This comprehensive tour through Yucatan’s cultural and natural wonders is a must-do for those seeking an immersive experience. Visitors will be captivated by the majestic ruins of Uxmal, an ancient Maya city, and intrigued by the rich history and production of Mayan chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum. But the real highlight may just be the refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Peba. With hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a local lunch included, this tour provides a well-rounded and convenient way to explore the region’s top attractions. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this journey?
Key Points
- This 8.5-hour guided tour from Merida explores the ancient Mayan site of Uxmal, the Choco-Story Museum, and the tranquil Cenote Peba.
- The tour includes hotel/hostel pickup and drop-off, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and a local lunch.
- Visitors can discover the impressive architecture and intricate carvings of Uxmal, learn about the history and culture of Mayan chocolate, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Peba.
- Pricing includes entry fees to the sites, with optional additional costs for drinks and tips for the guide.
- The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and is customizable to suit the individual’s interests.
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Tour Details
The tour lasts 8.5 hours and includes pickup from any hotel, hostel, or coffee shop in Merida’s city center or Paseo de Montejo.
Guests can check availability to see the starting times, and the tour is led by a live guide who speaks English and Spanish. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes transportation via van, guided visits to Uxmal and the Choco-Story Museum, a local lunch, and a swim at the Cenote Peba.
Highlights include exploring the majestic ruins of Uxmal, learning about Mayan chocolate, and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the cenote.
Itinerary
The tour begins with pickup from the guest’s hotel, hostel, or coffee shop in Merida’s city center or Paseo de Montejo.
Travelers then embark on a 75-minute van ride to the archaeological site of Uxmal, where they’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the majestic ruins.
Next, the group will visit the Choco-Story Museum just 5 minutes away, where they’ll learn about the history and uses of Mayan chocolate during a 2-hour guided tour.
Following the museum visit, the group will have a 45-minute lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour continues with a 30-minute van ride to Cenote Peba, where guests can swim in the crystal-clear waters for 70 minutes before returning to Merida.
Explore Uxmal
Visitors explore the majestic ruins of Uxmal, an ancient Maya city that flourished between 600-900 AD.
The guided tour showcases the site’s impressive architecture, including the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Governor’s Palace, offering insights into the impressive accomplishments of Maya civilization.
They’ll marvel at the intricate carvings, geometrical patterns, and symbolic elements that decorated these monumental structures.
The tour guide provides historical context and explains how the city was a major political and economic center, shedding light on the advanced engineering and urban planning of the Maya people.
Exploring Uxmal offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Yucatan peninsula.
Immerse in Chocolate
After exploring the impressive ruins of Uxmal, visitors head to the Choco-Story Museum to enjoy the rich history and culture of Mayan chocolate.
The museum offers a guided tour that takes them through the fascinating journey of chocolate, from its origins as a sacred beverage to its evolution as a global commodity.
They’ll learn about the production process, the different varieties of cacao, and the unique uses of chocolate in Mayan rituals and cuisine.
Guests can sample various chocolate products and even participate in a hands-on chocolate-making demonstration, gaining a deeper appreciation for this beloved treat.
The Choco-Story Museum provides an engaging and educational experience that complements the earlier exploration of Uxmal’s ancient wonders.
Relax at Cenote
Following the exploration of Uxmal’s ancient ruins and the immersive experience at the Choco-Story Museum, the tour wraps up with a refreshing visit to the nearby Cenote Peba.
Guests can take a 30-minute van ride to this natural wonder and spend around 70 minutes swimming in its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the region’s endemic fauna.
The cenote, a type of natural sinkhole common in the Yucatan Peninsula, provides a serene and rejuvenating end to the day’s activities. Visitors can cool off, relax, and take in the beauty of this unique natural formation before heading back to Merida.
The cenote swim offers a peaceful and tranquil conclusion to the comprehensive tour.
Included in Tour
The tour includes hotel/hostal pickup and drop-off within Merida’s city center, as well as an English and Spanish-speaking guide to lead participants through the day’s activities.
The tour van is equipped with air conditioning, and lunch at a local restaurant is provided.
Admission fees to the Uxmal archaeological site, the Choco-Story Museum, and the Cenote Peba are also covered.
Travelers don’t have to worry about arranging transportation or navigating to the different sites on their own. The tour takes care of all the logistics, allowing visitors to simply sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the rich cultural and natural experiences that await them.
Pricing and Exclusions
Though the tour covers many activities, there are additional fees that travelers will need to pay separately. Uxmal entry costs $531 MXN for foreigners, $240 MXN for nationals, and $80 MXN for locals. The Cenote Peba entry is $100 MXN, while the Choco-Story Museum general admission is $185 MXN and $125 MXN for students and locals. Drinks are also not included in the tour price, and tips for the guide are optional.
Exclusion | Price |
---|---|
Uxmal Entry (Foreigner) | $531 MXN |
Uxmal Entry (National) | $240 MXN |
Uxmal Entry (Local) | $80 MXN |
Cenote Peba Entry | $100 MXN |
Availability and Cancellation
Travelers can check availability to see the starting times for this 8.5-hour tour, which includes pickup from any hotel, hostel, or coffee shop in Merida’s city center or Paseo de Montejo.
The tour can accommodate guests looking to explore Uxmal, the Choco-Story Museum, and Cenote Peba.
Flexibility is a key feature, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This allows travelers to adjust their plans if needed without penalty.
Whether you’re interested in ancient Mayan ruins, learning about chocolate, or swimming in a cenote, this tour provides a convenient and customizable way to experience the highlights of the Yucatan region from Merida.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Tour?
The tour uses a van for transportation. The van provides air conditioning and transports travelers from the pickup location in Merida to the various sites on the itinerary, including Uxmal, the Choco-Story Museum, and the Cenote Peba.
Is the Guided Tour Suitable for Children?
The guided tour is suitable for children, as it includes interactive elements like learning about Mayan chocolate and swimming in a cenote. The tour guide can provide age-appropriate information to engage children throughout the experience.
Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated for the Included Lunch?
According to the tour details, dietary restrictions are not explicitly mentioned. However, most local restaurants in the area are typically able to accommodate common dietary needs with advance notice. Guests should inform the tour operator of any specific dietary requirements.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Listed in the Exclusions?
Based on the provided information, there don’t appear to be any additional fees or taxes beyond what’s listed in the exclusions. The tour price seems to cover the main activities and transportation, with only specific entry fees and personal expenses excluded.
Is the Tour Conducted in Any Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish only. It does not offer additional language options. Customers should ensure they’re comfortable communicating in one of these two languages to fully enjoy the guided experiences throughout the tour.
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Recap
This immersive Yucatan tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the majestic ruins of Uxmal, discover the rich history and production of Mayan chocolate, and refresh in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Peba.
With hotel pickup, an expert guide, transportation, and a local lunch included, it’s a convenient way to experience the region’s cultural and natural highlights.