Valladolid, Mexico

Day Trips

Travel back in time as you explore the Mayan  archeological ruins of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Connect with nature as you swim in the azure waters of the cenote of Saamal. Eat a mouth-watering buffet lunch and take a guided walking tour of Valladolid. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient cenote of Saamal and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

You will start the day tour from a convenient pickup from your hotel in Merida to journey to one of the most important Mayan monuments. The first stop will be at Chichén Itzá, where you will see the pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending, here, you will be accompanied by an expert certified bilingual guide, who will explain the historical significance of all the most important temples of this ancient city before leaving you to enjoy Chichen Itza at your own. After your walking tour, we set off at an ancient cenote, one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people; there same, you will enjoy a delicious Yucatecan buffet meal, then take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience; Valladolid is one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Yucatan and is known for the majesty of its temples and the ancestry of its old neighbourhoods; today, it is a peaceful city where you can admire beautiful old houses. Then we will proceed to drop you off at Cancun or Playa del Carmen city so that you can relax and enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Start your journey by getting picked up in Tulum. Discover Chichen Itza, a spectacular archaeological site and a must-see for those interested in history and culture.  See renowned structures with your guide such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court. Get a glimpse of the achievements of the Mayan civilization.  After Chichen Itza, head to Valladolid, a city where past and present come together. Be amazed by the colorful architecture and the local food culture.  Have lunch in the courtyard of a restored colonial mansion and wander the square and nearby streets. Take photos and enjoy shopping as you get a taste of the slow-paced Mexican life. To finish the day, go to a local community-run cenote, the perfect spot to get away from the crowds and cool down in the refreshing blue waters.

Spend 2.5 thrilling and adventure-filled hours at the Cenote Maya Native Park. Descend into the region’s most impressive cenote which reaches 60 m (196 feet) in diameter with an almost perfect circular shape. Admire the stunning crystal-clear waters and geological formations which make this swimming hole a great natural jewel. Ascend from the underworld through a tunnel or use the large wooden staircase. Take part in optional included adventure activities including swimming, diving, traversing "trepachanga" (ropes),  swinging on Tarzan-style vines, and rappeling down 26 m (85 feet) into the water.  After that, participate in an authentic Mayan ritual. Delve into the natural world and witness a blessing ceremony carried out by a Mayan shaman of the community and scented by copal, a tree resin used for incense. Finally, enjoy a traditional meal made with organic orchard supplies and handmade tortillas.

Explore the Yucatan Peninsula on a guided day tour from Cancún. Discover the fascinating ruins of Chichén Itzá, swim in a stunning cenote, and make a stop in the charming city of Valladolid. After pickup from your hotel, travel into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula to discover a sparkling, picturesque cenote cavern pond at Hubiku. Dive into the cool, clear water and chat with your guide about how these jungle-surrounded pools are formed from underground freshwater streams. Afterwards, recharge with a tasty buffet lunch of Yucatecan specialties, before heading to the region's main historic attraction. Upon arrival at Chichen Itza, embark on a comprehensive guided tour that immerses you in the archaeological site's most breathtaking landmarks. Marvel at the mysterious Kukulkan Pyramid, learning about its role in pre-Columbian Maya civilization from your engaging guide. Nearby, take a look at the largest ball court in the Americas and imagine ancient players involved in a rousing game of pok ta pok, a ritual that was practiced throughout the Maya Empire. Catch your reflection in the Cenote Sagrado sacrificial pond, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Observatory, which dates back over 1,000 years. On your way back, make a stop at the main square of Valladolid and admire its colonial architecture and the 16th-century San Gervasio Church before being dropped off back at your hotel.

Embark on a guided tour of Yucatán on a full-day tour from Playa del Carmen. Visit the breathtaking Mayan city of Chichén Itzá and the colorful city of Valladolid. Explore the Yucatán jungles, swim in the Hubiku cenote, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Head into the dense jungles of the Yucatán and stop at the Hubiku cenote, a cavernous freshwater pool in a light-filled limestone cave and enjoy a swim. Dry off over a buffet lunch of typical Mayan dishes and then hop back on the bus for the last leg of the drive to Chichén Itzá. This dense and sprawling archaeological site features excavated ruins and well-preserved temples. The final stop is the quiet colonial city of Valladolid, where the pastel walls of shops and restaurants provide a colorful backdrop for photos.

Discover one of the "New Wonders of the Modern World" on a full-day trip back in time to the unique Mayan temples of Chichen Itza. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, you will drive down the coast of the Maya Riviera, enjoying a breakfast en route. Upon arrival, a local guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological remains to reveal the vision of the world as viewed by the Mayans. Learn about Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history at landmark monuments, such as the Kukulcan Pyramid and Temple of a Thousand Columns. You will have some free time to explore this magical place on your own, before heading to the cenote (sinkhole) of Saamal. Swim in the cold and mysterious underground waters, and learn why they were sacred to the Mayans. Taste the flavors of the Yucatan and Mexico at a local restaurant. Then, re-board the coach to drive back to Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Complimentary water, soda, and beer will be served on board throughout the tour, and before your drop off you will take a panoramic circuit of the colonial city of Valladolid, built over the Maya town of Zaci-Val in 1545.

Depart for the archaeological site of Chichen Itza between 07:10 AM and 08:10 AM and prepare yourself for a 2.5-hour historical tour of the most famous of the ancient cities of the Yucatec Maya. Named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, Chichen Itza was once one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization and thought to be one of the most mystical. See the stunning pyramid Temple of Kukulkan and marvel at the row of columns in the Temple of a Thousand Warriors. Look at the observatory temple of "El Caracol" and continue to highlights such as the sacrificial pit of the Great Ball Court, where the ancient ball game of "pok-ta-pok" was played. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Then, take a refreshing swim in the cenote of Ik-Kil and experience an underground lake on one of the subterranean river systems sacred to the Mayans. Enjoy lunch before driving to Valladolid, where you will spend about 30 minutes in the 16th-century colonial city before the return journey and drop off at your hotel between 06:30 and 07:30 PM.

Discover the culture and heritage of Yucatecan on a day trip from Mérida to the cities of Izamal and Valladolid. Benefit from round-trip hotel transfers, and savor a delicious buffet meal during the tour. After pickup at your hotel, the experience begins with a panoramic visit to the colonial city of Valladolid. Pass through beautiful neighborhoods, and admire the architecture of monuments such as the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and the Cathedral of San Gervasio. Following the tour, you'll enjoy some free time to explore these sites at your own pace. Continue to a buffet restaurant for a delicious lunch of local Yucatecan dishes. After your meal, take a dip in the cool waters of a cenote by the restaurant. Head towards Izamal, and soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque place. Admire the yellow-painted houses, and learn why this city is known the city of the three cultures. See its pyramids and visit the Franciscan convent, before returning to your hotel in Mérida.

Valladolid is the second city of Yucatan and like Merida, it's a colonial city with an attractive center to explore. You'll find the Main Park (main square), beautiful Church of San Servacio, and murals at the Municipal Palace; you can also enjoy gallery strolls along Calzada de los Frailes where stands former convent of San Bernardino. This could be one off "most beautiful ones" that you've taken anywhere in Mexico! Join us for this exclusive excursion into Valladolid to discover Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman-a henequén plantation on which we will see how they make tequila tours followed by sampling some samples ourselves during our respite from exploring through Valladolid's historic sites thanks to our experienced guides who will explain each place as well as talk about traditions and customs throughout their region accompanied by delicious buffet with regional menu served up fresh after your tour!