Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote worth booking?
Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote is a 8-hour experience in Merida, Mexico, from $409 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (43)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $409 per person
Immerse yourself in a private experience blending Maya heritage, cacao traditions, and natural serenity. In Uxmal, a jewel of the Puuc Route, explore one of the most refined Maya cities in Mesoamerica, where architectural harmony and symbolic temples reflect centuries of wisdom. Continue with an immersive cacao experience, discovering its cultural and spiritual importance for the Maya through an open-air setting that bridges past and present. End the day at an open cenote within a local community, a natural sanctuary ideal for swimming, refreshing, and reconnecting with nature. A journey designed for calm discovery, depth, and connection. Highlights • Uxmal, jewel of Puuc art: UNESCO World Heritage site known for monumental architecture and finely carved stone mosaics. • Cacao in Mexico: Learn its history and enjoy a hot chocolate demonstration using pre-Hispanic techniques. • Community cenote: Swim in an open cenote and experience its natural beauty in a contemporary Maya setting.
What you get
About this experience
Immerse yourself in a private experience blending Maya heritage, cacao traditions, and natural serenity. In Uxmal, a jewel of the Puuc Route, explore one of the most refined Maya cities in Mesoamerica, where architectural harmony and symbolic temples reflect centuries of wisdom. Continue with an immersive cacao experience, discovering its cultural and spiritual importance for the Maya through an open-air setting that bridges past and present. End the day at an open cenote within a local community, a natural sanctuary ideal for swimming, refreshing, and reconnecting with nature. A journey designed for calm discovery, depth, and connection. Highlights • Uxmal, jewel of Puuc art: UNESCO World Heritage site known for monumental architecture and finely carved stone mosaics. • Cacao in Mexico: Learn its history and enjoy a hot chocolate demonstration using pre-Hispanic techniques. • Community cenote: Swim in an open cenote and experience its natural beauty in a contemporary Maya setting.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Life jacket
- Certified bilingual guide
- Snacks
- Travel insurance during transportation
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica Uxmal
Explore the archaeological site with your private guide, uncovering its temples, palaces, and the remarkable architectural mastery of the Maya civilization. The drive from Mérida to Uxmal takes 1 hour 30 min. The guided tour lasts 1 hour 30 min.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Choco Story uxmal
Explore the sacred origins of cacao in the Maya world through immersive outdoor exhibits set in the heart of the jungle, and taste traditional chocolate prepared in the same way the ancient Maya once did. Enjoy a lunch stop at a local restaurant we recommend, or at your preferred venue within Uxmal. The guided tour lasts 1 hour. Lunch time: approximately 1 hour.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Cenote Yaal Utzil
Enjoy a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote surrounded by nature, with the option to jump from its platform. The return trip to Mérida takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TRAVELEZZA
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children's Policy: Children under 12 years old are welcome on this tour. Children 12 years or older pay as adults. Children under 5 years old must use a stroller.
- Your participation promotes sustainable tourism and cenote protection
- Flexible itinerary
- No mandatory stops at souvenir shops
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A wonderful full-day experience
This was an amazing experience. I enjoyed Uxmal much more than Chichen Itza. The site was closer together and much easier to explore. It was not as crowded, and the ruins were amazing. The building seem to be more intact. Our guide Gabriel was great and very knowledgeable not only in the local tour, but could he could explain many other things throughout Mexico. It was nice that the car ride was not too long. We were able to arrive at the site earlier in the day before the heat set in and explore the entire site. The next visit to the Chocolate museum was also wonderful and the children especially enjoyed seeing the animals and feeding the monkeys. Be sure to bring some one-peso coins for the animal food machines. The whole family enjoyed seeing all the animals and learning about the chocolate process. The tasting was a lot of fun to be able to taste the traditional chocolate drink. It was the perfect ending to stop at the cenote for a swim to call off. Definitely a wonderful day for the whole family and one of the best experiences in Merida.
Response from the operator: Dear Mr. Michael, Thank you for sharing with us your experience during this private tour. We feel glad to read that you and your lovely family enjoyed the day in companion of our team. Thanks again for your thrust and let us being again your hosts in Yucatan. We hope yo see you back in Mexico in the near future. Warm regards, Travelezza Team.
via Viator
Guide Bruno was excellent!
Thoroughly enjoyable tour, with an excellent, very knowledgable bi-lingual guide Bruno. Our visit to the Anthropological museum in Mexico City gave an ideal background story to Mexico City and the Teotihuacan pyramids. Bruno brought the site to life with his descriptions.
Response from the operator: Dear Robin, We are so pleased that Bruno was able to bring the site to life for you and connect you to the amazing history of Mexico City and Teotihuacan. We will be sure to share your kind words with him. At Travelezza we always try to find guides that share our love of the history and culture. We hope to see you again! Warmly, The Travelezza team
via Viator
Don't miss Uxmal, and this private tour was perfect.
I have been to a lot of pyramids and Uxmal is my favorite. The site is large and there is so much detail still on the buildings. Our tour guide Blanca was great at explaining many of the details and the history. (As a bonus she also pointed out a couple great photo spots!) The chocolate museum was interesting and included a Maya ceremony and a demonstration of the Maya chocolate processing with tasting. The cenote had a couple fun jumping spots. The tour being private was also nice as everything was at our own pace.
Response from the operator: Dear Heidi, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your comments are truly important to our team and motivate us to continue working day by day to constantly improve and deliver the service of excellence that defines us as a company. We are glad to know you enjoyed your experience in Uxmal and with the Chocolate tasting, and we will certainly share your kind comments with our guide Blanca. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future for another memorable experience. Warm regards, The Travelezza Team
via Tripadvisor
The cenote was my favorite of all cenotes
We did the private tour and they suggested we leave early to miss the crowds and hottest part of the day. We left at 7 A.M. and the ride was under 2 hrs to the first location. During the morning ride up to the ruins we made a stop at a restroom allowing me to stay hydrated. Gabriel was our knowledgeable tour guide. He was always patient and personable. He wore his long sleeve black shirt as his required uniform, which I would not recommend. Following rules he felt obliged to per the boss’ rules, but light colored and loose cotton or linen clothing would be recommended. I saw people with small umbrellas which I kept forgetting to take with me as it’s so beneficial in June’s high heat and sun. Wearing a big hat and gym shoes kept me comfortable. I wore a long flowy summer dress which allowed me to stay cool and comfortable. The chocolate factory is all outdoors. No AC, so more heat and sun. Have single pesos to feed the koi fish and also the cute monkeys, in a running cage and not left loose throughout the park. For one peso you get a small handful of food to feed them. The monkeys are sweet and a bit sad to see them in cages but I personally hate zoos for that reason. After the ruins Gabriel gave us the choice to stop and eat something or go to the cenote. We were hungry but given the heat we wanted to cool down. He allows you to eat snacks in his car, but remember to be respectful and clean up your mess. We chose to go to the cenote over food and it was the best choice. Majestic would be the word to describe the cenote. The walk from the parking lot to the dressing rooms is short and the walk from the dressing rooms to the cenote is equally far. There are lockers with a lock that can be paid there. There is one outdoor shower which is required for one to use prior to getting into the cenote. Please respect the rules as it’s to help preserve the natural beauty and wildlife in the cenote. Only tiny little fish are living in the cenote. This cenote is almost completely underground and the stairs are steep but the railings are metal and sturdy. Some steps are higher than others. The water is crystal clear and felt amazing. We were lucky that only one other family was there. I didn’t want to leave. There is a sign at the entrance I initially didn’t see that states each group is only allowed to be there for an hour which Gabriel explained that was enforced during the beginning of Covid and not so much now. We lingered in the water for about 2 hours which Gabriel patiently waited for us at the entrance. As much as we didn’t want to leave we asked Gabriel to take us get food and we were happy to have lunch with our new friend. The ride back to our hotel was about 2 hours which I couldn’t keep my eyes open on the ride back. Gabriel once again was so nice to let us sleep. He was a good driver and we felt safe with him at all times. I would ask for Gabriel when I go back to Merida and book another tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your comments are truly important to our team and motivate us to continue working day by day to constantly improve and deliver the service of excellence that defines us as a company. We are glad to know you enjoyed your experience, and we will certainly share your kind comments with our guide Gabriel. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future for another memorable experience. Warm regards, Travelezza Team
via Tripadvisor
An amazing excursion to Uxmal from Merida.
We had an amazing time on our excursion to Uxmal. Our guide, Gabriel, was great - knowledgeable, interesting, and fun. We were a large group of work friends and family members. We were picked up in an air-conditioned van, drove to Uxmal, and had a few hours of a guided tour. The ruins are amazing, and even though it was very hot, we really enjoyed the amazing site. We then went to the chocolate museum close by, where we learned about chocolate making by the ancient Mayans, got to try some authentic choco-ha, and see some rescued wild cats. We then went to each lunch at a local Mayan restaurant, where we had a delicious meal, capped off with a "la cucaracha" shot! Finally, we drove to a local cenote, where we got to swim in crystal clear, refreshing water. It was the perfect way to end the day. We were driven back to our hotel. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and we highly recommend to anyone visiting Merida!
Response from the operator: Mr. Nick, thank you so much for taking the time to write your experience and for the opportunity to guide you and your group in Yucatan, it´s being a pleasure. Every comment help us to improve our services day by day. We hope to see you soon back in Merida. Best regards!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $409 to $706
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by TRAVELEZZA, who run 14 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.8.
See everything TRAVELEZZA runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Merida.
How much does Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote cost?
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Prices start at $409 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Merida usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Merida is not rushed.
Is Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Merida, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Merida can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Merida and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Merida within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Merida?
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On Outty we rank every Merida experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal, From Merida: Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food, Chichen Itza Full Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Merida?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote?
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Included: Private transportation; Life jacket; Certified bilingual guide; Snacks; and Travel insurance during transportation. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 190 listed pickup locations in and around Merida. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Children's Policy: Children under 12 years old are welcome on this tour. Children 12 years. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Tour Uxmal Ruins and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote?
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Across 43 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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