Uxmal, Kabah and Chocolate Museum Tour from Mérida

Exploring Yucatán’s Hidden Gems: Uxmal, Kabah, and Chocolate Museum Tour from Mérida

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines ancient architecture, authentic regional cuisine, and a sweet lesson in cacao history, this tour from Mérida fits the bill nicely. For $109 per person, you’ll spend roughly 9 to 10 hours exploring two stunning Maya sites—Uxmal and Kabah—and finish off with a visit to the Choco-Story Museum. Guided by a bilingual expert, the journey offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and delicious food in a comfortable setting.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a chance to walk through iconic ruins, with plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere. The included regional lunch at Restaurante Halach-Huinic is another highlight, offering a tasty three-course meal that showcases local Yucatán flavors. Plus, the visit to the Choco-Story Museum is interactive and engaging—perfect for families or anyone with a sweet tooth.

A potential consideration is the admission fees for Uxmal ($33) and Kabah ($6)—these are not included in the tour price, so budgeting cash is a good idea. Also, given the 9-hour schedule, travelers should be prepared for a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure, especially in the heat.

This tour suits history lovers with an interest in Mayan civilization, families seeking a well-rounded day out, and anyone wanting to combine culture with culinary insights. If you enjoy authentic experiences and a relaxed pace, it’s a strong choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Visits to Uxmal, Kabah, and the Chocolate Museum, with regional lunch included.
• Expert Guidance: Bilingual guide offers insightful commentary on Mayan culture and history.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned shuttle with water and snacks provided.
• Flexible Schedule: About 9 to 10 hours, with ample time at each stop.
• Extra Costs: Entrance fees for Uxmal and Kabah are paid separately.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with plenty of opportunities for photos and learning.

A Deep Dive into the Uxmal, Kabah, and Chocolate Museum Tour

The Uxmal Ruins: A Majestic Start

Our adventure begins early, leaving Mérida around 8:00 am aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The first major stop is the Zona Arqueológica Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its imposing architecture and intricate stonework. We loved the way our guide, María, shared stories about the ruins—she made the ancient stones come alive with tales of their creators.

Despite the admission fee of $33, the site itself offers amazing views of the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace, both characterized by their ornate Puuc-style facades. As we wandered through the massive courtyards and climbed some of the structures, we appreciated the spaciousness of Uxmal, giving us room to breathe and truly soak in the history.

One of the highlights was the opportunity to stand beneath the El Palomar, an elegant archway, and imagine how the Mayans built such enduring structures without modern tools. The ruins’ layout reflects a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and symbolism, which María explained with enthusiasm.

Exploring Kabah: A Hidden Treasure

Next, we headed to Kabah, a smaller but equally impressive site located along the Puuc route. The admission fee of $6 is included, which is a nice perk. The site is famous for its elaborately decorated Mask Temple, adorned with hundreds of stone masks representing the Mayan god Chaac.

What struck us was how Kabah often feels less crowded than Uxmal, making it easier to enjoy the quiet majesty of the ruins. We loved the vivid carvings and the sense of discovery as we strolled along the well-preserved structures. Our guide pointed out details like the symmetry of the architecture and the meaning behind the motifs, adding depth to our visit.

Lunch at Restaurante Halach-Huinic: Authentic Yucatecan Flavors

Around 1:40 pm, we stopped at Restaurante Halach-Huinic for a regional meal. The restaurant offered a cozy atmosphere and a well-curated menu featuring local ingredients. We appreciated the generous three-course meal, which included a flavorful starter, a hearty main, and a sweet dessert—perfect fuel for the rest of the day.

The lunch was a real highlight, offering authentic Yucatán dishes that satisfied both our hunger and our curiosity about regional cuisine. It’s a great chance to try something new beyond typical tourist fare.

The Sweet Finale at Choco-Story Museum

Our last stop is the Choco-Story Museum, located just steps from Uxmal. The interactive exhibits take you through the history of cacao, from ancient Mesoamerican rituals to modern chocolate-making techniques. We loved the way the museum offered hands-on experiences—like tasting pure cacao and watching chocolate being crafted.

The museum’s location close to the ruins makes it a convenient and fun way to wind down the day. While the entrance fee isn’t included, it’s worth the small extra cost for a sweet lesson in cacao art. Plus, it’s a relaxing environment to reflect on everything we’d seen that day.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

The tour includes round-trip transportation, so you won’t need to worry about navigating or parking. The air-conditioned van keeps everyone comfortable, with a cooler of ice for drinks. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, which balances intimacy with enough camaraderie.

Timing is well-structured, with specific periods allocated to each site, ensuring you get a thorough visit without feeling rushed. The guide provides insights into Mayan culture, making the ruins more meaningful. The lunch is ample and flavorful, offering a genuine taste of Yucatán cuisine.

A quick heads-up: you’ll need cash for Uxmal’s entrance since cards aren’t accepted at the site. Also, since the admission fees for Uxmal ($33) and Kabah ($6) are separate, budgeting around $40 for the day’s entrance costs is wise.

Packing Tips

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes—the ruins involve some uneven terrain. A water bottle is essential, and a change of clothes can be handy if you plan to swim or want to freshen up after the tour. If you’re a Mexican resident, don’t forget your INE or ID for free entrance on Sundays.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs eager to see iconic Mayan sites without the hassle of self-organizing transportation. Families will appreciate the interactive chocolate museum and the relaxed pace. Food lovers will value the regional lunch and the chance to taste authentic Yucatán cuisine.

If you’re looking for a balanced, educational, and flavorful day out, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially suitable if you want to avoid long bus rides or complicated logistics, as everything is organized for you.

Summing It Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers excellent value for discovering two of the most impressive Maya sites along with a cultural and culinary experience. The guided explanations make the ruins more meaningful, and the included lunch ensures you won’t go hungry. The Chocolate Museum adds a fun, interactive element that rounds out the day perfectly.

While the entrance fees are extra, the overall package—including transportation, guide, and meals—delivers a convenient, enriching experience perfect for those who want to learn and taste the Yucatán at a relaxed pace.

For travelers interested in history, authentic flavors, and family-friendly activities, this tour makes a solid choice, especially if you prefer a comfortably paced, all-in-one day trip from Mérida.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation, a bilingual guide, admission to the Choco-Story Museum, a regional lunch, and a cooler with ice for drinks.

Are the entrance fees to Uxmal and Kabah included?
No, those fees are paid separately—$33 for Uxmal and $6 for Kabah—so bring cash for entry.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 9 to 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and ending back at the meeting point in Mérida.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the chocolate museum and scenic ruins, but young children should be prepared for walking and outdoor exposure.

Do I need to bring anything?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, water, and cash for entrance fees. A change of clothes can be useful if you plan to swim or get wet.

Does the tour pick up from hotels?
No, it starts at Parque Santa Ana in Mérida, so plan to meet there.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed on the day of the trip if you decide not to go.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, a maximum of 40 travelers ensures a comfortable experience.

This tour offers a thoughtful blend of history, culture, and cuisine—an excellent way to deepen your appreciation of Yucatán’s heritage without the fuss of organizing everything yourself. If you want a balanced, engaging, and tasty day that’s accessible and well-organized, this might just be your perfect day out.