Had an absolutely magical tour led by Carlos Moo (pronounced Mo), Balam, Estrella, and Cuba. We got to see tons of beautiful history, culture, and nature. The day started early, being picked up at our hotel (bring LOTS of extra water, a towel, good shoes remembering that your feet will likely swell more than usual with the heat, and cash for tips and souvenirs!). The tour bus was comfortable with a bathroom in the back. Balam was an EXCELLENT driver. I felt very safe in the tour bus and he made great time. The tour was offered in English and Spanish.
We arrived at Chichen Itza about 2.5 hours after being picked up. Moo offered history of the town, an idea of what to expect for the day on the drive over once the bus was fully boarded and shared some of his own Mayan family heritage. We were given a cold bottle of water on our way into the site, heat stroke is a common occurrence here so I suggest pre-hydrating the day before, bringing extra water, a fan, and maybe an umbrella for shade if you are sensitive to heat and sun. Moo led us through the site giving a great explanation of the different buildings and symbols we were experiencing, highlighting specific visual features, demonstrating acoustic anomalies, and explaining many of the symbols and myths of the site. He carried pictures demonstrating some aspects of the site we were not able to see in the moment which helped deepen our understanding. Moo beautifully balanced giving us explanations and highlights as well as time to explore and take our own pictures or explore the many many vendors there. Moo did a great job trying to keep us in the shade and protect us from the heat when possible, I noticed not all tours were this mindful of their participants and I was very grateful for this extra care taken with us. We spent about two hours at Chichen Itza and were given another bottle of cold water as we boarded the bus.
Our next stop was a phenomenal Mayan buffet (seriously the best food I've had, bring your appetite, but expect to pay for drinks-including water) with a cultural performance while we ate. I can't say enough good things about the kindness and welcoming energy of the people there. Afterwards we were given a tour by Estrella of the grounds where we got to see some of the traditional methods, care, and ingredients which went into the feast we just enjoyed. Estrella showed us the pit where the pork was slow cooked, a Mayan woman making tortillas by hand, and Estrella explained some of the spices used and medicinal benefits of traditional Mayan food. We learned more about Mayan culture and traditions and got to watch an artisan as he created things with obsidian. We visited a Shaman who gave us two gifts, cleansing us with holy incense and holy water. This was one of my sister's and my many highlights of the trip and a sacred experience. Afterwards we were able to visit their gift shop where there was a HUGE variety of incredibly high quality Mayan art pieces, tequilas and mezcal, traditional Mayan paper which could be made into your Mayan birth certificate, and many other things which could be purchased. If you purchased obsidian they had a Shaman who would cleanse the energy from the stone for you. If you purchased an artifact they would give you a certificate of authenticity.
Our next stop was Cenote Ik Kil where Red Bull holds their cliff diving competition. The water felt amazing and there was a platform where you could jump in from. The vines, birds singing in the trees, and fish in the water were really lovely. We spent about an hour here.
Our final stop was the colonial city of Valladolid. Estrella gave a beautiful explanation of the town history, as well as things to look for when we arrived. We were given half an hour in the town square where we were fortunate enough to catch another cultural performance taking place. Estrella recommended crispy Mayan crepes and after having one-I do too! All of the vendors there looked like they had amazing options including fresh churros, elote, and more.
I can't speak highly enough about how well led and organized this tour was. The guides were personable, friendly, and approachable. The suggestions given to us throughout the day were spot on. The experience all in all was pretty magical and one I will never forget! Moo, Estrella, Balam, and Cuba - thank you for a once in a lifetime day!
L9779AJfernandos
25 May 2023
Mucha decepción con esta empresa. Desde los primeros minutos en el bus, ya se les veía intenciones de vendernos sus productos, criticando las ventas en Chichén Itzá. Primera para en Chichén Itzá, se suponía en las características de la excursión que tendríamos tiempo libre, el Guía Juan Carlos, a aparte de no ser buen guía, no dio prácticamente ninguna información de los monumentos, solo de su forma de ver y entender a los mayas y de cómo sentirlos, su interés era hacer la visita lejos de los vendedores, que no te separas es del grupo y que no tuviéramos tiempo de comprar nada. Después nos llevaron a comer a un supuesto de pueblo maya buffet sin comida no estaba mal pero tampoco gran comida, y después de poco tiempo para comer y algunas explicaciones del lugar, lo que más esperaban, entrar a la tienda del lugar donde todo valía mucho más, precios elevados, y dónde sorpresa sorpresa, ya no había prisas mientras hubiera gente que pudiera comprar. Tiempo que nos quitaron de Chichén Itzá y de la siguiente visita al cenote Ik Kil. Mucha rabia porque el cenote es precioso e impresionante, pero cómo vas corto de tiempo entre que te cambias te bajas a bañar y que te tienes que volver a cambiar...en el agua estás cómo 10 o 15 minutos, sin entretenerte mucho. Y última parada en la ciudad de Valladolid, que parece que no tiene mucho que ver, pero da igual porque la visita es de 30 minutos que no te da tiempo a moverte mucho, tan solo dar la vuelta al parque donde para el bus y ver la iglesia que está allí, lugar donde comprar souvenirs más barato que en pueblo maya pero que tampoco te da tiempo. Te roban el tiempo en su interés e intentar robarte tu dinero donde ellos tienen intereses.