Tulum: Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote Saamal and Valladolid

Tulum: Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote Saamal and Valladolid

If you’re visiting Tulum and craving a day out that combines cultural highlights with some refreshing swimming, this tour offers a convenient way to tick those boxes. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the iconic Mayan ruins, cool off in a cenote, and explore the charming city of Valladolid—all without the hassle of early mornings.

What makes this tour appealing? First, you get the chance to visit Chichen Itza, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Second, the visit to Cenote Saamal promises a refreshing dip in clear waters — perfect after walking around the ruins. Third, the stop in Valladolid offers a taste of authentic local life and colorful streets.

However, a key consideration is the length and organization of the day. Some travelers have found the schedule quite packed, with limited downtime at each stop. This tour might suit those who enjoy a structured, guided experience and don’t mind a long day in a coach. If you prefer a more leisurely pace with ample time at each site, you might want to consider alternatives.

This trip is a good fit for travelers looking for a comprehensive day trip with a balance of history, culture, and fun. Just be prepared for the long hours and some logistical quirks.

Good To Know

• Convenient full-day experience from Tulum covering major highlights.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the understanding of Mayan culture.
• Potentially rushed at some stops, especially the cenote swim.
• Affordable price point offers good value for money.
• Transportation issues reported by some guests, with cramped seating.
• Flexible booking options with pay later and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Long duration (around 13 hours) may be tiring for some travelers.
• Limited time at each site could mean a rushed experience for those wanting more immersion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour from Travel Open Vacations is designed as a full-day adventure, starting early and wrapping up late in the evening. It’s centered around three main stops: the Ruins of Chichen Itza, the Cenote Saamal, and the charming town of Valladolid.

Chichen Itza is the star attraction. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Mayan history. The tour typically spends around 2+ hours here, enough to see the main structures like the Kukulkan Pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors. However, some reviews mention that the time feels excessive, and that it could be covered more efficiently. Keep in mind that the experience at Chichen Itza is quite hot — many visitors suggest arriving early or late in the day to avoid peak heat.

Next is Cenote Saamal, which offers a chance to cool off after the heat. Expect around 50 minutes to an hour here, which some reviewers felt was too short. You’ll be given time to change into swimwear, don life jackets, and enjoy the water. The cenote is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and the opportunity to relax after a busy morning. Note that some travelers found the time at the cenote rushed, especially with the need to change and the limited window for swimming.

Finally, the stop in Valladolid is often brief—about 30 minutes—but it gives a quick glimpse of the town’s colorful streets and local vibe. Some reviewers found this part less authentic or meaningful, with a feeling that it was more of a commercial stop rather than a culture.

Transportation and Comfort

The experience’s value heavily depends on the quality of transportation. Multiple reviews mention cramped seating and no legroom, with over 2 hours of travel each way. This can make the day quite tiring, especially for those who are not accustomed to long bus rides. The tour provider does advertise “reserve & pay later,” which offers flexibility, but it’s wise to inquire about the vehicle size if comfort is a priority.

The driver and guides are generally described as friendly and helpful. Many travelers highlight guides like Rafael and Victor for their knowledge and professionalism, making the experience more engaging. One reviewer noted that their guide explained every detail with clarity and passion, making the trip both enjoyable and educational.

Timing and Schedule

Timing is a common point of contention. Several reviews mention that the schedule feels unbalanced. For example, visiting the cenote first leaves travelers wet and uncomfortable for the rest of the tour, especially if the weather is hot and the time is limited. A more logical approach might be to do the ruins early, cool off at the cenote afterward, and then visit Valladolid.

Lunch is usually a quick buffet, with only 30 minutes allocated. Some guests felt this was rushed, especially since the day starts early and includes a lengthy drive. Others appreciated the included food, describing it as good value, but overall, the schedule leaves little room for leisurely enjoyment.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Authenticity and Cultural Experience

The guides are praised for their knowledge of Mayan culture, and many travelers appreciated learning about the history behind the ruins and the significance of various structures. Still, some critics point out that certain stops, like the Mayan shop, felt more like sales pitches than cultural insights. The quality of Valladolid as an authentic experience was also questioned, with some feeling it was more touristy and crowded than expected.

Price and Value

At $98 per person, this tour falls into a reasonable price range for a full-day guided trip in the Yucatán. Considering the inclusion of transportation, guides, entrance fees, and a meal, it offers decent value. However, the long hours and rushed stops mean that some travelers feel the experience could be more relaxed for the price paid.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour from Travel Open Vacations provides a solid overview of the cultural and natural highlights around Tulum. If you’re someone who appreciates guided commentary, enjoys learning about Mayan history, and doesn’t mind a long day, you’ll find this trip offers a lot of value. Expect some logistical quirks—like cramped transport and tight schedules—that could detract from the experience if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Be prepared for a long drive and a busy schedule. Travelers who want more time at each site or to skip certain stops might find it less than ideal. But for those new to the region or on a tight schedule, it’s a convenient way to see key highlights in one day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who are interested in seeing the major Yucatán sites without the hassle of planning individual trips. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided commentary and want a rundown of Chichen Itza, a cenote, and Valladolid.

If you’re okay with long hours on a bus and rushed stops, this experience can be a cost-effective way to tick multiple boxes in a single day. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend extra time exploring each site, you might want to consider customizing your own itinerary or choosing a shorter tour.

FAQs

Is transportation comfortable?
The transportation has been described as cramped with limited legroom, which may make the long drive tiring. If comfort is important, consider this before booking.

Can I cancel or reschedule easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, some reviews noted traveling with children. Be aware of the long hours and the physical activity involved, especially at the cenote.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 13 hours, which is quite lengthy and could be tiring for some.

What is included in the price?
For $98, you get transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch.

Will I have enough time at each site?
Some travelers felt that the time was a bit rushed, particularly at the cenote (50 minutes) and Valladolid (30 minutes). The ruins get over 2 hours, which some found excessive.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, multiple reviews praise guides like Rafael and Victor for their expertise and engaging explanations.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Be prepared for a long day with plenty of walking and some heat.

Is this tour good value?
Considering the price and what’s included, many feel it offers good value, though some suggest it could be more balanced and less rushed.

To sum it up, this Tulum-based tour offers a practical, fun way to see key landmarks with knowledgeable guides. It’s best suited for travelers eager for a full day of culture, history, and relaxation, and who don’t mind the long hours and busy schedule. If you’re after a more leisurely pace or more personal exploration, you might want to look into other options. But overall, this trip provides a solid introduction to some of Yucatán’s most iconic sights.

You can check if your dates are available here: