Tours & experiences

Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting

About this experience

Embark on an exclusive journey with us to uncover the marvels of Chichen Itza, a remarkable Mayan archaeological complex. Our commitment to an exceptional experience begins with personalized pickups from your hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, ensuring convenience. Alternatively, choose a convenient meeting point.

Explore the grandeur of Chichen Itza, home to the iconic step pyramid of Kukulcan. Enjoy the privilege of arriving ahead of most tourists, exploring the site in a serene manner before the main influx.

Next, visit an ancient cenote integral to the Maya people, where our tour stands out with a delightful buffet meal, offering relaxation and culinary delight.

Conclude your day with a stroll in Valladolid, a charming town reflecting Yucatan's rich history. Our commitment guarantees an exploration of archaeological wonders and unique moments that make our tour truly special.

At a glance

  • Duration: 12 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

All inclusive option
All Inclusive: Includes Chichen Itza Entry fees with Skip-the-line service, locker and lifejacket and 1 drink included with lunch.
One drink on the buffet: One drink included at the buffet plus no extra fee for lifejacket and locker
Chichen Itza access tax: Skip The line and Chichen Itza access tax
Pickup included
Convenient Meeting point
Regional Buffet Included: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a stunning Hacienda in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula
Pick up from a Meeting Point
Ranked #1 Tour in Mexico: Ranked #1 Tour in Mexico and #7 Worldwide in 2025 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best.

Starting points:
Aquaworld, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Hotel Smart Cancun, Av. Tulúm 4, capilla ecumenica, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
SUPER CHEDRAUI PUERTO AVENTURAS, México 307 060, Fraccionamiento, 77733 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico
Súper Akí Tulum, Carretera Federal Tulum Ruinas s/n, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Pickup included
Private & Customizable Tour
Driver and certified guide: Professional driver and licensed guide for comfort and cultural insights.
Lunch at a Beautiful Hacienda: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a stunning Hacienda in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula
Private Van: Private Tour with Van at Your Disposal to Set Your Own Times
Pickup included
Full VIP Tour
Lunch at a Beautiful Hacienda: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a stunning Hacienda in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula
Hotel Pick up : We will pick you up at your hotel lobby or at the nearest walking-access point when vehicle access is not available.
Ranked #1 Tour in Mexico: Ranked #1 Tour in Mexico and #7 Worldwide in 2025 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best.

Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour12 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, such as beach attire, and suitable footwear.

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Early visit to Chichén Itzá with guided tour and free time to explore
  • Access to Cenote Saamal with changing rooms and restroom facilities
  • Free time at Valladolid’s historic main square
  • Round-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle with onboard restroom
  • Traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya (Included in all tour options)
  • Certified bilingual tour guide throughout the experience

Not included

  • Additional charges for lockers and life jackets
  • Chichén Itzá (skip-the-line access included; included in All-Inclusive option)
  • Beverages during lunch

Itinerary and highlights

Early Morning Visit

Your day begins with one of the biggest advantages of this tour: arriving early at Chichén Itzá, before most tour buses and crowds reach the site.

Exploring in the early morning means cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better photo opportunities at one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

Your certified bilingual guide will lead you through the most important areas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors, sharing fascinating insights into Maya astronomy, architecture, and ancient traditions.

The guided portion lasts about 1 hour, followed by free time to explore, walk around the plaza, and take photos at your own pace.

After visiting Chichén Itzá, we continue to the beautiful Hacienda Selva Maya, a historic colonial-style estate surrounded by lush jungle near Valladolid.

Here you’ll enjoy a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch served inside the hacienda’s restaurant, offering a spacious and authentic setting to relax and experience local flavors.

Within the grounds of the hacienda lies the impressive Cenote Saamal, one of the largest open-air cenotes in the region. Surrounded by towering limestone walls, lush vegetation, and a small waterfall flowing into its crystal-clear waters, it creates a breathtaking natural setting once considered sacred by the ancient Maya.

Guests are free to swim in the cenote, enjoy lunch, explore the hacienda, or relax at their own pace during the stop.

Our final stop is the charming town of Valladolid, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Here you will visit the historic center and enjoy a Mexican tequila tasting, where you can sample different varieties while learning about the traditions and craftsmanship behind one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits.

You will also have time to walk around the main square, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and see the impressive San Servacio Church, located in the heart of the city.

This relaxed stop offers a chance to experience the local culture and atmosphere of a traditional Yucatán town before returning.

Meeting and pickup information

  • If you're staying at Moon Palace Grand or Nizuc (Palapa de Tours), Haven Riviera, Royalton Riviera, Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive, or Dreams Natura, your meeting point will be at Hotel Tequila Cancun (next to Motel Sensaciones).
  • For coordination purposes, travelers staying in Playacar hotels will meet at 7-ELEVEN AT ARIA PLAYACAR.
  • If you stay at Margaritaville Island Reserve, Sensira, Desire Pearl, Breathless, Azul Beach, Azul Beach Resort, Secrets Riviera Cancun, Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita or Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, meeting point is GO Mart Petempich (next to Gulf Jazmin entrance).
  • If you stay at any hotel in Puerto Cancún or at Hotel Imperial Las Perlas, the meeting point is at the main entrance of Puerto Cancún.
  • If you stay at Oasis Palm Beach, Occidental Costa Cancun, Aquamarina Beach, Ocean Spa, Temptation Resort or Cancun Bay Resort, the meeting point is GOMart Pescadores – On the Avenue.
  • If you stay in Ocean Coral and Turquesa, Dreams Sapphire Resort and Spa, Excellence Riviera Cancun, Dreams Riviera Maya, the meeting point will be at the 7 eleven Regatta, next to the Croco Cun Zoo.
  • All our travelers stay in Puerto Aventuras hotels, the meeting point will be outside Go Mart Agua Verde. The Go-Mart is located next to the booth of the Puerto Aventuras complex.
  • Hacienda Doña Isabel (Bahia Principe)
  • All our travelers stay in Tulum hotels, the meeting point will be Super Aki Tulum.
  • Puerto Aventuras - Chedraui
  • All our travelers stay in Playa del Carmen downtown hotels, the meeting point will be
  • All our travelers stay in Playa del Carmen downtown hotels, the meeting point will be Shasa Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall (Is located outside La Quinta Alegría Mall).
  • Cancun Hotel Zone - Aquarld
  • Cancun Downtown
  • If you're staying in downtown Cancún or Isla Mujeres, this is the meeting point for your pick-up.
  • You can choose hotel pickup (where available) or a convenient meeting point near your hotel. Immediately after booking, our team will contact you to confirm the exact pickup or meeting point based on your location. We offer pickup at most hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. If you are staying at a boutique hotel, hostel, Airbnb or condominium, we will assign a nearby and easy-to-reach meeting point. Common meeting points include Hotel Oasis Smart (Cancun Downtown), Shasa Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall(Playa del Carmen) and Super Aki Tulum. Final details are always confirmed after booking. Pickup time is usually between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Exact pickup details will be shared by email at least 48 hours before your tour date. The tour ends at the same meeting point where pickup takes place.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Sat Mexico Tours

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, such as beach attire, and suitable footwear.
  • Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, your camera, and some extra cash.
  • Please be aware that the pickup service is available only in Cancún and the Riviera Maya. For guests in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, we will assign a convenient meeting point.
  • Please note that the entrance fee to Chichen Itza is not included. We recommend bringing cash for beverages, and optional lockers and life jackets.
  • The use of lifejacket in the cenote is mandatory

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 12 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
You can choose hotel pickup (where available) or a convenient meeting point near your hotel.
Immediately after booking, our team will contact you to confirm the exact pickup or meeting point based on your location.

We offer pickup at most hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. If you are staying at a boutique hotel, hostel, Airbnb or condominium, we will assign a nearby and easy-to-reach meeting point.

Common meeting points include Hotel Oasis Smart (Cancun Downtown), Shasa Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall(Playa del Carmen) and Super Aki Tulum. Final details are always confirmed after booking.

Pickup time is usually between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Exact pickup details will be shared by email at least 48 hours before your tour date.

The tour ends at the same meeting point where pickup takes place.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 4–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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