Riviera Maya: Coba & Chichen Itza With Cenote & Lunch

Exploring the rich Mayan heritage of Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a must-do for many travelers. This captivating tour takes adventurers to the ancient ruins of Coba and Chichen Itza, immersing them in the grandeur of these iconic sites. But the experience doesn’t end there – a refreshing swim in a cenote and a delicious lunch promise to round out a truly unforgettable day. What secrets and wonders await those who embark on this remarkable journey?

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Key Points

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba and Chichen Itza, two of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Riviera Maya.
Cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural swimming hole of Cenote Chichikan, followed by a buffet lunch.
Discover the charming colonial town of Valladolid, with its historic architecture and local vendors.
Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned bus transportation between the sites, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Important considerations include passport/ID, cash for incidentals, life vests for cenote swimming, and drone prohibition.

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Exploring Coba: Ancient Maya Ruins

The tour begins with a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, dating back to the Classic Period between 100-300 AD.

Coba was a large and influential city in its heyday, home to over 50,000 people. Guests explore the site on a 1-hour self-guided tour, wandering among the stone temples, plazas, and interconnected sacbe, or white roads.

The highlight is the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid, which visitors can climb for panoramic views over the jungle canopy.

The towering Nohoch Mul pyramid offers panoramic views over the jungle canopy, a highlight of the Coba experience.

The Coba experience immerses travelers in the rich history and architectural wonders of this important Mayan civilization.

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Discovering Chichen Itza: Wonder of the World

Next, the tour visits the iconic Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Guests explore this ancient Mayan city with a guided tour, learning about its impressive architecture, astronomical significance, and cultural legacy.

The highlight is the towering El Castillo pyramid, an engineering marvel. Visitors also see the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Warriors, and the mysterious El Caracol observatory.

After the guided tour, there’s free time to wander, take photos, and soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Refreshing Dip at Cenote Chichikan

After exploring the ancient wonders of Chichen Itza, the tour now takes guests to the refreshing Cenote Chichikan. This natural swimming hole offers a chance to cool off and relax for 3 hours. Included are lockers and life vests, which are mandatory for swimming. Visitors can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and browse local shops before continuing the journey.

| Feature | Details |

|———|———|

| Duration | 3 hours |

| Included | Lockers, life vests |

| Activities | Swimming, lunch, shopping |

| Requirements | Life vest mandatory |

Visiting the Colonial Town of Valladolid

On the way back from Chichen Itza, the tour makes a brief stop in the charming colonial town of Valladolid.

Visitors can explore the town’s cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and snap photos of the distinctive Spanish-style buildings.

The main plaza, Zocalo, is a hub of activity with local vendors selling crafts and residents socializing.

Travelers can wander into the impressive Catedral de San Gervasio, one of the town’s highlights.

This 45-minute stop allows guests to stretch their legs, grab a quick snack, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this cultural gem before continuing the journey back.

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Transportation and Travel Time

The tour features bus/coach travel between the various sites on the itinerary.

The total travel time is approximately 6 hours, with transportation to Coba, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid. Guests can expect comfortable and efficient travel, allowing them to maximize their time at each archaeological site.

The air-conditioned buses provide a hassle-free way to navigate the Riviera Maya region, ensuring a seamless experience. Travelers will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside as they’re transported between the historical wonders of Coba, Chichen Itza, and the colonial town of Valladolid.

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Inclusions and What to Bring

The tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience. These cover transportation, expert guides, admission tickets, meals, and more.

The tour features key inclusions like transportation, expert guides, admission tickets, meals, and more to enhance the overall experience.

Specifically, the tour includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bilingual guide to provide commentary and historical context
Entry tickets to both Chichén Itzá and Cobá archaeological sites
Buffet-style lunch
Use of lockers and life vests at the cenote (mandatory for swimming)
All required archaeological site taxes

Guests should bring their passport or ID, cash for incidentals, and be prepared to wear a life vest when swimming in the cenote.

Customer Feedback and Guide Highlights

Based on over 387 reviews, travelers have offered positive feedback on this Riviera Maya tour. The overall rating is 4.3/5, with high praise for the knowledgeable guides.

Specific tour leaders like Maria, Daniel, Ricardo, and Ramiro received 4.6/5 ratings for their expertise and passion. Travelers also appreciated the 4.5/5 rating for transportation.

The value for money was rated 4.2/5. Reviewers highlighted the memorable experiences and praised the guided tours at the archaeological sites.

The combination of Coba, Chichen Itza, a cenote, and local cuisine made for an engaging and well-rounded day trip.

Important Considerations

Although pickup locations vary based on the selected option (Playa del Carmen, Cancún, or Tulum), the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID card and cash, as these will be required.

Plus, a life vest is mandatory for swimming in the cenote, though rentals aren’t included.

Lastly, drone usage is prohibited, and Mexicans can receive a discount on archeological site taxes by presenting their ID.

Pickup locations vary by selected option
Life vest required for cenote swimming (not included)
Passport/ID and cash needed
Drones not allowed, Mexican ID discounts available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Book the Tour in a Different Language?

Yes, the tour is available in both Spanish and English. Travelers can select their preferred language when booking the tour, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience and gain insights from the knowledgeable guides.

Can I Reserve the Tour and Pay Later?

Yes, the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing customers to secure their booking without immediate payment. This provides flexibility and convenience for planning purposes.

How Do I Get a Discount on the Archaeological Site Taxes?

Mexicans can receive a discount on archaeological site taxes by presenting their ID at the time of entry. This discount is available as per the tour’s important information.

Can I Bring a Camera Drone on the Tour?

No, drones are not allowed on the tour. The tour information clearly states that drones are prohibited at the archaeological sites. Visitors should leave their drones at home to avoid any issues or inconveniences during the excursion.

Is This Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users?

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The tour involves extensive walking and exploration of ancient ruins, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessibility is not mentioned in the tour details.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour of the Riviera Maya’s ancient Mayan ruins, cenote, and colonial town offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. Visitors can climb the iconic pyramids, swim in the refreshing waters of a cenote, and savor a delicious local lunch, creating unforgettable memories of this remarkable destination. This comprehensive experience is an excellent way to discover the wonders of the Riviera Maya.