Do You Need a Tour to Visit Chichen Itza? Here’s What You Should Know
Lately, some friends planning a trip to Mexico have been asking Summer: “Do I need to join a tour to visit Chichen Itza?”
Well, if you’re looking for a hassle-free day that includes both Chichen Itza and a nearby cenote, then joining a tour is definitely the easiest option. You won’t need to worry about arranging transportation or finding your way between stops.
Many travelers heading to Chichen Itza want to visit not just the ruins but also 1–2 cenotes along the way. That’s when things get a bit more complicated—because even the closest cenote, Ik Kil, is still a few kilometers from Chichen Itza. And trust us, walking 3 km under the blazing Mexican sun is no joke!
If you’re dreaming of that iconic cenote from Coco—the stunning Suytun Cenote—you’re looking at nearly an hour’s drive. So yes, transportation is absolutely necessary.
For travelers who aren’t renting a car, piecing together a trip with taxis between tourist sites can be tricky. Finding a ride isn’t guaranteed, and prices? Let’s just say, they might soar sky-high.
Want a Deeper Understanding of Chichen Itza? A Guide Can Make All the Difference
If you’re hoping to truly understand the history and mystery of Chichen Itza, having a guide is a game-changer. Joining a tour with guided commentary can be a great choice!
When Summer visited, she skipped the guide to save money on a long trip—and instantly regretted it. Once inside, faced with the scale and complexity of the ruins, she realized how valuable it would have been to have someone there to explain the stories, symbolism, and architectural genius behind it all.
If budget isn’t an issue, hiring a private guide for a more personal, in-depth experience is absolutely worth it. But even if you’re watching your spending, joining a group tour and sharing the cost of a guide with fellow travelers is a smart and budget-friendly alternative.
Where to Start Your Chichen Itza Day Trip: Best Departure Cities
If you’re planning a day trip to Chichen Itza, here are the most popular places to start your adventure:
• Cancún
A Chichen Itza + cenote day trip from Cancún is one of the most popular excursions in the area.
Yes, it’s a bit of a drive—the round-trip journey takes time—but if you’re using Cancún as your base and prefer not to pack and unpack every day, this is by far the most convenient option. You get to explore ancient ruins and cool off in a cenote, all while returning to your comfy hotel by nightfall.
• Tulum
Many travelers spend a night or two in Tulum to experience the stunning seaside Mayan ruins. If you’re based here and don’t want the hassle of relocating to Valladolid, you’re in luck—there are also direct day tours from Tulum that include both Chichen Itza and nearby cenotes. It’s a great way to make the most of your time without the extra logistics.
• Playa del Carmen
Surprise! You don’t need to detour to Cancún or Tulum to visit Chichen Itza. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, you can join a direct day tour to Chichen Itza and nearby cenotes without the extra travel. It’s a super convenient option that many travelers overlook.
• Mérida
Yes, Mérida—the cultural heart of the Yucatán Peninsula—also offers day trips to Chichen Itza. Compared to Cancún, Mérida feels calmer, more authentic, and easier on the wallet.
When Summer stayed in Mérida, she happened to book a local guesthouse run by a host with Chinese heritage—who also happened to be trained in traditional Chinese massage.
Talk about serendipity: after an adventurous cliff jump at a nearby cenote, Summer strained her back… and voilà, her host turned out to be the perfect remedy.
• Valladolid: The Closest Town to Chichen Itza
When it comes to proximity, Valladolid is hands-down the closest town to Chichen Itza—just a 45-minute drive away.
Before arriving in Cancún, Summer only knew about Cancún and had never even heard of Mérida, let alone Valladolid. (Please forgive her Yucatán ignorance at the time!)
But once she arrived in Valladolid, she couldn’t bear to leave. This charming inland town is an absolute gem. With colorful colonial streets, laid-back vibes, and rich local culture, it has a way of pulling you in.
And if you’re hoping to beat the crowds at Chichen Itza and get there before the tour buses roll in, staying in Valladolid is the smartest move you can make.
Valladolid: The Perfect Base for Exploring the Yucatán
From Valladolid, the adventures extend in every direction:
- Head north and you’ll reach the stunning Pink Lakes (Las Coloradas), with the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve right next door—a haven for birdwatching and flamingos.
- Go west toward Mérida, and you can stop at the impressive Uxmal ruins along the way.
- To the southeast lies Coba, home to the tallest Mayan pyramid you can still climb today. Keep going, and you’ll arrive at the world-famous coastal ruins of Tulum.
- South of Tulum is Bacalar Lagoon—often called the “Maldives of Mexico” for its surreal blue waters.
- And northeast? That’s Cancún, the international gateway with most inbound and outbound flights.
And don’t even get us started on Valladolid itself—it’s surrounded by cenotes. The iconic Cenote Suytun (yes, the one from Coco) is just 10 minutes outside town.
Don’t feel like leaving the city? No problem—Valladolid has its own in-town cenote, Cenote Zací, and Summer personally tested it for you! Spoiler: it’s way more fun than sitting in traffic for an hour just to swim in a chlorinated pool.
So… with so many places to explore, how should you plan your route? Join a tour? Rent a car? Take public transport?
Stay tuned—Summer’s next post will cover it all.
For more details on routes, transportation, and hidden gems around Cancún, Valladolid, and the Yucatán Peninsula, feel free to DM Summer!
I’m Summer, a backpacker with a love for the outdoors. I only recommend the most exciting corners of the world—just for you.
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