Ek Balam, Valladolid and Cenote Private Tour from Merida

This private tour from Mérida combines the ancient city of Ek Balam, the colonial town of Valladolid and a cenote with a traditional Yucatecan lunch. Because it is private, the operator says you can follow the Maya culture and Yucatán at your own pace, without a fixed programme.

The first stop is Ek Balam, listed at about 120 minutes. You walk along its roads and can climb to the top of the Acropolis, one of the last major Maya ruins, and see ancient buildings holding some of the finest Maya artistic work in Yucatán.

The second stop is Valladolid, a peaceful colonial city, for about 60 minutes. You stroll its streets and visit places such as the main plaza and the Convent of San Bernardino.

The third stop, about 120 minutes, is a cenote where you can refresh yourself in its fresh water and have a buffet lunch with regional Yucatecan flavours. The introduction mentions a cenote lunch with traditional dishes, so it is worth asking the operator for the exact menu.

Included are private transportation, a bilingual guide from hotel pick-up, an on-board cooler with beers, sodas and bottled water, and lunch. Gratuities are not included. Prams and strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available, and the tour is described as suitable for all fitness levels. It is also not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travellers, which is worth weighing given the Acropolis climb. The meeting point is listed as vacation rentals, and pick-up is not available for hotels in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.