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What to Bring on a Chichén Itzá & Cenote Tour – 12 Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed

12 items

Jonathan

This full-day trip was one of the highlights of my time in Mexico but it was also hot, active, and a bit unpredictable. Between exploring the ruins at Chichén Itzá, swimming in a cenote, and strolling the charming streets of Valladolid, I was really ...

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Packing List for Chichén Itzá, Cenotes & Valladolid – What I Actually Used

Real items I packed (and actually used!) on my full-day tour through Chichén Itzá, a magical cenote, and the colorful town of Valladolid. These 12 essentials kept me comfortable, dry, protected, and fully prepared so you can pack smarter for your own...

I wore this all morning while walking around Chichén Itzá. There’s barely any shade at the ruins, and this hat saved me from overheating and sunburn. It also folds flat in your backpack and still looks great.

Sun Hat Men Women with Neck Flap UPF 50+

I added a packet to my water bottle before heading out and another after the cenote swim. Between sweating, walking, and swimming, I felt more hydrated and clear-headed than others on my tour.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier 30 Stick

I used this right after the cenote swim. It dried me off quickly and didn’t stay soaked like a regular towel would. Plus, it folds down super small so it didn’t take up much space.

Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel

These were a game-changer for the cenote. The rocks can be slippery and uneven, and these gave me grip and comfort in and out of the water. I just let them air-dry in my bag afterward.

SEEKWAY Water Shoes

I tossed in my towel, change of clothes, phone, and wallet everything stayed dry even after I accidentally set it down in a puddle. Highly recommend for any tour with swimming.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

This sunscreen worked well for the intense sun at the ruins and complied with the cenote’s eco-friendly rules. I used it on my face, arms, and shoulders, and had no burn at all.

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen 6oz

The bugs near the cenote and in Valladolid came out in the late afternoon. I wiped these on my arms and ankles before we got to the shaded areas, and I wasn’t bitten once.

Mosquito Repellent Wipes

After swimming, I changed into dry clothes and stored my wet swimsuit in one of these cubes. It kept everything else in my bag dry and organized.

Packing Cubes (Used for Wet Clothes)

This case let me take videos and pictures in the cenote without worrying about dropping or damaging my phone. I even used the touchscreen while it was in the pouch.

Pelican 2 Pack IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch

I wore this all day. it held everything I needed and was super lightweight and breathable. The padded straps were a relief during long walks at the ruins.

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack

Luckily I didn’t need it, but I liked having it just in case. Especially when walking through rocky terrain or swimming. It’s small but well-stocked.

Prelady 138 Pcs Mini TSA First Aid Kit

I refilled this at the stops and never worried about the water. It filtered everything safely and saved me from buying tons of plastic bottles.

LifeStraw Go 22oz Water Bottle 2-Pack