Historical Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$970
per adult
Special Mayan Tours
Special Mayan Tours
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursSightseeing ToursArchaeology Tours
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
The best family owned and operated company in Cancun providing private tours to the various destinations in the area: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam. Tour at your own pace without dealing with big buses or large crowds. The best way to know a lot more about Mayan History in a private way, we have more than 28 years of experience in Cancun’s tourism industry.
Tours and Tickets by Special Mayan Tours
Bus Tours
2 days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
237 reviews
Excellent
223
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
SacramentoStefano
Sacramento, CA135 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Three of us spent five days in a Ford Transit with a super knowledgeable guide and his sidekick partner who made sure we were taken care of. We experienced eight Mayan sites, swam in pools of waterfalls,enjoyed a UNESCO colonial city and the largest city in the Yucatán. Manual new the history of each site, explained the culture, the importance of the weather and the positions of heavenly bodies of the maya. On site, when Manny got out of the van, he became animated turning out facts on the pyramids, explaining the stelae figures better than a tour book. Ruben made sure our van was cool and close for pickup after touring the site. Ruben also invited to try the various fruit juices of the Yucatán: Guanábana, Jamica and Tamarindo. They also explained the popular dishes of the Yucatán.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our 5 days trips is one of the best deals down here. History and Culture come together and provide a traveling experience like no other. We appreciate your comments and feedback and look forward to seeing you again in another great trip around this beautiful part of Mexico.
Written January 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vaclav
13 contributions
Dec 2020
This was our highlight during our holidays in Mexico and our guide Pepe with driver Moyses made it amazing. We went on four days tour with stops at Tulum, Coba, Valladolid, Uxmal, Merida, Chichen Itza and stopped at two Cenotes one near Coba and another one near Chichen Itza (on our request). The whole trip was great because Pepe is a very knowledgeable guide and we had plenty of time to discuss a lot of aspects of history and culture. Moyses took care of the smooth travel, indeed we drove many kilometres around the whole peninsula. The accommodation was very well selected. The best surprise was the hotel near Uxmal with views over the Yucatan jungle and the Uxmal pyramid - it is breathtaking and make sure that you arrive well before the sunset! We would definitely recommend the tour and Mayan heritage sites are definitely worth at least 4 days of exploration!
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your comments and review..!! We are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us down here. We also look forward to making you have another great time wit us in the future. Without a doubt Pepe and Moises are two of our best assets and they always give their 100% to make our guests happy.
Written January 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charles W
7 contributions
Apr 2021
My wife and I chose to visit the ruins of the Mayas for our honeymoon. This trip was filled with once ion a lifetime experiences.
Abraham and Moses were out guides/drivers. They accommodated all our requests and made sure to remind us to bring water, wear sunscreen, have bug spray etc. They were extremely knowledgeable and spoke fluent English (as well as several other langues, fluently).
Some days had some long car rides, but it was worth it! We got to see ruins all alone, without other tourists around. We learned so much about the ancient Mayan cultures and the fascinating mysteries that historians still do not know how to explain.
Plenty of time to explore at night and the meals were excellent!
If your are a healthy person, this is a very affordable trip of a lifetime. There is walking and long car rides, so you have to be a flexible person, your are traveling to rural areas that do not have running water, youre in the jungle its hot, and the monkees are loud.
I think some of the hotels need to step up their game, things like small repairs to the rooms and public ares, nothing too serious.
I would 100% recommend having a tour guide to visit these sites, there are things you wouldn't be able to notice, that the guides will tell you about. I would also not hesitate to recommend Special Mayan Tours, I was very satisfied. I think everyone should see these sights, what a great trip!
Abraham and Moses were out guides/drivers. They accommodated all our requests and made sure to remind us to bring water, wear sunscreen, have bug spray etc. They were extremely knowledgeable and spoke fluent English (as well as several other langues, fluently).
Some days had some long car rides, but it was worth it! We got to see ruins all alone, without other tourists around. We learned so much about the ancient Mayan cultures and the fascinating mysteries that historians still do not know how to explain.
Plenty of time to explore at night and the meals were excellent!
If your are a healthy person, this is a very affordable trip of a lifetime. There is walking and long car rides, so you have to be a flexible person, your are traveling to rural areas that do not have running water, youre in the jungle its hot, and the monkees are loud.
I think some of the hotels need to step up their game, things like small repairs to the rooms and public ares, nothing too serious.
I would 100% recommend having a tour guide to visit these sites, there are things you wouldn't be able to notice, that the guides will tell you about. I would also not hesitate to recommend Special Mayan Tours, I was very satisfied. I think everyone should see these sights, what a great trip!
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for all your comments and review.
We are so glad to hear that we were part of such an important celebration as your honeymoon. We hope that all the memories created during this experience will remain with you for a long time and we also look forward to seeing you again in the near future. It was an honor having you with us
Written May 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike L
Golden, CO4 contributions
Feb 2020
Our guide, Manuel, provided us with a great education about Mexico in general and the area of Cancun and Akumal, along with two wonderful restaurant recommendations and introduced us to our guide in Akumal for a swim with the turtles. Our driver, Jose, was smooth and efficient. Could not have been a better choice.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manuel and Jose and both fantastic and we are so happy to know that you had a great time with them. Thank you so much for your comments and we can’t wait to see you again in another great adventure with us.
Written January 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donald J
Denver13 contributions
Jan 2023
Pepe Lopez created a special 6-day tour for us which included Ek Balam, Mayapan, Chichen Itsa and Yaxuna. It was absolutely wonderful. We've never had a guide who was so versed in English and so very knowledgeable with the Mayan history. Pepe was very flexible because we changed our itinerary once we arrived in the Yucatan. He took us to the best restaurants. Our driver, Moises was similar very helpful and supportive. It was our best trip to the Yucatan. (This was our 5th trip.). We recommend that if you are going you contact Pepe.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
makarska1997
Ashburn, Canada122 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We asked the Westin Lagunamar for a recommendation on a private tour to Chichen Itza. We really lucked out with the guide Pepe and driver José. Both couldn’t help us enough.
Pepe was very knowledgeable on ancient Mayan history and everything local in the Yucatan Peninsula.
We arrived just after opening and had the majority of the main tour before the midday heat and the crowds from the bus tours.
Great tour! We then swam in the Cenote Ik Kil sinkhole. 50m deep. Very refreshing after the midday heat of 36C heat.
Next stop was authentic, regional lunch in Valladolid at the Hotel el Mason del Marques. We followed Pepe’s advice. Delicious.
All in all, it was a great visit to one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We can’t that Pepe and Jose enough.
We’re quite intrigued with the 4 day regional trip and the Mexico City offering as well. We know who we will ask for too!
Pepe was very knowledgeable on ancient Mayan history and everything local in the Yucatan Peninsula.
We arrived just after opening and had the majority of the main tour before the midday heat and the crowds from the bus tours.
Great tour! We then swam in the Cenote Ik Kil sinkhole. 50m deep. Very refreshing after the midday heat of 36C heat.
Next stop was authentic, regional lunch in Valladolid at the Hotel el Mason del Marques. We followed Pepe’s advice. Delicious.
All in all, it was a great visit to one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We can’t that Pepe and Jose enough.
We’re quite intrigued with the 4 day regional trip and the Mexico City offering as well. We know who we will ask for too!
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your review and comments so much and thank you for it. It is great to know that you had a wonderful time in one of our private tours and we look forward to seeing you again in another one of our experiences.
Written May 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David G
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were a group of 4. Our van driver Moises arrived on time and was always quick and ready to pick us up at each stop.
Simon was a fantastic tour guide. He is an accredited tour guide and that was evident quickly. As we drove from Cancun to Chichen Itza, Simon told us about Mayan history and sites that we would not be visiting that day. This gave us great context.
We left our Cancun hotel about 630am and arrived at Chichen Itza about 3 hours later. Being early was good - it was hot and just got hotter during our time there.
Simon walked us through the open areas of Chichen Itza starting with oldest portions through the newest areas. He highlighted both the normally photographed buildings but also others that illuminated the history of occupation and evolution of building styles.
Simon was a fantastic tour guide. He is an accredited tour guide and that was evident quickly. As we drove from Cancun to Chichen Itza, Simon told us about Mayan history and sites that we would not be visiting that day. This gave us great context.
We left our Cancun hotel about 630am and arrived at Chichen Itza about 3 hours later. Being early was good - it was hot and just got hotter during our time there.
Simon walked us through the open areas of Chichen Itza starting with oldest portions through the newest areas. He highlighted both the normally photographed buildings but also others that illuminated the history of occupation and evolution of building styles.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
1 contribution
Jan 2023
We had a fascinating trip with Pepe and Moises. We visited Mayapan, Izamal and Ek Balaam. Pepe’s knowledge of Mayan history made the details of these ancient cities come alive and placed them in the broader context of what was taking place in Mexico and around the world at the time the Mayans were building these incredible cities. Moises’ knowledge of the Mayan language allowed us to speak with people in the local villages. By far the best part of the trip was lunch with Chef Rosalia Chay and tasting her renowned Cochinita Pibil the traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted pork dish. We highly recommend Pepe and Moises
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti & Shane
Pendleton, OR1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
We did a private tour for 4 adults to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Samal cenote swim, lunch at an old hacienda (fabulous food) and Ek Balam. It was a wonderful day with Moses (our driver) and Pepe (our tour guide). Pepe holds a master’s degree in Mayan culture and was absolutely fascinating to listen to as he shared his knowledge. The tour was very organized and fun - both are extremely nice and considerate of their guests. We appreciated the cooler with water and a place to put our snacks. Spend the money, avoid the crowds, and have a great day by booking with the BEST!!!
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Lois M
5 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This was a special experience for our family. Pepe was a wonderful guide, full of information about the area, Mayan history and culture. It was exactly what my husband, an American historian, was looking for in his effort to learn more about the Mayans. He took us to two wonderful places for breakfast and lunch….one very definitely local, which we loved, and lunch on the beautiful beach, a real treat. He and Abraham, our driver, were both wonderful and so accommodating! I can’t say enough good things about our day. We made wonderful memories, visited Coba and Tulum, and made 2 new friends. We will definitely call on Pepe again for more Mayan adventures. He can’t be beat!
Written January 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, how much would it cost for 2 adults just for Chichen Itza and Ik Kil cenote with pick up from Now Sapphire Riviera? Thank you.
Written October 11, 2019
rem. assuming picking up from Cnancun hotel area (Kukulkan Boulevard)
Written October 11, 2019
Hola, necesito me informen si hay disponibilidad ( tour tipo privado7 combi)de medio dia de tour saliendo del Riu Rudamar ( Costa Mujeres)hasta las ruinas de TULUM, poco de su playa y algún celote, y regreso al hotel. somos una familia de 10 personas ( mayores y menores) para el lunes 23 o jueves 26 de diciembre 2019 . Gracias, espero vuestra respuesta. Moni
Written September 27, 2019
Hola, muchas gracias por tu pregunta. Si tenemos disponibilidad por ahora, aunque Diciembre es considerada temporada alta y siempre recomendamos reservar con anticipación. En nuestro perfil de TripAdvisor hay un botón para enviar un mail y estar en contacto. Muchas Gracias.
Written September 28, 2019
Hello.
Not necessarily, most Cenotes have life jacket rental, so if you need to you can rent a life jacket in order to go swimming.
Cenotes are a great experience though.
Written August 13, 2019
What is the cost for private tour for 4 to Chitzen Itza? Pickup at Ritz Carlton or Rosewood Mayakoba
Thank you
Written July 24, 2016
Hello, thank you for contacting us, it looks like we could to get any notification on time to answer your question promptly, we apologize for the delay in the reply. The cost of the private tour for 4 people is 540 USD and it can depart from either Ritz or Mayakoba without any problem. Regards. Feel free to click on the email button in our profile for ore details about private tours.
Thank you.
Written August 12, 2016
i want to attend one day mayan temple bus tour on december 29,2015. do you pick up and drop from
secrete capri riviera hotel? how much it will cost?
Written December 21, 2015
Hello:
We apologize for the late reply.
We specialize mainly in doing private tours, we do not operate bus tours, thank you.
Written January 10, 2016
what is the differences between Chichen Itza Day Tour: and the Chichen Itza Day Tour: short cut tour?
Written November 25, 2015
How do we book a tour with you? We will be there June 15-22 a family of 5. I can't find a website that is clearly yours? Can we customize our tour? Or do you go to certain places?
Written May 27, 2015
Hi, thank you first of all for contacting us at Special Mayan Tours.
You can look us up in TripAdvisor as Special Mayan Tours and by clicking the "mail" button on our TripAdvisor profile you will be sending a direct mail to us, we will be more than happy to help you and assist you in any way we can, in our profile you can also click the link directly to our website.
Yes, we can pick up directly at any hotel in or around Cancun.
Greetings..!!!
Written May 27, 2015
Hola a todos, yo viajaré con mi familia del 14 al 19 de Junio, ya alquilamos vehiculos y me gustaría saber si en cancun ofrecen tours sin transporte a bajo costo? Gracias!!
Written May 24, 2015
Hola, muchas gracias primero que nada por contactarnos, en Special Mayan Tours siempre será un gran placer atenderles.
En respuesta a tu pregunta, lo sentimos, pero no ofrecemos tours sin transporte, en realidad nos especializamos en tours privados a las zonas de mayor interés alrededor de Cancún.
Gracias de nuevo, esperamos poder atenderles en un futuro.
Reciban un saludo grande.
Written May 27, 2015
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