Tour Valladolid, Cenote Suytun and Cenote Oxman from Mérida

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Mérida and want to experience some of the most iconic sights of Yucatán without the hassle of planning every detail, this Tour Valladolid, Cenote Suytun, and Cenote Oxman from Mérida might just be your best bet. It promises a well-organized day filled with breathtaking cenote swims, a charming colonial town, and an included buffet meal—what’s not to love?

What really caught our eye are two things: first, the inclusion of all tickets and a tasty buffet lunch, saving you both money and stress; second, the knowledgeable guides who, from reviews, seem genuinely committed to making your day informative and fun. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts around 12 hours—so it’s a full day, and not suited for travelers who prefer more relaxed, shorter outings.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive Yucatán experience—combining natural beauty with cultural charm—without sacrificing comfort or convenience. If you love exploring stunning cenotes and historic towns in one go, this might be the day trip for you.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price covers tickets, transport, buffet lunch, and drinks
• Expert guides help enrich your understanding of the sites
• Two distinct cenotes offer different experiences: underground vs. open-air
• Valladolid’s colonial architecture provides a colorful taste of Yucatán’s history
• Comfortable transportation with amenities like a cooler for drinks
• Ideal for travelers with moderate mobility and a full day of adventure

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off early, with pick-up from Mérida around 7:00 am at the Viajes Colibrí office or Fiesta Americana hotel, depending on your arrangement. The punctuality reported by travelers indicates a well-organized start, which is crucial when you’re packing a long day into 12 hours. With a maximum of 19 travelers, the group tends to stay small enough for personalized attention but large enough to keep the energy lively.

Cenote Suytun – The Underground Wonder

Your first stop is the famous Cenote Suytun, a spot that draws plenty of visitors for its stunning natural vaults and dramatic sunlight filtering through holes in the limestone. It’s a cenote carved inside an underground cave, with shallow water that makes swimming and taking photos a breeze. You’re provided with a life jacket, making it safe for everyone, including less confident swimmers.

Many reviews highlight this as a highlight. One traveler raved, “The cenote Suytun and Oxman are very different but both offer great experiences in their own way,” capturing the diversity of the stops. The shallow waters and the stalactite formations make it a photographer’s dream, especially with the sunlight streaming through the natural openings—an ideal backdrop for memorable shots.

Expect about 1.5 hours here, enough time to snap some pictures, enjoy a swim, and soak in the remarkable scenery. The included tickets and equipment free you from additional costs or worries.

Cenote Oxman – A Crystal Clear Retreat

Next, you’ll visit Cenote Oxman, located at Hacienda San Lorenzo. Known for its spectacular clarity and open-air setting, it offers a different vibe from Suytun—more spacious and sunny, perfect for leisurely swimming and exploring the lush surroundings. Visitors consistently mention how beautiful and inviting this cenote is, with some describing it as one of the most recognized and popular in Valladolid.

The stay here is also about 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to learn about the serenity of the water, snorkel with provided masks, or just relax on the edge. The included life jackets and snorkel gear ensure safety and fun, especially for those curious about underwater views.

Lunch at Hacienda Oxman

After the cenotes, the tour takes you to a buffet lunch at Hacienda Oxman, where your taste buds are in for a treat. The meal includes a variety of options, all served with a refillable flavored water—simple, satisfying, and authentically Yucatecan. Many reviews mention how good the food is, making this a great chance to re-energize before exploring Valladolid.

The one-hour stop here offers a break from water activities and an opportunity to relax and chat. The included meal adds real value, especially compared to tours that charge extra for food.

Exploring Valladolid

The afternoon is dedicated to wandering the charming town of Valladolid, a town full of colonial architecture and cultural sites. The guide takes you through notable highlights like the Municipal Palace, the old convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and the Parish Church of San Servacio.

One reviewer called Valladolid “a magical town,” and you’ll get an hour and a half to absorb its vibrant streets, colorful buildings, and local atmosphere. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the town’s history and character, making the visit more meaningful than just a quick photo stop.

Return Journey and Final Notes

The day wraps up with a return trip to Mérida, departing Valladolid around 5:30 pm, and arriving back at your original meeting point by about 7:00 pm. The transportation is comfortable, with amenities like a cooler to keep your drinks cold—an appreciated detail during the hot Yucatán day.

What Travelers Love

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with comments like, “Pedro and Jorge were amazing—felt safe and guided the whole way.” The guides’ personal touch and expertise seem to make a big difference, helping visitors understand the significance of each site and capturing memorable photos.

The stunning views at both cenotes are frequently mentioned—one reviewer loved how “both cenotes offer great experiences in their own way,” highlighting the variety. The included buffet lunch also gets high marks for quality and convenience, enabling travelers to enjoy authentic local cuisine without extra fuss.

Considerations and Tips

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite full-day—so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy active outings. Some found the Valladolid free time a bit limited for independent exploration, especially if they don’t speak Spanish fluently. Arriving prepared and engaging with the guide can help maximize your visit.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration at each stop, you might find this tour somewhat structured. However, for those seeking a comprehensive and rewarding day, it hits all the right notes.

Why This Tour Offers Value

At $76.67 per person, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck. It includes all tickets, transportation, guided commentary, and a satisfying buffet meal, which can otherwise add up if booked separately. Many travelers appreciate the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off, reducing logistical stress and giving you more time to enjoy each experience.

The small group size ensures a friendly atmosphere and personalized attention, which you might not get on larger, more chaotic excursions. Plus, the focus on authentic sites, like Valladolid’s colonial streets and natural cenotes, means you’re experiencing Yucatán as locals and travelers alike do—no overly touristy gimmicks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love natural beauty combined with cultural exploration, and prefer a well-organized, all-inclusive experience, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially good for first-timers in Mérida who want to get a broad taste of the region’s highlights.

However, travelers with mobility issues should consider the physical aspects, as walking and swimming are involved. The full 12-hour schedule suits those comfortable with active days. Also, if you’re traveling with a group of mixed language speakers, note that the tour runs in both Spanish and English, which can be a plus for bilingual groups.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, round-trip transportation from Mérida is included, making it very convenient to focus on enjoying the sites without worrying about logistics.

What should I wear for the cenotes? Pack comfortable clothing suitable for swimming, including swimsuits, a towel, and water shoes if you have them. The tour recommends water shoes for safety and comfort.

How long do we stay at each cenote? Expect about 1.5 hours at each cenote—Suytun for swimming and photos, Oxman for relaxing and snorkeling.

Is lunch included? Yes, a buffet meal with a refillable flavored water is included, serving as a good break and energy boost.

Can I explore Valladolid on my own after the guided visit? The tour offers 1.5 hours of free time, enough for a quick stroll or some shopping, but if you want a detailed exploration, it’s best to plan extra time on your own.

What is the group size? The maximum number of travelers is 19, which helps maintain a friendly, attentive atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Mérida offers a well-rounded glimpse of what makes Yucatán special: stunning cenotes, historic towns, and delicious food—all in one day. The inclusion of tickets, transportation, guides, and lunch makes it a surprisingly good value for a comprehensive experience.

The knowledgeable guides and beautiful sites are some of the tour’s strongest points, making it ideal for those seeking an engaging, hassle-free day trip filled with natural beauty and cultural charm. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or those wanting to see the region’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail.

However, be prepared for a full, active day, and consider your comfort with walking and swimming. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and want to maximize your time exploring Yucatán’s treasures, this tour hits the sweet spot.

In the end, this tour is a fantastic way to see some of Yucatán’s most famous sights without breaking the bank or losing sleep over logistics. It’s a balanced mix of natural wonder, cultural discovery, and logistical ease—making it a smart choice for most travelers eager to experience the best of the region in a single day.