Chichen Itza's iconic pyramid — Photo courtesy of Xichen

Cancun has a multitude of tour operators that provide day-trips to the spectacular archaeological site of Chichen Itza but, until recently, only expensive, private tours were offered to the quaint, colonial town of Valladolid. Tour Xichen changed all of that. The new tour combines a trip to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza with a visit to Valladolid. There is also a brief stop at a Zaci cenote. (Cenotes are natural, underground springs.) 

This beautiful church is next to Valladolid's town square. — Photo courtesy of Xichen

The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is one of the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World and is, without a doubt, the most popular attraction in the region. Valladolid was founded in 1543, near a lagoon. Residents found the humidity level and the abundance of mosquitos to be unbearable and they petitioned to move the town to another location. Their request was granted and, on March 24, 1545, the town of Valladolid was moved to its current location. The small city has a rich history and the most noteworthy sites around town are the cathedral next to the town square, a convent, and Zaci cenote. 

The tour operates Monday through Saturday and includes round-trip transportation between your hotel and Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Zaci cenote. A light breakfast (served on the bus, en route to Chichen Itza), a buffet lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid, the services of a bi-lingual tour guide at Chichen Itza, and unlimited beverages on the bus are also included in the price of the tour. No other tours to Chichen Itza include the services of a tour guide at the ruins, breakfast, unlimited beverages on the bus, or an all-inclusive buffet lunch.

For more information on the tour, or to make a reservation, visit their website at http://en.xichen.com.mx/