Last updated on January 5th, 2026 at 05:22 pm
If you’re wondering whether a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is really worth the long drive and full-day commitment – you’re not alone! Visiting one of Mexico’s most famous ancient sites sounds incredible, but does the experience live up to the hype?
First of all, I’m not a typical full-day organised trip type of person (I worry about being a tourist!), but Chichen Itza is one of the most talked about excursions in the Riviera Maya – and I was fairly keen to see a wonder of the world!
With almost two weeks in Tulum, I had plenty of time to explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula on my own terms, so when (after much digging) I found a small group tour that included Chichen Itza and two other stops, I didn’t hesitate!
This full-day tour takes you to the iconic Chichen Itza, as well as the colonial town Valladolid for lunch, and includes a cenote swim all in one day!
Was it all worth it? In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what the Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is like, what’s included, the pros and cons, and my honest verdict on whether it’s worth doing during your time in Tulum!
Chichen Itza From Tulum (small group)
- Small-group experience
- Guided visit at Chichen Itza
- Lunch at Valladolid – included
- Cenote swim
- Ideal if you don’t want to plan logistics
What’s Included in the Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum?
A Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is typically a full-day experience, perfect for those who want to see more without the stress of driving or organising a visit to one of Mexico’s most iconic sites!
What’s included can vary between tour companies, but most bundle together transportation, a guided visit to the ruins, and a few extra stops along the way, making it an easy and efficient way to see Chichen Itza from Tulum!
On the World Discovery Tour, we travelled by comfortable mini van and included three stops; Chichen Itza, Valladolid and Cenote Xux Ha, here’s the full breakdown of inclusions:
- Round-trip transportation from Tulum (with hotel pickup)
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza with a certified guide
- Free time to explore the ruins independently
- Entrance fee to Chichen Itza (some tours don’t include this!)
- Visit to Cenote Xux Ha for swimming
- Lunch in Valladolid (in a colonial restaurant)
- Free time to explore colonial town Valladolid
- Bottled water on transport
- Tasty snacks for the journey!
At each of the stops, you get plenty of free time, there are no hidden extras, but if you wanted to shop, buy drinks etc – allow for that!
Check availability for this Chichen Itza tour from Tulum here!
How Long Is the Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum?
Most Chichen Itza tours from Tulum last between 10 and 12 hours, making it a very long but full day trip (it’s one of the longest day tours you can do from Tulum!).
The Chichen Itza tour from Tulum that I went on was 10 hours; hotel pick-ups are early in the morning between 7-8am, depending on your hotel location. (Early starts are necessary to beat the Cancún crowds!)
My pick-up time was 7.30am, and there was just one more stop before we set off, making it 4 in total and only 8 people, the benefits of a small group tour and roomy minivan!
In short: Expect a long travel day, a guided visit at Chichen Itza, and shorter but enjoyable stops at a cenote and Valladolid!
Chichen Itza
From Tulum, the drive to Chichen Itza takes around 3 to 3.5 hours each way, with a short 15-minute comfort break en route, which also includes a giant colourful Mexican store with souvenir goods – and importantly – take-away coffee!
Once you arrive at Chichen Itza, you’ll get a 2-hour full guided tour around the vast and impressive archaeological site, carefully manicured and filled with so many interesting stories (I couldn’t imagine visiting without a guide!) and at the end, there’s free time to wander and take photos.
We spent the perfect amount of time at the site without feeling rushed, and our guide ensured the stops were away from crowds and included shade – it’s baking hot in Chichen Itza, but not at all mobbed as I thought it would be, our itinerary was on point!!
Tip! For sun-sensitive people, take an umbrella; there’s no shame in this – I saw a few people carrying their own shade around the site! (Wear trainers, SPF50 – pack light, bags can be checked on entry).
Valladolid & Cenote
Our tour included a 2-hour stop in the colourful colonial town of Valladolid, where we lunched in a beautiful courtyard setting, a surprising highlight of the tour, and we had enough free time to wander and see the cathedral and square – the main areas.
(But, don’t rush your meal, I think 30-minutes is more than enough time to look at Valladolid square, it’s quaint, but not a place to stay for hours in my opinion.)
Most tours then continue on to a cenote before beginning the return journey, ours stopped at Cenote Xux Ha for a 1-hour private swim in the refreshing turquoise water, which was a really cool experience as the cenote is large and cave-like with light streaming in from the top!
(There are showers on site and lockers – you can also buy a fresh coconut here!)
You’ll arrive back between 6-7pm, depending on traffic.
While it’s a long day – especially with the early start and late finish, time seems to fly by – the stops and well-organised itinerary keep it interesting and entertaining!
Book your Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum, which includes lunch in Valladolid and cenote swimming!
Pros & Cons of Doing a Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum
Now you know exactly what to expect this Chichen Itza tour from Tulum, here a quick recap of the pros and cons of the trip!
Pros
- Hassle-free way to visit Chichen Itza
With transport, tickets, and a guide organised for you, it’s the easiest way to see Chichen Itza from Tulum without worrying about logistics! - Expert insight from a local guide
Having a knowledgeable guide adds so much context to the ruins and helps bring the history of Chichen Itza to life! - Multiple experiences in one day
Our tour included a cenote swim and a stop in Valladolid, making the day feel more varied and worthwhile! - Good value for first-time visitors
When factoring in transport, entrance fees, a guide and lunch, a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum can be really good value! - Small group size
The small group size (9) made it feel much more personal and less like a massive tour! - No driving required!
The long distance and early start are a lot less tiring when you’re not driving and navigating foreign roads!
Cons
- Very long day
At 10–12 hours, this is a full-on excursion with an early start and a late return to Tulum. - Limited time at each stop
While you see a lot in one day, the time at Chichen Itza, the cenote, and Valladolid is limited. - Early morning pickup
Expect an early alarm, so be sure to prepare the night before! - Extra costs on some tours
Some tours charge separately for entrance fees and or lockers, so it’s important to check what’s included (everything was included on our tour)!
In short: a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is best suited to travellers who want a convenient, guided experience and don’t mind a long but well-organised day – the pros definitely outweigh the cons!
My Honest Verdict: Is the Chichen Itza Tour From Tulum Worth It?
Yes! The Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is 100% worth it if you want to see a wonder of the world and more highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula in one day!
Even though I had a couple of weeks in Tulum, I preferred an organised day trip as, like many (especially coming from the UK), I wasn’t comfortable driving or wanted the hassle of staying in lots of hotels.
I felt this small group tour bridged the gap of easy transport and checking off Chichen Itza – with a proper guide (needed), Valladolid and a lovely cenote with minimal planning and free time to wander!
It was an effortless and unforgettable day!
Best Chichen Itza Tours from Tulum
Best Small-Group Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum
This was the Chichen Itza Tour that I personally did, and I chose it because of the small group number, which is more flexible and personal and the fact that everything was included!
I recommend this tour if you want a relaxed but guided experience; a Chichen Itza guide is definitely a must! Lunch at Valladolid in a colonial building and Cenote Xux Ha were great bonuses!
Overall, it’s one of the best day trips from Tulum!
Check availability for this small-group best Chichen Itza tour from Tulum
Best Private Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum
If you’re travelling as a romantic couple, family, or small group and want maximum flexibility, a private Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is the most comfortable way to visit! It’s perfect if you want a customisable itinerary, more photo stops and for special occasions!
I haven’t taken this one personally, so I can’t vouch for the exact experience, but if comfort is a priority for you, this Chichen Itza private tour from Tulum could be worth considering!
View this recommended private Chichen Itza tour from Tulum!
No matter which tour you choose, a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum is hard to beat!
Still planning your Tulum itinerary?
Planning your trip to Tulum? I’ve also shared a complete Tulum travel guide, my favourite boutique hotels, and the best beach clubs – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Complete Guide To Tulum – all the tips your first-time visitors!
- Best Things to Do in Tulum – ruins, restaurants, beach clubs & experiences!
- Best Day Trips From Tulum – cenotes, lagoons & nearby ruins worth visiting!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!