Guided Tours

From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

Name: From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch
Start: 2025-11-18T06:00:00
End: 2025-11-18T18:00:00
Location: Cancun

Visitor at Ek Balam pyramid with thatched structures and jungle backdrop in Yucatan, Mexico.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the site in Mexico.

Cenote with swimmers and hanging roots in Yucatan Peninsula, near Chichen Itza, Central America.

Buffet trays with assorted dishes for tour lunch.

Duration

12 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.1/5

(141)

Sven

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

5/5

Honestly, I didn't expect to be THIS blown away. The whole day felt like a wild adventure – history, heat, and sooo many new facts (who knew I’d be fascinated by ancient calendars?). Our guide, Rodrigo, made everything feel personal, like he actually cared if we enjoyed ourselves. The climb up Ek Balam was sweaty but totally worth it for the views – my legs are still complaining. Bring more water than you think, and snacks! The cenote was the perfect cool down. I went solo but made friends on the bus ride, so don't worry about that.

Nina

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

4/5

Went with my boyfriend and his parents (so, a group of four). The pickup was a little late but otherwise smooth. Chichen Itza gets crowded FAST, but we got there pretty early so managed some pics before the big tours rolled in. The guide (can't remember his name, sorry!) was super chill and told us random stories about the ball games which was cool. I wish there was more time at Ek Balam – felt a bit rushed. The cenote was COLD but in the best way. Would do again, but maybe bring more snacks and a hat next time.

Chloe

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

5/5

We booked this as a family of 5 (kids ages 7, 10, 15). The early start was rough, not gonna lie, but WORTH IT. Our guide, Miguel, kept the kids engaged with Mayan stories and riddles, and even my teenager was impressed by the ball court at Chichen Itza. The climb at Ek Balam was a highlight for my husband and son. The cenote swim was EPIC – bring water shoes if you have them! Only thing: pack snacks, lunch is late. Would 100% recommend for families!

Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Climb Ek Balam’s Acropolis, the pyramid at another iconic Mayan site, and a reminder of the civilization’s rich history, culture, and architectural genius.

Refresh yourself with a swim in Cenote Chichi Kan, a natural sinkhole surrounded by Yucatán’s tropical scenery

Savor a buffet lunch featuring authentic Mexican flavors after your archaeological adventures.

Round-trip, air-conditioned transfers from Playa del Carmen or your hotel in Cancún make this experience seamless - no waiting for buses or driving to the site.

Entry to Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam, and a sacred cenote

Bilingual expert guide (English and Spanish)

Free time to explore Ek Balam

Round-trip transfers in an AC coach

Transfers from a common meeting point in Playa del Carmen (as per option selected)

Transfers from your hotel in Cancún (as per option selected)

Buffet-style lunch

Local taxes worth US$66 per adult and child

Mandatory life vest rental of US$9

TOTAL DURATION11 hours - 13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
Timeline
Map
Start point
2 starting points available
1. Playa del Carmen Shared Meeting Point - Plaza las Perlas
Get direction
2. Cancun Hotel Pick-Up Point
1. Ek Balam
Tickets included
90 min
70 min by A/C Van
71 km
2. Cenote Chichikan, Valladolid
Tickets included
3 hr
2 hr by A/C Van
3. Chichén Itzá
Tickets included
2 hr
45 min by A/C Van
51 km
End point
2 ending points available
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.1
141 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Sven
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Honestly, I didn't expect to be THIS blown away. The whole day felt like a wild adventure – history, heat, and sooo many new facts (who knew I’d be fascinated by ancient calendars?). Our guide, Rodrigo, made everything feel personal, like he actually cared if we enjoyed ourselves. The climb up Ek Balam was sweaty but totally worth it for the views – my legs are still complaining. Bring more water than you think, and snacks! The cenote was the perfect cool down. I went solo but made friends on the bus ride, so don't worry about that.
Nina
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
Went with my boyfriend and his parents (so, a group of four). The pickup was a little late but otherwise smooth. Chichen Itza gets crowded FAST, but we got there pretty early so managed some pics before the big tours rolled in. The guide (can't remember his name, sorry!) was super chill and told us random stories about the ball games which was cool. I wish there was more time at Ek Balam – felt a bit rushed. The cenote was COLD but in the best way. Would do again, but maybe bring more snacks and a hat next time.
Chloe
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
We booked this as a family of 5 (kids ages 7, 10, 15). The early start was rough, not gonna lie, but WORTH IT. Our guide, Miguel, kept the kids engaged with Mayan stories and riddles, and even my teenager was impressed by the ball court at Chichen Itza. The climb at Ek Balam was a highlight for my husband and son. The cenote swim was EPIC – bring water shoes if you have them! Only thing: pack snacks, lunch is late. Would 100% recommend for families!
Rafaela
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
LOVED this tour!!! The ruins are even more impressive in real life, especially Ek Balam where you can still climb (prepare for a little workout though). Our guide, Maria, was hilarious and kept us entertained even during the long bus rides. The cenote felt magical – sunlight streaming in, water so clear you can see your feet. My only complaint: wish the lunch was a bit less basic. But overall, def worth the money and time.
Maksim
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
I went on my own and ended up chatting with people from Germany and Brazil the whole time, which was fun. The day is packed but everything runs like clockwork. The guides made sure nobody got lost (which is a feat with 30+ people). If you love history, you’ll love all the nerdy details about the carvings and the Mayan games. The cenote is a real treat after sweating all morning. Would go again just for that swim.

Discover Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and a cenote on a full-day guided tour from Playa del Carmen, which includes lunch.

Getting started

Begin your journey with a convenient pick-up from a common meeting point in Playa del Carmen. Your guide will introduce you to the day’s itinerary before you make your way to Chichén Itzá.

What to expect

Chichén Itzá & Ek Balam

Explore two of the Yucatán’s most significant Mayan sites, each offering a unique window into ancient civilization and architectural achievement.

Features

Chichén Itzá: Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO-listed site features well-preserved ruins, including the iconic El Castillo and intricate stone sculptures that reveal Mayan mythology and astronomy.

Ek Balam: Known for its climbable pyramids, Ek Balam offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the chance to explore detailed stucco friezes and ceremonial platforms.

Cenote Chichi Kan: Enjoy a refreshing swim in this natural limestone sinkhole, surrounded by lush scenery—a classic Yucatán experience.

Buffet lunch: Savor a selection of local Mexican dishes at a buffet, offering a taste of regional flavors.

Upgrades

Hotel pick-up from Cancún: Don't want to travel to a common meeting point? Choose a tour with round-trip transfers directly from your hotel in Cancún.

What to bring

Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.

Bring along your swimsuit for the cenote experience.

Make sure to carry enough cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What's not allowed

Keep in mind that drones are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Unfortunately, your pets cannot join you on this experience.

You cannot carry food & drinks into Chichén Itzá.

Carrying large bags or luggage isn’t allowed.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.

Additional information

The tax for the archeological sites (Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam) is US$66 in total and must be paid on-site (only via credit card).

Mexican citizens and residents can get a discount, subject to presenting their official ID.

Renting a life vest is mandatory to swim in the cenote. You’ll need to pay US$9 on site for this.

The ticket price includes travel insurance.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.