Published on Dec, 2024
We took Chichen Itza Express tour from Hotel Zone in Cancun. Hotel pickup at 6:30am went smoothly, and we were on our way to the ruins by 7:15am after a couple more pickups - approximately 2.5hr ride to the ruins. You will be traveling in a mini-bus which holds approximately 15 passengers. Seating is tight, and somewhat crowded. No bathroom on board, but 45min enroute they stop for a bathroom break. They provided bananas and cookies as snack options each way. There is also a cooler with water, sodas and beer for each direction. Our guide, Gabi, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of all of the native cultures. She provided background information enroute to the ruins. We arrived around 9:45am. I think we got there before the majority of other mega-tour groups from Cancun and the ruins were less crowded than later in the day. Gabi provided an hour of narrated tour of the main features, then we had an hour to explore on our own. We met back at the van for ride to Valladolid lunch. Lunch was buffet style, filling, but nothing exceptional. About 40 minutes to explore the town square (nothing much to see), then return to hotel.
Overall, great option to see Chichen Itza. I would have liked a little longer at the ruins. But it was still about a 9.5hr day, so that is pretty long. No cenote stop on this tour which would have made the trip even longer.
The company is well organized, and reputable. I would be comfortable using them for other excursions. Again, Gabi, our guide was especially knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
