My honest review of the Chichén Itzá…
My honest review of the Chichén Itzá excursion purchased through Margaritaville at Sea: beautiful pyramids, but a terrible tour experience and money poorly spent.
We spent approximately two hours and twenty-five minutes each way on an old bus that smelled bad. It was not a comfortable ride.
Before reaching the pyramids, they stopped at what was supposed to be a “shopping” area. In reality, it was an unpleasant place with about three little shops that appeared to belong to them or be connected to the tour. The prices were outrageous: a small stone you could hold in your palm cost $50, and hats were priced at $50 to $70.
Then, at the archaeological site, we saw souvenirs selling for $1, $2, or $10—but we had practically no time to shop there. They made time for their expensive shopping stop, but not for us to browse and choose where we wanted to spend our money.
For food, we received a cheese sandwich, an apple, and one bottle of water. That was it for a long day involving hours of travel and walking in intense heat. There was no proper meal stop where we could buy decent food and choose something to drink.
At the site, the guide talked at length at the cenote and several other structures. By the time we reached the main attractions, everything felt rushed. We were not even given twenty minutes to explore comfortably, enjoy the place, take photos, or shop.
Worst of all, we did not have enough time to buy more water. After spending hours in the heat, we had to get back on that bus for another long ride without any additional water being provided.
I was not expecting luxury. I expected a comfortable bus, enough drinking water, a reasonable place to buy a meal, and time to enjoy the destination I paid to visit.
The pyramids are beautiful. This tour was exhausting, uncomfortable, and badly organized. Based on my experience, I would not recommend it.








