The ancient Yucatán capital of Merida serves up Mexico’s finest full-day excursions. The standout tours center around the magnificent Mayan ruins – with Chichen Itza and Uxmal leading the pack. I’m especially fond of the combination tours that pair these archaeological wonders with swimming stops at cenotes or visits to colonial towns like Izamal and Valladolid. For natural beauty, the day trip to Laguna de Bacalar‘s “Lake of Seven Colors” is tough to beat. Most tours include expert guides, air-conditioned transport, and meaningful cultural interactions, running $81-705 per person. Many offer free cancellation and wheelchair access with advance notice. Let’s explore the best tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- Chichen Itza Full Day Tour offers early arrival, knowledgeable guides, and an immersive cultural experience, with a 5.0 rating and 99% recommendation.
- Full Day Tour Chichen Magic Towns provides an in-depth exploration of Izamal and Valladolid, with positive feedback on organization and cultural discovery.
- Full Day in Uxmal, Kabah, and Chocolate Museum is a private tour focusing on ancient ruins and modern cultural experiences, with knowledgeable guides and a high price point.
- Private Full Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, and Izamal offers a comprehensive experience, including transportation, a certified guide, and a buffet lunch.
- Visit Bacalar Full Day from Merida allows visitors to explore the vibrant colors of Laguna de Bacalar, with a boat ride, cenote entrance, and lunch included.
Chichen Itza Full Day Tour
The Chichen Itza Full Day Tour from Merida offers travelers an immersive exploration of one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites.
The tour boasts a 5.0 rating based on 147 reviews, with 99% of travelers recommending it. Highlights include early arrival to beat the crowds, knowledgeable local guides, and visits to a cenote and the colonial town of Izamal.
While the buffet lunch is simple, the overall experience is highly praised for its comfortable transportation, unique cultural encounters, and excellent value at $81 per person.
Preparation tips include bringing water, sunblock, and good walking shoes. This tour provides a comprehensive and well-organized way to experience the wonders of Chichen Itza.
Read our full review: Chichen Itza Full Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Tour Chichen Magic Towns Izamal and Valladolid
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Yucatan’s cultural treasures, the Full Day Tour Chichen Magic Towns Izamal and Valladolid takes visitors on a captivating journey through the region’s ancient wonders and colonial charm.
Covering key attractions like Chichen Itza, Izamal, and Valladolid, the tour provides an immersive experience complemented by knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation.
Guests can look forward to a buffet lunch, a refreshing dip in a cenote, and ample time to explore the historic sites.
While the tour’s high prices and limited time at certain locations have prompted some feedback, the overall experience is praised for its organization and the opportunity to discover these iconic Yucatecan destinations.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour Chichen Magic Towns Izamal and Valladolid Review
Book now: Check availability
Tour a Full Day in Uxmal, Kabah and Chocolate Museum
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Yucatan’s ancient Mayan wonders and modern cultural delights can embark on a full-day tour that showcases the magnificent ruins of Uxmal, the captivating site of Kabah, and the intriguing Chocolate Museum.
This private tour, starting at 7:30 am, provides a personalized experience for your group. Priced at $705 for foreigners or $455 for Mexican nationals, the tour includes traveler insurance, a certified guide, air-conditioned transportation, and lunch.
While tickets and drinks aren’t covered, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the Uxmal experience, though the Chocolate Museum may be skippable.
Read our full review: Tour a Full Day in Uxmal, Kabah and Chocolate Museum Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Private Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Izamal
Embarking on a full-day private tour, visitors to Mérida can enjoy the enchanting blend of Mayan heritage and colonial charm found in Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil, and the Pueblo Mágico of Izamal.
This comprehensive tour includes transportation, a certified guide, and buffet lunch, with the option to explore underground and lush cenotes. Guests will climb ancient ruins, tour the Izamal church and plaza, and discover the impressive size and cultural significance of Chichén Itzá.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals, moderate physical fitness is required. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guide, though some report issues with no-shows, highlighting the importance of confirming details prior to departure.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Izamal Review
Book now: Check availability
Visit Bacalar Full Day From Merida
This full-day tour from Mérida to Bacalar allows visitors to explore the stunning Laguna de Bacalar, often referred to as the “Lake of Seven Colors.”
Participants will embark on a boat ride, seeing the vibrant shades of blue that have earned the lagoon its nickname.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, and entrance to a cenote.
Lunch and drinks are provided, and tips are included.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate.
Priced from $131.24 per person, the tour offers a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Visit Bacalar Full Day From Merida Review
Book now: Check availability
4 Cenotes Full Day Tour From Merida
Why not explore the stunning cenotes outside Mérida on a full-day tour?
This 4-cenote tour from Mérida is a great way to experience Mexico’s natural wonders. At $109 per person, you’ll get round-trip transportation, a certified guide, entrance to 4 unique cenotes, a life vest, a meal, and drinks.
The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and highlights the diversity of the region’s cenotes – from covered to open-air. While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Past guests have praised the knowledgeable guides and relaxing swimming. If you’re looking to discover Mérida’s renowned cenotes, this tour is worth considering.
Read our full review: 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour From Merida Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Mayan Sanctuary
A private full-day tour to Chichen Itza and the Mayan Sanctuary is an excellent way to explore two of Merida’s most renowned historical sites.
The tour includes private transportation, a certified bilingual guide, regional food and drinks, and admission fees. Visitors can expect to see the impressive Chichen Itza ruins and learn about Mayan culture.
The tour also includes a visit to a cenote, a natural swimming hole. Recommended items include comfortable clothing, water shoes, and sun protection.
Vegetarian options are available, and guests should notify the tour operator of any food allergies in advance. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats can be ordered.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Mayan Sanctuary Review
Book now: Check availability
Visit Sisal With Kayak Full Day From Merida
Visitors can enjoy a full-day kayaking excursion in the charming coastal town of Sisal, located just north of Mérida.
The tour includes lunch, air-conditioned transportation, kayaks, drinks, and a guide. The activity lasts from 8:30 am to an unspecified end time, with a maximum of 20 participants.
Pickup is available from selected hotels or locations. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Plus, it isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
The tour is priced from €100.01 per person, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Read our full review: Visit Sisal With Kayak Full Day From Merida Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Merida offers a variety of full-day tours that allow visitors to explore the region’s rich Mayan heritage and natural wonders. From the iconic Chichen Itza to the charming Mayan towns of Izamal and Valladolid, there’s something for every traveler. Visitors can also discover hidden gems like the Uxmal ruins, Kabah, and the Chocolate Museum. With options to visit cenotes, Bacalar, and Sisal, Merida provides an immersive experience of the Yucatan peninsula’s diverse attractions.