Welcome to Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Sitting regally on the northern tip of the peninsula, Yucatán state sees less mass tourism than its flashy-and-trashy neighbor, Quintana Roo. It is sophisticated and savvy, and the perfect spot for travelers more interested in cultural exploration than beach life. While there are a few nice beaches in Celestún and Progreso, most people come to this area to explore the ancient Maya sites peppered throughout the region, like the Ruta Puuc, which will take you to four or five ruins in just a day.
Top experiences in Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland
Recent articles
Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland activities
Uxmal and Kabah Day Trip from Merida
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Zona Arqueologica Uxmal, Uxmal, Yucatan PeninsulaYour first stop will be Uxmal, known to many by way of legend, myth or anecdote. It is situated within a series of hills known as the Puuc or "mountainous area" in Maya. The name was later given to describe the architectural style of the region, such as the colossal Magicians Pyramid, impressive Governor´s Palace, intricate Dove´s Temple and Grand Nuns Quadrangle. The archaeological structures and buildings located throughout Uxmal are ornamented with geometrical figures and masks of the rain god, Chaac. The rain god was considered by the Maya people as one of the most important of their deities. Have lunch at either the beautiful Hacienda Uxmal or in the gardens of the Lodge of Uxmal surrounded by unique Maya Palapas. Next, visit Kabah, a Puuc-style city that flourished around the year 800 AD. Kabah is known as the second largest religious center in the Puuc-style. (Puuc is the Mayan name given to a series of low-lying hills with a unique culture and style.) After sightseeing, enjoy the beautiful pool and gardens of the Hacienda Uxmal Hotel. We will depart at 4:00 pm from Uxmal in order to be in Merida around 5:00 pm.IMPORTANT: This tour includes entrance to Uxmal & Kabah only if booking for March and April (2019). Please note if you booking from May 1st the tour includes Mayan Planetarium and doesn’t include Choco Story Museum.Duration: 9 hours
Uxmal and Kabah Early Access Tour from Merida
After hotel pickup in Merida, start your drive to Uxmal. Once there and accompanied by a professional guide, you'll get to visit the Maya-style temples where the Maya civilization left its mark in the area. Enjoy the tranquility of this early-morning tour without the huge crowds. Visit the Temple of the Magician, which according to the mythology of this place was built by a dwarf king. Then, see the Nunnery, which highlights the Puuc style, this style is characterized by smooth walls and decorated frieze. Finally, visit the Governor’s Palace, with a façade of more than 20,000 tiles considered the most beautiful in the Maya area. After visiting Uxmal, you will drive to Cananah’s restaurant and enjoy a delicious a la carte meal. Then, you'll go to the archaeological site of Kabah. This area has two important buildings of the Mayan culture. First, you'll see the Codz Pop (Carpet funky) temple belonging to the God of Water Chaac, in this building seven sculptures of Mayan rulers were found. Then, you'll visit the Palace Teocalli. Once you are done with the tour, you'll head back to Merida.
Merida Market Tour and Cooking Class
After you meet your guide and small group at a central location, drive by air-conditioned minivan to one of Merida’s markets less frequented by tourists. As you walk around the bustling outdoor market, your guide will explain about the origins and uses of some of the fruits and vegetables – many produced in the Yucatan region. With help from your bilingual guide, converse with local vendors as you choose seasonal produce and other ingredients in preparation for your cooking class. Take in the aromas and colors of the beautiful chilies and unfamiliar tropical fruits, and learn about such delights as achiote, chile habanero and pepita de calabaza (pumpkin seed). Next, drive to the personal home of your local host to cook and sample some Yucatecan specialties, such as salbutes (Mayan tacos), panuchos (black bean-filled tostadas), papadzules (enchiladas topped with pumpkin seed sauce) and codzitos (stuffed and fried tortillas). Under the guidance of your host, you'll have help every step of the way and learn to prepare delicious beverages like horchata (sweetened rice drink) or hibiscus flower tea.As you prepare your meal, you’ll be introduced to a few Spanish and Mayan words, and learn more about the cuisine of the Yucatan, which includes some of the most varied dishes of Mexico. Your host and guide will describe local culinary traditions, the influence of other cultures on the cuisine, and explain some of the differences between the Yucatecos and people from other parts of Mexico. Finally, taste the delicious plates you prepared and enjoy a light lunch as you chat more with your small group and host. Afterward, your guide will help you hire a taxi for the return to central Merida (an approximate USD $5 ride).
Chichén Itzá Deluxe Small Group with Buffet Lunch with Cenote from Mérida
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Chichen Itza, Chichen Itza, Yucatan PeninsulaTo start the excursion, we will pick you up in a 16 seat van (small groups for luxurious comfort!) from a meeting point in Merida. After arriving at the Mayaland Hotel, we will head directly to the archaeological site through our private entrance. Our certified tour guide will take you on a 2 hours tour exploring the secrets of the ancient Mayan Civilization. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important temples of this ancient city before leaving you to enjoy Chichen Itza at your own pace. Admire the Pyramid of Kukulcán, one of the 7 Wonders of the New World, the Temple of the Warriors, The Ball Court, The Observatory, The Nunnery and beautifully conserved smaller temples in their vicinity. Take as many pictures as you like! After your visit to the site, you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Mayaland Hotel. During lunch ,you will be entertained by our traditional Yucatan music and dance performances by the Mayaland regional ballet.Duration: 8 hours
Merida Yucatan Street Food Walking Tour with Local Guide
This 3-hour guided tour is for serious foodies who want to taste the best authentic Yucatecan street food. Meet your guide at 10:30am at Hidalgo Park and walk through the busy streets of Merida to the main market. Learn about the local produce and how Yucatecans use them in their native dishes. At your first tasting spot, choose between empanadas, polcanes (masa stuffed with lima beans, chiles, and pumpkin seeds), panuchos (fried tortillas filled with black beans), or salbutes (deep-fried tortillas with toppings). Then, move on to a taco tasting where you can try the two most famous varieties in the Yucatan: cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and lechon (suckling pig).Move on to “El Marlin Azul” and sample two types of seafood tacos. On the way, visit the main square and take a look at the beautiful colonial buildings overlooking it, while your guide provides historical and cultural context.Finally, walk to a gelato store, where you can choose between dozens of local fruit flavors.
Merida to Chichen Itza Early Access Admission Full-Day Tour
After hotel pickup in Merida, you'll arrive at Chichen Itza and start a guided tour with a specialized guide enjoying the tranquility of your morning visit. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide archaeological essential background so you better understand the history of Chichen Itza. Discover how this large pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan civilization around 600 AD to 1200, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. Even today, it is still considered sacred by the Mayan people of the Yucatan site. Like many of the cities of ancient Mexico, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden in the jungle. This archaeological site has earned the protection of UNESCO and today is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After the tour, board a vehicle back to Merida and enjoy a lunch box on your way there.You'll return to your hotel at approximately 5:30 pm.