If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, a day trip to Chichén Itzá is a must. This full-day adventure blends awe-inspiring ancient ruins, the refreshing waters of Cenote Suytun, and the colonial charm of Valladolid.
Expect to witness the genius of Maya architecture, take a dip in crystal-clear cenote waters, enjoy traditional Mexican flavours, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of a Yucatán town square—all in one unforgettable day.
1. Overview
During our beach getaway in Playa del Carmen, we couldn’t resist the chance to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – Chichén Itzá. In 2019, we booked a full-day trip from a local vendor on the beach for around $120 for both of us.
Whilst there are plenty of ways to do this tour independently, we think a tour in these circumstances is best for convenience sake.
The tour promised a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature: swimming in a cenote at Suytun, enjoying a traditional Mexican lunch, exploring Chichén Itzá with a guide, and rounding off the day in the charming colonial town of Valladolid.
1.1. Why Go To Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is the most famous of the many Maya ruins that dot the landscape of Yucatan Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. And it’s one of the best preserved too.
Its various structures were once at the center of a great Maya city, when at its peak around the 10th century AD, was the largest and most important in the Maya world.
2. Travelling to Chichen Itza
Our day began at Hotel Grand Riviera Princess at 7:30 am. After a short transfer to the travel agency’s headquarters to organise buses, we were off towards our first stop. By 10 am, we had arrived at Cenote Suytun.
3. Dive into Cenote Suytun
A cenote is a natural sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater beneath. Unique to the Yucatán Peninsula, cenotes were sacred to the ancient Maya, often serving as both a vital water source and a site for rituals and offerings.
This cenote had an almost mystical feel. Maya performers dressed as shamans conducted a ritual, adding to the atmosphere. The water was crystal-clear and refreshingly cool – perfect for a morning dip.
We were offered life vests for safety, and although the water temperature gave us a shiver at first, it was incredibly invigorating.
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4. Lunch & Cultural Performance
After drying off, we headed to a nearby estate for lunch. The buffet included tacos and other local dishes, which were simple yet satisfying. To our delight, the meal came with a colourful cultural show featuring traditional dancers in elaborate dresses.
They even encouraged guests to join in, a fun and lively moment.
5. Exploring Chichén Itzá
Our next stop was the star of the day: Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya civilisation.
The guide brought the ruins to life with fascinating stories, including the acoustic phenomenon at the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo). This step pyramid is not only a visual marvel but also a mathematical masterpiece. If you really like Maya temples and ruins we suggest you also see our experience visiting Coba and Tulum here.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the play of sunlight creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down its side – a tribute to the feathered serpent god Kukulcán. Our guide also demonstrated how a clap at the base produces an echo that mimics the call of the quetzal bird.
We wandered through the Great Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica. Here, the Maya played a ceremonial ballgame with deeply spiritual significance.
While historians debate whether the winners or losers were sacrificed, there is no doubt that the game was tied to honour and religious ritual.
Other highlights included:
- Temple of the Warriors: Flanked by rows of carved stone columns depicting warriors.
- El Caracol (The Observatory): Believed to have been used for astronomical observations.
- Sacred Cenote: Used for ritual offerings; archaeologists have discovered gold, jade, pottery, and even human remains in its depths.
- Temple of the Skulls (Tzompantli): Decorated with carvings of skulls, possibly representing sacrificial victims.
The site is expansive and largely exposed to the sun, so bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. There’s little shade, and the Yucatán heat can be relentless.
We also browsed through stalls set up by local artisans around the site. We bought a fridge magnet here that still reminds us of this incredible day.
6. Wandering Around Valladolid
On the way back, we stopped for an hour in Valladolid. This picturesque colonial town is centred around a lively square opposite the San Servacio Church.
We grabbed a coffee, browsed a few shops, and even bought some locally made cigars. Traditional dancers performed in the square, adding to the town’s vibrant charm.
We strolled through narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, but most of our time was spent enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the plaza.
7. Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning is ideal to avoid the midday heat and large crowds. If possible, choose a weekday.
- What to Pack: Lightweight clothing, a hat, sunscreen, bottled water, swimwear, aqua shoes, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera.
- Money: Bring pesos for souvenirs, snacks, and tips. Some vendors accept cards but cash is more reliable.
- Physical Prep: Expect to walk for 2-3 hours under the sun. Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas when possible.
- Booking Advice: While tours can be arranged at hotels, you can often find better deals from reputable local vendors or book online in advance.
8. Book your trip to Chichén Itzá
Check out GetYourGuide for trips similar to what we did. Here are some suggestions:
9. Final Thoughts
By 6 pm, we were back at our hotel in Playa del Carmen, tired but happy. This day trip was the perfect combination of culture, history, and leisure.
From the sacred waters of Cenote Suytun to the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá and the colourful streets of Valladolid, it gave us a rich taste of the Yucatán Peninsula beyond the beaches.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com, Trip.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Travel insurance – check SafetyWing for travel medical insurance that works for you and your specific needs.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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