Please don’t hesitate to book a private tour with the Absolute Adventures team - I can thoroughly recommend them from the amazing time we had on our trip to Chichen Itza with Alex as our guide and Enrique our driver - they were fantastic and took so much care of us, nothing too much trouble. The knowledge and passion Alex had for Mayan culture and heritage was superb and the two hour journey passed so quickly as he told us so much fascinating history to give us context for our experience. He always encouraged us ask questions, a great sign :) All the logistics were seamlessly handled and we could just relax into the day. Getting an early start meant we were at Chichen Itza before the crowds and the queues. It’s very very hot in central Yucatan and you need to be prepared for that - again, having a private tour really is a great investment if you can do it - you get to say when you’ve had enough and need to head for the shade. One of the best experiences was our swim in the cenote Samula which was cool, refreshing and quite magical. Lunch in Valladolid was delicious, in such a nice restaurant. All in all a brilliant day. Thank you so much guys, we take away so many special memories!
On the drive to Chichen-Itza, it was early and we were all groggy, but Alex did a fabulous job of explaining all the Mayan language and history while Enrique focused on the drive and keeping us and our belongings safe.
We stopped a couple of times for coffee and pastry, then a toilet break.
Chichen-Itza was of course spectacular, and Alex’s deep knowledge made the personal tour so rewarding, as he used a light pointer to show us the detail in the carvings.
We then went to a covered cenote in an underground cave which was an absolutely magical experience - drifting and floating with the cave swallows feeding in a shaft of sunlight from above. 100 percent safe (I swim like a rock, but we were all wearing life jackets, so it was utterly blissful).
The trip to Valladolid for lunch was an unexpected highlight. Beautiful restaurant with delicious food and the cocktails were easily the best we’ve had in the Yucatan.
Then a siesta drive back to PDC. :)
Such a wonderful day. I cannot recommend the private tour highly enough. Spend the money if you have it. You will come away with the kind of memories you’ll talk about for a long time.
Muchos gracias, Alex and Enrique. ????
My husband and I were staying in Cancun hotel zone for our honeymoon and we had in our bucket list to visit Chichen-Itza. When we saw how far it was from hotel zone and it was no brainer for us to look for a private tour. Of all the websites we came across in the internet Absolute Adventure Mexico stand-up from the rest. They had the best outline itinerary, we choose Chichen-Itza, cenote, and Valladolid. They didn't have crazy add ons like other website that ended being expensive. Their website was super user-friendly, offering a great value for the cost of the tour. Also, everyones reviews were outstanding.
Our private tour started at 6am, which we recommend everyone to do this to beat the crowds and Yucatan heat. They pick-up us at the hotel and we were greeted by Alex our tour guide and Enrique our driver (if you get this two your trip will be a blast) in a spacious mini van. Our first stop was to a convenience store, to grab coffee and croissant (included in your tour). For us this was nice touch since we couldn't have breakfast at the hotel. We had our breakfast on our way to Chichen-Itza, were Alex started to introduce us to Mayan history and language. Alex, is personable, easy to talk with, and so knowledgeable. While Alex and us were chatting, Enrique did the drive and keeping us safe at all times including our belongings. Our second stop was at a pit stop in the highway, clean restrooms with convenience shop. After that we arrive to the majestic Chichen-Itza (approx. 3 hours).
Enrique, drop us right in front of the entrance. While we went inside with Alex. Enrique went to look for parking, and keep our goods safe. Meanwhile Alex give us a very knowledgeable tour, and answering all our questions. We learn so much, and were so happy that we got there before any major crowds arrive and it was not hot at all. Alex did not only guide us but also took photos of us and great ones for social media. Once we were done with our tour, Enrique pick us up with snacks and drinks (soda/water) so refreshing after walking. While leaving the parking lot we saw the big buses arrived.
After Chichen-Itza, we went to cenote Xkenken. A what a great choice of cenote! Alex provided us with life jackets. I haven't been before in a cenote that I can see the bottom. I saw catfish too! and not crowded at all we had it pretty much for ourselves. Because we could manage our time without having to wait for other people, we could choose to cut the cenote short and leave to Valladolid for lunch and shopping. For lunch we went to Paladar rest., and the food was delicious and safe for turist stomach. We had Cochinita Pibil, rice, blue corn chicken tacos with Agua de Jamaica. After lunch, we went to main downtown Valladolid, very pretty spanish-colonial town. Took photos and shop, and return back to the hotel arriving by 5pm perfect time to get ready for dinner and entertainment.
I understand not everyone can afford to pay a private tour. But, If you can afford it please do it. You will not regretted, most of the other big tour bus companies hire lower tier guides. With Absolute Adventure Mexico, they hire license guides that went through rigorous education in history, language but most importantly CPR which is very important in case of emergency. Private tours, is away to avoid wasting your precious vacation time and having the best quality time with your love ones by really getting immerse in Mexican culture.