Chichen Itza and Coba Ruins: My Review of the Cenote Swimming Full-Day Tour

Visiting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is something many people do, it’s almost like stepping into another time. Ancient ruins are all over the place, like, the amazing Chichen Itza and the less crowded but just as stunning Coba. What’s more, there are natural sinkholes filled with really clean, fresh water. I mean, everyone should see them and I went on this whole-day tour that promised exactly that. That tour, as a matter of fact, was “Chichen Itza and Coba Ruins Cenote Swimming Whole Day Tour.” So, I am writing this, basically, to share what it was like, give you like an idea of what to maybe expect, and help you decide if it’s worth trying. Alright, let’s jump into it.

The Promise: Mayan History Plus a Cooling Swim

So, the tour had like a super catchy name, yet it suggested exactly what I was really looking for. You know, two famous spots in Mayan history: Chichen Itza, very famous for its pyramid “El Castillo,” and Coba, which you can still climb. But there was more, it also promised something amazing. You know, a dip in a local cenote, which are these really cool sinkholes that the Mayans thought were well, sacred. Basically, the itinerary included pickup from my accommodation, guided tours, time to check out the sites alone, a traditional lunch, and then, basically that refreshing cenote swim. Seriously, that sounded just like the right mix of history and well, a fun time!

Chichen Itza: Standing in Awe of Ancient Brilliance

Clearly, Chichen Itza is what it is, very crowded! First off, it’s a site you have to visit in person to truly get what people talk about. As a matter of fact, it’s one of those spots you know? El Castillo is, like, that pyramid that stands there really grand. Apparently, you can stare at it for ages, noticing fresh little stuff each time. It kind of showed the Mayan understanding of math, astronomy, very advanced for the time it was around. And you can get an idea of this on the tour. But here’s the catch: tourists, tons of tourists. So, picture having to like dodge other groups, trying so hard to hear your guide, while like hawkers try to sell you trinkets every like two seconds. It’s what it is. Very tiring. Get ready to maybe elbow your way through a little, alright?

Coba: Climbing into the Past, Sort of

Next up was Coba. I mean, this spot is really cool because you can, to be honest, still climb one of its huge pyramids. Apparently, after Chichen Itza, having less people around was honestly really, extremely appreciated. But here’s a thought, get ready for some sweat. To be honest, the climb can be intense, really intense especially in that Yucatan heat. But getting to the top and staring over that forest canopy is like truly something else. What’s more, you’ll feel like very small looking around. Plus, it kind of gives you, you know, that view that Mayan priests had way back when.

Bike Taxis: A Different Way to Explore Coba

As a matter of fact, the Coba site is actually super huge. What’s more, there is this option you know, bike taxis. Now that I recall, the guides do ask whether you want this, but take it from me. You know, after wandering through Chichen Itza in the sun, a relaxing ride to the main pyramid in Coba, really sounds appealing, pretty appealing. So, it’s kind of worth, you know, the little extra money just to rest your feet a little.

Cenote Ik Kil: Refreshing Reward

You know, after sweating away at those ruins, the cenote was something I was counting down too, it’s almost like it was like an oasis. That one we visited, Cenote Ik Kil, like looks just amazing! It almost had vines hanging down. To be honest, it really makes the place look cool and a bit mysterious. Swimming there felt like basically what everyone was saying; a fresh re-boot. Like honestly it washes away that heat, and that travel fatigue washes away instantly! Now, remember to bring your towel. They’re definitely something you want on this tour!

Food for the Soul (and Body): The Included Lunch

As a matter of fact, somewhere in the tour, there’s an included lunch. From what I experienced, expect something local, like some real Yucatan grub. They almost always have that, you know? I honestly felt that the food was alright, decent, a buffet thing with a few selections. As a matter of fact, nothing very wow, just, you know, enough to refuel before more sight-seeing.

Things That I Think Could Use a Touch-Up

Now, as much fun as I had, clearly it was very, very long day. That long bus ride can like, really, truly tire you out. Also, you are being rushed. Now to be honest, you would’ve wished to actually, maybe, spend a little extra time at one site, you know? You’re only there for what it is, for a super short amount of time. Now if there was one wish, it’d probably to be, more chill at the ruins.

What’s Actually Worth Considering Before Booking?

How are you with Crowds?: Especially for Chichen Itza, brace yourself for many, many other travelers.
How Much Heat Can You Endure?: It does get to a hundred degree. Remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, as a matter of fact. Also wear that hat, okay?
Your Fitness Degree: Like alright, Coba could use a climb; make sure those knees, those legs are ready. You know?
Time Management Preference: Like I just mentioned, time is short at each site. If you like taking your sweet time, so think of doing these on different days instead, so they can fit at your tempo.

Was it Good?: In General.

At the end of the day, if you are wanting to cram a ton of well-known Mayan sites into a very, very single day with also a lovely swim, then I actually suggest this. Now here’s the kicker, be prepared, because it won’t be one of the chillest days out there. As a matter of fact, you’ll be pretty much going non-stop. Basically it will be what you wanted it to be, Mayan culture then refreshing water on skin. With some lunch! Just you know, make sure the expectations of your style meet this before doing.

Did you like this tour or have questions, you know leave it down below and let’s begin talking more!

Key Takeaways:

See, truly, great historical places like Chichen Itza and Coba in just one day!
Cenote Ik Kil? Absolutely an attractive spot for a swimming break from that warm day, very memorable to see in person.
Prepare for pretty large crowds, basically especially at Chichen Itza.
Bike taxis at Coba, those can really actually be worth the small charge if you are saving that energy.
Consider going with another group! It’ll bring costs way down.