Underworld & Sunlight: Oxkintok & Mucuyché from Merida

This day trip from Merida combines two very different sites: the Maya archaeological ruins of Oxkintok and the cenotes of Hacienda Mucuyche, pairing history with time in the water.

Oxkintok is known for its pyramids, palaces and a labyrinth structure believed to have held ritual significance; the site was once connected to Chichen Itza and played a role in regional trade and politics, offering a window into Maya urban planning, religion and astronomy. Your guide will lead you through the labyrinth, known as "tza tun tzat" — a place where it is easy to get lost — which was reportedly used for initiation rituals for those training to become priests or healers. Its three levels are said to represent the celestial, terrestrial and underworld planes of the Maya cosmos. From the top of the pyramids you can look out over the surrounding landscape, including hills that are actually unexcavated structures, along with sculptures, chultunes (underground water-storage chambers), arches, esplanades and stone causeways known as sacbes.

From the ruins, you'll continue to Hacienda Mucuyche, where 19th-century buildings sit alongside modern facilities. The main draw here is the pair of connected cenotes: Carlota, which is semi-open to the sky, and Azul Maya, a cavern cenote. A scenic canal links the two, and you can either swim between them or walk along a stone path beside the water. Life jackets and masks are provided for snorkeling and swimming.

You'll have about two hours at the hacienda and cenotes, followed by an hour and a half of free time to have lunch at the on-site restaurant, which also has its own pool — lunch and drinks are not included, though food can be purchased there.

The day is suitable for travelers of all physical fitness levels, but it is not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes, along with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent.

A few logistics are worth knowing in advance: hotel pickup is not always guaranteed, and on some days you may instead be asked to make your own way to the operator's office to keep the schedule on track. The tour operates according to availability, with a maximum of four people per departure, cannot be rescheduled if you miss it or decide not to go, and does not allow pets.

Admission to Oxkintok, the two cenotes and the hacienda is included, along with a cooler with ice in the van, air-conditioned transportation, use of the hacienda's restrooms, showers and pool, and a certified guide throughout.