During my trip to Cancun, it was decided we would do the tour to Chichen Itza.
The tour was facilitated by BD Travel. The representatives at the hotel we stayed at, Iberostar, were helpful with our inquiries.
Here you will find my experience with the tour and some helpful hints.
Cost:
Initially we were quoted 80 USD/person.
However, having over 20 people sign up we got a discounted rate of 62 USD/person.
Itinerary:
Visit a Mayan village, shop souvenirs, enjoy a catered lunch.
Explore Chichen Itza on a guided tour with a hour of free time afterwards.
Swim in the Cenote Saamal.
What To Bring To Chichen Itza & Cenote Samaal:
Walking shoes
Flip flops for the Cenote
Hat & sunglasses
Bathing suit & towel
Camera
Water
Extra money for souvenirs, tips
The Tour:
First stop, a Mayan village.
From the Iberostar resort in Cancun, it is a 2.5 hour drive to this Mayan village.
The bus the facilitators will give a brief overview of the lifestyle of people in this village.
The tour provides great context on the history of the Mayans during the bus ride. In consumable amounts.
Once arrived you spend an hour at the village for shopping souvenirs and lunch is catered.
It's a self-serve buffet. There is a bathroom on site.
There is minimal sun coverage aside from the building that has the souvenirs and the roof of the cafeteria area.
In short, this portion of the tour enables you to spend money but the lunch is good.
From the Mayan village to Chichen Itza, it is a 20 minute drive.
Chichen Itza
It is an extra 45 pesos to use go pro, camcorder and tripod.
The moment you get off your tour bus, the street merchants with their hats and umbrellas will be hustling to sell you their merchandise.
I would recommend an umbrella if you forget a hat, it will be a lifesaver under the hot sun.
The tour takes an hour. I really enjoyed the facts presented and the tour overall.
You get an hour of free time after the tour to explore the grounds and take photos.
From Chichen Itza it's a 40 minute drive to Cenote Samaal.
Cenote Samaal
I have heard cenotes can get incredibly crowded.
However with this one, it was just our tour group and a few other people.
As cenotes are considered as natural sinkholes, there are requirements before entering.
Shower first
Wear a lifejacket
Cost for life jacket rental is 1 USD
Cost for a locker rental is 1 USD
This was the best way to end the tour after hours in the hot sun at Chichen Itza.
Driving back to Iberostar is 2.5 hours.
I would recommend this tour as I really enjoyed it!
Thanks for reading,
Michelle