How to Visit Chichén Itzá Without a Tour

How to visit Chichén Itzá without a tour: DIY bus routes from Valladolid, Cancún, and Mérida timed to beat the crowds at opening.

How to Visit Chichén Itzá Without a Tour

Ek Balam: The Best Alternative to Chichén Itzá

Ek Balam is a climbable Maya pyramid near Valladolid with a rare stucco facade. Here's the current fee, colectivo logistics, and Cenote X'Canché.

Ek Balam: The Best Alternative to Chichén Itzá

Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas: DIY From Valladolid

Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas without a tour: the bus route via Tizimín, the boat co-op, the pink lakes, and when flamingo season peaks.

Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas: DIY From Valladolid

Best Day Trips From Valladolid

The best day trips from Valladolid: Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Las Coloradas, the cenote circuit, Cobá, Izamal, and even Mérida.

Best Day Trips From Valladolid

I'm Mason. 13-something years ago I quit my job and sold everything I had to move to Asia and I haven't quit moving since.

13+ years and 130 countries later and I'm still at it! These days you can find me riding my motorcycle through different parts of Latin America and helping others explore this beautiful part of the world.

If you're a solo, adventure, or motorcycle traveler, you've found your tribe right here.

Thanks for joining and hope to chat soon!

Copyrights 2026 | Mason the Traveler™ | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Mexico Group Trips