Updated November 2026
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is about 120 km from Chichen Itza — closer than Cancun, so the drive is shorter and day trips have time for Izamal, the yellow town, and often Valladolid too.
Top-rated Chichen Itza tours from Mérida
Chichen Itza, Cenote, Izamal & Valladolid Tour from Mérida
The most-reviewed Chichen Itza day trip from Mérida, with almost 500 reviews: hotel pick-up in Mérida, a guided visit to Chichen Itza, a swim in a cenote, the yellow town of Izamal and a stop in Valladolid. About 10 hours.
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Chichen Itza, Izamal & Cenote Tour from Mérida with Buffet Lunch
A full day from Mérida with a guide at Chichen Itza, time in Izamal, a cenote swim and a buffet lunch. Pick-up in Mérida; the site entrance fee is paid on the day. About 11.5 hours.
Book This TourHow a day trip from Mérida works
- Pick-up in Mérida in the morning, usually from your hotel or a central meeting point.
- About 1.5–2 hours to Chichen Itza on the 180D toll road — around half the drive from Cancun.
- A guided visit of El Castillo, the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Warriors, then free time.
- Cenote, lunch and Izamal — and on some tours Valladolid — before the drive back to Mérida in the evening.
What is usually included
Transport, a guide and a cenote stop are standard; lunch is included on many tours. The Chichen Itza entrance fee is often paid on the day, so check the booking page and see our page on Chichen Itza tickets.
Driving from Mérida yourself
With a rental car you can leave Mérida at 6.30 am and be at the gates when they open at 8 am. The 180D toll road takes you most of the way, and Izamal is an easy detour on the way back. Compare car rental at Mérida Airport (MID):
Compare car rental at Mérida Airport
Planning a longer trip? Our 7-day Yucatán road trip passes through Mérida, Uxmal, Izamal and Valladolid, and our tips on driving in the Yucatán cover tolls, speed bumps and insurance.
