One-Day Tour to Uxmal, Choco Museum, & an Open Cenote

Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan , Mexico

One-Day Tour to Uxmal, Choco Museum, & an Open Cenote

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About this experience

Visit the archeological site of Uxmal + a chocolate museum + a beautiful cenote with crystal-clear waters, all in one day on a private tour from Merida.

The first stop of the tour will be the archeological site of Uxmal. This is an ancient Mayan City, as important as others like Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Tikal. This big city used to control over 350 villages around.

You will fall in love with the pyramids, history, and legacy of this city. Then come with us to a chocolate museum, to understand why cacao was so important for the Mayas.

Cacao has been used as a type of money to exchange goods, some chocolate-based beverages were given only to governors as this was a direct connection with their gods.

Finally, at the end of the tour, visit one of the most mesmerizing cenotes in the region. This is an open-type cenote with turquoise waters. Swim, relax, and enjoy.

This tour is the best way to know Merida, its culture, heritage, history, archeology, gastronomy, and nature.

Available options

One-Day Tour to Uxmal, Choco Museum, & an Open Cenote

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Entrance fees to the archeological site of Uxmal

Lifevest

Minibar and snacks

Guided tour through the Mayan City of Uxmal + the chocolate museum + the cenote

Entrance fee to the Chocolate Museum

Travel insurance during transportation

Certified tour guide

Entrance fee to the Cenote

Detailed itinerary

We will start this adventure by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel in Merida. The ride to get to the Archeological Site of Uxmal is just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, relax, and get ready for the adventure to start.

Once we arrive at Uxmal, you will be amazed by its big pyramid called the "fortune teller's pyramid". There´s a whole legend behind it and our tour guide will give you all the details of each building so you don´t miss a thing.

We will have a full tour here, and we will not only see the main pyramids but also the smaller constructions. One of the most beautiful edifications here is called The Nun´s Quadrangle with many inscriptions for their gods and their governors.

The importance of this city is the same as Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Tikal. Don´t let the small size of the city make you believe the opposite.

Stop 3

We will carry on with our tour to the Chocolate Museum, also called the Choco-Story, where you will discover more about the daily lives of the ancient Maya, stroll among the exquisitely recreated homes with their patios and cornfields, and discover how the ancient Maya converted cacao into chocolate. The interactive museum is made up of multiple rooms that each depict a different aspect of a Mayan town. Furthermore, you'll get to see how hot chocolate was first made—Chokoj ha' in Mayan—and enjoy the flavor of this age-old beverage—a remarkable sensory experience! One of the highlights of this visit is the Mayan ceremonial dedicated to the god Chaac, which is not to be missed.

We will stop for a meal at one of the local eateries where you may sample cochinita pibil and, if you're lucky, discover the traditional method used to prepare it.

On the way back to Merida, we'll stop at a fantastic cenote where you can unwind, swim, and take in one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip to Yucatan. You will be presented with a choice between Cenote Yaal Utzil and Cenote Kankirixche by your guide.

The last part of the tour will be to take you safe and sound back to your hotel in Merida. Thank you for traveling with us. Enjoy!

What's not included

Food and beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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)