10 best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum in 2024
Looking for the best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum? Let me help.
You may know that Chichen Itza is a sacred city of pyramids and temples, located 122 miles from Cancun. A center of ancient Mayan civilization, it’s home to the famous Kukulkan Pyramid and other archaeological wonders.
The ruins are so incredibly preserved, that you can almost feel the ancient Mayan spirit in every stone and temple!
Not surprisingly, there are many Chichen Itza tours to choose from. They typically also include stops at Valladolid and cenotes – natural sinkholes where you can swim in crystal-clear waters.
After exploring several such guided tour (and experiencing Chichen Itza firsthand!), I’ve narrowed down my list of the best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum to the following ten adventures.
If you’re chasing down some of the best experiences in Mexico, be sure to include a Chichen Itza tour in your itinerary when planning your Yucatán Peninsula trip!
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🌵 Top 3 Chichen Itza Tours from Tulum
Chichen Itza & Coba Tour with Cenote Swim
Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote Reduced Group
Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP
🌵 10 Best Tulum to Chichen Itza Tours
1. Chichen Itza & Coba Tour with Cenote Swim
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 124 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12-13 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
On this full-day tour from Tulum, you’ll explore three iconic Maya sites.
First up is the great Mayan city of Chichen Itza, where you’ll learn about ancient Maya culture. Then, refresh with a swim in the stunning Ik Kil cenote.
Lastly, you’ll visit the Coba Mayan ruins, trekking through the jungle. Comfort is key with an air-conditioned van, breakfast, and a delicious meal for lunch included, plus all entrance fees covered except for Chichen Itza’s.
Expect a personal touch with a small group and an expert guide. Round-trip transportation make it super convenient.
2. Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote Reduced Group
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 124 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
On this tour, you’ll visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, two key archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. At Chichen Itza, you will see famous structures like the Pyramid of Kukulkan.
The tour also includes a swim at Hubiku Cenote and a buffet lunch. With a small group of max 10 people, you get more personalized attention.
3. Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 132 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
This VIP luxury Chichen Itza tour is all about privacy and personalization.
You get a private driver and 3 whole hours at the ancient city of Chichen Itza, way more than most tours.
After that, it’s off to the less-crowded Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman for a refreshing swim. Then, you’ll enjoy lunch in the colonial town of Valladolid and some free time to look around.
This tour includes your Tulum transport, lunch, entrance fees, and a personal guide.
4. Early morning Chichen Itza, Sinkhole and Colonial Gem
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 1607 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
On this early Chichen Itza tour from Tulum, you’ll head out early to beat the crowds.
You get two hours at the Chichen Itza ruins, one with a professional guide and one to explore alone.
Then, you’re off to swim in a cenote and enjoy a local buffet. Wrap up with a quick visit to the charming town of Valladolid.
5. Tulum to Chichen Itza – Private Round-Trip Transfer
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 15 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-10 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
Hop in for a private Chichen Itza deluxe tour to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The car is air-conditioned and comfy, with water on board. And your driver knows the area’s history, so you’ll learn a bit on the way.
Once there, thte ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is all yours to explore at your own pace. Note: you’ll cover the entry fee. This tour is simple, direct, and all about your comfort.
6. Chichen Itza Day Trip from Tulum Including Cenote and Lunch
- ⭐️ RATING: 4/5 from 238 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
On this day tour from Tulum, you’ll visit the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá, where you’ll see the Kukulkan Pyramid and other historic sites.
The journey includes interesting historical insights from your certified guide.
After exploring Chichen Itza, you’ll enjoy a buffet meal with Mexican food and relax with a swim in the beautiful Cenote Saamal – so bring your bathing suit.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.
7. Chichen Itza Classic Tour and Cenote Saamal Departures from Tulum
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 4 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
This private classic Chichen Itza tour leaves early, so you can beat the crowds and the heat. You’ll spend around 2 hours exploring this Mayan city as the sun rises.
The next stop is Ik Kil Cenote for an early swim before it gets busy. The flexible itinerary means you can also visit other sites or grab an early lunch.
Enjoy a crowd-free experience and great photo ops.
8. Chichen Itza, Valladolid and Sacred Cenote from Tulum City
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 1 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9-10 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
Your private Chichen Itza tour kicks off with an early pick-up from Tulum, heading straight to the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza.
You’ll skip lines and explore with a private, local guide. Next, unwind with a swim at Cenote Oxman, then lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid.
Enjoy the city’s charm at your leisure and relax with a comfortable private transport and experienced guide.
9. Chichen Itza Early Access, Cenote, Tequila & Traditional Lunch
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 3160 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
Get ready for an exclusive Chichen Itza experience starting bright and early at 4 am from Tulum. You’ll beat the crowds and the heat, so you can explore the ruins in peace.
You’ll spend 2.5 hours with your guide uncovering ancient secrets, then head to Hotel Real del Mayab for a delicious buffet lunch. The adventure continues with a swim and tequila tasting at Cenote Saamal.
This full day tour is the real deal, complete with transportation, lunch, tequila, and an expert guide. Just remember, the Chichén Itzá tax of $35 USD per adult and $5 USD per child, as well as the $3 USD cenote life jackets fee, aren’t included in the package.
10. From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 from 218 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours
- 🌵 BOOK NOW
On this tour, you’ll first explore Chichen Itza, where you’ll see the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan.
Next, you’ll drive to Valladolid and stroll through its colorful streets and rich history. Lunch awaits in a beautiful colonial mansion.
Your day wraps up with a refreshing dip in a serene, community-run cenote.
FAQ – Best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum
Can you visit Chichen Itza from Tulum?
Yes, you can visit Chichen Itza from Tulum. It’s a popular day trip, with various tour options available, including private and group tours.
The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours each way.
Which ruins are better Tulum or Chichen Itza?
If you’re choosing between the two, Chichen Itza wins for its historical depth. It’s a UNESCO site, famous for its massive pyramid and rich cultural heritage.
Tulum has great beachside views, but for a serious historical experience, Chichen Itza is your best bet.
How far apart are Tulum and Chichen Itza?
Tulum and Chichen Itza are about 2 to 2.5 hours apart by car, depending on traffic and the exact route taken. The distance is roughly 150 kilometers or about 93 miles.
How much time should you spend at Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is huge, covering around five square miles. You’ll need more than an hour to really see it all.
Most people take around three hours to check out everything in this ancient city – there’s just a lot to take in!
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