The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is magnificent and deeply historical, and famous all around the world for good reason. A day trip to Chichen Itza is one of the top excursions from Playa del Carmen, and I highly recommend visiting these ruins if you have the chance.
I’ve personally spent over 6 months in Mexico over the last few years. Most of the time I was in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions, and I visited all the main ruins in Mexico. These include Tulum, Palenque, Coba, Teotihuacan… Yet, Chichen Itza remains a pretty special one.
Yes, it is crowded (though you can largely avoid the crowds by booking a sunrise/early morning tour). But there’s a reason why this is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World AND a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
If you’re coming from Playa del Carmen and have decided to join a tour, you’ll have no problem finding one. From guided tours led by experts to excursions that combine history with adventure, the options are many and varied!
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best Chichen Itza tours from Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya. I carefully curated this list to suit different interests, budgets, and timeframes, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you.
➥ Why can you trust my suggestions? I have been curating travel guides and tours for a decade, and have developed a knack for selecting high-quality experiences. I’ve also visited Chichen Itza twice (the first time with a tour), so I know exactly what to look for when choosing tours to the attraction. You can expect only iconic, comprehensive, and worthy tours in this list.
I personally use Viator to book tours and activities around the world. I recommend it especially because of its great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel your tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, no questions asked.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour |
| CHICHEN ITZA + OTHER RUINS | Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum |
OUR PICK: Chichen Itza Tour from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya
The Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour is a very comprehensive trip, and it’s very similar to the tour I personally joined (which isn’t available anymore).
After being picked up from your hotel or a meeting point, you’ll start with a morning tour of the famous pyramids. All the while, you’ll be learning about the Mayan civilization and its history from a professional guide.
You’ll reach the site in the morning, and soak in the impressive atmosphere of the ruins for a few hours. With the All-Inclusive option, the ruins’ entrance is included. You can alternatively choose to purchase the tickets on the day.
Then visit the nearby Cenote Chichikan, an incredible open cenote with limestone walls and a waterfall. Relax with a refreshing swim in its clear waters before continuing with the full-day tour.
Finally, visit Valladolid, a nearby colonial city that’s very picturesque. It boasts incredible architecture and culture, and you’ll have time to tour its city center. The tour also includes a buffet meal and of course the ride back.
➤ Why is this the best tour? Simple – it has over 16 THOUSAND 5-star reviews! But if that’s not enough to convince you, this trip offers the ultimate experience in the Yucatan: Chichen Itza + a cenote + Valladolid. They are the three most important attractions in the region, and you’ll visit them all in a single day. You’ll have an expert guide by your side, and a delicious lunch is included. What more could you want?
It’s not just me saying it! Read what the reviews say:
“Great tour!! I loved learning about the pyramid/ ruins and the Mayan history. My tour guides were awesome. The cenote they took us 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. Overall, this tour is definitely worth it. Highly recommend!”
Mishell_V – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, access to the cenote, a tour guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Early Access Tour to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen & More
In order to avoid the crowds, choose this Chichen Itza Early Access Tour, Cenote & Buffet Lunch. You’ll get to the site before (almost) anyone else, and enjoy having it pretty much to yourself. It makes the experience sooo different! Plus, you’ll be able to take some incredible photos.
You’ll easily wander around the ruins, learning about them from your knowledgeable guide.
After touring the pyramids, cool off at the beautiful Chichikan Cenote. Cap off the trip with a buffet lunch and a tequila tasting.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and tequila tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Tours to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for a private Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen to visit with your friends or family, these are the best options (for more, check out this other post).
▶️ This Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote & Lunch offers a guided tour around the ruins with an archaeological licensed guide. You’ll be filled in on the history of the site, and all the curious facts about it.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote after, taking some time to relax with your loved ones. Finish your day trip to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen with a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid. Lunch and drinks are included!
This tour includes: Transfers, an expert guide, entrance fees, snacks, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour takes your group of 15 to the famous ruins. You’ll travel in a luxury car and enjoy tales and a few tips and insights from your guide.
Once in Chichen Itza, wander around the striking pyramids and soak in their fascinating history. Since it’s an early morning tour, you’ll benefit from the absence of crowds.
Then, cool off in one of my favorite cenotes, Cenote Oxman, and relax. Finally, explore the town of Valladolid and have lunch at a local establishment. This is one of the best Chichen Itza private tours you’ll find!
This Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza + Other Ruins Tours from Playa del Carmen
Several Playa del Carmen tours to Chichen Itza include a visit to other archaeological sites. This is especially convenient when you have little time but want to see as much of Mexico’s history as possible!
Chichen Itza + Ek Balam
To include the ruins of Ek Balam in your itinerary, check out Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour. It operates with small groups, so the trip will feel very personalized.
You’ll first visit the Ek Balam archaeological site. Known for its well-preserved structures, it’s considered a hidden gem among Mayan sites.
Then, wander through the world-renowned pyramids of Chichen Itza with your guide. Learn all about Mayan culture and history, and take a refreshing break at a nearby cenote. Finally, enjoy a buffet lunch in a local restaurant.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza + Coba
▶️ Check out this Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Coba Ruins Small Group. It combines two of the most popular Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula in a single trip.
After exploring Chichen Itza with your guide, you’ll head to Cenote Ik Kil for a dip in the cool waters. Refuel with a hearty lunch, and head to Coba.
The site is in the middle of the jungle, and you can still climb to the top of its main pyramid. It’s one of the very few ruins that allow it! It’ll be a long day, granted, but totally worth it.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a tour guide, breakfast, lunch, beverages, and life jackets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ To visit the archaeological sites with your group of friends or family, check out the VIP Chichen Itza & Coba Private Tour. It gives you early access to Chichen Itza with a private archaeologist, allowing you to avoid the crowds.
Enjoy your informational tour around the ruins and wander at your own pace until you’re ready to go. You’ll then visit a cenote in the area and stop for lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid.
Finally, head for a visit to the Coba Ruins, where you’ll bike your way around the pyramids.
This tour includes: Transfers, entrance fees, use of snorkeling equipment, bicycles, cold bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum in One Day
Ready for a powerful Mayan Ruins combo? This Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch is the answer.
You’ll leave your hotel early in the morning, and explore the magnificent Chichen Itza ruins with a professional guide. Take a dip in Ik Kil cenote to refresh yourself, and refuel with a scrumptious local lunch.
Then, continue the trip to Coba, where you’ll get to climb its main pyramid and explore the rest of the site by pedicab. The final stop is the striking Tulum Ruins. Perched atop a cliff, they offer the most magnificent views, plus a very interesting history!
Snacks, beverages, and beer cans will be available in the van, which you’ll share with your group of friends or family only.
This tour includes: Round trip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, lunch, snacks, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Combo Tour: Xcaret Parks + Chichen Itza
Want to go on an adventure day at one of the famous parks in the Riviera Maya? Then check out this 2-Day Combo Tour: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option. It grants you access to the adventure park of your choice besides a tour of the ancient Mayan city.
But don’t fret, it’s not all in one day. You can first explore Chichen Itza and Valladolid on a guided tour that covers admission. And within 15 days of the visit, have fun at one of the adventure parks!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, food and beverages, priority access, use of snorkel equipment, dressing rooms, and lockers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
