Uxmal is a spectacular site in the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its impressive Mayan ruins and lush jungles. Unlike some tourist spots where you’re just a face in the crowd, Uxmal offers a chance to truly connect with Mayan culture. Whether you’re craving a deep dive into history, a fun adventure, or authentic local flavors, the tours listed here deliver on those fronts. Many travelers love the From Mérida: Uxmal and amazing cenotes guided tour with lunch for its combination of history, swimming, and regional cuisine. It’s a well-rounded experience that captures the spirit of the area and keeps everyone engaged. For a more personalized touch, the Private Plantations Tour in a Vintage Land Rover gets high praise for its exclusive feel and jungle exploration, while the Mayaland Tour offers a more traditional cultural journey. Each provides a unique way to see Uxmal and its surroundings.
If exploring underground caves, tasting artisanal chocolate, or even learning to cook like a Maya sounds appealing, you’ll find an option that suits your style. And remember, booking early can help you lock in the best times and prices, especially during peak season.
1. From Mérida: Uxmal and amazing cenotes guided tour with lunch
This tour is a favorite for its balance of cultural insight, adventure, and flavor. For around $16, you’ll explore the Uxmal ruins with a certified guide who points out hidden engravings and lesser-known details, making history come alive. The tour seamlessly combines a guided visit (about 2 hours) with visits to both an open cenote and a cave cenote, where you can swim and marvel at underground caverns.
What makes this experience stand out is the variety—after your archaeological exploration, you’ll enjoy a traditional Yucatán lunch at a local lonchería—an authentic taste of regional flavors. The afternoon includes swimming in a cave cenote and an open cenote, perfect for cooling off after walking between ancient stones. The logistics are well-organized, with pickups depending on your location, and the tour ends with convenient drop-offs around Mérida.
This tour appeals to travelers who want a little bit of everything: culture, local cuisine, and a splash of adventure. Given the rave reviews—4.9 out of 5 based on 23 reviews—many find it excellent value, especially considering the inclusions and small-group feel.
Bottom Line: A flexible, budget-friendly choice that combines history, nature, and local food, making it ideal for first-timers or families.
2. Uxmal: Private Plantations Tour in a Vintage Land Rover
Number two on our list offers an intimate experience. For $198 per group (up to 4 people), you’ll be whisked around Uxmal and nearby plantations in a classic Land Rover Defender. The tour’s highlight is the personal guide who takes you beyond the ruins into the Mayán jungle, showing you viewing points and photo-worthy groves that larger tours might overlook.
Your guide is knowledgeable about the region’s history and ecology, and you’ll visit the historic Hacienda Uxmal estate, exploring its grounds and stories. A special treat is tasting seasonal citrus fruits in a hidden grove—an authentic local experience. The vehicle’s rugged charm makes every mile feel like an adventure, and the small-group setting ensures personalized attention.
This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an exclusive, relaxed experience with a bit of off-road fun. If you love vintage vehicles and want to avoid crowded tours, this is a perfect fit. Some might find the 1-hour length limiting, but it’s packed with highlights.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for those seeking a private, immersive exploration with a touch of adventure and history.
3. Mayaland Tour
The Mayaland Tour offers an 8-hour deep dive into Mayan culture, visiting a historic hacienda, one of the region’s largest pyramids, and enjoying regional cuisine. Perfect for travelers with a full day to spend, it’s a mix of history and flavor. The tour starts with a visit to the Hacienda Yaxcopoil, where you learn about Mayan and colonial history, followed by a trip to Cenote Peba, a popular swimming spot.
The highlight is the guided exploration of Uxmal, where your guide shares stories about the site’s significance and architectural marvels. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional Mayan dish at a local restaurant, allowing you to savor authentic flavors. It’s a comprehensive experience designed for those who want to enjoy Mayan life and history without rushing.
While reviews are limited, the consistent praise for the well-rounded itinerary and local focus makes this a solid choice. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers who want a full day of discovery.
Bottom Line: A well-structured tour that balances archaeology, culture, and cuisine for a thorough Mayan experience.
4. Uxmal: Vintage Land Rover Expedition to Uxmal Cenotes
For the adventurous spirits, this Land Rover expedition is a highlight. At just $286 per group, you get to explore two must-see cenotes in the jungle, swimming in their crystal-clear waters and enjoying the wild scenery. The tour lasts about 3 hours, but it’s packed with excitement—driving a vintage Land Rover through rugged jungle trails and stopping at scenic spots for photos.
Guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and landscapes, making the drive as informative as it is fun. The cenotes themselves are gem-like swimming spots, and the journey through the jungle offers a taste of real Yucatán wilderness. The tour is perfect for active travelers who want to combine off-road exploration with cooling dips in some of the most memorable cenotes.
Some reviews note the exclusivity and thrill of driving a vintage vehicle, making this an unforgettable adventure. Be prepared for some bumpy roads and bring your swim gear.
Bottom Line: A high-energy tour suited for those who want to experience cenotes in style and enjoy a bit of jungle adventure.
5. Merida: Mayan Day Uxmal & Kabah Ruins! Artisanal Chocolate
This day trip offers a perfect mix for culture lovers. For $103 per person, you’ll visit the Uxmal and Kabah ruins, two lesser-known but fascinating sites, plus indulge in artisanal chocolate tasting. The tour begins with a trip to the Yaxcopoil Hacienda, where you learn about the region’s history, then visits the Kabah ruins, famed for its intricate façade.
The highlight is the chocolate tasting session, providing insight into traditional Mayan cacao use—delicious and educational. This tour emphasizes the connection between food and culture, adding flavor to your archaeological journey. It’s ideal for travelers with a half-day or full-day window who want to experience more than just Uxmal.
Reviews are limited, but the focus on local arts and crafts, combined with ruins visits, makes it stand out. Suitable for those interested in culinary traditions as well as historical sites.
Bottom Line: A compact, culturally rich tour that combines archaeological highlights with a sweet touch of Mayan chocolate.
$103 per person
6. Uxmal: Traditional Mayan Cooking Class with Market Visit
For foodies and culture vultures, this hands-on cooking class is a delightful choice. For $50, you’ll learn how to prepare pollo pibil and tortillas in a traditional Maya village, led by a UNESCO-recognized cook. The experience begins with a visit to the Santa Elena community, where you explore local markets and pick fresh ingredients.
Under guidance, you’ll prepare authentic dishes, then sit down to enjoy your creations. The tour includes a tuk-tuk ride through the village, adding local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers who want to take home a skill and a story, rather than just photos. The connection between food, culture, and identity is front and center here.
Reviews are not provided, but the focus on traditional cooking methods and community visits makes it stand out. Ideal for those interested in culinary traditions and culture.
Bottom Line: A rewarding, immersive experience that offers a taste of authentic Maya life and cuisine.
$50 per person
How to Choose the Right Uxmal Tour
When selecting your Uxmal experience, consider your budget, interests, and available time. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive introduction, the guided From Mérida: Uxmal and amazing cenotes guided tour with lunch offers great value. For a private, intimate adventure, the Private Plantations Tour in a Vintage Land Rover is ideal.
Those seeking a full culture may prefer the Mayaland Tour, which combines history and regional flavors. For adrenaline junkies, the Vintage Land Rover Cenote Expedition delivers jungle fun and swimming. Food lovers should consider the Mayan Day Tour with Chocolate, while culinary adventurers will enjoy the Cooking Class in Santa Elena.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. Always check if the tour matches your fitness level and interests—some involve walking, swimming, or off-road driving.
Final Thoughts
From budget-friendly guided tours to private adventures and hands-on cooking classes, Uxmal offers a wide range of ways to experience its rich culture and stunning landscapes. For a quick overview, the guided From Mérida tour is perfect for newcomers, while the Private Land Rover tour suits those craving exclusivity. If you have a full day, the Mayaland Tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience.
For the more adventurous or food-focused traveler, the cenote expeditions, jungle drives, and cooking classes add memorable touches. No matter which you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these enriching experiences in Uxmal.