4.9 (416) · Merida · By ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Avoid crowds, beat the heat, and steer clear of tourist traps. Get a taste of authentic Yucatan cuisine, home-cooked, and swim in a unique private cenote, far from the usual paths.
Our early 5:50 AM departure ensures we'll be among the first to enter Chichen Itza, allowing for incredible photo opportunities. Together, we'll uncover the significance and history of this ancient Mayan city.
Discover a beautiful cenote, privately owned by a family with Mayan heritage, found by chance in their backyard. You'll have ample time to enjoy the crystal-clear freshwater of this exceptional natural wonder.
The family will prepare authentic, home-made meals using fresh ingredients and hand-made corn tortillas, all cooked to order. In Izamal, you can ascend the Kinich Kakmo Mayan pyramid, wander through the enchanting streets, and visit the convent.
✓ Air-conditioned vehicle with reclining seats (maximum 10 travelers)✓ Private cenote entrance fee✓ Professional licensed and experienced tour guide✓ Guided tour in Chichen Itza with free time (2.5 hours)✓ Bottled water✓ Coffee and sandwich served in the morning (turkey ham, cheese, pesto, lettuce, and tomatoe). Vegetarian and vegan sandwiches available upon request.✓ Pick up at Habana King Santa Ana at 5:35 AM✓ Life vest at the cenote✓ Pick up at Hyatt Regency at 5:30 AM✓ Three pick-up locations✓ Pick up at Catedral San Idelfonso at 5:50 AM✕ Home-made food experience (vegetarian and vegan options available) - $300 MXN per person. Includes: Starter, sopa de lima and guacamole, main dish of panuchos, black mole salbutes, and cochinita pibil tacos. Dessert: local fresh fruit. Drink included: hibiscus flower cold tea.✕ Chichen Itza entrance ticket fee for foreign visitors: $700 MXN (cash only).✕ Chichen Itza entrance ticket fee for Mexican visitors, temporary and permanent residents: $310 MXN (cash only).1 Cathedral de Merida
Our wonderful day begins with a departure from the Cathedral San Idelfonso at 5:50 AM.
· 30 min
2 Chichen Itza
Upon arrival, we'll be the first group entering Chichen Itza, bypassing long ticket queues. Our professional, licensed tour guide will assist you in capturing stunning photos without the crowds, then we'll explore the temples to reveal the history and mysteries of this ancient Mayan city.
· 1 h 30 min
3 Chichen Itza
You will now have free time to explore more of Chichen Itza at your own pace. Our professional tour guide will offer recommendations on where to go.
· 1 h
4 Holca
We'll hit the road again, heading towards the private cenote. This unique, off-the-beaten-path gem was discovered by chance in the backyard of a Mayan family's home and is the only one of its kind in Yucatan.
· Non-stop passage
5 Holca
First, you'll swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mayan family's cenote. You'll have the chance to meet the family and learn about the history of this special place.
After swimming, you'll savor the flavors of authentic Yucatan home-cooked cuisine. Enjoy guacamole, sopa de lima, panuchos, salbutes, and hand-made fresh tortillas for tacos, all prepared with fresh ingredients, some sourced from the family's garden. Fresh, locally grown fruit will also be part of this culinary experience. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
· 2 h 30 min
6 Izamal
We'll get back on the road, heading towards the magical town of Izamal.
· Non-stop passage
7 Izamal
You'll have the opportunity to climb one of the Mayan pyramids located in the town, and we'll also explore the history of this vibrant yellow city.
· 1 h 30 min
8 Merida
We'll return to Merida and drop you off at the original meeting point. Thank you!
· 1 h
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Crossroad of Calle 60 and Calle 45, Corner Cafe La Habana Santa Ana. Pick-up time: 5:35 AM.
Main entrance of Hyatt Hotel, located on Avenida Colon. Pick-up: 5:30 AM.
Meeting point: 5:50 AM at Catedral San Idelfonso, located at the intersection of Calle 60 and Calle 61, Centro Merida.
Crossroad of Calle 60 and Calle 45, Corner Cafe La Habana Santa Ana. Pick-up time: 5:35 AM.
Main entrance of Hyatt Hotel, located on Avenida Colon. Pick-up: 5:30 AM.
Meeting point: 5:50 AM at Catedral San Idelfonso, located at the intersection of Calle 60 and Calle 61, Centro Merida.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are allowed. Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. No wheelchair access. Private tours are available upon request. Children 12 years old and under receive free entrance tickets to Chichen Itza. Meeting points available: Hyatt Hotel at 5:35 AM, Cathedral San Idelfonso at 5:50 AM. Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience and Izamal
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of walking. Bring swimwear and a towel for the cenote. Carry cash for entrance fees and optional purchases, as not all vendors accept cards. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Stay hydrated; bottled water is provided, but you may want to bring extra. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 224055P4
Activity offered by ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. History enthusiasts interested in Mayan civilization. Food lovers eager to try local Yucatan cuisine. Photographers looking for unique shots without crowds. Travelers who prefer smaller group tours. Early access to Chichen Itza to avoid crowds and heat. Swim in a unique, private cenote owned by a local Mayan family. Authentic home-cooked Yucatan cuisine experience. Visit the magical yellow city of Izamal and its Mayan pyramid. Small group size for a more personalized experience.
Population 892,363 (2015)
Elevation 12 m
Currency peso
Official languages Spanish, Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 127 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Mexico City Average temperatures 23° Jan 25° Feb 27° Mar 29° Apr 29° May 28° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 27° Sept 26° Oct 24° Nov 24° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the best time to visit Chichen Itza? + Our early 5:50 AM departure ensures we'll be among the first to enter Chichen Itza, allowing for incredible photo opportunities and a more peaceful experience before the main crowds arrive.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for the food experience? + Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are always available for the home-made food experience.
What should I bring for the cenote visit? + You should bring your swimwear and a towel for the cenote. A life vest is provided.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels? + Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You can explore Chichen Itza at your own pace during the free time, and climbing the pyramid in Izamal is optional.
What is the maximum group size? + The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
★★★★★ Viator review
Perfect Day
Kalissa_S, October 2026
Very positive experience. Communication was easy and our guide was very confident throughout the whole process. Little details such as coffee and water really pushed the experience into 5 stars for me. I am very happy to have gone with this tour group.
★★★★★ Viator review
Intimate tour with the freedom to explore
Kara_S, October 2026
Our tour guide, Hernan, was a delight. Gave a ton of info to us, seamlessly going between English and Spanish. He made sure we knew exactly what was happening and where we were going. All 3 activities: Chichen Itza, the family cenote, and Izamal, were equally fun and informative. Lunch was delicious. I'll dream of that cenote for years to come. What a treat!!
★★★★★ Viator review
Family of 6 Had a Blast!
Violeta_S, July 2026
This was such a great experience! They were so knowledgable and we learned alot. I traveled with a 2 year old and everything was accessible. Starting with transportation it was cool and comfortable. Going early was definitely a good idea. We beat the crowds and most of the heat for Chichen Itza. Eating with a local family who also owned the cenote was awesome. Food was good and the cenote was refreshing. But beware it is steep to go down. We made it in time to climb pyramid and tour Izamal. Highly recommend this tour!
★★★★★ Viator review
Unique Experience
Mitzy_V, July 2026
Delio provided an excellent experience by picking us up promptly, he had sandwiches , water and coffee for us and gave a historical context of Chichen Itza and Izamal. The family's cenote was pristine and intimate. The food was delicious, everything about this tour was amazing.
★★★★★ Viator review
Delio was the best tour...
Katie_P, June 2026
Delio was the best tour guide! He’s been a tour guide for over 30 years. He is so knowledgeable, kind and funny. We were the very first ones in line to get into Chichén Itzá as it opened. It was great to be there with less people. We had ample time to tour it with delio and walk around alone. The cenote was owned by a private family with no other tourists there, just our group. The lunch the owners made was the best tacos I’ve had in Mexico. Izamal was a short stop with not much to do/see, but it was worth it to see the pretty town. Overall great experience and would recommend!
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