Chichen Itza Tour and Cenote – Small Group

Xaman-Ha Connections limits each departure to a maximum of 10 guests. A commercial bus tour loads 40 to 50 people into a large vehicle, follows a fixed shared schedule, and often includes mandatory stops at affiliate stores. This tour gives your group a dedicated INAH-certified guide, door-to-door hotel pickup, and zero store detours. You move at the pace of 10 people, not 50.

This tour fits couples, families, and small groups who want expert guidance at an accessible price, shared with no to many people. If your group wants an exclusive vehicle, not extra hotel pickups, a fully flexible itinerary, and no other travelers in the mix, our private Chichen Itza tour is the better choice. Both options depart from the same hotel pickup areas.

Our driver waits a maximum of 20 minutes at your hotel lobby. After 20 minutes, the pickup is recorded as a no-show. Please be ready in the lobby at your scheduled pickup time so your group can depart on schedule.

Your small group tour follows this sequence:

• 6:00–7:00 AM: Hotel pickup (exact time confirmed 24–48 hours before departure based on your location)
• 2–2.5 hours: Drive to Chichen Itza (highway)
• Chichen Itza: Guided tour of the archaeological site with your certified bilingual guide
• Sacred cenote Saamal: Swim (approx. 1 hour)
• Buffet lunch at the hacienda near the cenote
• 2–2.5 hours: Return drive (highway)
• 5:00–7:00 PM: Drop-off at your hotel (varies by drop-off order)

Door-to-door, plan for 10 to 12 hours (based on normal highway conditions).

After visiting the Chichen Itza archaeological site, your group stops at Cenote Saamal for a swim in clear, natural fresh water. The cenote is open-air and accessible for all comfort levels in the water. Entrance is included in your tour price. After the swim, the group heads to a traditional buffet lunch before the return drive to your hotel.

Pickup is available for guests staying at hotels between Playa del Carmen and Akumal, including Playacar and Puerto Aventuras. If your hotel is outside this area, please reach out to us directly so we can check whether we can arrange pickup for your specific location.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. A hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended. Chichen Itza has minimal shade. Bring extra cash in pesos or USD for souvenirs, tips, or any purchases at the site entrance. Photography is permitted throughout. Professional camera equipment may require a separate INAH permit at the gate. Drones are not allowed. Disclose any health conditions or mobility concerns during booking.

Yes. Xaman-Ha Connections® holds a SECTUR license from Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism. All guides carry INAH certification in Maya history and culture, the government body that oversees Mexico’s archaeological sites. Xaman-Ha Connections has been featured in Forbes and Kayak. For full credentials, see our About page.

Yes. As part of a small-group tour, your vehicle makes approximately 2 to 4 hotel stops along the pickup route before heading to Chichen Itza. If you prefer a vehicle that stops only at your hotel with no other passengers, that is the private tour experience. See our Chichen Itza private tour for that option.

Yes. Our private tours use the toll highway, which takes 2 to 2.5
hours of driving time from most points in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tours using the free highway can take 3.5 to 4 hours. This time
refers only to highway driving, not including hotel pickup or drop-off.

Yes. This tour is cancellable up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund. Cancellation requests must be submitted by email. Phone or WhatsApp requests are not accepted for cancellations. See our Cancellation Policy for full details.

For same-day or next-day bookings, contact Xaman-Ha Connections directly via WhatsApp for the fastest response. Availability is not guaranteed in peak season. If your group exceeds 10 people, our private Chichen Itza tour accommodates larger parties with a fully dedicated vehicle and no shared guests.

Yes. After the archaeological sites, the tour stops at Cenote Saamal for a swim. The entrance fee and life jacket are included in your tour price, with no separate charge at the cenote.

The site is open year-round. The dry season from November to April offers cooler mornings and lower humidity. July through September is peak travel season with higher temperatures. Regardless of the month, arriving early makes a significant difference. Crowds at Chichen Itza grow quickly after mid-morning. Pickup timing is coordinated to help your group arrive before the largest tour buses.