Private VW Beetle Tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid
Operated by Senor Travel Bug, the itinerary of this tour is a classic of the Cancun and Riviera Maya region, but with two principal differences. You will ride in a Classic VW Beetle painted as a racing car (although you can choose a more ‘standard’ car if you prefer), and your guide, a former professional photographer, will take photos and video throughout the day, all of which will be shared with you for free by the following day. You should not leave this region of Mexico without visiting Chichen Itza, the only Modern Wonder of the World in North America. After a guided tour of the ruins, a refreshing dip in a cenote always proves very welcome and something you can only experience in this region. The final stop is in Valladolid where you stroll the streets and the main square, perhaps refreshing with a cool drink beside the cathedral to end the tour ahead of the return to Cancun. For larger groups, please contact provider directly.
The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are among the most breathtaking natural wonders in Mexico. These ancient limestone sinkholes, sacred to the Maya civilization, offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Each cenote has its own unique character, from open-air lagoons surrounded by tropical vegetation to mysterious underground caverns illuminated by shafts of natural light filtering through gaps in the rock ceiling above.
Tour Highlights
The first place visited is Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s and voted a modern Wonder of the World in 2007. It is considered the most important of the Mayan sites primarily because it has buildings from the two Mayan eras and therefore differing styles of architecture reflecting the changing politics, beliefs and culture from 435AD to the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century, but also for its religious importance to the Maya as a place of pilgrimage. Unlike most guided tours, Señor Travel Bug will take you to the older and newer parts of Chichen Itza and explain their relevance. We drive for approximately 2h45 to arrive at Chichen Itza, depending on pick-up location.
Our second stop will typically be to either one or two cenotes, and will be chosen after discussing with the visitor their preferences eg. cliff-jumping, merely floating, seeing cave structures etc and could be before or after lunch depending on hunger and how much time was spent in Chichen Itza (a benefit of a private tour). Visitors can then swim, jump or merely relax in the cool waters of the cenotes that are somewhat unique to this region of the world. We drive for 30-45 minutes after Chichen Itza to arrive this location (depending on the cenote selected reflecting each individual's or group's style (i.e. calm or adventurous style cenote)
Either before or after the cenote we will stop to eat lunch, again depending on the visitors' preferences. The food is not included, but the guide will make recommendations from his experience and knowledge reflecting their tastes and budget. This could be (tried and tested) street food, a locals' restaurant where you can visit the kitchen and see tortillas being made, a high end Mayan restaurant or even a pizza place. We will drive for 30-45 minutes to arrive at lunch, depending on the cenote selected for your private tour and the choice of restaurant reflecting the travellers' taste and appetite.
The final stop of your Mexican classic tour in a Mexican classic car (or alternative if preferred) is in Valladolid, a Mexican pueblo magic, or 'magic town'. Valladolid is the nearest Spanish colonial town to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, making it well worthwhile visiting to see another 'face' of Mexico. We will wander the most attractive streets of Valladolid, perhaps browsing in its boutiques and also the central square, and we often close out the day with a cool refreshing drink beside the cathedral. We will drive for 5-30 minutes to arrive at Valladolid, and after touring the magic town will drive for approximately 2 hours to return to your pick-up point in Cancun, Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen.
What’s Included
- Private transportation
- Other
- Other
- Other
Good to Know
Please note that the following are not included in the tour price:
- Lunch
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Tour Type: Multi Day
Rating: ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
This tour departs from Playa del Carmen and the surrounding Riviera Maya area. Hotel pickup is typically available — check the booking page for details on pickup locations and times.