Chichen Itza private tour setup - btwn March 27-April 1st,2013; looking 4 others

Good to hear some great reports about this. I know there's another group who did it yesterday so hopefully they enjoyed it too.

It is a long day but worth it, and the best way to do it - avoid the tourists traps and travel with friends at a great price. So let me know the details and I'll get it fixed up for you.

 

Yes, the prices went up a little on Jan 1st, also the cost for a guide. Here's the updated info:



Repost from a similar thread re private Chichen Itza Tours if arranged via me and Entertainment Plus.

The way private tours work is you are hiring a van and driver for the day, so the more people you have to split the costs between the cheaper it is per person.

6 people is about the break even point where the cost is similar to booking an equivalent public tour. Public tours are 40 seater buses which depart from and return to a central collection point, and take you all round the places that they make a commission from.

With more than 6 on a private tour then not only will you save money you'll get a much more personalized service, stop where and when you want and choose your departure time.

Prices per person are as follows, based on number of adults
1 $299
2 $149
3 $119
4 $91
5 $79
6 $73
7 $68
8 $65
9 $62
10 $60

Includes:

• Round trip air-conditioned transportation exclusively for your group. Pick up and drop off direct at Temptation.
• English speaking driver, entrance fee to Chichen Itza, tolls and parking
• DOES NOT include guide in Chichen-Itza (approx $75 USD between the group) or tip to the driver if warranted

Itinerary:
It is a 2 ½ hour ride there, you have the van and driver for 10 hours. I suggest a 7 - 10 AM departure (tour buses arrive around 12 noon and for me I would leave early at 7 or 8). Stay there for 2.5 - 3 hrs. Walk in the town, buy a few gifts, have lunch at one of the restaurants in Chichen-Itza village, head back to Cancun early or go to Valladolid to see a small town. ALL sites of ruins close at 5PM. Please plan your time accordingly.

Option: If you want to see the Light & Sound show (Wednesday), your suggested pickup time is 11AM in the winter or midday in the summer. This gives you almost 3 hrs in the ruins before the show. Light Show Hours: 6PM - 7PM Winter; 8PM - 9PM Summer. NB The light show is currently closed for renovations and still not yet open as far as I know.

Add On option Ik Kil cenote & buffet lunch: Stop at the beautiful cenote Ik Kil to swim in the fresh waters and have a buffet lunch of traditional dishes from the Yucatan including salads, rice and beans, grilled fish, chicken in an orange sauce, pork loin done in a classic Mayan sauce, beef tips, fettuccini primavera, fresh fruit, desserts and tea or coffee. Does not include tip or other drinks. Additional cost: $12 per person

Add On option Ek Balam Ruins: Climb the ruins and see the distinct carvings up close. Additional cost: $10 per person



Info taken from Entertainment Plus website