Exploring Chichén-Itzá and Cenote Saamal: Day Tour from Playa del Carmen

Intro

Welcome to Entry 2 of my Mexico adventure! This time, I hopped on a bus tour from Playa del Carmen to the magnificent Chichén-Itzá, one of the Wonders of The World. The day was packed with incredible sights and experiences. We kicked things off with a stop at a chocolate store—because who can resist Mexican chocolate? Then, we had a delicious lunch before exploring the awe-inspiring El Castillo at Chichén-Itzá. The temperatures soared, but we kept cool with some refreshing dips in the beautiful Cenote Saamal. The tour also took us to Valladolid’s charming Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado, where we enjoyed some street corn. Finally, the day wrapped up with stunning sunset views before heading back. Stay tuned for more highlights from my trip!

Bus tour to Chichén-Itzá from Playa del Carmen

We had been enjoying Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for a few days now, but it was time to do one of the main attractions of this area of Mexico. We had to come see Chichén-Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For reference, I have been to all 7 New Wonders, and this would be my second visit to this architectural and historical landmark, and the first one to my 7 friends that were coming with me.

I investigated many ways to go there from Playa del Carmen, since it is not close at all. I even checked on the Tren Maya, which is still being built. But at the end we decided just to buy a bus tour. A Full Day that would include a stop in a cenote and Valladolid. At 8:00 AM we were waiting for the bus.

2 hours later we got into the area were we would get lunch (included) but that served as a tourist trap. There was a store, a chocolate store, a coffee place, and a chaman show. All of this draining time of the day, and forcing you to spend money on them.

Finally before noon we were to get lunch, and it was actually better than I expected, probably because everything just seemed fresh. The tacos were really good. And they even offered some churros.

This is the area were we had lunch. The temperature was increasing dramatically.

Chichén-Itzá

We got on the train and continued our journey into Chichén-Itzá. Being one of the most visited areas in Mexico, of course, it was almost chaotic getting into this complex. But we all made through with tickets provided by the tour, and got to the El Castillo, which is what you think about Chichen Itza.

I literally thought I would pass out. There is no breeze on this side of the Yucatan Peninsula, and the temperature was higher than 100 degrees. It reminded me to Las Vegas. Anyways, fortunately there were some stores where we got some water and Gatorade, and we continued our guided tour, and the person in charge was telling us a lot about the Mayas, and it was actually a great explanation.

While we walked the complex we saw some fauna, and reminded me of my other Mayan adventure earlier in Guatemala.

Last in this complex, before we had to go back into the bus, was the Gran Juego de Pelota where the Mayans would play this ball game with their hips and sacrifice the winners.

Cenote Saamal

We were all burned by the excessive sun but fortunately the tour included a stop at the Cenote Saamal, not too far from Valladolid, on the way back to Playa del Carmen. The place looked really nice.

And the cenote actually looked very good and organized. The entry to the cenote (to swim) was not included, and we had to rent the life vests (mandatory).

After going down the stairs the beautiful cenote, with a nice waterfall, was waiting for us.

The experience was amazing. The water was cold but refreshing, and we really needed this after such a long hot day.

After some time enjoying the cenote, we decided to get some drinks the cenote bar. The lady in the bar made a mistake, and was charging us extra. The tour guide instead of defending us, he took side with these ladies and threaten to call the cops on us. The tour was delayed already by all the altercation, so we just decided to pay for their mistakes. We fell so SCAMMED. Definitely, this tour is a machine to get the most money out of you.

Valladolid

After the drama, we all sat quiet at the bus and went into Valladolid, where we tried to enjoy the main plaza and its surroundings. We had the greatest beer ever with micheladas.

And some street food, specifically corn on the cob (or cup lol).

Everything was good so far in Valladolid, but it was time to get back into the bus and into Playa del Carmen.

Leaving Playa del Carmen

I wanted to show in this blog how I was able to get back to the Tulum International Airport from Playa del Carmen. A few days in advance, I booked the ADO transportation from the Bus Terminal in Quinta Avenida to the airport, and even though it takes a long time, it is the cheapest most convenient way to get here. This airport is new and so far there are not many transportation options. Hopefully in the future, not only the access are improved, but also the ways to connect to Tulum and the other towns of this area of Mexico.

The terminal was very cute.

And after some wait I was back in the plane on the way to NYC.

The Yucatan peninsula is so vast and flat and jungly, it’s just so amazing.

But after 4 hours, we were not in Mexico anymore. The plane was passing New Jersey, and we were about to land.

Back in the US! And I had a view of the Manhattan skyline from all the way here in Newark, New Jersey.

I took an Uber to the Newark Penn Station, and from there I took the PATH to the Oculus in the World Trade Center, and connected to the MTA from here. The colors of the USA flag were still up from the Memorial Day Weekend.