6 BEST Private Tours to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen (2023)
Are you looking for the best private tours to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen, Mexico?
You’ve come to the right guide because I live in Playa del Carmen and am here to share with you my top private tour recommendations for visiting this ancient Mayan city–and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World!
As one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, Chichen Itza can be extremely crowded and overwhelming, especially during the peak season.
With these private tours, however, you can enjoy an immersive and personalized experience without having to deal with large crowds or long lines.
MY TOP PICK
⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?
The best Chichen Itza private tour from Playa del Carmen is this Skip-the-Line Private Chichen Itza Tour + Cenote Swim with over 640 5-star reviews!
A private tour to Chichen Itza is the perfect option for families, larger groups, and those looking to avoid the crowds and customize their itinerary.
You’ll be treated to a more intimate experience with the option to go at your own pace and make stops along the way.
Plus, private tours to Chichen Itza often come with added luxury features like private transportation, upscale food and beverage, and top-notch guides.
In this post, I’m going to share with you the top private tours to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen from the best private tour providers in the region–each offering a unique luxury experience.
Ready to ditch the crowds and have a private, personalized experience at Chichen Itza?
Let’s dive in, starting with my top pick – this Skip-the-Line Private Chichen Itza Tour – the most deluxe way to see one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World!
Best Private Tours to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen
1. Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 640 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
A trip to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Chichen Itza ruins, but it can be a hassle to navigate the crowds on your own.
This private full-day Chichen Itza tour is one of the best private tours from Playa del Carmen and solves that problem with VIP skip-the-line access and private transportation–perfect for families, couples, or larger groups.
Best tour imaginable! We had an amazing trip. Our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly. I can’t imagine a better tour is available. Highly recommend booking your trip now!
–Tim (read more reviews)
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ancient city of Chichen Itza (officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a licensed archaeological guide to explain its history and significance.
Plus, enjoy a private Yucatecan lunch at a local restaurant and a swim in the beautiful Cenote Chukum–one of the most impressive cavern cenotes in Valladolid with cliff jumping and overwater ziplines.
What’s included in the Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza Private tour:
- Private tour with an expert archaeological guide
- Early access to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Chukum
- Yucatecan lunch at a local restaurant
- Local taxes & National Park fee
- Soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages
- Private transportation
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
- Snacks
- Free time if desired
2. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 726 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This VIP Chichén Itzá private day trip stands out with its expert guides, who will be with you the entire day to answer all your questions and provide expert commentary on the ancient Mayan world.
You’ll arrive at Chichen Itza bright and early to beat the crowds, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins in detail.
This VIP Chichen Itza tour was top notch. I highly recommend spending the money to do Chichen Itza as a private tour; we got in before the large crowds and were onto the next thing before it got too busy (and hot).
–Jamie (read more reviews)
And with your own private guide at your side, you’ll get to learn about the Ball Court, Observatory, Temple of the Warriors, and the main pyramid known as Kukulcan (El Castillo).
Plus, you’ll get to visit Cenote Oxman, one of the most impressive cenotes in the entire Yucatan peninsula with overwater ziplines, as well as enjoy a delicious lunch at an authentic local restaurant in Valladolid.
What’s included in the VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour:
- Private tour with a professional expert guide
- Early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Oxman
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid
- Time to walk around Valladolid
- Entry fees
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned private transportation
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
3. Private Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 107 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This Private Chichen Itza, Cenote, & Valladolid Tour includes roundtrip transportation, early access to Chichen Itza, and an expert guide to walk you around the ancient Mayan ruins.
But what makes this tour stand out is a visit to Cenote Saamal–a less-visited private cenote that features crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
Excellent Tour! Ruins were epic, we had a fantastic private cenote swim, and the BEST ever authentic lunch at a local family compound. Our tour guide, and this company WAS incredible – Communication excellent, on time, safe drivers, AC in the van….loved this!!
–David (read more reviews)
Plus, you’ll enjoy an authentic local a la carte lunch at a local restaurant and have some free time in the colonial town of Valladolid for shopping and exploring the colonial buildings at your leisure.
What’s included in the Private Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour:
- Private tour with a certified guide
- Early access to the Chichen Itza Mayan archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Saamal
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid
- Shopping in the colonial city of Valladolid
- Drinks
- All entrance fees
- Air-conditioned private transportation
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
4. Private Early Chichen Itza, Breathtaking Cenote & Traditional Lunch Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 93 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This private early Chichen Itza tour is offered by Kay Tours Mexico, which is one of my favorite luxury tour providers in Riviera Maya!
In addition to providing high-quality tours that are best-in-class, Kay Tours Mexico is 100% focused on customer service and satisfaction.
Unlike any tour ever! This tour was, hands-down, the best part of our entire trip. I’ve always hated guided tours because of the pace being dictated by someone else, and I can wholeheartedly say that this tour was the opposite. Book it, you won’t regret it!
–Chris (read more reviews)
On this Chichen Itza early morning tour from Playa del Carmen, you’ll enjoy early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site, a breathtaking cenote swim at Cenote Chukum, an authentic local lunch, and much more.
I’ve done other private tours with Kay Tours to Cenote Zapote and Sian Ka’an and they’ve always been amazing–I can’t recommend them enough!
What’s included in the Private Early Chichen Itza, Breathtaking Cenote & Traditional Lunch:
- Private archaeological guided tour
- Early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Chukum
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid
- Snacks
- All entrance fees
- Air-conditioned private transportation
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
🗿 Related Reading: Tulum vs Chichen Itza: Which Mayan Ruins are best?
5. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour – Luxury Car
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 67 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your Chichen Itza experience, then consider upgrading to this VIP Chichen Itza tour with a luxury car.
This private tour includes everything from early access to Chichen Itza and an expert guide to walk you through the ancient ruins and a luxury sedan that will take you on your journey with style and comfort.
Everything we wanted! Nice, clean, air-conditioned car. Got to see everything we wanted with a nice and experienced guide.
–HUnter (Read more reviews)
Not only will you get to enjoy an authentic local lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid, but you’ll also get to swim in one of the area’s best cenotes, Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman.
What’s included in the VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour – Luxury Car:
- Private tour with a certified guide
- Early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid
- Entrance fees
- Air-conditioned private transportation in a luxury car
- Passenger insurance
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
6. VIP Chichen Itza & Coba Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 38 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
If you want to experience the best of Chichen Itza and the Coba Ruins (near Tulum) in a single tour, then look no further than this VIP Chichen Itza & Coba Private Tour.
This private full day tour includes early access to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, an expert guide to walk you through the site, a sacred cenote swim, and a visit to the ancient Maya city of Coba–featuring the tallest pyramid in Riviera Maya!
Best Guide Ever! Joel was an absolutely phenomenal guide, it’s rare to find someone so clearly in love with their work. He was charming, flexible, and an extremely knowledgeable guide.
–Jonathan (read more reviews)
Not only that, but you’ll also get to enjoy an authentic local lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid, and your tour includes round-trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen. It’s the best way to see two archeological sites in one day!
What’s included in the VIP Chichen Itza & Coba Private Tour:
- Private tour with a certified guide
- Early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Chukum
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid
- Private tour of Coba Ruins
- Entrance fees
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Use of bicycles
- Air-conditioned private transportation
- Round trip transportation from all hotels in Playa del Carmen
🌴 Related Reading: 10 Best Private Tours from Tulum
What to Bring on Your Chichen Itza Private Tour
No matter the private Chichen Itza excursion you choose, there are some essentials to bring along with you. These include:
You’ll also want to wear a swimsuit and comfortable clothes, bring a change of clothes, and don’t forget cash for tips.
Private Chichen Itza Tours from Playa del Carmen: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about private excursions to Chichen Itza:
Chichen Itza is about 2 hours and 25 minutes away (113 miles) from Playa del Carmen. Roundtrip private transportation is included in all of these top Chichen Itza tours for the most comfortable ride.
The most convenient way to get to Chichen Itza is to book a private tour with roundtrip transportation included.
Other options include booking a Chichen Itza group tour on a tour bus, renting a car, or taking the ADO bus.
It is best to book your private Chichen Itza tour well in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. This will ensure that you can get the best possible experience on your trip.
Plus, most tour operators like Viator offer free cancellations with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
You could get by with flip flops when you visit Chichen Itza, but it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers when visiting the site. The ruins are widespread and there is a lot of walking involved.
The Chichen Itza ruins open at 8AM so most private Chichen Itza tours from Playa del Carmen start with an early hotel pickup around 6 or 6:30AM. This gives you plenty of time to explore the Mayan site and avoid the crowds.
Conclusion: Best Chichen Itza Private Tours from Playa del Carmen
Overall, a private tour of Chichen Itza is the absolute best way to experience this ancient Mayan city and all of its wonders.
With early access, an expert professional guide to answer all your questions, private transportation, and a variety of other perks, a private Chichen Itza tour is definitely the most deluxe way to experience this cultural landmark and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
The Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza Private Tour is my top pick with all these amazing features–and it has over 640 5-star reviews!
While private tours are more expensive than group Chichen Itza tours, the added convenience and personalized attention is more than worth it!
Plus, you can customize your itinerary to best suit your preferences and interests.
Be sure to bring along all the essentials and discuss any customization with the tour company after booking.
No matter which of these best Chichen Itza tours you choose, you will no doubt have an unforgettable experience!
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Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I like to use Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
