Chichén Itzá without a group: when it makes sense
The transfer is for people who want to see Chichén Itzá their own way: arrive without rushing, explore without keeping pace with a group, linger at a cenote or leave early. It works well for families, groups of friends and travelers who've read up on the site or prefer to hire a local guide at the entrance.
If it's your first visit and you want to understand what you're looking at, the guided tour is the better option. If you want freedom, choose the transfer.
The four stops
- Izamal, the yellow town, with its Franciscan convent built on a Maya platform.
- Cenote Chihuán, an underground cenote.
- Cenote Yokdzonot, an open cenote. INAH's official Maya Train guide lists both Chihuán and Yokdzonot among the cenotes of the Chichén Itzá region.
- Chichén Itzá, the archaeological site.
At each stop the driver parks and waits. You can change the order with the driver as the day goes; for example, reaching Chichén Itzá before it gets hotter.
Chichén Itzá essentials
Chichén Itzá is about 115 kilometers east of Mérida. It was founded in the 6th century, according to INAH, and grew beside cenotes that gave it access to underground water; its name is linked to the wells of the Itzá. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1988.
If you explore without a guide, don't miss El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol (identified as an observatory) and the Sacred Cenote, about 60 meters across and 13 meters deep according to INAH.
What the transfer includes
An air-conditioned van, a driver and traveler insurance. Entry fees aren't included (Chichén Itzá, cenotes), nor are food, drinks or tips: each entry is paid on site. The price is per van; current rates and capacities are in the catalogue on this page. Bookings from here are for groups of 4 or more.
Tips
- Cash for entry fees.
- Swimsuit under your clothes and a towel for the cenotes.
- Comfortable closed shoes, a hat and water.
- Biodegradable sunscreen for the cenotes.
- If you want explanations on site, hire an authorized guide at the Chichén Itzá entrance.
Fun facts
- Chichén Itzá's Sacred Cenote is about 60 meters across and 13 meters deep.
- El Caracol at Chichén Itzá is a round building identified as an observatory.
- Chichén Itzá has been a World Heritage Site since 1988.
Related tours
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
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
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 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.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chichén Itzá from Mérida?
About 115 kilometers east, roughly two hours by road.
Does the transfer include Chichén Itzá entry?
No. It includes the van, a driver and insurance; entry fees are paid at each site.
Which cenotes do you visit?
The underground Chihuán cenote and the open Yokdzonot cenote.
Can I hire a guide at Chichén Itzá?
Yes, guides are available at the site entrance; the transfer doesn't include one.
Is the price per person?
No, it's per van.
