Merida : Uxmal, Chocolate Museum and Cenote with lunch and pick up

A Day of Mayan Mysteries, Chocolate, and Refreshing Cenotes from Merida

If you’re visiting Merida and craving a mix of ancient history, delicious local flavors, and a bit of nature’s cool refreshment, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure. For around $99, you get a full-day experience that visits the stunning Mayan city of Uxmal, takes you inside the Choco-Story Museum to learn about cacao, and ends with a swim in the cenote Peba. The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, includes hotel pick-up, and features guides fluent in both English and Spanish.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the personalized guided tour of Uxmal with a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to relax in the calm waters of a cenote after a busy day of sightseeing. The mix of cultural, culinary, and natural highlights makes it a versatile option for curious travelers.

One small consideration is the additional costs for some activities, such as entry fees to Uxmal, the Chocolate Museum, and the cenote. While the tour price covers the transportation, meals, and guiding, these extras can add up. This is common in tours of this kind, but it’s worth keeping in mind for budgeting.

This experience is ideal if you’re eager to see a major archaeological site, learn about the importance of cacao in Mayan culture, and enjoy some relaxing swimming. It’s perfect for history lovers, foodies, and those wanting a taste of both cultural and natural highlights in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines archaeology, culture, cuisine, and nature in one day.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are praised for their expertise and friendly approach.
• Authentic insights: Learn about Mayan traditions and the sacred role of cacao.
• Flexible free time: Ample opportunity to explore Uxmal at your own pace.
• Additional costs: Entry fees for Uxmal, museum, and cenote are extra.
• Ideal for: Curious travelers who want to maximize a day with varied activities.

Exploring the Mayan City of Uxmal

Our journey begins early in Merida, with a pickup at 8:00 am. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle whisks us away to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s often overshadowed by Chichen Itza but equally captivating. The drive takes about an hour, giving us a chance to settle in and get a quick overview from our guide.

Once at Uxmal, we’re greeted by imposing pyramids, intricate facades, and sprawling plazas that whisper stories of the ancient Maya. Our guide, who has a personal knowledge of the culture—as one reviewer pointed out—makes history come alive with storytelling and insights into the significance of each structure.

The main attraction here is the Puuc style architecture, characterized by detailed stone carvings and sweeping curves. The Nunnery Quadrangle and the Governor’s Palace are highlights, each offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to walk at your own pace after the guided tour. Expect about two hours at this site, enough to soak in the majesty without feeling rushed.

Our guide emphasizes the importance of Uxmal in Mayan civilization. As one reviewer puts it, “It is an extensive site, it has amazing ruins and still excavating,” giving you a sense of how much is yet to be uncovered. The personal touch of guides like Alberto, who can share insider stories, elevates the experience beyond just wandering among old stones.

Discovering Cacao at the Choco-Story Museum

After Uxmal, we visit the Choco-Story Museum, a charming place that combines history, botany, and delicious aromas. Here, we learn about cacao’s sacred role in Mayan rituals and the ancient methods of preparing chocolate.

While the museum has an entrance fee of $280 MXN (roughly $15 USD), this isn’t included in the tour price but is well worth the small extra cost if you’re a chocolate lover. The museum features botanical gardens, rescued fauna, and a replica of the historic Hacienda Uxmal, giving a comprehensive picture of cacao’s journey from sacred seed to modern treat.

What makes this stop special are the interactive displays and the opportunity to ask questions about Mayan traditions surrounding cacao, as well as tasting some local chocolate varieties. One traveler noted, “You can discover the ancient methods of preparing this sacred fruit,” which adds depth to your understanding of Mayan culture.

Cooling Off in Cenote Peba

Following our lessons in history and chocolate, it’s time to relax and refresh. The cenote Peba is a small, shallow pool tucked away in a scenic setting, perfect for a quick swim. Entry costs about 100 MXN, which isn’t included, but the tranquil waters offer a delightful break after a busy morning.

The cenote is ideal for a gentle splash or just soaking your feet while enjoying the natural beauty and calm atmosphere. One reviewer appreciated the stop, saying, “The Peba cenote is a small shallow cenote, perfect for refreshment after a busy day.” It’s a simple but essential way to cool off and connect with nature.

Taste of Yucatan in Merida

Before heading back to Merida, we stop for a traditional Yucatecan meal, which is included in the tour. The dishes typically feature local flavors—think cochinita pibil or papadzules—that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.

The timing of this lunch, about 40 minutes, allows us to relax and discuss the day’s highlights. Many travelers appreciate the included meal as a chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine without extra effort or expense.

Return to Merida

After lunch, it’s a short drive back to the city, with about an hour of free time to reflect on the day or explore a bit more on your own. The tour wraps up at the starting point around 5 or 6 pm, depending on the group and traffic.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $99.13, which, when broken down, covers transportation, guiding, and a full day of activities—quite a good deal considering the entrance fees for Uxmal and other sites are additional. The guide’s knowledge, especially on Mayan culture and history, greatly enhances the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention. The departure point at Centro’s P.º de Montejo is central, with easy access for most visitors.

The online game included is a fun way to reinforce what you’ve learned, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want to test your newfound knowledge.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in Mayan ruins but prefer fewer crowds, Uxmal offers a more laid-back alternative to other sites. Foodies will enjoy learning about cacao and sampling local chocolates. Nature lovers will appreciate the cenote swim, and history buffs will find the guides’ insights enriching. It’s a well-balanced day for those who want a taste of everything Yucatan has to offer.

Final Thoughts

This tour delivers a thoughtfully curated sampling of Merida’s cultural and natural highlights. The expert guides make the history accessible and engaging, and the mix of activities keeps the day lively. The inclusion of a tasty Yucatecan lunch and the chance to cool off in a cenote make it especially appealing.

While some extras require additional fees, they are generally reasonable and worth considering if you want to fully experience Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum. For travelers craving a full day of history, culture, and relaxation without the hassle of planning each detail, this tour offers strong value.

In summary, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts, food lovers, or those seeking a relaxed yet enriching day outside Mérida. If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized experience that combines Mayan heritage with local flavors and nature, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am from the meeting point at JUSTO Bread Studio on Paseo de Montejo.

How long is the drive from Merida to Uxmal?
The drive takes about an hour, giving you time to relax and chat with your fellow travelers.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring everyone can follow along comfortably.

Is the entrance to Uxmal included?
No, Uxmal’s entry fee (foreign $586 MXN / domestic $269 MXN) is extra and paid on-site.

What about the Chocolate Museum?
Entry to the Choco-Story Museum costs $280 MXN and isn’t included in the tour price.

Can I swim in the cenote?
Yes, the cenote Peba is shallow and perfect for a quick swim or splash, costing about 100 MXN.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a typical Yucatecan meal, allowing you to sample regional flavors.

How large are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to 20 travelers, promoting a more intimate experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking are recommended, along with sunscreen and a hat.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

This tour offers a practical, enriching way to experience some of the best highlights near Merida. Whether you’re captivated by ancient ruins, curious about chocolate’s history, or simply want a refreshing swim, it’s a well-rounded day that respects your time and curiosity.