Merida is a wonderful city for food lovers—full of colorful markets, lively street stalls, and local dishes that tell stories of Mayan traditions and Spanish influence. What makes Merida stand out is its authentic culinary scene, which is both accessible and flavorful. We love the Merida Street Food Walking Tour for its intimate, small-group setting, and the Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal for combining archaeology with homemade Yucatecan dishes. Whether you’re after casual street snacks or a full-day cultural and culinary immersion, Merida offers something special for every palate.
Quick Overview
The list below covers walking food tours, full-day explorations with archaeological sites and cenotes, as well as private guided experiences. All tours highlight authentic food, local markets, and regional specialties like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and salbutes. Many include visits to markets such as Lucas de Galvez and San Benito, and some combine culinary delights with historical and cultural insights, like Merida Food Tours with local Yucatecan chefs or Uxmal tours with homemade food. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each.
1. Merida Street Food Walking Tour
This highly-rated street food walking tour is perfect for those who want to explore Merida on foot while sampling local bites. Over 3-4 hours, you’ll walk from Hidalgo Park to Lucas de Galvez market, tasting empanadas, cochinita pibil, panuchos, and yucatecan candies. Your guide, Luz, is praised for her friendly, knowledgeable style, sharing stories behind the dishes and their cultural significance. The tour includes a sit-down seafood lunch (or tacos with marquesitas on Sundays). It’s a great introduction for first-timers wanting a taste of authentic Yucatecan flavors in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-rounded experience—perfect if you want a taste of the city’s street-food scene and a sit-down meal in one go.
2. Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal
For around $95, this full-day tour combines early access to Chichen Itza—avoiding crowds— with a swim in a secluded cenote and a homemade Yucatecan lunch. The small-group experience means you’ll get personalized attention, with your guide sharing insights into the Maya ruins and local traditions. The highlight is swimming in the privately owned cenote, a rare chance to relax away from travelers. Afterward, the trip includes a visit to the charming yellow town of Izamal. Guests rave about the early start, the peaceful cenote, and authentic regional food.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history lovers who want a quieter Chichen Itza experience combined with a swim and traditional Yucatecan cuisine.
3. Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine
This 3-hour walking tour offers a deep dive into Merida’s culinary heartbeat. Meeting in Plaza Grande, you’ll wander through markets like Mercado San Benito and Lucas de Galvez, tasting local favorites like salbutes, cochinita pibil, and regional candies. Your guide provides cultural context and tips for exploring on your own later. The tour is praised for its intimate size and the chance to enjoy authentic Yucatecan dishes in traditional settings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a quick, flavorful overview of Merida’s market scene and local food scene in just a few hours.
4. From Merida: Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food
This 10-hour full-day tour is ideal for those wanting to see the highlights of the region with minimal fuss. It starts early, taking you inside Chichen Itza before crowds arrive, then to a scenic cenote at Ik Kil for a refreshing swim. The tour includes a regional buffet and a stroll through Izamal’s yellow streets. Guests appreciate the well-organized itinerary, friendly guides, and the opportunity to experience Maya ruins, swimming, and local cuisine in one day.
Bottom Line: A versatile, hassle-free option for a comprehensive day exploring Mayan sites, swimming, and authentic Yucatecan food.
5. Mérida: 3-Hour Walking Food Tour
This shorter tour offers a quick but delicious introduction to Merida’s culinary scene. It focuses on sampling dishes at key markets and eateries in the city center, with a knowledgeable guide explaining local ingredients and traditions. It’s a great option if you have limited time but still want a taste of regional flavors such as tamales and local fruits.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who still want an authentic, guided food experience.
6. The secrets of Uxmal, Cenote and home made food
This 8-hour tour combines a visit to the impressive Uxmal ruins with tasting homemade Yucatecan dishes and swimming in a scenic cenote. Led by guides with extensive knowledge, it offers insights into the Puuc architectural style, with emphasis on the intricate carvings. The lunch is prepared by a local family, giving you an authentic taste of regional cooking. Guests appreciate the small-group setting and the combination of culture, cuisine, and nature.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in Mayan architecture with a side of homemade food and swimming.
7. Merida: Chichen Itza, Cenote, Food Experience & Izamal Tour
This 10-hour tour is designed for travelers wanting a comprehensive day combining archeological, culinary, and cultural highlights. It includes an early visit to Chichen Itza, a swim in a cenote, and exploring the yellow streets of Izamal. Tour guides enhance the experience with detailed stories, and the included regional food adds flavor to the cultural journey.
Bottom Line: A full, enriching day perfect for history and foodies who want to see the region’s top sights without feeling rushed.
8. Street Food Walking Tour in Merida
This 4-hour tour offers a lively exploration of Merida’s street food scene, including tastings of regional candies, artisanal gelato, and local dishes. Starting at a hotel, you’ll walk through markets and local stalls, learning about the ingredients and customs that shape Yucatecan cuisine. The guide’s enthusiasm and local connections make it a memorable, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies seeking a dynamic, colorful tour that covers both traditional and street eats.
9. Cook Yucatán Food with your Merida Mom! (PDF Included!)
If you love hands-on experiences, this cooking tour offers a chance to learn five Yucatecan dishes directly from a local mom. You’ll shop at a neighborhood market, then cook in her home kitchen, absorbing stories behind each dish. The session concludes with a PDF recipe book for you to recreate the flavors at home. Guests rave about the authentic, personal approach and the delicious results.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies wanting a genuine, interactive cooking lesson with insider tips.
10. Mérida: Food tour of typical Yucatecan cuisine
This 1.5-hour short tour guides you through traditional markets to sample regional dishes and sweets, with a focus on the Mayan influence. Led by an expert chef, you’ll learn about the ingredients and techniques behind Yucatecan staples like cochinita pibil and tamales, making it ideal for those wanting a quick yet educational food experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to understand Yucatecan culinary roots.
11. Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef
This 3-hour tour features a local chef guiding you through Merida’s top food spots, sharing culinary secrets and stories. The guide’s expertise allows you to explore hidden eateries that travelers rarely find, making it a favorite for those wanting an authentic taste of local cuisine. Reviewers highlight the personalized experience and the chance to learn recipes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want insider access and to meet a culinary expert in a relaxed setting.
12. Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida – Best Rated
This private tour combines Merida’s colonial sights with its bustling street food scene in just 3 hours. You’ll visit the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy, explore historic streets, and sample regional dishes like salbutes and tamales. The guide tailors the experience to your interests and is praised for being personable and informative.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a customized, intimate experience combining history and local food.
13. Uxmal Tour, Cenote and Typical Food Leaving from Merida
This 7-8 hour tour offers a well-rounded day visiting the Uxmal ruins, tasting regional Yucatecan cuisine in a small village, and swimming in a scenic cenote. Led by Rodrigo, guests love the opportunity to experience Mayan culture, enjoy authentic food, and relax in nature. It’s perfect for history buffs who also appreciate good food and a bit of adventure.
Bottom Line: A full-day combo of archaeology, local dining, and swimming—ideal for active travelers.
14. Private Nandayo Food Tour
This intimate 2.5-hour private tour visits Lucas de Galvez market and local food stands, focusing on authentic Yucatecan dishes. Rated highly for personalized attention, the guide customizes stops based on your preferences and dietary concerns, making it great for those wanting a relaxed, private experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you prefer a personalized, relaxed food tour that highlights local markets and dishes.
15. Private Street Food Tour Merida – Best Rated
This tour is best for those seeking a quick, tailored experience exploring Merida’s street food scene. With a focus on local eateries and a knowledgeable guide, it emphasizes authentic dishes like regional snacks and sweets. The smaller reviews reflect its niche appeal for travelers wanting a private, intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers who prioritize privacy and customized food experiences.
$34.00 per person
16. From Merida: Cenotes, Chichen Itza & Kukulkan Trip with Food
This full-day adventure (priced at $217) combines visits to Cenote Yokdzonot, Chichen Itza, and a buffet meal with views of Kukulkan’s pyramid. It’s a comprehensive experience with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and learn about the Mayan culture, all while enjoying regional cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a complete, all-inclusive day exploring the region’s highlights with good food included.
$217 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your priorities: time, budget, and interests. If you want an immersive street-food walk, the Merida Street Food Walking Tour offers a relaxed, local vibe. For a full-day archaeological experience combined with food, consider the Chichen Itza and Cenote tour. If you prefer hands-on cooking, the Yucatan home-cooked experience is perfect. Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the shorter food tour of Yucatecan cuisine, while those seeking a personalized experience could go for the private street food tour.
When booking, consider the time of day you prefer—morning markets, afternoon cooking, or full-day explorations. Early bookings are recommended for popular tours, especially those with limited availability.
In summary, Merida’s food scene is diverse and full of authentic flavors waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re after quick bites, a cultural deep dive, or an all-day adventure with archaeology and swimming, there’s a tour for you. Two or three that stand out are the Merida Street Food Walking Tour, for its perfect balance of walking and tasting, and the Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Food experience, for a comprehensive day covering history, nature, and regional cuisine. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable tastes of Yucatan.