Chichen Itza, founded in the year 514 AD, was once the capital of the ancient Mayan civilization and was recently declared one of the “7 Modern Wonders of the World.” The ruins are steeped in a magical history of bloody rituals of human sacrifice, a warrior culture, astrological discovery, and elaborately constructed Maya-Toltec buildings. The ruins are a must see for any visit to Cancun and visiting through the rustic Mayaland Hotel is the most provocative way to explore. Gray Line offers the “only” tour with exclusive access to the Mayaland Hotel, Conde Nast winner and National Geographic Regional Favorite!
Bordering the archaeological zone, the Mayaland Hotel is the only establishment close enough to have its own private entrance. Travel back and forth at your leisure. A shower and a dip in a cool Mayaland Hotel resort pool after a hot day at the ruins is truly a gift… not to mention a lounge chair to rest your feet and an ice cold drink.
Tour Options:
- Express
- Round Trip Transportation
- Mayaland Resort Access Pass - Including gardens, pool, lounge chairs, restrooms and more!
- Full Day to Explore Chichen Itza On Your Own
-
Exclusive Access to Cenote Xtoloc - A sacred cenote on the grounds of the Mayaland Resort
- Deluxe
- Includes Everything in Express
- 1.5 Hour Guided Tour of Chichen Itza Ruins
- Buffet Lunch - Featuring traditional Yucatan dishes and specialties of beef, chicken, fish, hamburgers and a salad bar. During lunch, you will be entertained by traditional Yucatan music and dance performances by the Mayaland regional ballet.
- Exclusive - Best Value!
- Includes Everything in Deluxe
- Open Bar On Transportation to/from Chichen Itza: Beer, Bottled Water, Juice and Soft Drinks
- Freshly made Mayan hors d'oeuvres served at the Mayaland Hotel, prior to your visit to the archeological park
- Gourmet Lunch Upgrade - Visit your choice of four different Mayaland Resort restaurants (The Catherwood Buffet, La Fuente Terrace Grill, El Mural and Las Palapas in the Mango Grove). Your menu features inspired selections of choice cuts of meat, poultry, fish and seafood, cooked to order on open-air hardwood grills. A wide variety of other regional delicacies and homemade desserts and tropical sherberts, along with wine, beer and soft drinks are provided as part of your meal. During lunch, you will be entertained by traditional music from the Yucatan and dance performances by the Mayaland Regional Ballet.
- Large Bottle of Ice Cold Water for Ruins Visit
- Complimentary plush towels for your use at the Mayaland Resort pool
Itinerary:
Our excursion begins by picking up passengers between 7:00-8:05am from the lobbies of all major Cancun hotels (Zone 1). Please be ready in your “hotel lobby” for the full time range provided when you call to confirm your pick-up. We will depart directly for Chichen Itza without stopping at any tourist traps along the way.
Arriving at the Mayaland Hotel, head directly to the archaeological site through the Mayaland Hotel’s private gate (light breakfast/snack for Exclusive guests). At the site, our certified tour guide will take you on a 1.5 hour tour exploring the secrets of the ancient Mayan Civilization (for deluxe and exclusive guests). Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important monuments before leaving you to discover the sights on your own. Move at your own pace and take pictures with awe inspiring monuments like the Pyramid of Kukulcan and the majestic Observatory.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy with a return to the ruins, a dip in the pool, time to relax in a lounge chair, or a stroll through the Mayaland Hotel’s beautiful tropical gardens.
We will leave Chichen Itza at approximately 4:00 pm, arriving back at the first Cancun hotel at 7:30 pm.
Sites Include:
- The Majestic Observatory
- The Sacred Cenote - Where sacrifices once took place
- The Ball Court - The largest and deadliest Ball Game in Mesoamerica. The arena is 168 meters in length and 70 meters in width with perfect acoustics.
- The Pyramid of Kukulcan - Where both theology and astronomy combine to produce a unique spectacle twice a year, the Spring Equinox and the Autumn Solstice. On these days, the shadows projected over the architectural elements of the building resemble a serpent descending into the ground. Located inside the pyramid, is the famous Chac Mool sculpture and the Jaguar Throne.
Optional Add-On: Horseback Riding to Old Chichen Ruins
- Meet in the lobby of the Mayaland Hotel and head out on horseback to uncover the mysteries of the mystical jungles of Chichen Itza. Visit the former campground of American archaeologist Edward Herbert Thompson who uncovered the treasures of the Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza between 1904 and 1910. Ride through the tropical forest to the "Thompson Rehollada" sinkhole lined with ancient Mayan water collectors. Your guide will teach you all about the archaeological sites and the native birds and animals who call this place home.