The secrets of Uxmal, Cenote and home made food

Traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula offers many highlights, but few experiences combine history, nature, and local life as seamlessly as this tour. Priced at $93 per person and lasting about seven hours, it takes you from the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Uxmal to a hidden cenote in the jungle, topped off with a warm, home-cooked meal in a Mayan family home. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises intimacy, authenticity, and a real taste of the region’s culture.

What we love about this experience is the chance to explore Uxmal early in the morning when crowds are thin, giving you a peaceful appreciation of the Puuc architecture’s intricate carvings. We also appreciate the opportunity to swim in a less touristy cenote—a true gem tucked away in the jungle, managed by a local community. The meal—prepared by a local family using fresh ingredients—adds an enriching personal touch that few tours can match.

One consideration to keep in mind is the entry fee to Uxmal (552 MXN per person), which is not included in the price. While this is standard for archaeological sites, it’s worth budgeting for. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70, so plan accordingly if you have mobility concerns.

This tour best suits travelers who love a mix of history, nature, and genuine cultural exchanges. If you’re eager for a small-group, flexible experience with informative guiding and authentic regional flavors, this is an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Early start ensures a crowd-free experience at Uxmal.
• Expert guides bring the ruins and local stories to life.
• Swimming in a community-run cenote offers intimacy and serenity.
• Home-cooked Mayan meal provides a delicious and authentic taste of local life.
• Small group size keeps the experience personal and flexible.
• Supports local communities through entrance fees and visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Heart of the Yucatán: Uxmal and the Puuc Style

The day begins bright and early with a 7 am pickup from your hotel in Merida’s downtown area—only in the zip code 97000 zone, so check your location. From there, a comfortable, air-conditioned van whisks you away on a roughly one-hour drive to the archaeological site of Uxmal.

Arriving just as the site opens means you get to walk among the ruins with minimal crowds—something many travelers find priceless. Our guide, Hernán, or Delio, as some reviews mention, is a licensed professional who makes the complex architecture accessible and fascinating. They’ll point out the Puuc style’s signature, such as the ornate upper facades filled with intricate carvings—spirals, masks, and geometric motifs that reveal the Maya’s artistic mastery.

Uxmal is perhaps best known for its grand Nunnery Quadrangle and the Governor’s Palace, both stunning examples of Mayan craftsmanship. As Hernán explains, the Puuc style is unique because of its detailed stonework, which makes the temples look like woven tapestries of stone. Walking through these ruins, we felt a genuine connection to the Maya’s ingenuity—without the congestion of later crowds.

The guided tour lasts about 2.25 hours, giving you enough time to explore, ask questions, and snap photos. Afterward, you have some free time to revisit favorite spots or just soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Hidden Cenote: Jungle’s Secret Oasis

Next, you’ll leave the archaeological site and head to a lesser-known cenote located in the jungle—often described as a “hidden gem” in reviews. This isn’t the over-commercialized, heavily touristed cenote you might find elsewhere. Instead, it’s a tranquil, crystal-clear freshwater pool managed by a small Mayan community.

Swimming here feels like discovering a secret in the wilderness. You might find yourself nearly alone, floating in the cool water amid lush greenery. The guide will share insights into the cenote’s ecosystem, and it’s worth bringing a mask if you want to really appreciate the underwater vistas—many reviewers mention how stunning the underwater views are, yet how they missed a lot without a mask.

The cenote visit lasts about an hour, and swimming is included in the tour fee. It’s a refreshing break, especially after exploring the warm sun at Uxmal. Many travelers describe the cenote as “magical” and “off the beaten track,” making it a highlight for those seeking authentic encounters with nature.

A Traditional Mayan Lunch in a Family Home

After your jungle swim, the tour takes you to a nearby Mayan village for a home-cooked lunch. This is where the trip truly connects you with local life. The family, which has Mayan roots, will prepare regional dishes fresh from local ingredients—often including flavorful salsas, corn tortillas, and perhaps some traditional stews or tamales.

Reviews rave about the delicious flavors and the personal warmth of these meals. It’s a chance to chat with your hosts, learn about their daily life, and enjoy a meal that’s far richer than any tourist restaurant. The experience is designed to be intimate, with the family welcoming you into their home and sharing stories about their heritage.

The lunch lasts roughly 45 minutes, giving you time to relax and reflect on your morning adventures before heading back to Merida.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned, with pickup included for those staying in downtown Merida. The entire tour from pickup to drop-off runs about 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and guides are available in both English and Spanish.

The entrance fee to Uxmal, approximately 552 MXN, is not included but can be paid on-site. Your tour fee covers the transport, guide, water, cenote entry, and the home-cooked meal—all of which combine to create an experience that offers excellent value.

This tour is especially popular among travelers who value authentic experiences over mass tourism. As one traveler noted, “arriving when the ruins opened meant we enjoyed the site without crowds,” highlighting how timing can make a big difference.

If you’re someone eager to explore a UNESCO site with a knowledgeable guide and avoid the large tour groups, this is a perfect fit. It appeals to those curious about Maya architecture, interested in swimming in less touristy cenotes, and eager to taste regional cuisine in genuine local settings. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a slower pace and personal interaction, as well as supporting community-based tourism.

However, if you have mobility issues or are pregnant, this might not be the best option due to the physical aspects of the tour. Also, if you’re looking for a very luxurious or extensive archaeological experience, you might find this tour more focused on authenticity and personal connection than elaborate amenities.

This tour offers an inviting blend of history, nature, and local culture—making it a rich, authentic experience for those visiting the Yucatán. The early start ensures you beat the crowds at Uxmal, while the swim in the jungle cenote adds a splash of adventure. The home-cooked meal in a Mayan family’s home elevates the experience from standard sightseeing to meaningful cultural exchange.

If you’re after a well-organized, small-group adventure that highlights genuine local life, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn, explore, and taste the true flavors of the Yucatán.

Is transportation included?
Yes, comfortable air-conditioned transport is included, with pickup at your Merida downtown stay.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by mid-afternoon.

Do I need to pay extra for the Uxmal entrance fee?
Yes, the entrance fee (about 552 MXN per person) is not included and must be paid on-site.

What should I bring for swimming?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and perhaps a mask if you want to see underwater. The cenote is managed by a local community and is a beautiful, tranquil spot.

Is the tour suitable for families or seniors?
It’s best for those who are comfortable walking and swimming. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70 for safety reasons.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

How many people will be in the group?
Groups are small, limited to 10 participants, offering a more personal and flexible experience.

Is the tour flexible or can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind to plan ahead.