Private Tour Two Magical Towns in one day

This private tour takes you to two of Yucatán's Magical Towns, Valladolid and Izamal, in a single day from Mérida. The route mixes centuries-old convents, Maya pyramids and cobblestone streets, with time to walk, eat and take in the atmosphere.

The morning starts with the drive from Mérida to Valladolid, about 2 hours. In Valladolid you walk through the Barrio de Sisal, one of the city's most representative neighborhoods, known for its colorful streets and local life. You then visit the 16th-century Franciscan convent, the main church facing the central park, and the city's most iconic avenue, lined with colonial facades, galleries, boutiques and cafes. A house museum with one of the country's most important collections of Mexican folk art is also on the route.

Next you head to Uayma, a drive of about 30 minutes, to see a 17th-century church known for its wide atrium, its role in the Caste War and its decoration of stars and rosettes. From there the drive to Izamal takes about an hour and a half, and you have free time for lunch at a recommended local restaurant or a place of your choice.

In Izamal you visit a Maya ceremonial pyramid that gave the town its name, and Kinich Kakmó, the largest pyramid in Yucatán by surface area, dedicated to the Maya sun god and offering views of the town from its top. You also see the colonial convent built over a Maya temple, with the second-largest atrium in the world, a 16th-century venue showing traditional Mexican handicrafts in clay, wood, metal, natural fibers and textiles, and the remains of a pre-Hispanic pyramid integrated into a contemporary hotel.

The tour suits travelers who like history, architecture and unhurried walks, and who want to avoid crowds and commercial stops. It is described as suitable for all fitness levels and as wheelchair accessible, including the transportation.

The price includes private transportation, a certified bilingual guide, snacks and travel insurance during transportation. Lunch and gratuities are not included. The guide meets you in the lobby of your hotel.