Uxmal & Kabah Day Trip from Mérida with Choco Story

Summary

Walk ancient ruins taste Mayan chocolate from Mérida

You’ll feel ancient stones beneath your fingers at Uxmal, hear legends brought to life by your guide, taste real Mayan chocolate at Choco Story, and share laughs over local dishes—all with pickup from Mérida and a cool drink in hand. This day trip is less about checking boxes and more about small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the van—classic me. The driver waited, just tapping his phone, while I fumbled with my water bottle and tried to remember if I’d locked my Airbnb. We set off from Mérida, windows cracked for the early heat. Our guide, Ana, switched between Spanish and English so naturally that sometimes I forgot which language she’d started in. She handed out cold bottles from the cooler and told us to save some energy for Uxmal—“It’s bigger than you think,” she grinned.

Walking into Uxmal was something else. The stones felt warm under my hand, and there was this faint smell of earth after last night’s rain. Ana pointed out the Puuc style details—carved masks everywhere—and told us about the old stories, like the one about the dwarf king. I don’t know if it was the sun or her voice, but I got goosebumps when she talked about how people used to gather here centuries ago. We wandered through Kabah next—less crowded, quieter somehow. There were iguanas sunbathing on the steps (one stared me down for a full minute).

Lunch was at this place called Halach Huinic—I still can’t pronounce it right; Ana laughed when I tried. The sopa de lima tasted like nothing back home: tangy, a little smoky, perfect after walking all morning. Then came dessert and strong coffee that made me wish for a hammock.

The Choco Story museum was our last stop. It smelled like roasted cacao as soon as we walked in—not sweet exactly, more earthy and rich. We watched a demo of traditional Mayan chocolate making (I definitely didn’t expect it to be spicy), then wandered through gardens dotted with cocoa trees and rescued animals in shady corners. Kids were giggling near the melipona bees’ hut—I kept thinking how much life there is tucked away behind those old walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Uxmal, Kabah, and Chocolate Museum tour

• Meet at first pickup point
• Stop at Santa Ana park and Fiesta Americana hotel
• Buy water and snacks
• Travel 1.5 hours to Uxmal
• Guided tour of Uxmal archaeological site
• Visit Kabah archaeological area with guide
• Enjoy a three-course typical meal
• Tour the Choco Story Chocolate Museum
• Visit botanical gardens and animal shelter
• Return 1 hour to Mérida
• End at original pickup points

Top questions

How long is the Uxmal & Kabah day trip from Mérida?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, typically from 8am to 6pm.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a three-course meal at Halach Huinic restaurant is included.

Are entrance fees to Uxmal & Kabah included?

No, entrance fees to the archaeological zones are not included; bring cash as card payments may not work there.

Is entry to Choco Story museum included?

Yes, your ticket to Choco Story is already covered in the tour price.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Mérida?

The tour includes pickup from several central meeting points in Mérida.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is conducted in both Spanish and English in the same van.

Do I need good fitness for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking at archaeological sites.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Mérida with cold drinks on board, guidance from a certified bilingual guide throughout Uxmal and Kabah, entry to Choco Story museum with its gardens and animal shelter visit, plus a three-course lunch at Halach Huinic restaurant before heading back in the evening.