Cover Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, a crystalline cenote, Uxmal and Hacienda Yaxcopoil in a focused two-day private tour. Expect guided walks on uneven stone, a midday swim to cool off, and a Mérida overnight to break the journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive before dawn on a highway of mango trees and limestone scrub; the van hums, windows fog with warm air, and the guide points out the first ruined silhouette at the edge of the jungle. Two days on the Yucatán Express thread together the region’s most dramatic ruins and a crystalline cenote — a compact taste of Maya history and the karst landscape that shaped it.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness: expect 1–3 miles of walking per day, stair climbs at ruins, and periods of standing; heat can increase exertion.
Wildlife
History
Chichén Itzá and Uxmal are major Maya centers from different periods; the Puuc style at Uxmal emphasizes decorative stone mosaics, while Chichén’s structures include astronomical alignments.
Conservation
Cenotes and ruins are fragile—stick to marked paths, avoid littering, and use biodegradable sunscreen in natural pools to protect groundwater and cave ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Private Yucatan Express Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Beat the Heat
Start early and use the cooler morning hours for the largest ruins; bring sunscreen and a wide-brim hat to limit sun exposure during midday stops.
Footwear Matters
Wear closed-toe walking shoes with grip for uneven limestone, steps, and packed earth at archaeological sites.
Cash & Small Purchases
Carry small pesos for restroom fees, local vendors, and tips—card acceptance is limited at some sites and haciendas.
Cenote Swim Prep
Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry towel and biodegradable sunscreen; cenote ecosystems are fragile so avoid non-biodegradable lotions.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects feet on uneven stone, packed earth, and limestone steps at ruins.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Keeps you hydrated between limited water stations and reduces plastic waste.
summer
Swimwear & towel
Needed for the cenote dip; lightweight towel dries quickly for continued travel.
spring
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)
Open plazas and midday sun make high-coverage sun protection essential.
summer