Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan , Mexico

Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

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About this experience

This small-group food tour is limited to just 8 guests, allowing for a more personal, immersive experience of Mérida’s food culture. Rather than simply tasting dishes, you’ll uncover the history behind Yucatán’s bold flavours, from age-old Mayan recipes to dishes shaped by Spanish influence.

With around 15+ tastings across four hours, this is a generous, in-depth introduction to Mérida’s most authentic local food. While the city is full of restaurants, this moveable feast takes you beyond the obvious, offering the most direct and delicious way to understand what locals really eat and why.

Available options

Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

What's included

Led by professional tastemaker guides

Movable food feast with 8-9 stops around the old city

Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Merida (private tour or 9+ guests, contact us)

Bottled water included

15+ food tastings included, more than any other Merida food tour

Detailed itinerary

Our Merida food tour offers guests a culinary experience around the old city. It's a carefully curated food adventure, led by our team of Merida tastemakers.

Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine, and the limitations of street food vendors and local eateries mean we cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour, so no-one is disappointed:

✘ Unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian diets, as the number of tastings would be very limited.
✔ Gluten intolerance and mild nut allergies are possible, though not all tastings have alternatives.
✔ Suitable for no seafood diets

If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!

Step into the culinary heart of the Yucatán. In Mérida, food is inseparable from history, shaped by ancient Maya traditions and later influenced by Spanish, Lebanese, and Caribbean cultures. The result is a cuisine unlike anywhere else in Mexico.

This four-hour food tour with 15+ tastings is an edible crash course in Yucatecan flavours, designed to help you truly understand the region’s cooking. With more tastings than any other food tour in the city, there’s far too much to list, but highlights include crispy panuchos filled with smoky relleno negro, papadzules bathed in pumpkin seed sauce, crusty tortas stuffed with slow-roasted lechón, and refreshing tamarind nieves finished with chilli-spiked chamoy.

This experience isn’t about fine dining. You’ll eat where locals eat: bustling markets, street carts, hole-in-the-wall joints, and family-run eateries that have been feeding Mérida for generations.

Come hungry and leave with a deeper understanding of Yucatán's cuisine.

The tour concludes after 3.5-4 hours at the Plaza Grande, Merida's central square. You'll leave not only full, but with a much deeper understanding of Merida food culture and the confidence to continue eating your way through the Yucatán and beyond.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks excluded

Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded

Some dietary restrictions unsuitable including vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is next to the central fountain in the small Santiago Park (Parque de Santiago). It's a shady spot with seating should you arrive early, and the neighbouring market has a public toilet.

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)