Private Tour Kabah & Uxmal Ruins plus Mayan Workshop Experience
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover two important Mayan cities along the Puuc Route, Kabah and Uxmal, renowned for showcasing the finest examples of Mayan architecture "Puuc". Learn the ancient art of painting codices on clay pottery, just as Mayan people once did, and uncover the meaning behind their symbols and stories.
- Private tour through the Puuc Route: living history, art, and flavor in one day
- Explore Kabah and its majestic Codz Pop temple, covered with masks of the god Chaac
- Walk among the perfect temples of Uxmal, a jewel of Mayan art and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the best of the Puuc Route accompanied by an expert guide in its history
- Enjoy a Yucatecan lunch with underground-cooked cochinita pibil
- Learn the details of Mayan writing in an artisan workshop: paint codices, decorate vessels, and decipher hieroglyphs
Available options
Private Tour
Auto, Van or Sprinter<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Certified bilingual guide
Minibar: refreshing beverages and snacks
Travel insurance during transportation
Handcraft Workshop
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Kabah: A Hidden Rival on the Puuc Route
We will begin the morning exploring the archaeological site of Kabah, a key settlement along the Puuc Route. Its imposing structures reveal that Kabah once rivaled Uxmal, to which it was connected by a sacbé, an 18 km "road." The architecture of Kabah will captivate you—especially the Codz Pop temple, whose Mayan name means "rolled mat" or "royal mat." This building, adorned with hundreds of masks of the rain god Chaac, is a masterpiece of Mayan art, where each mask is made up of 30 individually carved pieces. You cannot miss this gem of Yucatán.
The trip from Mérida to Kabah will last 1 hour 30 min
This tour will last 1 hour
2
Stop 2
Uxmal: Secrets of a Timeless Mayan City
Our next stop will be the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, where we will uncover the secrets of this millenary city. Its buildings, decorated with sculptures and geometric mosaics made from thousands of polished stones, showcase an unmatched perfection in the Mayan world.
This tour will last 2 hours
3
A Taste of Tradition: Savoring Yucatecan Cuisine
For lunch, we will enjoy regional cuisine in a local restaurant, where you can taste cochinita pibil. If we are lucky and arrive before 1:00 pm, we will witness the traditional unearthing of the pibil, discovering the secrets of its ancestral preparation.
Free time for lunch of 1 hour
4
Hands-On History: Discover the Art of Mayan Writing and Pottery
Are you fascinated by Mayan writing?
Join us in a hands-on workshop in the community of Muna, where you’ll learn to decorate clay vessels, paint Mayan codex, and interpret the meaning of ancient hieroglyphs. Led by a contemporary Mayan family, this experience teaches you the ancestral techniques of Mayan ceramics. You’ll create your own piece while gaining a deeper understanding of the codex´s function and symbolism, filled with meaning and memories.
The workshop will last 2 hours.
The return trip will last 1 hour 30 min.
What's not included
(Guide and driver)
Lunch and other beverages
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
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4★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
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4★
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No mandatory stops at souvenir shops
Important notes
Please present your mobile ticket to your guide at the starting time the day of your tour.
About Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan offer a rich blend of ancient Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant colonial cities. This region is a paradise for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation in tropical settings.
Top Attractions
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient Mayan city features the iconic El Castillo pyramid.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate (around 500 MXN for entrance)
Uxmal
A stunning example of Puuc architecture, Uxmal is another significant Mayan archaeological site.
Historical
Half day
Moderate (around 350 MXN for entrance)
Celestún
A beautiful coastal village known for its flamingo-filled lagoons and pristine beaches.
Nature
Full day
Budget to moderate (boat tours around 500 MXN)
Riviera Maya
A stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Overnight or multi-day trip
Variable (budget to luxury options available)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cochinita Pibil
Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves.
Main Dish
Contains pork
Panuchos
Fried tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.
Appetizer
Vegetarian options available
Sopa de Lima
A tangy and comforting soup made with lime, chicken, and tortilla strips.
Soup
Contains chicken
Popular Activities
Cenote diving
Jungle trekking
Zip-lining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga retreats
Visiting archaeological sites
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring archaeological sites.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Merida and the Yucatan are generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Mexico. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport • 10 km from Merida city center
- Cancún International Airport • 300 km from Merida
By bus
Terminal de Autobuses de Mérida
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, combís are small vans that follow fixed routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico
Colonia García Ginerés
Altabrisa
Day trips
Valladolid
150 km from Merida • Full day
A charming colonial town with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
Izamal
70 km from Merida • Half day
A picturesque town known for its yellow buildings and significant archaeological sites.
Cenotes Route
Varies, typically 30-60 km from Merida • Full day
A series of stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes) perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Festivals
Festival de la Ciudad • January
Hanal Pixán • November 1-2
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Visit cenotes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
- Explore the region's lesser-known archaeological sites for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food for an affordable and delicious culinary adventure
- Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season (November to April)
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
