Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour with Cenote & Tequila Tasting
About this activity
Highlights
- Early morning departure from Cancun
- Explore the ancient Chichen Itza ruins
- Swim in the refreshing Ik Kil Cenote
- Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch
- Experience a guided tequila tasting session
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cancun
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza
- Visit to Ik Kil Cenote
- Tequila tasting session
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Early Morning Visit Your day begins with one of the biggest advantages of this tour: arriving early at Chichén Itzá, before most tour buses and crowds reach the site. Exploring in the early morning means cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better photo opportunities at one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Your certified bilingual guide will lead you through the most important areas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors, sharing fascinating insights into Maya astronomy, architecture, and ancient traditions. The guided portion lasts about 1 hour, followed by free time to explore, walk around the plaza, and take photos at your own pace.
After visiting Chichén Itzá, we continue to the beautiful Hacienda Selva Maya, a historic colonial-style estate surrounded by lush jungle near Valladolid. Here you’ll enjoy a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch served inside the hacienda’s restaurant, offering a spacious and authentic setting to relax and experience local flavors. Within the grounds of the hacienda lies the impressive Cenote Saamal, one of the largest open-air cenotes in the region. Surrounded by towering limestone walls, lush vegetation, and a small waterfall flowing into its crystal-clear waters, it creates a breathtaking natural setting once considered sacred by the ancient Maya. Guests are free to swim in the cenote, enjoy lunch, explore the hacienda, or relax at their own pace during the stop.
Our final stop is the charming town of Valladolid, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Yucatán Peninsula. Here you will visit the historic center and enjoy a Mexican tequila tasting, where you can sample different varieties while learning about the traditions and craftsmanship behind one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits. You will also have time to walk around the main square, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and see the impressive San Servacio Church, located in the heart of the city. This relaxed stop offers a chance to experience the local culture and atmosphere of a traditional Yucatán town before returning.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; Spanish-speaking guides may be available upon request.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the tequila tasting.
- The tour involves walking; comfortable footwear is recommended.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and swimwear for the cenote.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the moments.
- Ensure you have a valid ID for the tequila tasting session.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, such as beach attire, and suitable footwear.
- Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, your camera, and some extra cash.
- Please be aware that the pickup service is available only in Cancún and the Riviera Maya. For guests in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, we will assign a convenient meeting point.
- Please note that the entrance fee to Chichen Itza is not included. We recommend bringing cash for beverages, and optional lockers and life jackets.
- The use of lifejacket in the cenote is mandatory
Traveler reviews
Phenomenal Trip- thank you Hugo, Hector and Francisco:)
One of the best experiences of my lifetime—truly a 10/10 experience from beginning to end. Our guides, Hector and Hugo, were friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely made an effort to take care of every person on the bus. Francisco, our driver, was also an important part of the experience. Together, the three of them made the day unforgettable. Throughout the tour, Hector and Hugo offered thoughtful recommendations to help us get the most out of the day, from suggesting umbrellas and water for the intense heat to giving practical safety advice about our belongings. It was clear that they wanted every person on the bus to feel comfortable, prepared, and cared for. The tour itself was packed with incredible experiences. We stopped at a village, where we were given cool names, explored the magnificent temples and learned about their fascinating history, and admired some truly phenomenal architecture. We then swam in a cenote, which was unbelievably refreshing after the heat, enjoyed a delicious Mexican buffet, and, of course, took part in a tequila tasting. What made the experience so special was that it never felt like we were simply being transported from one tourist attraction to another. We were introduced to Mexican history, culture, cuisine, and traditions, all while laughing and having fun along the way. This was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Mexico and one of the best experiences I have ever had. Hector, Hugo, and Francisco deserve special recognition for making the entire day so memorable. I would recommend this experience without hesitation. If I could give more than five stars, I would.
Excellent!
Experience was incredible! The guide Rafael was excellent, knew a lot about the history and Maia culture, quite lively The villages are very beautiful and the cenote is amazing! Very good lunch. I believe we could have stayed longer in the cenote and in the last village, than at the first stop, even because we arrived in Chichen Itza almost 12h, very sunny. It is worth renting the hat to walk around the archaeological site
Cesar and Carlos are the best!!
Where should I start? Carlos and Cesar from SAT Mexico were absolutely fantastic. It was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a tour. Cesar was the most passionate and caring man you’ll ever meet about the history and deeply meaningful culture of the Mayan people. If you want a fun and engaging experience surrounding the rich culture of Mexico. Cesar and Carlos are your people. The value for money is great, the excursion to the Cenote is a real fun experience with great food and better service. But the highlight of the tour is the visit to the Chichen Itza. Cesar explains all of the intricate details of the historical site in fantastic fashion. Everything you ever wanted to know about the site is in his head, just ask. Overall, my partner and I (Grace) could not of been happier with experience, we hope those who choose to use this tour in the future have as much fun as we did. - Lucas and Grace - 02/07/26
Guides gave us comedy, culture and history
The guides gave us comedy, gave us culture and gave us history 10/10 Great tour, great guides, super friendly, outgoing and funny!!!
Amazing MUST SEE
The Tour was truly breathtaking, the tourguide Hugo was amazing, very patient and funny. The organization from the tour was 10/10