The secrets of Uxmal, Cenote and home made food

This full-day excursion from Mérida, listed at about 480 minutes, combines the Maya city of Uxmal, a community cenote and a home-cooked meal with a family of Maya heritage. It starts early: the departure from the meeting point is at 6:50 am, so the group reaches the archaeological site just as it opens.

Uxmal is described as the most important Maya city in the Puuc region, the only hilly area of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its main god was Chaac, the god of rain. The Puuc style stands out for its intricate carvings on the upper parts of the buildings. You walk and explore the temples with a professional licensed guide who explains the history behind the site.

Next comes a cenote in a Maya community, where you can enjoy the clear fresh water of one of the unique ecosystems of the peninsula. The day closes with lunch at the home of a family with Maya heritage, who prepare the meal with fresh ingredients when the group arrives. The return to Mérida is planned between 2 and 3 pm.

The included items are the cenote entrance fee, lunch, bottled water, a professional tour guide, air conditioning in the vehicle, and pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. The exclusions list mentions entrance fees without specifying which, so ask the operator whether the Uxmal ticket is covered. The tour is listed as suitable for all fitness levels, infants must sit on an adult's lap and specialized infant seats are available.

Pick-up covers hotels and homes within ZIP code 97000 (the Centro area). Send your address or hotel after booking; the operator emails your pick-up time the day before, around 8 pm.