Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Kabah, or delving into the captivating Choco-Story Museum, is an enriching journey that awaits visitors in Merida. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, complete with transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delectable lunch. Guests can also refresh themselves in a picturesque cenote, while immersing in the rich cultural heritage of the Yucatan. With a small group size, the tour promises a personalized and engaging adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural wonders of the past or the flavors of the present, this excursion from Merida promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- The tour provides an opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Kabah, including guided commentary and transportation.
- The tour includes a visit to a cenote, a natural swimming hole, as well as an optional stop at the Choco-Story Museum to learn about chocolate production.
- Pricing for the tour includes lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and gratuities, but additional entrance fees for the sites are required.
- The tour is scheduled for a maximum of 20 travelers, with a pickup time between 8:10 and 8:40 am and a return to Merida at 4:00 pm.
- Reviewers have praised the expertise of the guides and the beauty of the sites, though some have noted communication issues and varying experiences at the cenote.
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Tour Overview
The tour provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Uxmal, marvel at the intricate carvings of Kabah or the exhibits of the Choco-Story Museum, and swim in the refreshing waters of a cenote near Merida, Mexico.
Operated by Traveler Tiger, the tour departs from Merida and includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and the beautiful sites, though some note issues with communication and cenote experiences.
Inclusions and Costs
This tour includes a number of valuable components. Lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and gratuities are all provided. Soda or pop is also included.
The entrance fees, however, are not. Visitors must pay separate fees to access Uxmal ($556 MXN for foreigners, $225 MXN for nationals, $80 MXN for locals), Kabah ($80 MXN), the Chocostory Museum ($150 MXN), and the cenote ($100 MXN).
These additional costs should be considered when budgeting for the tour. The inclusions offer a comprehensive experience, while the separate entrance fees require some advance planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour.
Pickup and Schedule
Between 8:10 and 8:40 am, the tour operator picks up travelers from selected hotels or a designated cafeteria in downtown Merida. The tour starts at 8:00 am and can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. The schedule is as follows:
| Activity | Start Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | 8:10 – 8:40 am | 30 mins |
| Uxmal | 9:00 am | 2 hrs |
| Kabah or Choco-Story Museum | 11:00 am | 1 hr |
| Cenote | 12:00 pm | 1 hr |
| Lunch | 1:00 pm | 1 hr |
| Return to Merida | 4:00 pm | – |
The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Tour Experience
Travelers on this tour praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the ancient ruins of Uxmal and Kabah to life with their insightful commentary.
The tour is generally well-organized, with visitors enjoying the beautiful sites and a delightful lunch. However, some feedback suggests guides may speak too rapidly or be difficult to understand at times.
The cenote experiences can vary, with some visitors finding them underwhelming.
To make the most of the tour, it’s recommended to:
- Bring pesos for entrance fees and extra drinks.
- Consider visiting Kabah for a more comprehensive experience.
- Be prepared for potential communication challenges with the guides.
- Set reasonable expectations for the cenote visits.
Customer Reviews
The customer reviews for this tour are generally positive, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides who bring the ancient ruins to life. Reviewers highlight the enjoyment of the included lunch, the stunning beauty of the Uxmal and Kabah sites, and the refreshing swim in the cenote. However, some note issues with guides speaking too quickly or being difficult to understand, as well as varying experiences at the cenotes. Recommendations include bringing pesos for entrance fees and considering a visit to Kabah for a more comprehensive experience.
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews | Overall Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledgeable, friendly guides | Hidden charges | Generally positive |
| Enjoyable lunch | Guide’s demeanor | Suggestions for improvement |
| Stunning ruins | Small vehicle size | on communication and |
| Beautiful cenote experiences | Underwhelming cenote experiences | transparency |
Site Highlights: Uxmal
Uxmal stands as one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico.
Visitors are captivated by the site’s stunning architecture, which includes:
- The Pyramid of the Magician, a unique and mysterious five-story structure with an oval base.
- The Governor’s Palace, an impressive two-story building adorned with intricate carvings and elaborate decorations.
- The Nunnery Quadrangle, a complex of four buildings arranged around a central courtyard, featuring impressive facades and detailed stone carvings.
- The Ball Court, where the ancient Mayan sport of Pok-ta-Pok was played, offering a glimpse into the site’s rich cultural heritage.
Exploring Uxmal’s well-preserved ruins and architectural wonders provides visitors with a profound understanding of Mayan civilization and its enduring legacy.
Site Highlights: Kabah or Choco-Story Museum
Kabah, an ancient Mayan city located just 16 km from Uxmal, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The site features impressive stone structures, including the iconic Codz Poop palace, known for its elaborate stone lattices and intricate carvings.
Alternatively, the Choco-Story Museum provides an immersive experience exploring the history and production of chocolate, a beloved Mesoamerican delicacy. Guests can learn about the cacao bean’s journey from plant to confection, and even indulge in tastings of various chocolate varieties.
Both Kabah and the Choco-Story Museum provide unique opportunities to deepen one’s understanding of the Yucatan’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Cenote Experience
Visitors to the tour are treated to a refreshing swim in a picturesque cenote, a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear waters. The cenote experience offers a tranquil respite from the day’s explorations.
Guests can:
- Take a dip in the cool, inviting waters
- Admire the lush, verdant foliage surrounding the cenote
- Spot unique cave formations and wildlife like fish and birds
- Enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere of this natural wonder
While the cenote experience is generally enjoyable, some travelers have noted varying quality across different cenotes visited on the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum age requirement, but infants must sit on laps. Stroller accessibility is available, indicating the tour is suitable for families with young children.
Can I Book the Tour for a Larger Group?
The tour operator, Traveler Tiger, accommodates groups of up to 20 travelers. Customers can book the tour for a larger group, but the maximum group size is capped at 20 participants.
How Long Does the Entire Tour Typically Last?
The tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours from pickup to drop-off. Travelers should allow enough time to explore the ruins, swim in the cenote, and visit the included museum or site.
Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?
There are no major restrictions on what travelers can bring on the tour. However, it’s recommended to pack light and bring essential items like comfortable shoes, sun protection, and cash for entrance fees and additional purchases.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
While the tour operator offers a set itinerary, customers can generally customize the tour to their preferences by choosing between visiting Kabah or the Choco-Story Museum. However, the core sites of Uxmal and the cenote remain fixed.
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The Sum Up
This immersive tour from Merida offers a memorable experience exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Kabah or visiting the captivating Choco-Story Museum. Travelers will enjoy transportation, a knowledgeable guide, a delicious lunch, and a refreshing swim in a picturesque cenote, all while seeing the rich cultural heritage of the Yucatan. With a small group size, the tour ensures a personalized and engaging journey through stunning historical sites and natural wonders.