We did the early access two-day combo tour of Chichen Itza and Tulum. On the first day, Tue., May 1st, 2018, we went to Chichen Itza. This tour was led by a very comedic but memorable character, Frrrrank and his driver, Rrrrrrrrrafa. Yes, that's how he pronounced it each time and it was hilarious. It sure grabbed our attention, but it didn't take away from the informative and charismatic way in which he shared the knowledge. He is a great public speaker and even convinced us to buy the Mayan calendar of the day we were born. Even though it's easy to read,, he explained it to us on the way back. My husband and I had a lot of fun for the rest of the day imagining the occupations we would have been destined to if we had been Mayan.
Our second tour on Wednesday, May 2nd to Tulum with Mary (Marisela) was an entirely different story. We either got her on a bad day or she just wasn't made for this job. She didn't say anything wrong exactly or outside of the rules, but it was the way she said it that sounded more like a threat than information. For example, she kept saying that if we're not on time it's not their responsibility and they'll leave us behind. Obviously right, which is why I always like being on time for these types of things. I mean, Frank also emphasized the importance of being on time, but it was the tone Mary used. She sounded like one of those strict teachers from the past that grandparents talk about when they remember the old days when teachers were able to hit the students. She was so rushed when we got there, she said we can only use the restroom and not to buy anything. She also had a lot of defenses ready for in case people complain about certain things she said. You can tell she's used to getting a lot of complaints, but doesn't see why. When it was time to divide the groups by language, everyone went to the Spanish tour, even those of us who had done the English tour the previous day, just to avoid her.
After we were all terrorized back to the bus by a certain time, the driver wasn't even there. I don't remember his name, and I'm glad I don't because he doesn't deserve to get in trouble. I honestly wouldn't have blamed him if he had run away and never returned. Eventually he did return and of course, Mary chastised him the way she had already chastised all of us preemptively.
Overall, regardless of tour guide, when you go to Chichen Itza they will most likely recommend that you wait until you go to the official gift shop instead of buying from the outdoor vendors. However, honestly, you'll get it way cheaper if you buy from the street vendors inside. Amigo Tours probably has deals with the shop so they promote for them.
I guess your experience will largely depend on who you get as a guide. If we were judging it based on Frank's tour only, my husband and I would give it five stars... based on Mary only, one star. However, we'll be generous and give it three because it's not fair to give it a bad rating based on only one person. read more