Day trip to El Corchito Ecological Reserve and Playa

Our review of this full-day tour in Merida takes you through some of the region’s most engaging natural sites — from lush ecological reserves to playful pig-filled beaches and relaxing seaside spots. While we haven’t experienced it personally, the tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and relaxation that seems perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we especially like are the opportunity to see local fauna, the chance to swim and relax at a well-equipped beach club, and the delicious Yucatecan food options available at the end of the day. The only notable consideration is that the tour is quite packed, with a lot of different stops, which means the schedule can feel a bit rushed if you prefer slow-paced days.

This experience appeals most to visitors who want a taste of local nature, enjoy light walking and swimming, and appreciate a mix of wildlife and beach time without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s a well-priced way to explore beyond the city, with the convenience of hotel pickup included.

• All-Inclusive Convenience: The tour includes transportation, entry fees, and a full day of curated activities.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see and learn about regional fauna, including the famous pigs at Pig Beach.
• Natural and Cultural Mix: Visit a protected ecological reserve and end the day at a comfortable beach club.
• Value for Price: At $99.21, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with several key highlights.
• Active Day: Expect walking, swimming, and relaxing, making it ideal for active travelers.
• Food and Refreshments: While not included, the beach club offers tasty options, and local flavors are a highlight.

Starting Point: Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

The tour begins bright and early at 9:00am, with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The round trip lasts about 9 hours and 20 minutes, which sounds long but is packed with highlights. The group size is limited to 18, making it intimate enough for questions but small enough to keep the experience personal.

The transportation setup ensures you don’t have to worry about navigating or parking, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery and prepare for each stop. The private vehicle allows for a relaxed pace and timely transitions between sites.

First Stop: El Corchito Ecological Reserve

About an hour’s drive from Merida, you arrive at Reserva Ecologica El Corchito, a protected natural area known for its diverse flora and fauna. The reserve offers a chance to see raccoons, birds, and perhaps other small animals in their habitat. You’re encouraged to learn about the region’s ecological importance through the guides, who seem knowledgeable and friendly.

The highlight here is undoubtedly the cenotes or water holes—crystalline pools fed by underground springs. Visitors can swim in these fresh waters, which are refreshingly clear and cooler than the sea. The setting is tranquil, with lush greenery surrounding the water, providing a peaceful contrast to the busy city life.

Several reviewers appreciated that the entrance fee is included, making the experience straightforward. One quote from a past traveler noted, “It was wonderful to relax in the water and see the local plants and birds. The guides explained a lot about the ecosystem, which made it more meaningful.”

Stop Two: Pig Beach in Progreso

Next, the tour takes you about 5 minutes’ walk from the beach club to Pig Beach, where a family of adorable, well-fed pigs roams freely. These pigs, found orphaned and taken in by authorities, have become local celebrities and a beloved photo opportunity.

The free admission is a bonus, and it’s a genuinely unique experience—feeding or just watching these chubby pigs waddle around makes for fun memories. According to reviews, this stop is surprisingly popular with families and animal lovers, who enjoy the playful atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned, “The pigs are surprisingly friendly and happy to interact with visitors. It’s not just a photo op; you get a sense they’re genuinely cared for.”

Expect about an hour here—enough time to snap pictures, give pigs some treats if you wish, and enjoy the laid-back vibe by the sea.

Final Stop: Centro Vacacional Isstey

The last segment of the day is at Centro Vacacional Isstey, a seaside beach club that offers a comfortable, family-friendly environment. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, with swimming pools, a water park for kids, beach access, and palapas for shade.

You’ll likely love the convenience of bathrooms, showers, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, although food isn’t included in the tour. Many previous visitors appreciated the length of stay here—around 5 hours—allowing ample opportunity to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

One reviewer highlighted that “the pools and water park are perfect for families, and the beach is clean and not crowded.” It’s an ideal venue if you want to take a break from sightseeing and simply enjoy the coast.

Transportation: The air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable, especially after a warm day outdoors. The pick-up and drop-off at your hotel add a layer of ease, saving you the hassle of local transport.

Timing: Starting at 9:00am, the tour finishes around 6:20pm. The schedule is quite full but organized efficiently, with enough time at each stop, especially at the beach club.

Group Size: Limited to 18 travelers, which helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere and ensures the guides can give personalized attention.

Cost & Value: At $99.21, the tour seems quite reasonable considering the transportation, the entry to ecological reserve, and the diverse experiences included. Note that food, drinks, tips, and souvenirs are not included, so budget accordingly.

Weather Considerations: The tour is weather-dependent; if rain or storms appear, the activity might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered.

What’s Not Included

While the experience covers a lot, keep in mind that lunch, snacks, drinks, tips, and souvenirs are on you. The beach club has a restaurant, so you can purchase local dishes or snacks there. The focus remains on the natural sites rather than gourmet dining, so bring some snacks if you’re hungry.

Insights from Reviews

Based on past feedback, travelers appreciated the delicious local flavors at the beach club, which enhances the overall experience. One review praised the “tasty tacos and refreshing drinks,” adding a culinary highlight to the day. Others appreciated the professionalism of the guides, noting they were friendly and informative.

Some travelers mentioned that the schedule is tight, especially if you want more time at each stop, but overall, most found it a well-paced and enjoyable day.

This experience is ideal for families with kids, nature enthusiasts, and those wanting a relaxed seaside day. It offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, active swimming, and leisure time, all packed into a manageable day. If you’re keen to see local fauna and enjoy authentic Yucatecan flavors, this tour hits a lot of marks without feeling rushed.

If you prefer a slow, unstructured day or are a serious snorkeler or diver, you might find it a bit hurried or limited in aquatic activities. Still, for a straightforward, fun exploration of Merida’s natural side, it’s a practical choice.

This full-day tour to El Corchito Ecological Reserve, Pig Beach, and a seaside beach club offers a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking a taste of nature, wildlife, and relaxation. The inclusion of transportation, entry fees, and a varied itinerary provides excellent value for the modest price of $99.21.

You’ll love the chance to see local animals like raccoons and pigs, swim in pristine cenotes, and unwind in a family-friendly beach setting with pools and water parks. The tour strikes a good balance between activity and leisure, making it suitable for those who want a full day of outdoor fun without the hassle of planning.

While it is quite a packed schedule, the highlights and authentic experiences make it worthwhile for anyone wanting to explore beyond Merida’s city limits in a relaxed, guided manner. Just bring your camera, some sunscreen, and your appetite for delicious Yucatecan dishes at the beach club.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel, making the start and end of the day hassle-free.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes, from pickup to drop-off.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour fee covers the entrance to El Corchito Ecological Reserve and the beach club.

Can I swim at El Corchito?
Absolutely, the cenotes and water holes are meant for swimming, and travelers often enjoy cooling off in these natural pools.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, some cash for extra snacks or souvenirs, and a camera for photos.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but the beach club has a restaurant where you can purchase local dishes.

What is Pig Beach?
A small, free-to-visit beach area where a family of friendly pigs roams, providing fun photo opportunities and animal encounters.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the pools, water park, and playful pig visits making it engaging for kids.

In short, this tour provides a rewarding peek into Merida’s natural environment with plenty of opportunities for photos, relaxation, and fun. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to explore beyond the city while enjoying the comforts of guided convenience.