Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal Private Tour

  • Price:

    From: $155 USD per person

  • Duration:

    8-9 hours

  • Destinations:

    Chichen-Itza Archaeological Zone, Cenote Sammal (Hacienda Selva Maya)

  • Availability:

    Monday to Saturday

  • Languages:

    English, French, Spanish

  • Tansfer:

    Pick up and Transfer included in tour

  • City Served:

    Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun

Home / Private Tours Tulum / Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal Private Tour

Description of Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal Private Tour

The Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal Private Tour combines exploration of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with refreshing swimming in an open-air cenote at the beautiful Hacienda Selva Maya. This Chichen Itza and Cenote Sammal tour gives you intimate access to the most iconic Maya archaeological site in Mexico followed by natural cenote beauty—all with the privacy, flexibility, and expert guidance that mass group tours cannot match.

As a family-owned local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, Carey Tours specializes in private experiences with certified guides who bring Maya history, astronomy, and architecture to life. 

Relaxing moment by a crystal-clear cenote in Tulum, with guests swimming and enjoying nature, provided by Carey Tours.
Cenote Sammal Private Tour by Carey Tours

This Cenote Sammal tour begins with early arrival at Chichen-Itza before peak crowds and heat. Your guide leads you through the massive complex featuring the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid (El Castillo), Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, Sacred Cenote, and astronomical observatory. You’ll learn how Maya astronomers calculated celestial events with remarkable precision, understand the site’s role as a major political and economic center, and examine the fusion of Toltec and Maya architectural styles that makes Chichen-Itza unique.

After exploring the ruins, the journey continues to Cenote Sammal—a stunning open cenote at Hacienda Selva Maya where crystal-clear water reflects sky and surrounding vegetation. You’ll swim in this refreshing natural pool, enjoy a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, and optionally visit nearby Cenote Oxman for the famous cenote swing photo opportunity. 

The tour includes private round-trip transportation, all entrance fees, buffet lunch, and the flexibility to adjust timing based on your group’s archaeological interests and cenote relaxation preferences. 

Perfect for history enthusiasts, families wanting to experience Mexico’s most famous ruins, photographers, and anyone seeking an authentic Sammal private tour that balances cultural education with natural beauty and cooling relief from Yucatan heat.

Experience Mexico's Most Iconic Maya Site

This Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal tour delivers comprehensive access to Mexico’s most famous archaeological wonder with the personalized attention and flexible timing that group tours cannot provide. Early arrival means you experience Kukulkan Pyramid and the Great Ball Court before crowds overwhelm the site, allowing genuine appreciation of the scale and astronomical sophistication.

Combining world-class archaeology with cenote swimming creates a balanced day that appeals to history enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone wanting to understand why Chichen-Itza earned New Seven Wonders status.

As a family-owned agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we know optimal timing for Chichen-Itza visits and design itineraries that maximize your experience while the site remains navigable.

Contact us to check availability, discuss archaeological interests, or customize your Cenote Sammal private tour.

  • 1
    Stop 1: Hotel Pickup (6:00 AM - 6:30 AM) Private pickup from Cancun (6:00 AM), Playa del Carmen (6:30 AM), or Tulum (6:30 AM). Early departure ensures arrival at Chichen-Itza before tour buses and intense heat. Your certified bilingual guide introduces Chichen-Itza's significance as a New Seven Wonder, Maya astronomical achievements you'll witness, and cenote swimming afterward during the scenic 2-3 hour drive.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Chichen-Itza Archaeological Exploration (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Arrive at Chichen-Itza when the site opens. Begin comprehensive guided tour of this massive complex spanning different architectural periods. Your guide leads you through key structures while explaining Maya cosmology, political history, and architectural innovation.Kukulkan Pyramid (El Castillo): Marvel at the iconic stepped pyramid demonstrating astronomical precision—91 steps on each of four sides plus platform equals 365 (solar year days). During equinoxes, shadows create serpent descending the stairs. Your guide explains the geometry and astronomical knowledge encoded in the design.Great Ball Court: Walk through the largest ancient ball court in Mesoamerica. Your guide describes the ritual ball game, acoustics that carry whispers across the field, and the ceremonial significance of this massive structure.Temple of Warriors: Observe hundreds of columns representing warriors, intricate carvings, and the Chac Mool sculpture. Learn about Toltec influence and the military power Chichen-Itza wielded.Sacred Cenote: View the ceremonial cenote where Maya made offerings to rain god Chaac. Your guide shares archaeological discoveries and ritual significance.El Caracol (Observatory): Study the astronomical observatory where Maya priests tracked Venus, equinoxes, and celestial events with remarkable accuracy centuries before European astronomy advanced similarly.Approximately 2 hours of guided exploration with time for photography and questions. Note: Climbing Kukulkan is no longer permitted, but your guide provides detailed explanations from the base.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Drive to Cenote Sammal (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM) Short drive to Hacienda Selva Maya. Transition from archaeological focus to natural cenote experience. Your guide explains cenote formation and the hacienda's history.
  • 4
    Stop 4: Cenote Sammal Swimming (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM) Descend to Cenote Sammal—a beautiful open-air cenote with crystal-clear water reflecting the sky. Swim in this refreshing natural pool, cool off from morning heat, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The cenote features platforms for relaxing, vine-wrapped edges, and pristine water perfect for swimming and floating. Life vests available.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Traditional Yucatecan Buffet Lunch (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Traditional buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya featuring authentic Yucatecan cuisine. Regional specialties include cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, fresh tortillas, and local flavors. Buffet style allows you to sample multiple dishes. Bottled water and snacks available throughout the day.
  • 6
    Stop 6: Optional Cenote Oxman Visit (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM) Optional stop at nearby Cenote Oxman (additional $10 per person, paid on-site). This cenote features the famous rope swing for dramatic photos—swing over the water and drop into the cenote. Popular for Instagram-worthy moments. Discuss this option with your guide.
  • 7
    Stop 7: Return to Hotel (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Comfortable drive back to your accommodation. Arrival times vary: Tulum by 3:00 PM, Playa del Carmen by 3:30 PM, Cancun by 4:00 PM.

    • Private door-to-door service from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun.

    Pickup times:

    • Tulum/Playa del Carmen (6:30 AM)
    • Cancun (6:00 AM).

    Early start ensures optimal Chichen-Itza experience before crowds.
    Exact time confirmed upon booking. Additional fee applies for Cancun and Puerto Morelos pickups.

    • Private round-trip transportation from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun
    • Private, bilingual guide for Chichen-Itza and the cenote tours
    • Entrance fees to Chichen-Itza and Cenote Sammal
    • Optional entrance to Cenote Oxman ($10 per person)
    • Bottled water and snacks throughout the day
    • Traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya
    • Comfortable walking shoes for extensive ruins exploration
    • Swimwear and towel for cenote
    • Sandals or water shoes for cenote access
    • Hat and sunglasses (intense Yucatan sun)
    • Biodegradable sunscreen
    • Biodegradable mosquito repellent
    • Waterproof camera for ruins and cenote
    • Cash for souvenirs, guide tips, and optional Cenote Oxman entrance ($10 per person)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Light, breathable clothing (site is hot and exposed)
    • Small backpack or day bag
    From $155 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      10

    • Ideal for:

      Families, Groups & Friends, Couples, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $250 USD per person
    • 3 people: $210 USD per person
    • 4 people: $200 USD per person
    • 5 people: $190 USD per person
    • 6 people: $175 USD per person
    • 7 people: $165 USD per person
    • 8 people: $160 USD per person
    • 9 people: $160 USD per person
    • 10 people: $155 USD per person
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    FAQs

  • 1
    Can we still climb the Kukulkan Pyramid? No. Mexican authorities closed pyramid climbing in 2006 for preservation. Your guide provides detailed explanations from the base, and the view across the plaza remains spectacular.
  • 2
    Why visit Chichen-Itza if we can't climb? Chichen-Itza offers far more than one pyramid—the Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, Sacred Cenote, and Observatory showcase Maya achievements. The astronomical precision and scale remain awe-inspiring from ground level.
  • 3
    How does early arrival help? Chichen-Itza receives 2+ million visitors annually. Early arrival (8 AM) means you explore major structures before tour buses arrive around 10-11 AM. Heat is also more manageable in the morning.
  • 4
    How long do we spend at Chichen-Itza? Approximately 2 hours of guided exploration covering major structures. This allows thorough examination without overwhelming heat exposure.
  • 5
    What is Cenote Sammal like? An open-air cenote at Hacienda Selva Maya with crystal-clear water, platforms for relaxing, and beautiful natural setting. Refreshing contrast to hot mornings at ruins.
  • 6
    Is the buffet lunch good? Yes. Traditional Yucatecan cuisine featuring regional specialties like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima. Buffet format allows sampling multiple authentic dishes.
  • 7
    Should we do Cenote Oxman? Optional ($10 per person). Popular for the rope swing photo opportunity—dramatic shots of swinging over and dropping into the cenote. Discuss with your guide based on time and interest.
  • 8
    Is this tour physically demanding? Moderate. Extensive walking at Chichen-Itza on flat but exposed terrain in heat. No climbing required. The cenote portion is relaxing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
  • 9
    Why is this tour private? Private means your own guide, vehicle, and flexible timing. No waiting for 30+ strangers or following rigid group schedules. Personalized explanations matching your interests.
  • 10
    Can children participate? Yes. Family-friendly with flexible pacing. Children fascinated by pyramids and legends. Cenote swimming provides a fun break. Consider children's heat tolerance for exposed archaeological sites.