Tour to Uxmal Kabah and Chocolate Museum from Mérida

Experience the Wonders of Yucatán: Uxmal, Kabah, and the Chocolate Museum from Mérida

If you’re traveling through Mérida and craving a full day of Mayan ruins, delicious local cuisine, and hands-on chocolate history, this guided tour might just fit the bill. For around $65.52 per person, you’ll spend approximately 10 hours exploring two of the region’s most impressive archaeological sites—Uxmal and Kabah—plus a visit to the Chocolate Museum and a chance to see rescued wildlife. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Mayan culture, topped with a tasty lunch, making it a great value for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we love most about this tour is the opportunity to walk through stunning Puuc-style architecture at Uxmal and Kabah, both less crowded and equally captivating as the more famous Chichen Itza. The inclusion of the Chocolate Museum adds a flavorful twist, giving insight into ancient cocoa techniques and a chance to see rescued animals — a delightful bonus for animal lovers.

However, be prepared for a long day that involves a fair amount of walking and some busy hours in the midday heat. The speed of the tour might feel a bit rushed to those wanting more time at each site, especially Uxmal’s impressive structures. Still, this experience is ideal for those who want an efficient, engaging overview of Yucatán’s archaeological and cultural treasures in one convenient package.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, food, and wildlife, especially if you appreciate guided narratives in both Spanish and English. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to pack in a full day of authentic sights and tastes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience covering two major Mayan sites, plus a chocolate museum visit.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed explanations in both Spanish and English.
• Includes a delicious three-course lunch, adding local flavors to your day.
• Value for money with all entrance fees (except Uxmal and Kabah) included, plus transportation.
• Small group size (max 19) ensures a more personal, engaging tour.
• Long day with extensive walking — best suited for active travelers comfortable with heat and movement.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Punctual Pickup and Group Dynamics

The tour begins early, with pickup from Mérida at 8:00 am sharp from the Viajes Colibrí Yucatán meeting point. From the reviews, it’s clear that punctuality is a priority, and the van is comfortable, with a cooler for your drinks. Expect a small group — typically no more than 19 people — which fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere. The ride to the archaeological sites takes around two hours, giving you a chance to settle in, ask questions, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Uxmal: The Magician’s Temple and Puuc Architecture

Your first stop is Uxmal, a site renowned for its remarkably preserved Puuc-style buildings. As you stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll get a guided explanation of its significance. Many reviews praise Saúl, the guide, for his ability to answer questions in both languages and his wealth of knowledge. You’ll see the Magician’s Temple, often called the “Alley of the Big Columns,” and marvel at the intricate stone mosaics.

Expect about two hours here, which most reviews agree is a good amount of time to explore without feeling rushed. Still, a common theme in reviews is that some felt the tour could offer more storytelling during transit to deepen the understanding of Mayan culture. The entrance fee to Uxmal, which is not included in the price, is quite steep (around MX$581 for foreigners), but it’s worth noting that the tour itself covers transportation and guides, making the overall package competitive.

Kabah: The Second Largest Puuc Site

Next, the group visits Kabah, known as the second-largest religious center of the Puuc style. Declared a State Park since 1993, Kabah is less crowded than Uxmal and offers a different flavor of Mayan architecture. You’ll spend about an hour and a half here, during which you’ll see the famous Palace of the Masks, decorated with hundreds of stone face sculptures. Reviewers say that guides like Saúl make this stop informative and engaging, adding context that helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and spiritual significance.

Lunch Break at Halach Huinic

By mid-morning, the group heads to Halach Huinic, a restaurant serving local Yucatán cuisine. The one-hour lunch break is appreciated for its relaxed pace, and reviews highlight the delicious three-course meal (starter, main, and dessert) that offers a genuine taste of regional flavors. Some reviews mention the large portion sizes, which can be filling after a morning of sightseeing, with some noting that drinks are extra and prices for beverages can be above average.

Chocolate Museum: From Ancient Cocoa to Rescued Wildlife

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Choco Story Uxmal, a highly interactive Chocolate Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the origins of cocoa, how ancient Mayans prepared and used chocolate, and its journey across the globe. An added bonus is the walk through botanical gardens with cocoa trees, plus a glimpse of rescued animals like monkeys, jaguars, and a leopard.

Reviews consistently praise the guide’s storytelling and find the museum a fun, informative stop. The entrance fee is included in the tour price, making it a seamless experience. The animal shelter is a charming touch, especially for animal enthusiasts, and adds a layer of social responsibility to your cultural visit.

Return to Mérida: Reflecting on a Full Day

The journey back to Mérida takes about two hours, with a stop at the same meeting point, Fiesta Americana hotel. Most reviews note that the long day can be physically demanding, especially in the heat, but the overall experience balances this with the richness of what you’ve seen and learned. Many travelers remark on the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with comments highlighting Saúl, Pedro, and Viktor for their engaging storytelling.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Arrive at the meeting point early; punctuality is important.
• Dress in comfortable, light clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking.
• Bring official ID if you’re Mexican; carry cash for site entrance fees not included.
• A light breakfast before departure helps keep your energy up.
• The vehicle has a cooler for your drinks, so bring water or other beverages (not included in the tour).
• Prepare for long hours in the sun, particularly at the archaeological sites.
• Be aware that some sites have admission fees that range from MX$80 to MX$581, depending on nationality and site.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and animal enthusiasts who want an active yet manageable way to experience the highlights of Yucatán’s archaeological sites and local culture. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary in both Spanish and English, ensuring everyone can follow along comfortably.

If you prefer a more relaxed, explorative experience at each site, this might feel a bit rushed. But if your goal is a well-organized day packed with key sights, storytelling, and local flavors — all in one affordable package — this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs approximately $65.52 per person, which covers transportation, a guide, the Chocolate Museum entrance, and a three-course lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning around 6:00 pm, including travel time, visits, and meals.

Are entrance fees to the archaeological sites included?
No, the entrance fees for Uxmal and Kabah are not included in the price. They are paid separately—MX$80 for Kabah and MX$581 for Uxmal for foreigners.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a modern vehicle with a cooler for drinks and provides a smooth ride, with a friendly, small-group atmosphere.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most definitely, but travelers should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods. The tour isn’t recommended for those with walking difficulties.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a fixed group tour, options are limited. However, guides are known for their knowledge and can answer questions, making the experience as personalized as possible.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, water, and cash for site entrance fees. A good breakfast before departure is also recommended.

In summary, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to see some of Yucatán’s most impressive archaeological sites, while also indulging your curiosity about chocolate and local wildlife. It’s a well-priced, well-organized day for those eager to learn and explore without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a foodie, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation of this enchanting region.