Why this route works in a single day
Chichén Itzá is about 115 kilometers east of Mérida, according to INAH, Mexico's national institute of anthropology and history. Izamal comes first, almost on the way, and Valladolid a little further on. That makes it possible to plan a day in a straight line: head east, stop at each place and get back to Mérida in the evening.
The Mary Tours day trip follows that order: Izamal first, then Chichén Itzá with a guide, a regional lunch, a cenote at midday and Valladolid before heading home.
Izamal: the yellow town and its convent
Izamal is known as the yellow town because nearly every façade downtown is painted that color. Its landmark is the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, from the 16th century, with one of the largest enclosed atriums in the Americas. On the tour, the convent's history is told right in the atrium, followed by time to walk around town.
Izamal is also an ancient Maya city: pyramids such as Kinich Kakmó rise between its streets. That's why it's called "the city of three cultures": Maya, colonial and mestizo.
Chichén Itzá: what you'll see with the guide
Chichén Itzá was founded in the 6th century, according to INAH, and became a major center of power on the peninsula. Its name is linked to the wells of the Itzá people: the city grew beside cenotes that gave access to underground water. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1988.
The guided tour covers:
- El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán, the main pyramid.
- The Sacred Cenote, about 60 meters across, according to INAH.
- The Great Ball Court, one of the largest in Mesoamerica.
- The Tzompantli and the Platform of the Jaguars and Eagles.
The site blends Maya architecture with features associated with central Mexico, which the guide explains on the spot. Buildings such as El Caracol, identified as an observatory, are also part of the city.
Lunch and the midday cenote
After Chichén Itzá, the tour stops for a buffet of Yucatecan dishes (cochinita pibil, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options). Next comes Cenote Selva Maya, right when the sun is strongest, with changing rooms and showers.
A swim in a cenote after walking around Chichén Itzá is one of the best moments of the day. Wear your swimsuit from the morning.
Valladolid to finish
Valladolid is a colonial city in eastern Yucatán. The tour stop covers the main square with its original iron railing, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall. It's a relaxed finale before the two-hour drive back to Mérida.
What's extra and what to bring
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a guide and lunch. Entry to Chichén Itzá and to the cenote is not included and is paid at each site. Drinks are also extra. Mary Tours confirms the current fees when you book.
- Swimsuit under your clothes and a towel.
- Comfortable closed shoes: there's a lot of walking at Chichén Itzá.
- A hat, sunglasses and water.
- Biodegradable sunscreen (for the cenote).
- Cash for entry fees.
Fun facts
- The name Chichén Itzá refers to the wells of the Itzá: the city grew up beside the water of its cenotes.
- Chichén Itzá's Sacred Cenote is about 60 meters across.
- Izamal is known as the city of three cultures: Maya, colonial and mestizo.
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8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
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- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Chichén Itzá from Mérida?
About 115 kilometers east of Mérida, according to INAH; roughly a two-hour drive.
Does the tour include entry to Chichén Itzá?
No. It includes transportation, a guide and lunch; Chichén Itzá entry, cenote entry and drinks are paid separately.
Can you climb the Kukulcán pyramid?
No. Climbing El Castillo isn't currently allowed; you see it from the main plaza.
When did Chichén Itzá become a World Heritage Site?
UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1988.
Is there a group discount?
Bookings from this page are for groups of 4 or more, and the Bacalar, Isla Mujeres and Tulum trips come with a per-person coupon.
