chichen itza classic tour

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Xichén Clásico Tour

A chichén itzá day tour to the heart of pre-hispanic culture.

*You must present an ID before boarding.

• Transportation service from your hotel or meeting point.
• Visit to the Magical Town of Valladolid.
• Guided tour by Chichén Itzá archaeological zone.
• Visit to the Tsukán Cenote for swimming (bring swimsuit and a towel).
• Buffet lunch at the Tsukán restaurant for 60 min (beverages not included).
• Transfer back to your hotel or meeting point.
• *The itinerary might have modifications in the visiting order due to operation.

Recommendations

• Confirm the time and location of your pickup.
• Wear fresh clothes, comfortable shoes for walking, a hat and sunglasses.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes for the visit to the cenote.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent must only have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
• Bring cash or a credit card to buy souvenirs and for personal expenses.

Important information

• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• There is an additional tax fee for the use of video cameras inside the archaeological site, not included in the tour price.
• Lockers and life jackets at the cenote are not included.
• Children over 4.5 ft but under 12 years of age must present an ID to verify their age when boarding transportation.
• Reservations canceled more than two days before your original booking date are subject to a 10% charge for administrative fees; cancellations made between 0 and 2 days before your original booking date, or in the case of no-shows or not using your coupon, are nonrefundable. Any change in your booking date is subject to an adjustment in the price.
• It is not possible to make date changes on the same day of your visit.
• There might be changes without prior notice to the tour’s logistics or operation.
• Smoking Control: At Grupo Xcaret, we comply with government regulations by offering smoke-free and emission-free spaces. For smoking, we have designated exclusive areas restricted for minors, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with cardiovascular and pulmonary health problems.

Transportation included

• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is included. Select your hotel or meeting point from the list.
• Skip lines! You have direct access.
• Pickup time depends on your hotel’s location. Once you select it from the list, you will have the exact hour to be on time at the lobby or meeting point.
• The drop-off time is according to the location of your hotel.

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• Xichén Clásico Tour

Chichén Itzá Tours: Tour Xichén Clásico

Discover the pre-hispanic legacy on an incredible chichen itza tour.

Discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, in an all-inclusive Chichén Itzá excursion that will take you to discover the secrets of this archaeological site which belongs to an ancient civilization. In this Chichén Itzá tour from Cancun Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya, this pre-Columbian culture and all its history is displayed before you in its temples, pyramids, cenotes and traditions that remain to this day in Chichén Itzá . During the tour, a certified guide will accompany you and tell you the fascinating stories of the pyramid of Kukulkan, the sacred cenote, the impressive Ball Game, the Caracol and many other vestiges. At the end of the tour of Chichén Itzá archaeological site, you will visit the Tsukan cenote where you can swim in its refreshing waters. Enjoy the comfort of traveling in a panoramic bus. A Chichén Itzá excursion , without complications. Chichén Itzá from Cancun : transportation will pick you in the hotel zone or downtown Cancun and take you on a roundtrip to the archaeological site. Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen : there are several pick up points from Playa del Carmen, when purchasing your ticket, you will choose the best suited to your location. Chichén Itzá from Tulum : the distance between both places is of 92 miles (149 km) approximately 2 hours apart. Transportation will pick you up at the selected point during you reservation process. Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya : Riviera Maya is a very big destination, so travel time may vary, but no matter where you are located, the transportation will take you to the archaeological site and return you to your hotel.

Must present an ID before boarding.

About your Xichén Clásico Tour

• Transportation service from your hotel or meeting point.
• Visit to the Magical Town of Valladolid.
• Guided tour by Chichén Itzá archaeological zone.
• Visit to the Tsukán Cenote for swimming (bring swimsuit and a towel; lifejacket rental included).
• Buffet lunch at the Tsukán restaurant for 60 min (1 flavored water beverages included).
• Transfer back to your hotel or meeting point.
• *The itinerary might have modifications in the visiting order due to operation.

Recommendations

• Confirm the time and location of your pickup.
• Wear fresh clothes, comfortable shoes for walking, hat and sunglasses.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes for the visit to the cenote.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent must only have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
• Bring cash or credit card to buy souvenirs and for personal expenses.

Important Information

• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• There is an additional tax fee for the use of video cameras inside the archaeological site, not included in the tour price.
• Lockers and life jackets at the cenote are not included.
• Children over 4.5 ft but under 12 years of age must present an ID to verify their age when boarding transportation.
• Reservations cancelled more than 2 days prior to your original booking date are subject to a 10% charge for administrative fees; cancellations made between 0 and 2 days prior to your original booking date, or in the case of no-shows or not using your coupon, are nonrefundable. Any change on your booking date is subject to an adjustment in the price.
• It is not possible to make date changes the same day of your visit.
• There might be changes without prior notice to the tour’s logistics or operation.
• Smoking Control: At Grupo Xcaret we comply with government regulations by offering smoke-free and emission-free spaces. For smoking, we have designated exclusive areas restricted for minors, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with cardiovascular and pulmonary health problems.

Transportation included

• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is included. Select your hotel or meeting point from the list.
• Skip lines! You have direct access.
• Pickup time depedns on your hotel’s location. Once you select it from the list, you will have the exact hour to be on time at the lobby or meeting point.
• The drop off time is according to the location of your hotel.

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• Tours & Excursions /
• Chichen Itza Classic

Chichen Itza Classic Tour

Discover one of the seven wonders of the world.

• Description
• What's included
• Additional Info

Chichen Itza Mexico is at the top of the amazing places to visit in the world and a must-see during your Cancun vacation. This tours is a great option to enjoy the richest jewel of the Mayan world.

Chichen Itza, founded in the year 514 AD, was once the capital of the ancient Mayan civilization and was recently declared one of the "7 New Wonders of the World." At the site, a certified tour guide will take you on a 1.5-hour tour exploring the secrets of the ancient Mayan Civilization in Mexico. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important monuments before leaving you to discover Chichen Itza on your own. Move at your own pace and take pictures of the great vestiges like El Castillo. After you visit the ruins, gather to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Mayaland Hotel serving traditional Yucatan dishes and other specialties including beef, chicken, fish, hamburgers and a salad bar. During lunch you will be entertained by traditional Yucatan music and dance performances by the Mayaland regional ballet. Don't leave Cancu n without visiting the mystical site of Chichen Itza Mexico.

• Roundtrip Transportation
• Access to Mayaland Hotel and Resort Amenities
• Lunch at the Mayaland Hotel
• Bilingual Certified INAH Guide
• Visit an Underwater "Grotto" Cenote Xtoloc (visit without swim)
• Optional Gratuities
• Entrance Fee to Chichen Itza
• Children between 5 and 12 years old pay children rate. No cost for children under 5.
• This tour is offered on a daily basis.
• The use of video camera at Chichen Itza archaeological site has an additional cost.
• Due to the warm and humid temperature of the region, we recommend to use light and comfortable clothes, hat and sun block lotion.
• Good walking shoes
• Extra cash for shopping, beverages, etc.
• Remember to bring your bathing suit, if you are planning to use the pool.
• Pick-up is available for most hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Pick-up details will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we do not have pick-up service for a specific hotel or location, you will be asked to meet us at the nearest meeting point available.
• The Chichen Itza Classic Tour transportation is scheduled to depart at 7:00 am and returns approximately at 7:00 pm.
• Cancellations made 48 hrs before = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund.
• Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hrs before = no refund.
• No show = no refund

Overall rating: ( 15 Reviews)

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Chichén Itzá Classic Tour

Description

Discover Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World located in the Yucatan Peninsula! Walk through its white trails (sacbe), admire its incredibe history, vibrant culture and admire its beautiful buildings surrounded by exuberant local flora. The impressive step pyramid known as The Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo), The thousand Column plaza, The biggest ball game, the Temple of the Warriors and The Observatory are some of the most important buildings that you can not miss during your visit. In addition, on this tour to Chichén Itzá you will explore a beautiful and refreshing cenote so you can relax, swim and enjoy its crystal clear waters, taste a delicious lunch of typical food and end this trip with a brief visit to the historic center of the Magic Town of Valladolid, where you can admire its beautiful colonial buildings and take the best photos.

Our classic Chichen Itza tour is ideal for those who wish to visit this Mayan city with other people of different nationals at a super accessible price, transportation is shared on board a comfortable bus so you can share your experiences with the other members of the group.

But if you are looking for a Private Tour to Chichen Itza , we also have a more exclusive tour, a private tour with personalized service where you can choose the weather in each place. This tour is recommended for those people or families who want to live a family and private experience, since we do not go to any hotel by other passengers or adapt to a itinerary in addition to visiting a cenote little agglomerated by tourism to enjoy and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Availability

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

WhatsApp (+52) 998-397-92-51 [email protected]

Everything was perfect. The tour is amazing

La atención muy buena , y el día del tour están al pendiente por vía telefónica para verificar que todo esté bien. Solo el tiempo en Valladolid es muy poco

• +529985547311

Xichen Deluxe

Price Adult

Price Child

What you can expect?

The secrets of Chichen Itza come to life at the most emblematic archaeological site of the Mayan culture and the entire Yucatan Peninsula. In the Xichen Deluxe tour, you will experience the most luxurious journey to the place where the Mayan civilization flourished thousands of years ago. Admire the impressive architecture of its remnants, such as El Castillo, El Tzompantli, La Plataforma de Venus, El Gran Juego de Pelota, and the Cenote Sagrado. Afterwards, in the picturesque city of Valladolid, behold the beauty of the Zací Mayan cenote and indulge in a buffet meal with drinks included at La Casona de Valladolid.

XICHEN DELUXE TOUR

Discover Chichen Itza’s secrets on a luxurious tour that includes everything. Board a comfortable modern bus, and enjoy a delicious light breakfast on your way to the archaeological site.

Once at Chichen Itza , a certified INAH guide will take you to the main buildings while revealing some of the mysteries kept within it. Take a picture at the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the largest calendar in the world and where visual and acoustic phenomenon take place, such as the equinox Chichen Itza , when the  Feathered Snake  descends.

This tour includes a stop at the Santuario Tsukan cenote where you will dive into mystical mayan waters, then wi will journey to visit the Magical Town of Valladolid for where you will have a buffet lunch at La Casona de Valladolid, an old historical but restored mansion where you will taste the highlights of the Yucatan food .

Live the best and most uniques tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya with the Xichen Deluxe Tour.

Duration: approximately 12 h.

With additional cost

Know before you book, recommendations.

• Round-trip transportation on a panoramic bus or luxury van, from the comfort of your hotel.
• Access to the Chichen Itza archaeological zone.
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza with a certified bilingual guide (approximately 1.15 hours) and free time in the archaeological zone (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit to the Santuario Tsukan cenote for swimming activity.
• Reusable water bottle and bottle holder for the archaeological zone.
• Soft drinks, water, and beers at the end of the tour.
• Refreshing towel.

Gourmet breakfast on board the bus, consisting of a baguette, natural juice, a muffin, and coffee.

Buffet-style meal with Yucatecan specialties and unlimited beverages at La Casona de Valladolid restaurant.

With additional cost:

If any service is of your interest, ask our chat advisors

Souvenirs, nor crafts, nor clothes

Photo or video services

Any other product or service not mentioned in the inclusions list

Know before you book:

The Xichen Classic tour is available from Monday to Saturday.

The transportation schedule will depend on the location of your hotel.

Approximate duration: 12 hours (including transfer times)

The use of video cameras inside the archaeological zone incurs an additional fee that is not included in the tour price.

Children aged 0 to 4 years old enter for free (ID must be presented when boarding transportation)

Children aged 5 to 11 years old pay 25% less of the adult ticket price (ID must be presented when boarding transportation)

Children taller than 1.40 m but under 12 years old must present identification to verify their age when boarding

Recommendations:

• Please bring a printed copy of your tour voucher.
• Confirm the time and location of your transportation departure.
• Wear comfortable, cool clothing and walking shoes.
• Bring a hat or cap and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes for the cenote visit.
• Your sunscreens, insect repellents, and tanning products should only contain titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
• Bring cash or a card for beverages, souvenir purchases, and personal expenses.
• Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses
• Bring a cool cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun
• Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen
• If you suffer from any health problem or physical impairment, please contact us before booking so that we can advise you on the matter.

The use of video cameras inside the archaeological zone incurs an additional fee that is not included in the tour price

How to get to:

Chichén Itzá Classic

#chichenitza #yucatan #cenotes #ruins.

per person from 11 years old

per person 3-10 years old

From 0-2 years old

• Admission to the archaeological center of Chichén Itzá
• Swim in sacred cenote
• Fully certified guide
• Spectacular panoramic visit to Valladolid, YUCATAN
• Transportation from your hotel
• Drinks on board the transportation (Beer, water and soft drinks
• Continental breakfast
• Typical food of the area with two drinks included

TRANSPORT YOURSELF IN TIME AND LIVE THE UNBEATABLE EXPERIENCE IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CITIES OF THE MAYAN CIVILIZATION!

Chichén Itzá is one of the ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture; recognized by UNESCO as one of the most important archaeological sites, as well as its Kukulcán Temple, known as one of the wonders of the world. In this ancient city of the Mayan civilization there are secrets buried in the temples and buildings of the pre-Hispanic world. Travel between the buildings of the thousand columns, the ball court, and the temples of the Jaguar, Kukulcán and the Warriors with their imposing statue of “Chac mool” which in Mayan means: Jaguar Red Warrior.

The archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá is recognized worldwide for the shadow play that occurs on each equinox on the pyramidal staircase known as the “Castle”. Where when the sun descends it looks like a snake coming down from the pyramid. This happens because of the perfect location, their astrological and mathematical knowledge of the Mayan culture. “Chronology 525 to 1,200 AD. C. “

Your transport will pick you up at your hotel or your assigned meeting point to take you to the archaeological zone. Here you will be welcomed by your certified guide and enjoy a typical Yucatecan meal. Close by you can visit the handicraft stores where you can choose the finest pieces of Mayan crafts made by the local people in the area and at very affordable prices. From the same place we will depart to the striking archaeological zone of CHICHÉN ITZÁ, where a certified guide will take you on an unforgettable tour of all the ruins, so that you can admire and enjoy the Mayan remains. On the way back we will make a brief visit to the city of Valladolid, located in the heart of the Yucatan. Then we will continue to discover the architectural riches offered by its pyramids and the church of “San Servacio”, one of the oldest in the Yucatan peninsula, dating from 1534 and which was built after the founding of Valladolid in front of the square.

APPROXIMATE TIMES OF THE ITINERARY

Between 06:45 and 7:45 a.m. Pick up at your hotel or meeting point. 11:00 hrs. Lunch at the restaurant with traditional Yucatecan food. 13:30 hrs. Guided tour of the Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone. 15:45 hrs. Depart from Chichen Itza 16:00 Visit and swim in Cenote 17:30 hrs. Panoramic Visit Downtown Valladolid Between 20:00 and 20:30 hrs. Arrival at your hotel

WE RECOMMEND YOU BRING WITH YOU

• A set of dry clothes
• Protective accessories such as glasses and hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Insect repellant
• Comfortable walking clothes and shoes
• Cash for tips and / or purchases
• Biodegradable sunscreen

INFANTS: From 0-2 years old go free!

TIME: Total tour time: 15 hours approximately

PICK UP INFO

APPROXIMATE TIMES OF THE ITINERARY: Between 06:45 and 7:45 a.m. Pick up at your hotel or meeting point. 11:00 hrs. Lunch at the restaurant with traditional Yucatecan food. 13:30 hrs. Guided tour of the Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone. 15:45 hrs. Depart from Chichen Itza 16:00 Visit and swim in Cenote 17:30 hrs. Panoramic Visit Downtown Valladolid Between 20:00 and 20:30 hrs. Arrival at your hotel

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THIS ACTIVITY IF:

Pregnant Back, shoulder or neck problems or recent surgeries. Not suitable for wheelchair users

Honest Xichen Deluxe Tour Review: Why I Don't Recommend It

Are you interested in the Xichen Xcaret tour and wondering if it’s worth it? You’ve come to the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’ve become an expert on all the Grupo Xcaret parks and tours.

So I had to try the Xichen Deluxe tour for myself and see if this Xcaret tour to Chichen Itza tour is worth the hype.

In this post, I’ll share with you my honest Xichen review , including the good, the bad, and who I would recommend this tour for.

Ready to find out the truth about Xichen? Let’s get started!

Is the Xichen Deluxe Tour Worth It?

Let me start by saying that I’m a huge fan of the Xcaret parks and tours . I’ve been to all of the Xcaret parks and have always had a great time.

So naturally, I was excited to try the Xichen Deluxe tour and get to experience the Xcaret quality and service at the world-famous Chichen Itza archaeological site.

But unfortunately, my experience with the Xichen tour was not as great as I had hoped.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a terrible tour by any means, but there is one major downside that makes it hard for me to recommend.

Explore my Xcaret resource hub for easy access to all of my Xcaret park reviews, comparison guides, as well as current Xcaret coupons and promotional offers.

Why I Don’t Recommend the Xichen Tour

The reason I can’t recommend the Xichen tour is that the transportation situation is kind of a nightmare.

If you’re coming from Playa del Carmen, it will take you about 4.5 hours each way to get to Chichen Itza, and they shuffle you around to different buses and stops before you finally get on the bus that takes you to Chichen Itza.

Considering the direct distance from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza is only about 2 hours, this is a huge waste of time.

But It’s Not All Bad

Now, once you actually get to Chichen Itza, the tour itself is great. You get to explore the ruins and learn about the UNESCO World Heritage Site from a knowledgeable guide.

Then you visit an incredible cenote, have a fantastic lunch, and get to explore the quaint colonial town of Valladolid.

Other than the transportation, it was very well-organized, the quality and service was top-notch, and I enjoyed every aspect of the tour once we got to Chichen Itza.

Is Xichen Worth It?

Honestly, I don’t think the Xichen tour is worth it if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya just because the transportation time is extremely excessive.

Instead, I would recommend booking another group Chichen Itza tour like this one that leaves directly from Playa del Carmen.

That tour has a similar itinerary and while it’s still a long day, you won’t have the added inconvenience of excessive transportation time. And it’s a lot cheaper too!

However, if you’re not bothered by long bus rides or are staying at a hotel closer to the pickup point, then the tour itself was really good and worth considering.

More Details on the Transportation

I want to share a bit more detail about the transportation situation with Xichen, so you can get a better idea of the timeline.

Hotel Pickup

I was picked up in downtown Playa del Carmen at 6:45am.

From there, we went to another meeting point in Playa del Carmen and waited for about 30 minutes to pick more people up.

Now most of these people weren’t even going on the Xichen tour, they were going to other Xcaret parks.

Transfer to Xel-Ha Transportation Center

From there, they transferred us all to a transportation center at Xel-Ha Park , which is about 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.

From there, we had to get off the bus and re-group to get on another bus for Xichen.

This added another 50 minutes and we had to wait around at the transportation center before we could even board the bus.

Transfer to Xichen Bus

Once we finally got on the Xichen bus, we didn’t leave the transportation center for Chichen Itza until around 8:45am.

So why did I get picked up so early again??

By this point I was starving when they finally handed out the breakfast at 9:15am, and settled into the 2 hour ride to Chichen Itza.

Who Would I Recommend the Xichen Tour To?

Despite my not-so-great experience with the transportation, I do think that the Xichen tour could be a good fit for some people.

If you’re staying in Tulum or at a hotel that’s closer to Xel-Ha, then the transportation time won’t be as extensive, making this tour more manageable.

Also, if you’re staying at one of the Xcaret hotels like Hotel Xcaret Mexico , Hotel Xcaret Arte , or La Casa de la Playa , I believe the tour is highly discounted for hotel guests, so in that case, it would be worth it.

But if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya, I would recommend exploring other tour options like this one to visit Chichen Itza.

Xichen Tour Itinerary

Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary for the Xichen tour:

• 6:45am – Pick up in downtown Playa del Carmen
• 7:15am – Transfer to another meeting point in Playa del Carmen
• 8:00am – Arrive at Xel-Ha transportation center
• 8:45am – Board bus to Chichen Itza
• 9:15am – Breakfast on board the bus
• 10:20am (time change) – Arrival at Chichen Itza
• 10:45am – Begin Chichen Itza guided tour
• 12:30pm – Leave Chichen Itza
• 1:00pm – Cenote swim at Tsukán Cenote
• 3:20pm – Lunch at La Casona de Valladolid restaurant
• 4:00pm – Explore Valladolid
• 4:30pm – Depart for return journey
• 7:45pm (time change) – Arrive at Xel-Ha transportation center and change bus
• 8:30pm – Arrival back in Playa del Carmen

Note : There’s a time change from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, so your clock will set back 1 hour when you arrive at Chichen Itza.

Xichen Tour: Highlights

As I mentioned earlier, the Xichen tour is not all bad.

There are still a lot of highlights that I want to share with you so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth it.

Chichen Itza Guided Tour

Once you arrive to Chichen Itza, you’re given a reusable water bottle with a strap, as well as an umbrella.

This is a nice touch, which I haven’t seen on other tours, because it can get extremely hot and sunny at Chichen Itza.

You’re also given a headset, which is connected to your tour guide’s microphone, so you can hear them clearly throughout the tour.

The guided tour is about 1 hour long and takes you through the main ruins of Chichen Itza, including the main Kukulkan pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared interesting facts and stories about Chichen Itza and the Mayan culture.

Even though I had been to Chichen Itza before, I still learned new things and appreciated having a guide to explain everything.

After the guided part of the tour, you have about 45 minutes of free time to keep exploring the ruins on your own and take pictures.

Tsukán Cenote Visit

After touring Chichen Itza, you’ll get back on the bus and make your way to Tsukán Cenote for a refreshing swim.

This cenote is exclusive to Xcaret tours and is absolutely stunning.

Once you arrive, you’ll be given a life jacket and are required to shower before entering. There are also lockers available for an extra charge.

Once you’re ready, you’ll head down the stairs to the cenote and can take a dip in the cool, crystal clear water.

It’s a massive cenote that’s incredibly deep with a hole in the ceiling and gorgeous cascading greenery.

There aren’t any jumping platforms or rope swings but you can jump from the floating platform in the middle of the cenote.

After swimming in the cenote, there are changing rooms where you can dry off before getting back on the bus.

Lunch at La Casona de Valladolid

From the cenote, you’ll head to La Casona de Valladolid, a beautifully decorated restaurant in downtown Valladolid.

It’s an extensive buffet with a variety of options, including traditional Mexican dishes, salads, soups, and desserts.

There’s also American options available like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza.

I was actually really surprised at how good the food was here.

Most of the Xcaret buffets are just kind of average but this one was delicious!

Exploring Valladolid

After lunch, you’ll have about 30 minutes to explore the charming town of Valladolid.

The main square is just a couple of blocks away from the restaurant, where you can see the beautiful cathedral and take pictures.

There are also several stalls around the square where you can buy souvenirs and local street food. Make sure to enjoy them in the traditional “confidant” chairs that are unique to the Yucatan!

Afterwards, you’ll get back on the bus and head back to the Xel-Ha transportation center for the final leg of the journey.

Best Xichen Alternatives

Here are a couple of alternative tours that I would recommend instead of the Xichen tour:

• Group Tour: I’ve personally been on this Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen and had a great experience. Now to be honest, there is a bit of bit of bus shuffling at the start of the tour but you leave directly from Playa del Carmen so it’s less of a hassle. You can read my full Chichen Itza tour review for all the details.
• Private Tour: If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, I would highly recommend booking a private tour to Chichen Itza . You can customize your itinerary, have direct and private transportation, and have your own personal guide who can answer all of your questions. It may be a bit pricier than group tours but it’s definitely worth it for the convenience and flexibility. You can also check out more of my recommendations for private Chichen Itza tours .

Xichen Deluxe vs Xichen Classic

I personally went on the Xichen Deluxe tour but there is also a cheaper option called the Xichen Classic tour.

Here’s what’s included in the tours:

• Xichen Classic : Includes Chichen Itza tour, swimming at Tsukan Cenote, buffet meal at the Tsukán restaurant, visit to Valladolid
• Xichen Deluxe : Includes breakfast on bus, Chichen Itza tour with audioguide headset, swimming at Tsukan Cenote, buffet meal at La Casona de Valladolid Restaurant, visit to Valladolid, beers and drinks on bus

The main difference between Xichen Classic and Xichen Deluxe is the food.

The Xichen Deluxe tour includes a more extensive buffet at La Casona de Valladolid, as well as breakfast, beers, and drinks on the bus, while the Xichen Classic tour just includes a buffet meal at the cenote.

Xichen Tour Tips

If you do decide to go on the Xichen tour, follow these tips to make the most of your experience:

• Be prepared for a a long day : The tour is over 12 hours long from start to finish, so be prepared for long bus rides and multiple transfers.
• Wear comfortable shoes : You’ll be doing a lot of walking during the guided tour at Chichen Itza, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. The ground can be pretty uneven and rocky in some areas.
• Take advantage of the free time at Chichen Itza: You only get about 45 minutes of free time at the ruins, so use it wisely to explore and take pictures. The site is kind of spread out so you might not have enough time to see everything, but try to prioritize what you want to see.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray : Make sure to bring plenty of biodegradable sunscreen as it’s extremely sunny at Chichen Itza. It’s also a good idea to bring bug spray as you’ll be in a jungle environment.
• Bring cash for the lockers at Cenote Tsukán: I would recommend using the lockers at Cenote Tskukan to store your valuables while you’re swimming in the cenote. There’s an area at the bottom of the cenote to leave your belongings but it’s really dark and not really within sight, so it’s better to be safe and use the lockers.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring water shoes: It’s easier to just bring a change of clothes and wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the cenote visit. This will save you time changing in the limited bathrooms at the cenote. You’ll also want to wear water shoes while visiting the cenote.
• Pack a change of clothes : After swimming in the cenote, you’ll want to have a dry set of clothes to change into before heading back on the bus.
• Bring cash for tips: The tour guides and bus drivers work hard to ensure you have a great experience, so it’s always appreciated to tip them for their service. Make sure to bring some cash with you on the tour for this purpose.

Xichen by Xcaret Tour: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Xichen tour:

Xichen is pronounced as “Shee-chen”.

The Xichen tour is 12+ hours long, depending on your pickup location.

Xichen is suitable for all ages and children under 4 years old are free.

Yes, beers are included on the bus and alcoholic drinks are also available at La Casona de Valladolid restaurant.

Yes, the Xichen bus is a large charter-style bus with bathrooms on board.

The tour is operated by a large bus, so there can be up to 50+ people on the tour. However, they split you up into smaller groups for the guided tour at Chichen Itza.

Final Thoughts

So is the Xichen tour worth it? I think it really depends on your preferences and location.

If you’re staying closer to Tulum or at an Xcaret hotel, then I would say it’s worth considering.

But if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya, there are other tour options like this one that are cheaper and more convenient.

Overall, I did enjoy my day on the Xichen Deluxe tour and thought it was well-organized with knowledgeable guides and beautiful locations.

Just make sure to keep in mind the transportation situation and be prepared for a long day if you do choose to go on the Xichen tour.

It’s not terrible by any means, but just be aware of the potential inconvenience!

Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The post Honest Xichen Deluxe Tour Review: Why I Don’t Recommend It appeared first on Viva La Travelista .

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What is the closest all inclusive resort?

• Mexico    
• Yucatan Peninsula    
• Yucatan    
• Chichen Itza    
• Things to Do in Chichen Itza    

Chichen Itza Questions & Answers

I would recommend you to stay in one of the beach resorts (Cancun, Tulum, Akumal) and to go to Chichen Itza by car/ bus. You could also visit cenotes around. But apart from that, there are not many things to do in this area. We went to Chichen Itza by car on our way from Tulum to Merida.

I'll agree completely with the other answers. There is nothing close to Chichen Itza. The fact that my brother and family booked a private tour was the reason we went. Plan on killing a complete day to go there but as the above answers state it is worth it if you have a day to spend! mark

I stayed in Cancun and took a tour bus to the site. It was a nice tour. A little short at the site, but included a lunch and a stop at one of the sink-holes in the area. There is a resort on site, but I don't know what it is. The ruins are well worth a visit!

Chichen Itza is not close to any all inclusive resort as far as I know. Choose a resort that satisfies your other needs and book one of bus trips to the resort. There are tours that service all resorts and count on a 12 hour day.

Closest all inclusive beach resort city near chichen Itza. And hours away

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• AFFILIATE PROGRAM

CLASSIC EARLY BIRD TOUR TO CHICHEN ITZA

About Classic Early Bird Tour

The Classic Early Bird Tour covers all basic features for a nice and exciting Chichen Itza adventure. It's not just affordable, but complete and entertaining as well. It's the most popular option, so you will share vehicle with other travelers.

With this Classic Early Bird Tour you’ll enjoy a journey full of adventure, exploration, culture and Mayan knowledge. Lets know forget that Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Begin with an early pick up to make the most out of the day. You’ll be taken by bus from your hotel to Chichen Itza, along the way you’ll get to know some info about this astonishing Mayan Archaeological Site.

The first stop with the Classic Early Bird Tour is CHICHEN ITZA. When you arrive to Chichen Itza you’ll enter the great Mayan city and the first thing you’ll see is the Chichen Itza Pyramid called El Castillo or “The Castle” which was built to honor the God Kukulcan. You will have 2 hours onsite, divided with a guided tour and some free time at the Mayan Ruins so you can explore on your own all the Chichen Itza Ruins and buildings.

After visiting the great Mayan City in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll be taken to a buffet lunch, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mayan food and refreshing drinks.

After having your delicious meal, you will be able to enjoy the visit to the Cenote and actually swim in it! The Cenotes were sacred to the Mayans and swimming in them will not only be amazing but also refreshing.

With the Classic Classic Early Bird Tour you will also visit Valladolid, Yucatan, a colonial town in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula really close to Chichen Itza. Valladolid will show you a typical Mayan living style, calm and relaxed people and nice small business around the plaza.

The reason why you should book this Classic Early Bird Tour is because it’s simply perfect to get to know this ancient Mayan City that’s now part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll end up knowing more about the Mayans and its culture and knowing a great place named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture.

• Not Included
• Recommendations

What is included in the Classic Early Bird Tour

• 1. Roundtrip transportation by van or bus (with AC).
• 2. Box lunch.
• 3. Entrance fee to Chichen Itza.
• 4. Guided Tour inside Chichen Itza.
• 5. Free time in Chichen Itza.

Not included in the Classic Early Bird Tour

• 1. Any type of drink throughout the tour.
• 2. Photo or video services.
• 3. Use of lockers, life jackets or towels in the cenote.
• 4. Snacks or box lunch, outside of what is contemplated in the buffet meal.
• 5. Other activities in Chichen Itza, the cenote or Valladolid.
• 7. Any other product not mentioned in the list of what the tour includes.
• 8. If you wish to have a more “All Inclusive Tour” you might want to check the Classic Early Bird Tour Plus or the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour .

Recommendations for the Classic Early Bird Tour

Please confirm with us by dialing the number indicated on our home page that we have transportation service to and from the lobby of your hotel in Cancun, or if you must travel to a meeting point for the transfer.

The details of the transportation, time of arrival and return, as well as meeting points will be sent to you by email at the end of the reservation process.

The rates for minors are valid for children between 3 and up to 11 years of age.

Infants below three years of age do not pay.

• 1. Carry a certain amount of cash with you for products and services not included in the package.
• 2. Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags.
• 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses.
• 4. Bring a hat or a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• 5. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
• 6. Bring a towel and swimsuit.
• 7. If you suffer from any health problem or physical impairment, please contact us before booking so we can advise you about it.

We had a very informative tour guided by a young man. I don´t know what we can say about the ruins that hasn´t been said. It was awesome walking around and...

Kremlin & Red Square

The very founding site of the city (and arguably, the country), the Kremlin and Red Square are still at the heart of Moscow – historically, geographically and spiritually. Feel the weight of this significance as you wander within the walls of the ancient fortress, marvel at the mind-boggling magnificence of St Basil’s Cathedral and pay your respects to the revered leader of a now-defunct state. Moscow will move you. It will tantalise your senses, soothe your spirit and boggle your mind – and it all starts right here at the Kremlin and Red Square.

Communist History

The remains of the Soviet state are scattered all around the city. Monuments remember fallen heroes and victorious battles, while museums attempt to analyse and synthesise the past. See Lenin and Stalin – off their pedestals – at the whimsical Art Muzeon. Step into the socialist-realist fantasy at VDNKh. Descend into the depths of the Soviet system at Bunker-42 Cold War Museum. Ride the museum-like metro and remember the millions who suffered at the Gulag History Museum. Nowadays, retro clubs and cafes give their guests a taste of the Soviet experience. You can even try your hand at Soviet-era arcade games.

As you leave Moscow, the fast-paced modern capital fades from view and the slower-paced, old-fashioned countryside unfolds around you.

Performing Arts

What is more thrilling than watching a ballerina defy gravity, leaping across the stage at the glittering Bolshoi Theatre? Or feeling the force of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, just a few blocks away from where it premiered more than a century ago? Or oohing and aahing as circus performers soar under the big tent? The classical performing arts in Moscow are still among the best in the world. Nowadays, even the most traditional theatres are experimenting with innovative arrangements, reviving lost favourites and hosting world premieres. Whether you appreciate the classics or prefer the contemporary, the capital’s performing arts will impress.

Orthodoxy & Architecture

At nearly every turn in Moscow, you’ll see golden domes peeking out over the rooftops and hear church bells peeling through the streets, which are dotted with some 600 churches – many of which are glittering after recent renovations. There are colourful hidden gems, historic fortresses and gargantuan cathedrals. The exteriors are adorned with stone carvings and glittering domes; interiors are packed with ancient icons, swirling incense and faithful worshippers. For more than a millennium, Orthodoxy has helped to define the Russian nation, a significance that is palpable in these atmospheric spiritual places.

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CHICHEN ITZA TOUR FROM GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

About the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This is the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Grand Velas Riviera Maya , and it’s named Classic because it’s the most used to go to Chichen Itza, but it has nothing about “boring classic”.

With this Chichen Itza Tour from Grand Velas Riviera Maya you’ll enjoy a journey full of adventure, exploration, culture and Mayan knowledge. Lets know forget that Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Begin with an early pick up to make the most out of the day. You’ll be taken by bus from your hotel to Chichen Itza, along the way you’ll get to know some info about this astonishing Mayan Archaeological Site.

The first stop with the Chichen Itza Tour is CHICHEN ITZA. When you arrive to Chichen Itza you’ll enter the great Mayan city and the first thing you’ll see is the Chichen Itza Pyramid called El Castillo or “The Castle” which was built to honor the God Kukulcan. You will have 2 hours onsite, divided with a guided tour and some free time at the Mayan Ruins so you can explore on your own all the Chichen Itza Ruins and buildings.

After visiting the great Mayan City in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll be taken to a buffet lunch, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mayan food and refreshing drinks.

After having your delicious meal, you will be able to enjoy the visit to the Cenote and actually swim in it! The Cenotes were sacred to the Mayans and swimming in them will not only be amazing but also refreshing.

With the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Grand Velas Riviera Maya you will also visit Valladolid, Yucatan, a colonial town in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula really close to Chichen Itza. Valladolid will show you a typical Mayan living style, calm and relaxed people and nice small business around the plaza.

The reason why you should book this Chichen Itza Tour is because it’s simply perfect to get to know this ancient Mayan City that’s now part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll end up knowing more about the Mayans and its culture and knowing a great place named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture.

• Not Included
• Recommendations

What is included in the Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Round trip on board our luxury air-conditioned panoramic buses.
• 2. Shared transfer
• 3. Certified guides specialized in archaeology and Mayan culture who will accompany you throughout the tour.
• 4. Buffet with a wide variety of typical foods of the region
• 5. Guided access (bilingual) to Chichen Itza and free time to walk around and take pictures at the archaeological site.
• 6. Visit to the Cenote (swimming is allowed, life jackets are provided on site and have an additional cost of 4 USD)
• 7. Brief visit to the historic city of Valladolid, Yucatan.

Not included in the Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Any type of drink throughout the tour.
• 2. Photo or video services.
• 3. Use of lockers, life jackets or towels in the cenote.
• 4. Snacks or box lunch, outside of what is contemplated in the buffet meal.
• 5. Other activities in Chichen Itza, the cenote or Valladolid.
• 7. Any other product not mentioned in the list of what the tour includes.
• 8. If you wish to have a more “All Inclusive Tour” you might want to check the Chichen Itza Tour Plus or the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour .

Recommendations for the Chichen Itza Tour

Please confirm with us by dialing the number indicated on our home page that we have transportation service to and from the lobby of your hotel in Playa del Carmen, or if you must travel to a meeting point for the transfer.

The details of the transportation, time of arrival and return, as well as meeting points will be sent to you by email at the end of the reservation process.

The rates for minors are valid for children between 3 and up to 11 years of age.

Infants below three years of age do not pay.

• 1. Carry a certain amount of cash with you for products and services not included in the package.
• 2. Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags.
• 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses.
• 4. Bring a hat or a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• 5. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
• 6. Bring a towel and swimsuit.
• 7. If you suffer from any health problem or physical impairment, please contact us before booking so we can advise you about it.