Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour: A Candid Take

Thinking of seeing Chichen Itza? Maybe adding in a cenote visit and Valladolid? The “Chichen Itza Without Admission, Lunch, Cenote & Valladolid” tour sounds appealing, doesn’t it? Well, I recently went on that trip, and I am going to give you the rundown on what you can expect. This is like your friend telling you how it is, without any fluff.

First Stop: The Majesty of Chichen Itza

Okay, so Chichen Itza is, it’s pretty awesome, actually. Seeing the main pyramid, El Castillo, is, it’s hard not to feel like you’re stepping back in time. This site, it is huge, and there’s a ton of ancient buildings and carvings. The tour guides, they usually know their stuff. That said, they can get a bit carried away with the dates and details sometimes. That said, prepare for crowds. Seriously. And the vendors? Boy, they’re persistent. Walking around trying to take in all of the sights with people constantly trying to sell you stuff? It kind of takes away from the vibe a little. But the sheer scale and history of Chichen Itza? It makes up for some of it, perhaps even most of it. But perhaps also expect heat – pack some water. A hat too it’s also essential. You know, staying cool will keep your enjoyment levels higher.

Cenote Time: Cool Dip, Warm Memories

After sweating at Chichen Itza, the cenote, that is like finding an oasis. It is seriously refreshing, that water is cool. Swimming in a cenote is almost, like it’s something you need to experience. They’re gorgeous, I’d have to say! They can be really stunning, with sunlight streaming in from above, with vines hanging down. It makes it so special. Now, depending on the tour and the cenote, that could be, well, it’s sometimes pretty packed. The changing areas, those are pretty basic too it seems. But once you’re in the water, it is really worth it. Just floating there, enjoying nature, you know? It feels good. Do bring a towel and maybe water shoes if your feet are sensitive. That’s smart. Oh, and a waterproof camera is a pretty good idea if you like to take pictures. Very good in fact.

Valladolid: A Quick Peek at Colonial Charm

Valladolid, it’s like, well, it’s like a brief pause between all the action. This colonial town, it’s colorful and charming. It does give you a feel for Mexico beyond the tourist spots, I’d say that it really does. The main square, it’s lovely. You’ll likely only have an hour or so there, perhaps slightly longer. I suppose, just enough time to snap a few pics, walk around, and maybe grab a quick bite to eat, if you’re pretty quick. It’s certainly not, like, a deep dive into the city, but, that said, it’s a nice contrast to the ruins and the cenote. It’s kind of nice just to stretch your legs a bit, breathe in some non-ancient air, if that makes sense, because that’s the gist of it.

The Food: Hit or Miss, Very Real

The lunch that is included on the tour, it’s kind of a mixed bag if I’m being honest. Some tours take you to okay, yet perfectly adequate buffet spots. Others, well, let’s just say they’re more focused on quantity, instead of flavor, arguably. I’d suggest lowering your expectations a bit and maybe packing some snacks just in case, to be safe. If you have dietary restrictions? Maybe double-check with the tour operator before you go, like, super beforehand. Otherwise, you might have a more difficult time of things, like a tricky time, you know? Authentic Yucatecan food, that can be seriously amazing. The provided lunch, it’s alright and I’m sure it will fill you up, but you aren’t exactly getting a top-tier dining experience on many tours. The way I look at it. You are there to see ancient sites and swim in beautiful locations, not enjoy food worthy of Michelin stars, it’s probably true, really.

What’s Not Included, In Reality

The tour has, well, “Without Admission” in its title. Which means entrance fees to Chichen Itza aren’t part of the price you see initially. Factor in the added cost for tickets which needs to be paid on arrival; currently it’s around $35 USD, but it does vary! Paying separately like this, well, some may find it a tad inconvenient. So, just keep it in your budget considerations. So that you aren’t caught off-guard upon entry, or anything of that nature. Just keep that in mind so that you aren’t stuck when they start taking payments from your tour party when you get to the location, you understand.

The Nitty-Gritty: Is It Worth It, To Me?

So, is this tour, you know, a good way to see Chichen Itza, a cenote, and Valladolid? Basically, yeah, kind of, absolutely. If you’re cool with early mornings, crowds, and maybe not-amazing food. Basically, it’s all bundled up for you and you do see a lot in a single day. You don’t need to stress with the logistics of it all, as this has already been done for you! On your own that’s way more to plan on your own. And yes. You’ll probably get some awesome memories and photos, so yeah, it is worth it, I reckon, you know.

Some Other Quick Pointers and Nuggets of Wisdom

• Haggling, for real: Brush up on your bartering abilities before Chichen Itza to score better deals when purchasing anything from souvenirs to arts, I tell you.
• Bring funds and payment options: Smaller stands tend to favor only taking cash and be sure that you aren’t stuck between a rock and a hard place, or in other words with only a bank card.
• Motion problems: Motion sickness is nothing to take lightly. If that sounds like you, then be well equipped, and do come well armed and forewarned of longer travels, perhaps especially when driving those winding roads.
• Hydrate: Stay properly hydrated because a lack of will see you going downhill like a stone in no time. Bring with a reusable one and that is easier.