolid cenote tour includes: Private transportation, a guide, entrance fees, a life vest, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Valladolid Cenote Tours
▶️ Check out the cenotes that surround Valladolid with this affordable Go Maya by Bike in Valladolid (Local Market, Cenotes, Mayan Family). You’ll get to swim at 3 of my favorite cenotes, which are unique but not as crowded as the most popular ones.
Your guide will also show you the market of Valladolid and bring you to a traditional Mayan village. A friendly family will introduce you to their traditions, teach you how to make tortillas, and offer you lunch.
The local tour operator donates 3% of your tour price to a local charity project, which is a good reason to choose this tour!
This tour includes: All activities, equipment, a tour guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cenotes Tour from Valladolid with Lunch is a great half-day adventure. With transfers included, you’ll be visiting some of the best cenotes in the area. These include Cenotes Xcanahaltun and Palomitas, and Jardin Alak.
Discover the history of these natural sinkholes and the importance that they had for the Mayan civilization. Plus, you’ll enjoy a refreshing dip in each of them, making the most of the showers and changing rooms provided.
Refuel with a hearty lunch at Jardin Alak, and learn about the Melipona Bees.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfer, entrance fees, use of changing rooms and showers, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Chichikan Cenote and Mayan Experience at Valladolid Yucatan is ideal for those with limited time: it only takes 3.5 hours! Embark on a guided tour of Cenote Chichikan and its surrounding eco-tourism park.
You’ll learn about pre-Hispanic times with a visit to a traditional Mayan village. Witness religious rituals and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Finally, cool off with a dip in the fresh waters of the cenote.
This cenote Valladolid tour includes: Entrance fees, a buffet lunch, a guide, and the use of lockers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cenote Tours from Valladolid
▶️ Check out this Colonial City Valladolid and 2 Beautiful Cenotes Private Tour that will let you tick off several Yucatan highlights in just one day.
You and up to 11 new friends will get to swim in Cenote Zaci (a semi open cenote) and Cenote Suytun, two of the most famous sinkholes in the area.
They are very different from other cenotes, so you’re in for a treat! Then, enjoy a guided tour around the town of Valladolid (which is totally underrated).
This private tour includes: Round-trip transfers, cenote entrance fees, a guide, and a tour around Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The 4 Cenotes in One Day (Private Transportation) from Valladolid accommodates up to 5 people. You’ll visit four gorgeous cenotes in the region, and take a refreshing dip in them. It offers the ultimate cenote experience!
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the Mayan traditions, and learn about the importance that sinkholes had in their culture. Did you know they were considered portals to the underworld?
This Valladolid cenotes tour includes: Round-trip transfers, insurance, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Limited Time? A Quick Cenote Tour in Valladolid
Have little time during your roadtrip? You can’t leave without visiting at least one beautiful cenote! Make the most of your time by choosing this 2-hour Mayan Underworld Experience (Cenote-Museum).
It combines swimming in a unique sacred cenote with an introduction to the 9 levels of the Mayan Underworld. You’ll also take part in an ancient Mayan ceremony, and indulge in a typical, organic dinner.
This cenote Mexico tour includes: A guided tour, entrance fee, Mayan ceremony, and dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza & Cenote Tours from Valladolid
If you’re based in Valladolid, you’ve got around you some of the most incredible Mayan ruins in all of Mexico. Therefore, going on a day trip that combines archaeology with the area’s best cenotes is definitely a good idea!
▶️ The Valladolid Tourist Shared Transport Chichen Itza & Two Cenotes is the perfect combo adventure. Your day starts with a trip to one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
You’ll tour around the ruins of Chichen Itza on your own, marveling at the structures and their history. Then, hop back on the air-conditioned vehicle to visit two cenotes. Again, you’ll have free time to enjoy them before returning to Valladolid.
This tour includes: Transfer service with hotel pick-up and drop-off, and travel insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Transportation (Chichen Itza + 3 Cenotes) from Valladolid is solely for you and up to 4 other friends. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and safely driven to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
Enjoy free time to roam at your leisure (or hire a guide at the entrance), and then return to the vehicle. Your next adventure awaits: a visit to 3 stunning cenotes. You’ll get to swim and relax in the natural sinkholes that meant so much to the Mayans!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation from your hotel, and travel insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ For a full-day excursion, choose this Tour Chichen Itza – Cenote – Izamal from Valladolid. You’ll reach Chichen Itza and enjoy a comprehensive guided tour around the ruins (entrance excluded).
Then, visit the sacred Cenote Yokdzonot for a refreshing dip, and then enjoy a scrumptious local lunch to refuel. Finally, you’ll make your way to Izamal, one of Mexico’s Magical Towns.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guided tour of Chichen Itza, entrance to the cenote, a visit to Izamal, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
And this is it! I hope that with this list of the best Yucatan cenote tours from Valladolid, Mexico I made your life just a little bit easier. Enjoy!
