10 Best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST CHICHEN ITZA TO TULUM TOURS?

You’re in the right place because the Top 10 tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum are all featured here. How do I know they’re your best options? I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018 and have visited Chichen Itza multiple times — always with a guide.

As I’ve been on a few different Chichen Itza tours, I used my insider info and vetted all the tours in this article to make sure they’re highly rated and well-reviewed — so all you have to do is book a tour to Chichen Itza Mexico and enjoy!

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Don’t have time to read the entire article? Book this Chichen Itza with a Native Tour. With a perfect 5 Star rating, this is the best tour to Chichen Itza from Tulum Mexico.

While Chichen Itza is an ancient city located near Tulum, it’s also not super close. The Tulum to Chichen Itza distance is about 95 miles (152 km), so taking a tour with locals that know their way around is the best way to safely get between Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Also, this well-preserved, sacred site is the only Wonder of the World in North America. While everything is cool to look at, if you don’t have someone explaining the significance, symbolism and history, you’re essentially just looking at rocks 🗿

Now that you know why you need to book your Chichen Itza tour, let’s get to the list of tours already! Below, you’ll find the 10 top-rated Tulum to Chichen Itza tours to take you through these best ancient ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Top 3 Picks:  Best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

#1 TOP PICK

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Chichen Itza with a Native (plus Cenote Swim)
✔️ Tickets to the pyramid and cenote
✔️ Lunch in a local restaurant

↳ Book it

#2 PICK

Chichen Itza Ruins, Cenote Ik Kil & Coba Ruins
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Breakfast and buffet lunch

↳ Book it

#3 PICK

Private Chichen Itza Tour with Cenote Swim & Valladolid Visit
✔️ Customizable itinerary
✔️ Traditional buffet lunch

↳ Book it

10 Best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum Mexico

1. Chichen Itza Tour with a Yucatan Native

⭐️ RATING: 4.94 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Want to explore Chichen Itza the right way? If you want the real deal, take this Best Chichen Itza Tour from Tulum with an Expert Native Guide who has more than 15 years of experience showing people around this part of Mexico.

Get ready to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with José Mis Nahuat. This well-versed Mayan native guide brings the magical history and significance of the ruins to life in a way others simply aren’t able to.

After taking in the history of Chichen Itza, you’ll beat the heat and dive into one of the nearby natural Chichen Itza cenotes for a 45 minute (or so) swim.

If that’s not enough, as you head back from Chichen Itza to Tulum, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for a Mexican lunch to end this perfect day. 

Simply putL If you’re looking for the most authentic adventure during your time in Mexico, this is the tour for you. With a near-perfect 5 Star rating, and hundreds of positive reviews, this was the obvious choice for best Tulum to Chichen Itza tour.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

2. Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Coba Ruins Day Trip

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Explore the Mayan world like never before on this Unforgettable Classic Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Coba Ruins Day Trip. 

You’ll explore the archaeological site Chichen Itza. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll quickly discover why so many people are visiting Chichen Itza from Tulum to marvel at the ancient wonder.

You’ll also venture through the jungle landscape as you make your way through the second set of ruins called Coba Mayan Ruins. Your tour comes to an end after jumping into the Ik Kil cenote.

Seen in the photo above, you now know why this is considered one of the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum. (🤔 Wondering, What is a cenote? The cenotes are jungle pools or natural sinkholes with spectacular views in their clear waters.)

This day trip is great for families, couples, friend groups and solo travelers alike. This popular Tulum to Chichen Itza Tour includes worry-free conveniences like continental breakfast and lunch buffet, along with hotel pickup and drop-off from most areas.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

3. Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Experience the ancient Mayan culture like never before with this Personalized Chichen Itza Private Tour from Tulum. With so many sites you get to see in one day, it’s no wonder this is considered one of the best tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum.

Your bilingual guide will help create an itinerary that’s perfect for you, so you can marvel at the stunning ruins, swim in a crystal clear water cenote, and bask in the beauty of Valladolid. It is one of the most picturesque colonial cities in Mexico, and a pueblo magico.

This all-inclusive Tulum tour offers a lunch buffet, drinks, and comfortable transportation with AC. Best of all, this tour is made exclusively for you — meaning you’ll get personalized attention from your private guide the whole trip.

Guests on this tour raved about the guide’s ability to spend quality time at each location, answering each and every question and never rushing on to the next stop.   

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

4. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Wondering how to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum like a VIP? Skip the crowded Tulum to Chichen Itza bus. Instead, look no further than this VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour to visit the most iconic sites in Mexicos. 

Beat the heat and crowds by taking this private tour to the ruins early in the morning. After learning about the ancient Mayan city, you’ll take a dip in the beautiful San Lorenzo Oxman cenote.

This Chichen Itza tour Tulum includes a wonderful lunch in the city of Valladolid. How far is Chichen Itza from Tulum? Far enough that you’ll love the air-conditioned transportation included in this tour.

Families or groups of friends looking to spend time together and not in a large crowded tour will appreciate this private experience option. 

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

5. Tulum to Chichen Itza Half Day Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.97 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Take a break from Tulum and explore the wonders of the pyramid on this Chichen Itza Half-Day Trip. This quick getaway is perfect for busy travelers and will provide an unforgettable cultural experience. 

Led by a charismatic local, you’ll have the opportunity to uncover the secrets of Mexico’s most iconic architectural sites and immerse yourself in their famous history.

After your history tour, you’ll be treated to authentic Mexican lunches and snacks. Munch on tacos and tamales while your guide will give you the best travel tricks and tips for traveling like a local. 

And one of the best parts of this half-day tour, is you’ll be back to Tulum in time to enjoy the rest of your day.  

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

6. Chichen-Itza Private Tour with Cenote Swim

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Don’t get lost in the crowd with this Chichen Itza and Cenote Private Tour. This tour is the perfect option for families and groups looking to explore Tulum to Chichen Itza — with some fun stops in between.

This Private Tulum Chichen Itza Tour includes an expert guide to take you on a journey through time as you explore the ancient ruins, visit cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, and enjoy a spectacular meal in colonial Valladolid.

With entrance fees and lunch included, your group won’t have to worry about a thing. Plus, there’s no need to decide between Chichen Itza vs Tulum when this tour will provide transportation between the two cities. 

All you need to do is show up and enjoy the expert commentary of your guide, who will teach you everything they know about Mayan culture.

Previous guests on this tour were blown away by the fun and education of this Chichen Itza Tulum Tour — and you’ll feel the same way!

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

7. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Small Group Day Trip

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

History lovers, prepare yourselves! Get ready to explore one of the new seven wonders of the world! This Chichen Itza Guided Tour will take you deep into the history of Maya culture as you explore and learn about Chichen Itza Tulum Ruins. 

Make a stop in the beautiful city of Valladolid for lunch, where you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering local lunch.

Of course, no Chichen Itza tours from Tulum would be complete without a jump into a fresh water cenote — which you’ll hit before heading home.

Budget travelers looking for the convenience of an all-inclusive day plus a personal guide will love this small-group experience that doesn’t come with the price tag of a private tour.

Your trip is made easy with entrance fees, snacks, drinks, and lunch included in the cost. 

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

8. Chichen Itza, Valladolid & Cenote Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.94 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10.5 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Discover the mysteries of ancient Mayan ruins and bask in the beauty of one of Mexico’s most beautiful cenotes. This Chichen Iza, Valladolid and Cenote Tour is the perfect blend of history, culture, and cuisine.

No Chichen Itza or Tulum tour would be complete without an authentic Mexican lunch. You’ll get to savor the flavors in one of Valladolid’s beautiful colonial mansions after a sightseeing tour of Chichen Itza. 

Taking Chichen Itza Tours Tulum is a great way to see the Mayan ruins, learn about this ancient civilization, and appreciate the well-preserved architecture while having a great time. 

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

9. A Trip to Chichen Itza

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Take this thrilling trip to Chichen Itza as your local tour guide brings these famous ruins to life. Explore the historic sites at your leisure, listen to the expert storytelling of your guide, or grab souvenirs from local vendors.

On the way back from your Chichen Itza from Tulum tours, you’ll make a stop in a small village where you’ll be welcomed for lunch by a local family.

Skip the big bus Tulum to Chichen Itza tour and opt for an authentic Day Trip with Small Group Tours from Tulum to Chichen Itza.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

10. Chichen Itza Tour with Ek Balam Ruins & Cenote Swim

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | 🗿 Check Rates and Availability

Are you ready to uncover the wonders of the Mayan world? Dive into this Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with a cenote stop to discover two ancient Mayan ruins sites. It’s one of the best tours Chichen Itza has to offer.

Your journey begins at the most famous Mayan site and UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichen Itza. But, your historical adventure doesn’t stop there.

You’ll soon make your way to another one of the most famous Maya Ruin in Yucatan, Ek Balam Ruins. The lesser-known Ek Balam site is another beautiful set of ruins in the Yucatan, relatively untouched by mainstream tourism.

After you’ve worked up a thirst for adventure, you’ll make your way to a cenote to cool off in the refreshing clear waters. This full-day tour also includes transportation, so you don’t have to choose between staying in Tulum or Chichen Itza. 

With friendly local guides, you’ll have a blast learning about these unique ruins and creating unforgettable memories to stay with you long after the tour ends. 

The ruins are centrally located in the peninsula, and about 2-3 hours from all major destinations including Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Merida.

🗺️ Chichen Itza Map

While the closest city to Chichen Itza is Valladolid, they are actually located in the small town of Pisté, Mexico.

While there are some Chichen Itza hotels in Piste, I recommend you book one of these best Valladolid hotels because they’re a lot nicer.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

The bus from Tulum to Chichen Itza can be quite long and tedious. As a result, since Chichen Itza is far from Tulum, taking about two and a half hours, many visitors opt for a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum. 

This ensures you don’t have to worry about complicated transportation logistics and directions. Plus, most Chichen Itza and Tulum tours include admission to the ruins and a knowledgeable tour guide.  

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

With group tours averaging $175 USD per person, you’re better off booking this budget-friendly tour to Chichen Itza from Tulum, as it’s even cheaper than a round-trip cab from Tulum to Chichen Itza, and it also includes admission and a tour guide.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

Tulum is 95 miles (152 km) from Chichen Itza, versus 120 miles (196 km) from Cancun.

In normal traffic, it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to Chichen Itza from Tulum, and about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

However, if you’re staying in Cancun, you can also take a Tulum and Chichen Itza tour from Cancun so that you can visit both places in a single day.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

It may also take longer if you’re planning on taking a bus, so plan for three hours and an early departure time. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from Chichen Itza, and also be able to enjoy your time there.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

In short: There’s no definitive answer to the Chichen Itza vs Tulum Ruins question, as they’re both worth checking out.

I think the best way to decide which one to go to (if you can’t go to both) will come down to how much time you have in Tulum.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

Chichen Itza attracts about two million visitors each year who marvel at the famously well-preserved ruins. These Mayan Ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and a Wonder of the World in 2007.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

The most popular way to visit is to book transportation and a guided tour that includes admission to Chichen Itza — as this is the safest and most convenient way to visit the Ruins of Chichen Itza Mexico.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

⚠️ Note: On Sundays, Mexican nationals get free entry to Chichén Itzá, so the site is even busier than on weekdays. In fact, Sunday is the busiest day at Chichen Itza and might even be downright unpleasant for some.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

Sundays are free for Mexican citizens, so this is always a very crowded day, but you’ll also want to avoid holidays if you don’t like crowds. I once went on a Sunday, and will never do that again 🤣

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

The Spring Equinox and Fall Equinox are the two busiest days at Chichen Itza because you get to see the sun’s shadow create an effect that looks like a snake slithering down the side of the pyramid.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

In addition to learning about this ancient part of classic Mayan history, there are several beautiful cenotes nearby to explore.

⚠️ Note: You can not swim in the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza, but cenotes like Cenote Ik-Kil and Cenote Saamal are located nearby.

In fact, the Ik-Kil Cenote is known as one of the best cenotes in Mexico, and only about 5-10 minute away by car.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

However, the help of a local guide can be incredibly insightful, as they are the most qualified to share the history of the ruins. For history buffs and those interested in Mayan culture, you’ll definitely want an accredited guide.

Personally, I always recommend this guided tour of Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, especially since this isn’t a place you’re likely to visit more than once.

Having someone knowledgeable can help you make the most of your time touring the archaeological site.

Especially since this isn’t a place you’re likely to visit more than once. Having someone knowledgeable can help you make the most of your time touring the archaeological site.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

Opt for sneakers, shorts or yoga pants, a tank top or cotton T-shirt, a sun hat and sunglasses… and don’t forget your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum

Can tourists still climb Chichen Itza Pyramids?

No — It is forbidden to climb any pyramids or structures at Chichen Itza. While you may have seen stories in the news about tourists climbing Chichen Itza, this is prohibited and will get you kicked out, and maybe even fined or jailed.

Can you walk up the pyramid in Chichen Itza?

Yes — You can get very close to the famous El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza (AKA Temple of Kukulcan, named in honor of one of the most important the Mayan gods). However, you’re not permitted to climb it.

Want to book even more Tulum tours?

Looking to take more tours in Tulum during your visit? Tours are so convenient because you don’t have to worry about planning anything — you just show up and enjoy!

Here are all of my recommendations for the top-rated Tulum tours: