About this tour
A 12-hour private tour combining two major Yucatán archaeological sites — Chichen Itza and Ek Balam — with cenote swimming and lunch in Valladolid. You'll start early at Chichen Itza to sidestep peak crowds, then move on to Ek Balam where you can climb its pyramid, before cooling off in the freshwater Oxman cenote. Includes private vehicle, guide, lunch and all entry fees, making it a comprehensive alternative to shared-group options.
Highlights
- Early start at Chichen Itza to avoid midday crowds
- Climb Ek Balam's pyramid for elevated views of the site
- Swim in Oxman cenote's freshwater pool
- Guided tours at both archaeological sites included
- Lunch in colonial Valladolid town, included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- All site entry fees and taxes covered
What to expect
Your driver picks you up early morning from Playa del Carmen and takes you to Chichen Itza, where a guide walks you through the major structures before releasing you for independent exploration. You'll then drive to Ek Balam ruins, climb its central pyramid (a steeper, more hands-on climb than Chichen Itza), and explore the smaller complex. Around midday you'll stop in the nearby colonial town of Valladolid for a lunch break — food is provided, though drinks aren't included. After eating, you head to Oxman cenote for a swim in the cool, clear freshwater before returning to Playa del Carmen in the late afternoon.
What travellers say
- Private tour avoids crowded group dynamics
- Early timing at Chichen Itza reduces peak-hour pressure
- Ek Balam's pyramid offers more intimate, hands-on archaeology
- Cenote swim provides natural cooling mid-tour
- Lunch and all site fees bundled, minimising surprise costs
- 12-hour day is demanding; not for those wanting leisure pace
- Ek Balam pyramid climb steep and physically taxing
- Lunch drinks cost extra, adding to meal expense
- Early pickup may be inconvenient for late risers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone wanting to see two major ruins without the tour-bus experience or negotiating transport independently. You'll need moderate fitness — Ek Balam's pyramid involves a steep climb with rope assistance — and it's not suitable for people with spinal injuries. The long day (12 hours total) includes significant driving time. Cenote swimming requires basic comfort in water. The tour caters to families with infants (prams and specialised seats available) and those with service animals. Peak season can mean more crowds at Chichen Itza despite the early start. Lunch beverages and tips are not included in the price.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.