Private Tour Izamal and its ruins plus Mayan Handcraft Workshop
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Private Tour Izamal and its ruins plus Mayan Handcraft Workshop

Active
(41 reviews)
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Let yourself be enchanted by the charms of this magical town painted in yellow. Discover its pyramids located within the colonial city as you wander through its cobblestone alleys. Along the way, uncover the ancestral secrets of one of the Great Mayan Master Artisans of Mexico and savor the best traditional cuisine in town.

- ⁠Discover Mayan, colonial, and contemporary history in this Magic Town
- ⁠Climb the largest pyramid in Yucatán and capture the best views in town
- Walk along cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and learn about living legends
- Visit a museum filled with traditional art
- Taste authentic Yucatecan cuisine in a fusion of ancestral and contemporary flavors
- Meet Grand Master Artisan Don Esteban and his one-of-a-kind Mayan jewelry Workshop

Available options

Private Tour

The Classic option : This tour include the panoramic view, walking tour, calesa ride and the other activities considered in the itinerary.<br/>Auto, Van or Sprinter<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Snack: Fresh regional water
Minibar: Refreshing beverages and snacks
Certified bilingual Guide
Travel insurance during transportation

Detailed itinerary

1

Izamal: "The City of Three Cultures"
Get ready for an exclusive journey from Mérida to the heart of Yucatán, where Izamal, the "Yellow City," awaits you, a colonial treasure built upon ancient Mayan foundations. As we traverse the landscape, you will witness vast fields of henequen, Mexico's "green gold." If inspiration strikes, capture the perfect postcard moment by stepping into the fields with your guide!
Upon arrival in Izamal, you will be enveloped by its unique atmosphere, a fusion of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary elements that define the Yellow City, also known as "The City of Three Cultures."

The journey from Mérida to Izamal will take 1 hour

2

Kinich Kakmó Pyramid: The Largest in Yucatan
We will begin our guided tour by visiting the Itzamatul pyramid to learn about the origin of the city's name. We then continue to the Kinich Kakmó pyramid, the largest in surface area in the Yucatán Peninsula and the third-largest in Mexico. If you feel adventurous, climb to the top for the best view of the city.
We will stroll through its charming, cobbled streets, where every corner invites you to take memorable photographs. Next, we will pause to refresh for a complimentary beverage ourselves and let Izamal's magic inspire your dreams.

Our tour will take us to the Cultural Center Museum, a 16th-century gem that preserves the region's artisan treasures. Here, you can admire unique pieces made of clay, wood, metal, plant fibers, and textiles, among other marvels.

The museum visit will last 30 minutes
The pyramids tour will last 1 hour 30 minutes

3

The Secrets of the Convent with the Second Largest Atrium in the World
The next stop is the imposing Convent of San Antonio de Padua, a colonial masterpiece built atop an ancient Mayan temple. Its enclosed atrium, the second-largest in the world after the Vatican, will capture your full attention.
You cannot leave Izamal without tasting its best gastronomy. Therefore, we will take you to a magnificent culinary space specializing in Yucatecan cuisine, where you can savor the authentic flavors of Yucatán in an exquisite restaurant where Mayan cuisine blends with colonial and contemporary touches.

This visit will last 30 minutes
Free time for lunch: 1 hour 30 minutes

4

Ancestral Mayan Jewelry: Great Master Artisan
To conclude our tour, we will visit the home and workshop of Don Esteban, named Great Master of Mexican Folk Art by the Banamex Cultural Fund. He welcomes us into his home to show how his hands transform cocoyol and dzibul seeds, along with henequen thorns, into true works of art and fine jewelry. His creativity, the use of ancestral Mayan techniques combined with contemporary tools and fine materials such as silver thread, result in pieces found only in this part of the world.
With your heart full of memories, we will begin our return to Mérida, carrying with you the magical essence of Izamal.

This visit will last 1 hour
The return journey will take 1 hour

What's not included

(Guide and driver)
Other food and beverages

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
37 reviews
5★
36
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No mandatory stops at souvenir shops
Flexible itinerary
Pet Friendly
On this tour you are supporting local communities

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

Adults
Age 12-100
1
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook