Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal

This 600-minute day trip from Mérida takes in Chichén Itzá, a private family-owned cenote with a home-cooked meal, and the town of Izamal. The operator's pitch is to avoid crowds and heat: the departure is very early, at 5:50 a.m., so that your group can be the first inside Chichén Itzá and take photos without people. Vehicles are air-conditioned with reclining seats and carry a maximum of 10 travelers.

At Chichén Itzá, a professional licensed guide takes you through the temples and explains the history and mysteries of this ancient Maya city. After the guided part, you have free time to explore at your own pace, and the guide advises where to go. The listed time for the guided visit is about 90 minutes, followed by an hour of free time.

You then travel to a private cenote, described as an off-the-beaten-path spot owned by a family of Maya heritage, discovered by chance in the backyard of their home. You swim in its clear fresh water, meet the family and learn the story of the place; a life vest is provided. After swimming, the family cooks a homemade meal with fresh ingredients, some from their garden, and handmade corn tortillas made on the spot. The menu named includes guacamole, sopa de lima, panuchos and salbutes, plus fresh local fruit. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

The last stop is Izamal, the yellow town. You can climb a Maya pyramid there, Kinich Kakmó, walk its streets and visit the convent, while learning its history. The group then returns to Mérida and is dropped off at the meeting point. The tour suits travelers who want small groups and an early start, and who are comfortable with a long day.

For planning: the price includes the vehicle, private cenote entrance, a licensed guide, the Chichén Itzá guided tour and free time (2.5 hours), bottled water, tea and coffee, and a life vest. Lunch is listed as not included by the listing although the cenote experience describes a family meal, so confirm this when you book. Chichén Itzá admission is not included and is paid in cash: about 700 MXN for foreign visitors and 310 MXN for Mexican visitors and temporary and permanent residents. Children 12 and under enter Chichén Itzá free. There is no wheelchair access. Meeting points are listed with the listing's times: Café La Habana in Santa Ana at 5:35 a.m., Hyatt Regency at 5:30 or 5:35 a.m. (the listing gives both) and the San Ildefonso Cathedral at 5:50 a.m., so confirm yours.