Valladolid and Chichén Itzá by Kombi: A Road Trip from Tulum
Valladolid and Chichén Itzá are in the state of Yucatán, outside our usual driving zone, so tell us before you go and we will plan it with you. Most travelers drive inland via Cobá, sleep at Camping Xkopek in Valladolid, and reach Chichén Itzá early the next morning before the heat and the crowds.
If there is one place almost everyone wants to see on a Yucatán road trip, it is Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pair it with Valladolid, a colonial town with colorful streets and a slower rhythm, add a couple of cave cenotes, and you have one of the most complete routes you can do in a classic kombi.
Here is how to plan it from Tulum.
First: tell us before you go
Our kombis are based in Tulum and our driving zone is Quintana Roo. Valladolid and Chichén Itzá are in the neighboring state of Yucatán, so this is a route you should tell us about before you book or before you set off. It is not a problem; we just want to check timing, the condition of the van and your plan with you. Guests have driven this route before, and Martin’s route book covers the stops below.
Getting there at kombi pace
From Tulum, most travelers head inland on the road toward Cobá and continue to Valladolid. Remember:
- The kombi goes up to 70 km/h, so plan more time than a map app suggests.
- There is no A/C: drive in the morning or late afternoon.
- Fill up with Magna before leaving Tulum and whenever you see a station.
- No dirt roads, except the short access to a campground.
Our guide to driving in the Riviera Maya covers road signs, speed bumps and the manual gearbox.
Valladolid: where to sleep and slow down
Valladolid is a great base. Walk the center in the evening, when the heat drops and the town fills with life, and try the local Yucatecan food.
For the night, travelers in our kombis love Camping Xkopek, with a pool and its own cenote. Campgrounds give you a bathroom and electricity, which makes kombi life much easier. More options in our guide on where to sleep in a campervan.
Chichén Itzá: go early
The big pyramid, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán, is the image everybody knows, but the site is large and worth a few hours. Tips:
- Arrive early. It is cooler and quieter in the morning.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen (this one is fine on land).
- Check entrance fees and opening hours before you go. They change, so we do not list them here.
- Around the spring equinox, crowds gather to see the shadow of a serpent along the pyramid’s staircase. Beautiful, but expect a lot of people.
The cenotes: Ik Kil, Samulá and X’Keken
After the ruins, a swim feels incredible:
- Ik Kil, a deep, round cenote with hanging roots, close to Chichén Itzá.
- Samulá and X’Keken, two cave cenotes near Valladolid, with sunlight falling through a hole in the ceiling.
Remember to rinse off sunscreen and repellent before swimming. For more cenotes closer to home, see our guide to cenotes near Tulum by kombi.
A real four-day route
This is one of the routes our guests have actually driven:
- Day 1: pick up in Tulum and sleep at Chamicos, by the sea in Bahía Solimán.
- Day 2: Akumal and La Buena Vida, then drive inland to Valladolid and sleep at Xkopek.
- Day 3: Chichén Itzá early, then Ik Kil and Samulá for a swim.
- Day 4: back to the beach and return the van.
Another favorite, over three nights: Cobá for sunset, then Chichén Itzá and Samulá, Akumal, and finally Casa Cenote and Chamicos. You can find both in our real kombi routes.
What to pack for this route
- Swimsuit, quick-dry towel and a T-shirt for swimming.
- Comfortable shoes for the ruins.
- Cash for small places along the way.
- A hat and plenty of water: the inland heat is drier and stronger than on the coast.
The kombi already comes with bedding, a gas stove, cookware for four, a cooler and a solar shower, plus salt, sugar, coffee and tea to get you started.
Ready for the classic Yucatán loop?
Valladolid and Chichén Itzá turn a beach trip into a real road trip. Write to Martin with your dates, tell him you want to go to Yucatán, and check availability and prices on the booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive the kombi to Chichén Itzá?
Our driving zone is Quintana Roo. Chichén Itzá and Valladolid are in the state of Yucatán, so tell us before you go. Guests have driven this route before, and Martin will help you plan it.
Where can I sleep near Valladolid with a kombi?
Travelers in our kombis like Camping Xkopek in Valladolid, which has a pool and a cenote. Campgrounds are the easiest option because you get a bathroom and electricity.
What time should I arrive at Chichén Itzá?
As early as possible. Mornings are cooler and calmer, which matters when your van has no A/C. Check the current opening hours and entrance fees before you go, because they can change.