Spend a day from Mérida exploring the Puuc ruins of Uxmal, cool off with a swim in Cenote Peba, and finish with chocolate history at Choco-Story. This full-day loop combines archaeology, geology, and hands-on cultural insights with straightforward logistics.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus rolls away from Mérida before dawn and, as the road narrows, the scrub forest leans close—birds call, and the flat Puuc hills become a line of shadowed stone. At Uxmal the stones feel older than the air: squat pyramids and intricately carved facades built in the Puuc style rise from grassy plazas, and a few dozen steps up the Nunnery Quadrangle reward you with a wide view of the plain.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in average fitness; some walking and short climbs on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Uxmal is a major Puuc-style Maya city from the Terminal Classic period; its ornate stone mosaics and astronomical alignments reflect elite architecture and ritual importance.
Conservation
Cenotes are delicate groundwater features—use biodegradable sunscreen and avoid leaving litter; entrance fees help fund site maintenance and local conservation programs.
Reserve your spot on the Mérida Day Trip: Uxmal Ruins, Cenote Peba & Chocolate Museum today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for admissions
Entrance fees to Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum are often paid on-site; bring small USD or MXN for quicker payment.
Footwear for uneven stone
Wear closed-toe walking shoes with good grip—steps and plaza stones can be worn and uneven.
Sun and hydration
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water and high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen for the cenote and open ruins.
Respect the site
Stay on marked paths at Uxmal and follow guide instructions—climbing restricted structures may be prohibited.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for stone steps and uneven trails at the ruins.
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
For a swim in Cenote Peba—bring a towel and a dry bag for wet items.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the cenote ecosystem while you swim and explore.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Useful shade during open sections at Uxmal and between stops.