Chichen Itza Tour: My Review of Valladolid Cenote Chichikan

Okay, so you’re thinking about checking out Chichen Itza, and that, really, is an amazing idea. I recently went on a guided tour that threw in a stop at Valladolid and Cenote Chichikan, and that’s something I thought I would share my experiences with. My goal here isn’t just a bland play-by-play; I really want to give you the lowdown on what makes this tour pop, things that could be improved, and very important stuff to consider if you decide it’s a great fit for you. Basically, I hope that it might just give you a solid feel for what to expect.

Booking and Expectations

Arranging the tour was fairly easy. I booked via a tour company I found online, and that seemingly offered a pretty comprehensive package, but that seemed reasonably priced. Usually, I keep an eye out for tours that get great feedback and appear to cover all the major stuff without feeling extremely expensive. Just before booking, it’s almost always wise to really review the fine print concerning what’s included—stuff like entry fees, food, and drinks—because that’s important, I believe. I had expectations of a super educational tour around Chichen Itza, a relaxed dip in a nice cenote, and a fast peek into Valladolid. Now, the thing is, whether these expectations became reality, that, perhaps, is what’s really worth talking about.

The Chichen Itza Experience

So, Chichen Itza. Right away, the enormity of the location definitely hits you. The famous pyramid, El Castillo, it’s absolutely something you have to see to believe. Our guide, thankfully, he really knew all of the history pretty well, so, too, he loaded us up with cool stories and context about the Mayan culture. He talked a little about the ceremonies they would carry out there and explained some of the secrets in the architecture. Still, it’s almost as though, at times, it felt a bit rushed, especially given the size of the crowds; it got pretty tough to really soak stuff up. And, something you need to prepare for is, of course, that there’ll very likely be lots of vendors. I felt like they may detract a bit from the atmosphere, even if, in a way, they add to the entire experience of Mexico.

Valladolid: A Brief Encounter

Valladolid was more or less a quick stop on our way to the cenote. The tour gave us a little slice of this colonial town. We wandered around the center square and checked out the church for, I think, approximately thirty minutes. Very truthfully, it felt a little rushed; I kind of thought I’d like a bit more time to see the place. Valladolid looks rather appealing in pictures, that is so true, and that you could probably dedicate a day to see it properly is worth highlighting. Yet, arguably, if you know the tour is short on time here, it’s important to adjust your expectations a little bit.

Cenote Chichikan: A Refreshing Highlight

After the heat and the history, Cenote Chichikan, well, that was very much welcomed. This cenote is seriously awesome, really. That there’s this sinkhole full of clear, cool water hidden under the earth, it really seems quite surreal when you arrive. The tour allowed us a sufficient length of time for a swim, that, truthfully, felt fantastic after walking around in the sun. Getting that photo, where you’re swimming in the cavern with beams of light coming through from above, very cool to show all your friends. So it may get fairly crowded, though; just remember, it’s almost certainly best to go earlier to avoid lots of other tour groups. This stop almost made the entire trip something wonderful.

Food and Amenities

Foodwise, the tour took us to a restaurant that probably catered more towards tourists. The food there, frankly, wasn’t terrible, yet that, maybe, wasn’t the most genuine Mexican food experience. I wish, perhaps, that they would try taking the group to somewhere that serves local specialties. Regarding amenities, the bus was really comfortable, and they provided us with drinks. Still, packing water and possibly some snacks, it’s typically always a smart move, really. Using the restrooms at the sites sometimes involved lines and a small fee, is that something to keep in mind.

What Could Be Better

If I am to suggest where they can slightly make this trip a better experience for travelers, I would touch on several aspects that need improvements, in my honest opinion.

• More Time in Valladolid: Spending an additional hour to see and soak the culture within the city is always great.
• Authentic Food Choice: Exploring a great regional cuisine at a local restaurant that specializes in Yucatan food is a great way to elevate your food experience.
• Slower Pace at Chichen Itza: While I understand this depends on the crowds, allowing slightly longer time would allow people to understand appreciate the majesty of this ancient landmark.

Final Thoughts

Basically, this Chichen Itza tour including Valladolid and Cenote Chichikan has pretty good and, that too, had its highs and lows. The time at Chichen Itza felt a bit rushed, and that is something worth remembering, and the brief stop at Valladolid barely scratched the surface. But, that said, the Cenote Chichikan stop was truly wonderful, really giving you something memorable, and the ease of the transportation was a major plus. If you are fairly tight on time and wish to experience those spots in a single day, really, that may be a choice you like. Just adjust what you imagine the tour to be to match reality to ensure you’ll come away pretty happy.

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