29 Mar 2025
Our family recently returned from Mexico having visited Chichen Itza and swimming in a cenote through a tour with Absolute Adventure. Considering it was going to be an all day trip, we splurged on a private tour to cut down on travel time. I booked directly through their website for considerable savings compared to resellers of similar tours. Our guide Cristina was full of knowledge and passion about the history of Chichen Itza. We got there right when the site opened shortly after 8am; be prepared to spend up to 4 hrs if you want the full experience. There are numerous vendors on site who are super talented artists from the nearby town. You can get a kitschy alien themed Chitzen Iza T-shirt but also beautiful one of a kind wooden masks, sculptures, obsidian carvings and a 'jaguar' (you will know when you hear it). Many vendors take credit, but recommend bringing extra pesos.
Our driver Enrique was always ready for the next trek waiting with refreshments. The second stop was a swim in the Samula Cenote which is in an enclosed cave with a small opening. Yes there are bats in the cave, not scary, but they poop. Our third stop was in Valladolid for an authentic Mexican lunch at a restaurant frequented by locals. The ala carte meal was delicious. Recommend having breakfast at your resort/rental, there are snacks provided but lunch is later in the day. Valladolid town square was a quick walk through the park as the church was closed and we already had our souvenirs. Set out at 6:15am and back at 6:00pm at our resort.....long day but so very worth it!
Thank-you Cristina and Enrique!