Chichén Itzá, 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 traveling through the rustic Mayaland Hotel is the most provocative way to explore them. Gray Line offers the “only’ tour with exclusive access to the Mayaland Hotel, Conde Nast winner and National Geographic Regional Favorite!

Close enough to the archaeological zone to have its own private entrance, you are free to travel in and out of the archaeological zone as many times as you like. 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.

ITINERARY:

Our excursion begins by picking up all passengers between 7:00-8:05am from the lobbies of all major Cancun hotels (Zone 1). Click here for a complete hotel pickup list. Please be ready in your hotel lobby for the complete pickup time range provided by our representative when you call to confirm your tour using the 1-800 phone number on your voucher at least 48 hours in advance. Once we have picked up all clients, we will depart directly for Chichen Itza without stopping at any tourist traps along the way.

Arriving at the Mayaland Hotel, we will head directly to the archaeological site through the Mayaland Hotel’s private gate. At the site, our certified tour guide will take you on a 1.5 hour tour exploring the secrets of the ancient Mayan Civilization. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important monuments before leaving you to discover the site on your own. Move at your own pace. Admire and take pictures with El Castillo.

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.

After your first visit to the ruins, regroup to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Mayaland Hotel serving traditional Yucatan dishes and other specialties including 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. The afternoon is yours to enjoy with a return to the ruins, a dip in the pool, time to relax on a lounge chair, or a stroll through the Mayaland Hotel’s meticulously groomed tropical gardens.

We will depart at approximately 4:00 pm, arriving back at the first Cancun hotel at 7:30 pm.

INCLUSIONS:

• Roundtrip Transportation from Cancun Hotels (Zone 1)
• Access to Mayaland Hotel and Resort Amenities: Pool, Restrooms, Lounge Chairs, Gardens and More
• Buffet Lunch at the Mayaland Hotel
• Entrance Fee to Chichén Itzá
• Bilingual Certified INAH Guide for 1.5 hour tour
• Extra Time to Explore the Ruins On Your Own Following the Tour
• Visit an Underwater “Grotto” Cenote

EXCLUSIONS:

• Beverages
• Food Aside From Lunch
• Optional Gratuities

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

1 - Mayaland Exclusive Upgrade (BEST VALUE)

European Style Breakfast Onboard: Breakfast including sweet rolls, milk and fresh juice will be served onboard along the way as well as bottled water, soft drinks and beer.

Beverages Onboard: Includes unlimited bottled water, soft drinks and beer onboard transportation to and from the ruins.

Bottled Water at Ruins: An ice cold, extra large bottle of water will be provided to keep you hydrated during your visit.

Gourmet Lunch: At your leisure following the tour, you are invited to dine at any of the Mayaland’s Gourmet Restaurants for a decadent 5 course meal including shrimp, steak, filet, fish, regional and international dishes paired with wine and your selection of soft drinks, bottled water and beer. During lunch, you will be entertained by traditional Yucatan music and dance performances by the Mayaland regional ballet.

2 - Horseback Riding: $45 Each
This tour departs from the lobby of the Mayaland hotel. Come uncover the mysteries hiding in the jungles of Chichén Itzá. This area was the formerly camping area of the American Archaeologist Edward Herbert Thompson who dredged the Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá from 1904 to 1910.

This Tropical Forest area is called “The Thompson Rehollada” (sinkhole), an interesting place where ancient Mayan water collectors can be seen as you explore the sinkhole. Your guide will be sure to point out native birds and animals as you travel through the jungle. Remember – because you will be in the middle of the jungle, bring long pants and bug repellent for this side trip.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Tour Itinerary Subject to Change Without Notice!
• Wear light, comfortable clothing, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat, biodegradable sun block, water.
• Don’t forget your swimming suit

Available daily with roundtrip transportation from all Cancun Hotel Zone hotels, Moon Palace and Sun Palace. (Return Dropoff Service Not Available for Courtyard by Marriott or Secrets Excellence Playa Mujeres).

For hotels in the Mayan Riviera & Playa del Carmen, please CLICK HERE to be directed to the Mayan Riviera/Playa del Carmen page for a slightly different itinerary.)

REDEMPTION INSTRUCTIONS

Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive an electronic voucher. You must print and present this voucher in order to redeem services. Your reservation is not yet complete. You MUST confirm the date and time of your tour by sending an email to cancuninfo@graylinecancun.com or by calling the phone number listed on your voucher at least 48 hours in advance.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World!
• Take a Deeper Look Into Mayan Culture
• Visit An Underwater “Cenote” Grotto
• Roundtrip Transportation, Guided Tour, Entrance Fee and Lunch Included