Top Things to do in Cancun
The 10 Best Archaeology Tours in Cancun, Quintana Roo
Sunny Cancun has much more to offer than its party-town reputation might suggest. Plenty of gorgeous, drama-free family resorts cater to folks who want to experience the tropical Yucatan climate. There are significant Mayan ruins here, such as El Rey and the Yamil Lu’um, a crumbling tower of pale gray stone. Learn more about this ancient civilization at the Museo Maya de Cancun. For a literal taste of Mexico, take a tour of the Museo Sensorial del Tequila.
Restaurants in Cancun
1. Private Tour of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum with Lunch and Cenote Swim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
See three of the Yucatan's most popular archaeological sites in one day during this private tour with a driver and guide. During the 12-hour adventure, visit the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Cool off by swimming in a 'cenote'; a naturally formed underground pool, and refuel with a buffet lunch. Chauffeur-style transport for your private party is included.
Inclusions: Lunch, Professional certificated private guide services, Private tour only for your group, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Rent of the pedicabs in Coba, Sweet snack, soft drinks, water & 2 cans of beer/per person, Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Beverages during the lunch, Tips
Reviewed By chrisfC1829YL
Wow!!! So much happened in this trip that it's hard to summarize. First off...take more cash than you think you need. You'll visit several places that don't have credit cards as an option. And then remember to tip your house at the end. We felt so bad that we only had $1 dollar left to give them because they were so amazing!! So nice and polite and knowledgeable. This was a very long excursion (12.5 hours) that was incredible and we're so glad we took the time to do it. We learn s so much from the guide and the places themselves.
2. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.
Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)
Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities
Reviewed By Robert S
Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.
3. LDS Tour to Chichen Itza Mayan ruins (Minimum 4 people)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Our LDS tours are designed to bring the Book of Mormon to life. Our tour guides will not only provide an in-depth and detailed discussion of the history and symbolism of the ruins but most importantly, explain how they correlate to passages and teachings from the scriptures. Learn about the latest theories and research that place Mesoamerica as the top candidate for the setting of the Book of Mormon.
Inclusions: Delicious Yucatan cuisine buffet: Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan pulled pork). Yucatecan grilled chicken, beef fajitas, rice, beans, salad, and 1 soda included. (breakfast not included), Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Cenote Swimming Activity, Professional LDS Guide , Parking Fees
Exclusions: Video Camera fee at Chichen Itza, Gratuities, Lockers and Life vests
Reviewed By markbG875VX
My wife and I actually did all 4 tours, Chichen Itza, Tolum, Coba, and Ek Balam. By far, our excursion or tour of Ek Balam was the best. It was great to be able to climb the ruins which was not allowed at any of the other 3 sites. Mario was our guide on 2 of our 4 tours and he is outstanding. Other than the long rides to the ruins each day, we have no complaints. We loved the LDS flavor that the tour guides provided. For those who have been through the temple, the Ek Balam experience was incredible. Thank you making our excursions so memorable.
4. Visit Chichén Itzá with our Complete Tour and visit a real Cenote and Valladolid
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a full day tour that starts with the pick up at your hotel located in Cancún or Riviera Maya, then we will take you to Chichén Itzá where you will visit the most important ancient Mayan city of South America, Here we will give you a guided tour with professional explanation about the ruins and the history of this place, in every step we will discover the different archaeological buildings of this city, a very good opportunity to take great pictures visiting a Wonder World, after this point we will take you to discover the magical town of Valladolid, a place that is recognized for the beauty of its streets and the friendliness of its people, one of the most important cities in the region for being the center of commerce in the Yucatan Peninsula. You will also enjoy the experience of swimming in a Real Mayan Cenote, a natural wonder that only exist in this area. All this with a team of professional people who will give you an excellent service and the best of the experiences.
Inclusions: Mexican Buffet, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick Up and Droop Off, Certified Guides, Tickets for the archeological site of Chichén Itzá, Tickets for the Cenote Experience, Visit to Valladolid Magic town
Exclusions: Souvenirs , Photos
Reviewed By Stephanie G
We used Parque Maya Cancun and it was the best time!! Peter started by taking us through a Mayan ritual where we were purified and entertained. Lots of laughs. Then we were taken to our boat where we followed Capt Flash through the mangroves and the marina. Boats were easy to drive and functional. After boat ride, we were given a lunch and served by a great waiter, Gustova. Location in the heart of the hotel zone. Highly recommend.
5. Chichen Itza Sunrise and Cenote Ik Kil from Cancun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Avoiding crowds and heat, this is the best way to see one of the new wonders. Your pictures well be amazing with not many people around the buildings, we are very flexibles and we are very good managers in the time, we can follow the itinerary or be flexible with this, and add another activities, like stop in one of the Cenotes, stop for lunch, or visit another archaeological site like Ek Balam, Coba or Tulum.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Private tour guide, seasonal fruit and eggs as you like.
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop
Reviewed By C138KRandrewc
Great tour, amazing food and amazing guide! Nefi was flexible with our plans and took us efficiently from place to place
6. 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 997 reviews
This is the perfect 3-in-1 combination tour of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling in the colorful coral reef in the Caribbean Sea and finally you'll get to swim and refresh in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves.
Inclusions: Bilingual guide, Round Transportation with AC, Equipment required for water activities, Box Lunch will be provided, Drinks: Bottle of water
Exclusions: The Natural Marine Reserve Fee 13 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By erinrI2229AV
My boyfriend and I went on the half day sea turtle and cenote cave tour on a private tour with Xenia, Stefani (photos) and Daniel the driver extraordinaire! I highly recommend a private tour as we had the entire cave to ourselves. I also recommend private as the sea turtle snorkel portion felt much more intimate and you got much longer time observing them in their natural environment. What really made the excursion though was our hosts. Xenia was fantastic! She was so well informed and told us everything we needed to know prior to the excursion as well as throughout. Her excitement is infectious and you can tell she truly loves what she does and I cannot say enough good things about her! Please request her if you plan a day with them! Stefani was also wonderful! So sweet and kind to take pictures and allow us to focus on having a wonderful experience! Daniel was our driver and helped us with everything including equipment, water, and providing help with anything we needed to stay comfortable during the drive. Loved this group and we had such a great time spending the day with them!
7. Tulum Ruins & Cenote
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 39 reviews
Take an fascinating Tulum ruins tour and swim at de best Cenotes . You'll explore the incredible Mayan ruins of Tulum. This ancient Mayan city sits atop a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean Sea and was once an important port for trade. Now visitors can explore the impressive architecture of Tulum Mexico with an experienced guide sharing tales of this magnificent culture. After exploring history, it's time for nature and swim in an cenotes! The impressive caves are listed on National Geographic's "Top 10 Underground Walks in the World"! Lunch in Chococacao sanctuary are included in the tour as well.
Inclusions: Lunch, Professional tour guide in Tulum and 2 cenotes, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By chrishH7777EV
10/10 I would do this trip again. My advice would be to go for the 4 hour tour over the 2 hour version because it goes by very quickly. Everyone is unbelievably kind and you taken care of the entire time. If you are looking for a snorkeling trip where you don't have to plan anything, this is the one for you.
8. Chichen Itza Deluxe from Cancun
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 158 reviews
See one of Mexico's most-visited archaeological sites during this full-day trip from Cancun. Travel by bus through the rustic countryside of the Yucatán Peninsula, enjoying an on-board breakfast en route to the Mayan ruins. Take a 2.5-hour guided tour of the monument, exploring prominent features like El Castillo and the Temple of Warriors. Sit down for a buffet lunch of traditional Mexican fare before swimming in a 'cenote' (an underground cave) and visiting the quaint Yucatán town of Valladolid.
Inclusions: Beers and water bottle, Breakfast (bread, coffee, orange juice, fruit), Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Chichen itza entrance, Ikkil cenote entrance
Exclusions: Gratuities, State Tax of 28 usd per pax or its equivalent in pesos.
Reviewed By Paradise67153938191
I took the all day tour to Chichen Itza and a swim in a Cenote with Jaime and Manuel. Jaime is an amazing tour guide. Manuel’s customer service is the best! Manuel helped us with two challenges. He helped us get breakfast once we arrived at our first stop. He then helped us pay for the camera fee once we arrived at Chichen Itza. It’s so busy there and none of the employees were helping. Out of no where Manuel comes and takes us to the front of the line and in a matter of seconds we pay the fee and we’re back on track. Definitely recommend these two gentlemen.
9. Chichen Itza Combo Tour with Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 184 reviews
Visit Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological zone in Yucatan, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire and voted one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" due to its extraordinary architecture beauty and its geographical location. This tour includes a panoramic view of Valladolid, buffet lunch, and cenote swim. As a gift, download My Mayan Guide App and turn your smartphone into a private guide that will give you details and information turn-by-turn as you walk through the ruins.
Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, There is no charge to bring a camera into the ruins, but you must pay $50 pesos for video camera.
Reviewed By T2283UUma
Refugio was great!!! 2nd time using USA Transfers and still amazed with their level of service. Thank you!!!
10. Tulum, Coba, & Cenote: Full-Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 34 reviews
Walk through Tulum and Coba, the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the area. Swim in a natural sinkhole with turquoise waters. Learn about Mayan culture while visiting a real Mayan community. Highlights • Learn about Mayan history, archaeology, and culture • Explore the ancient Mayan cities of Tulum and Coba • Visit a Mayan community and enjoy a traditional lunch • Swim in clear waters of refreshing cenotes swimming hole
Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation in air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Certified guide, Visit to the Mayan community and swim in a cenote, 1 use of tricycle in Coba (optional), Lunch and traditional buffet
Exclusions: Tips (not mandatory)
Reviewed By Daydream18042868894
Chichen Itza was remarkable, and swimming in the Cenote was great! My husband, who does not swim, even got in. They supplied mandatory life jackets (for $2). And, our guide, Ruth, was absolutely outstanding, the best!!
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