Our travel associate creates custom-made tours that combine exploration of Mayan archaeological sites, discovery of picturesque colonial towns, refreshing swims in cenotes, catching your breath along the coast, and tasting the mouthwatering local flavors—with plenty of opportunity absorb the nuances of this quite magical region in Mexico.

Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted tour of Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is a fascinating place to visit. Once the heart of the ancient Maya civilization, during the colonial era it became a prosperous center of trade and commerce, renowned for production of sisal fibers—used for ropemaking.

Following the downfall of the sisal haciendas in the early part of the twentieth century, Yucatán modernized without betraying its ancient roots and today is a prosperous, thriving, and culturally-rich region of Mexico.

Our travel associate creates custom tours that enable you to experience authentic facets of this extraordinary region, on a carefully planned and thoughtfully crafted custom itinerary that enables you to experience Yucatán authentically.

A custom tour that helps you get the most of your visit

Your custom tour of Yucatán can begin and/or end in Mérida (Airport: MID), Chetumal (Airport: CTM), or Cancún (Airport: CUN).

Expertly crafted tours. Our travel partner’s tours of Yucatán are crafted and led by people who know the region intimately. As part of your tour package, your transportation, accommodation, and assistance services will be carefully arranged to ensure that your time is spent absorbing the experience and not worrying about the travel logistics.

Independent tour with a driver option. Our travel partner offers independent self-drive tours—recommended for Yucatán—complemented by a detailed information packet that is tailored to your itinerary and that will assist as you engage independently through your day-by-day travels and activities. Optionally you can choose to have a vehicle and driver to accompany you, for an extra fee.

Airport arrival and transportation. If you choose to self-drive, our associate’s recommended option for Yucatán, a suitable sized rental car will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport. If you choose the vehicle and driver option, you will be met personally at the airport and chauffeured transport will be provided for your trip.

Accommodation. Your custom tour of Yucatán is offered with a choice of accommodation comfort levels and styles, with properties that match the character of each place: eco-cabins, small guesthouses, boutique hotels, and selected resorts are available. Most travelers choose a blend of accommodation styles, for example, staying at an eco-cabin when exploring nature, a comfortable hotel in urban locations, and treating themselves to a night or two at a sumptuous property that is an experience in its own right. Regardless of which types you choose, you can expect excellent service with friendly and attentive staff, and the water and food are safe.

Flexible itineraries. Custom tours are offered with a core plan of five or ten days’ stay, and options to extend the core stay with additional days to flex with your available schedule and budget. The ten-day core tour introduces you to some of the region’s most important and remarkable attractions. The five-day core tour offers a shorter itinerary that sharpens focus on a selected pick of places and is ideal for those with less time to spare or smaller budgets. All itineraries offer a well-balanced program that is not rushed.

Places & activities to experience and absorb

Our travel associate’s itineraries focus on visits in and around the areas of Valladolid, Mérida, Progreso, Xpujil, Bacalar, and Campeche. Choose a five- or ten-day core tour, and optionally add extra days customized to your needs, schedule, and budget.

Every itinerary is custom designed around your needs. Highlights include:

• The colorful and historical colonial city of Valladolid; and the archaeological wonder of Ek Balam, where you can climb to the top of the acropolis; afterward take a refreshing swim in a natural water cenote (underground lake); learn how corn, beans and squash are grown in this region using techniques passed down through generations on an ancestral agricultural tour.
• Discover Mérida, the capital city of Yucatán state, known for its outstanding colonial architecture, lively cultural scene, and remarkable gastronomy; include a stop at Chichén Itzá, one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world; cool down with a refreshing swim at Yokdzonot, a cenote considered sacred in Mayan tradition and transformed into an eco-tourism project by women from the nearby rural community.
• Experience the northern coastline of Yucatán, take a boat trip to Columpios island, a perfect spot to relax on the beach, swim in calm waters, and enjoy the swings (“columpios”) suspended over the sea. Afterward, travel to El Corchito, a protected natural area surrounded by mangroves to visit three small, crystal-clear pools and observe water birds, raccoons, and coatis roam freely. Close your day strolling along the boardwalk in the port town of Progreso and take a traditional evening meal at one of local restaurants before returning to Mérida.
• For active travelers, the “Mayab Adventure” offers a full day of activities with an early departure. Enjoy early morning swimming at cenotes, including a 4 km (2.5 mile) bike ride to a remote and beautifully preserved cenote off the beaten path. After lunch, stop for a tour of Izamal —”the Yellow City”— and adjacent Kinich Kakmó archaeological site to combine an experience of pre-Hispanic remains, colonial buildings and modern houses and discover why Izamal is known as the “city of three cultures.”
• Take a full day to absorb Mérida and enjoy this extraordinary city at your own pace. Your itinerary includes important landmarks including the Plaza Grande, Government Palace, Casa de Montejo, and the cathedral. Take in local markets and important museums, stop for refreshment at a local café, and round off the evening at Santa Lucia park for dinner and live music al fresco.
• Experience an in-depth visit to the impressive archaeological site of Uxmal, and travel onward to the state and city of Campeche, on the shores of Mexico’s Gulf coast, famous for its pristinely kept UNESCO-listed historical center, seafront walks, museums, the San Miguel fort, and delicious seafood.
• From Campeche, excursion out to the archaeological site of Edzná and the small town of Xpujil where you can visit the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve—one of Mexico’s most important ecological areas. Xpujil offers small hotels, local restaurants, and a quiet, authentic atmosphere to experience the jungle and Mayan culture off the beaten path.
• Visit the lakefront town of Bacalar, best known for its Lagoon of Seven Colors—its hues change throughout the day with variances in depth and light. Take a kayaking trip out on the water, enjoy a refreshing swim to cool down, take a gentle boat trip, or simply relax on the lakeshore.

Optional Side Trips & Activities

When you have extra days to spend on an itinerary, (whether you choose the five- or ten-day core plan) additional options include:

Around Valladolid

• Cooking classes and Mayan cooking workshops.
• Free walking tour of the historic center.

Around Mérida

• VIP cenote experiences.
• Honey tasting & coconut eco-tour.
• Full-day gastronomic tours focused on Yucatecan food.
• Combined Izamal–Chichén Itzá–cenote excursions.

Further afield

• Campeche historic center and museums.
• Additional days in Bacalar for more time on the lagoon.
• Archaeological sites in the Calakmul region (from Xpujil).

Meals & Drinks Plan

Meals and drinks may be included on certain day tours, and most accommodation will include breakfast. Your other meals and snacks may be sought at local restaurants, markets, or beach spots, at your own expense.

There is plenty of time built-in to itineraries for you to explore regional dishes like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and the remarkable local seafood. Vegetarian options and special diets can be catered for locally.

Purified drinking water is provided during activities and transfers. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense unless specifically described as included in a given activity or trip that is part of your tour.

Families, age groups

Every tour is customized around the individual needs and composition of your party.

Our travel associate will advise you regarding the length and pace of each day on your itinerary, as well as practical matters like heat and travel conditions, age considerations, and the level of physical ability required to participate in some tours/activities so that you can make informed choices and enjoy a tour tailored around your party’s priorities.

Prices for custom tour of Yucatán

These prices illustrate typical ranges for the core 5- and 10-day tour.

Every tour is tailor-made and quoted based on your individual preferences and needs.

Prices vary depending on your final chosen route, travel length and dates, group size, any extended tours/activities you may add, and accommodation comfort level and style.

A 10-Day core tour typically prices from US$2,200 per person.

A 5-Day core tour typically prices from US$1,100 per person.

Whichever core plan you choose, our travel associate’s itineraries will not rush you; there will be time and space to connect with local people, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, and savor the regional foods amidst a flexible structure that adapts to different budgets and travel styles without losing the heart of the experience.

What your custom tour includes and excludes

The core package includes the essential ingredients your party will need for a comfortable journey, and excludes optional customizations, tips, and trip protection insurance.

Tour package prices include:

• A detailed information packet to guide you on your independent self-drive tour (recommended for Yucatán). A vehicle and driver to accompany you on the journey is optionally available for an additional fee.
• A suitable sized rental car waiting for you at your arrival airport. If you choose the vehicle and driver option, you will be met personally at the airport, driven on the tour, and returned to the airport of your choice at the end of the tour.
• Accommodation at hotels that have been carefully chosen by our travel associate and aligned with your preference and budget.
• Purified drinking water during activities and transfers.
• Breakfast is included at most accommodation places; and some meals might also be included—your custom itinerary will describe this.

Tour package prices exclude:

• Your flights (or other transportation) to your chosen starting point in Yucatán.  Most typically this is an airport, but if you’re arriving by some other means, our travel associate can accommodate this.
• Additional meals, drinks, and snacks, including alcoholic beverages, not described as included in the itinerary.
• Tips for the guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff.
• Trip protection insurance.

Request a quote for your custom tour of Yucatán

Every itinerary is custom made and quoted. Complete the request form below and our travel associate will contact you to talk about your travel plans and give you a no-obligation quote for a customized tour of Mexico’s Yucatán region.

Living in Mérida

Mérida is the capital city of the state of Yucatán, famous for its rich Mayan history and culture as well as some of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites. Mérida is a regional hub of activity and extremely well connected by land and air to other parts of the Yucatan region, to Mexico City and by air to the U.S.A.

Merida At-A-Glance:

Location Type

Colonial City

Population

734,000 (2005 Census)

Altitude

30 feet above sea-level

Time Zone

Central Time

High/Low Temperatures

105F/38C (Daytime, Summer);
64F/18C (Nocturnal, Winter) Year-Round Average 79F/24C.

Rainy Season?

Merida’s rainy season runs from late May to October each year, with heavy tropical downpours occurring in these months

Hurricanes?

Merida’s weather can be affected by hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Caribbean.

Local Economy:

Textiles, Tourism, Agriculture, Commerce, eCommerce

Expat Penetration

Moderate*

Cost of Living

Lower*

Travel Guide

Guide to Merida

*Relative to other foreign expat communities in Mexico

This city portrays a considerable charm and buzz about it brought about by its contrasts: Mérida is cosmopolitan and quaint; Mexican but with a strong Mayan influence everywhere you go.

For those wishing to retire in the Yucatán region of Mexico, the capital city of Mérida offers colonial-era charm, urban vibrancy, and ease of access to the best the region has to offer including art, cultural events, secluded beaches, nature reserves and archaeological treasures.

Removed from the glitzy sunshine boulevards of Cancun (although the two are connected by a super highway), Mérida offers residents a piece of authentic Mexico, while also keeping a unique flavor and style that is unmistakably Yucatecan.

Merida is distinct culturally and politically from the rest of Mexico. This is brought about, in part, through centuries of desire for political autonomy, driven by a Mayan inheritance which continues to influence the city, its inhabitants and environs.

You will find “Meridanos” are proud to show you their unique blends of culture which embrace food, art, and music and which are exclusive to this region. Unlike most other colonial cities in Mexico, Merida is a place that is brimming with a diverse variety of art galleries, cultural festivals, as well as cinema and theater.

The principal focal point at center of Merida is the Plaza Grande (the main plaza), that is surrounded by carefully laid out streets showcasing impressive colonial structures which today play their roles as government buildings, cultural centers, museums, and up-scale private residences.

Flanking this architecture you’ll also find peaceful, shady parks lined with laurel trees and color-laden flower beds which provide some respite from the direct heat of the sun. And although tranquil spaces may be easily sought here, Merida is not a sleepy town. Every night of the week you will find some kind of entertainment or event that may include concerts, festivals, art openings, or parades.

The pulse of daily life may be experienced everywhere on Merida’s streets, and particularly in the plazas and courtyards where locals congregate, engage with each socially, trade or watch the world go by. On weekends, cars are prohibited from entering the city center and the street is transformed into haven for strollers, market goers, street artists and tourists.

Tierra Caliente

Merida’s geographical location places it firmly inside the category of “tierra caliente” (hot lands) — and living here means that summer heat and humidity are as much as part of the landscape as the rich colonial architecture.

During the rainy season, that runs from May to October each year, Mérida combines its hot climate with thunderstorms and humidity ensues. The humidity wanes in the dry season, bringing a welcome change of climate to residents and visitors alike. Expatriates who can’t take the extreme heat but who adore the winter climate here, take their winters in Mérida, flock back home in the summer, and return when the season changes again.

Affordable and Appealing Colonial Lifestyle

Affordability and modern amenities are two key factors which call retirees’ attention to the city of Mérida. Expatriates accustomed to comfortable living arrangements and the availability of modern services and amenities around them find living in Mérida appealing because it delivers authentic colonial charm, a lower cost of living than the U.S., Canada and Western Europe, as well as commercial, cultural and medical amenities expatriates often wish to see around their living spaces. Mérida offers many modern-day conveniences and services which Mexican colonial towns and cities of a similar size and standing often lack.

Active Lifestyles

Those who fall in love with Mérida are oftentimes enamored with the whole Yucatan peninsula. Using Mérida as a base, you can explore historical destinations such as the colonial cities of Valladolid and Izamal; visit the vast wealth of the Mayan’s ancient cities — far beyond the tourist-heavy archaeological sites of Chichen Itzá, Tulum, and Uxmal. The region is dotted with dozens of Haciendas; some in ruins, some partly restored and others fully restored into beautiful hotels or fine restaurants. Within a day-trip you can visit white sand beaches and savor the azure-blue waters of the Mayan Riviera; or perhaps spend a night or two at one of the hospitable beach towns there. Yucatan’s natural environment provides an abundance of options for outdoor activities such as bird watching, scuba diving, caving, and hiking; fine nature reserves, including Ka’an Biosphere reserve, are in easy reach, too.

A City Back in Bloom

During the course of the last decade, Mérida has come to popular attention among foreigners seeking affordable and authentic Mexican living in a culturally-sophisticated environment.

Mérida today is a progressive city, indeed, a ‘poster-boy’ example of how a ‘colonial backwater’ can come to reinvent itself. After decades of economic decline following the Mexican revolution of 1910-1917, and subsequent collapse of the sisal plantations and haciendas which took an enormous economic and social toll on this region, Mérida is once again becoming transformed by its people and and adapting itself to the new economies of the twenty-first century.

For expatriate residents, and foreigners considering Mérida as a place for living and especially for retirement, Mérida and the Yucatán region offer an exciting, authentic and promising array of options and prospects.

Cost of Living in Merida

The cost of living in Mexico is typically lower in Mexico than it is the USA, Canada and Western Europe, although precise costs depend upon where you live and your lifestyle choices.

Cost of Living Report

To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, connect to the Mexico Cost of Living page on Mexperience.

Regional and geographical cost variations do exist, and this part of the guide shows you how some goods and services at Mérida vary from the average.

See Also:

Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico | Money in Mexico

Blog Articles:

Money, Banking and Finances

Real Estate in Merida

Information about the real estate market in Merida

Real Estate Market in Merida

Prices of land and property in Mérida, as elsewhere in Mexico, have risen over the last decade, although they still remain at very affordable levels when compared to properties in the popular resort cities in this region.

Foreign retirees have discovered that they can live among a piece of Mérida’s colonial past by purchasing colonial homes and refurbishing them to their former splendor. The central colonias (neighborhoods) of Santa Ana and Santiago contain the greatest concentration of expatriates, but there are plenty of other colonias which attract foreign investors. The further away from the historic center you look, the lower prices become.

While over the past decade the cost of colonial homes has risen steadily, foreign capital can still go a long way here, especially in comparison to prices in the U.S.A. and Western Europe. The recent influx of expatriates as well as wealthy Mexicans, particular those relocating away from Mexico City or seeking investments in Mexico’s provincial towns and cities, have driven the market in recent years.

Property prices continue to be relatively robust for desirable properties and especially those within the historic center of the city. Land development continues to take place here as Mérida’s economic prosperity — brought about through government initiatives as well as domestic and foreign capital inflows — continues to rise.

Most real estate is sold through local realty agents who know the area and the surrounding region, as well as directly through the developers marketing major realty projects, often on prime beachfront locations or on fine golf courses. However, you can also make deals directly with owners who advertise on the Internet or by means of a simple sign on the property reading “Se Vende.”

Property types in Mérida range from land parcels, to colonial ruins in need of restoration (inside or outside the city), restored colonial homes ready to move into, glamorous colonial-era mansion houses, casitas (little colonial style houses or cottages), modern suburban dwelling houses and even specialized properties like haciendas.

Rentals Market in Merida

The rental market in Mérida is quite buoyant. The best prices can be sought when you inquire locally; prices of properties advertised on the internet are usually aimed at foreign visitors on extended stays or vacations, not long term local residents; the prices reflect this.

Most rental properties in Mérida are offered through local realty agents or by individual property owners listing properties on the Internet or local newspapers and magazines as well as signs posted at the property for rent as well as restaurants, cafes and bars near the vicinity where the rentals are situated. Some property developers rent out their units or rent out units on behalf of owners: check with local developers or a local realty agent for details and further information.

See Also:

Guide to Real Estate in Mexico | Home Maintenance | Home Security

Healthcare in Merida

In addition to Mexico’s state sponsored healthcare provided via the country’s national health service IMSS, good quality healthcare services offered through private clinics with US -standard healthcare services exist in Mérida. The privately-run out patient clinics available locally are ideal for day-to-day ailments, sprains, broken bones and other health matters which would normally be diagnosed and treated by a General Practitioner of medicine.

In recent years, medical companies have invested millions of dollars in Mérida building and supplying first-world standard private medical facilities for Mérida’s insured and well-heeled classes. This has come about as a result of research showing that Mérida is becoming a top location for foreign expatriates as well as wealthy and well-off Mexicans, many of whom are abandoning Mexico City for certain provincial cities and towns: Mérida is on the list of popular alternatives.

See Also:

Health and Healthcare in Mexico | Travel Health in Mexico

Local Climate in Merida

Mérida’s climate is tropical; hot in the dry season and hot and humid in the rainy season. Prevailing easterly winds, which cool the air on the coasts, do reach the city, but due to its inland position and low elevation, their effect is not as noticeable as as it is at the nearby coasts.

Mérida has, in recent years, recorded an average temperature of 76F/21C, although the summers can and do get much hotter. Winter months can be cooler and nocturnal temperatures may drop to 64F/17C; summer months may reach highs in excess of 100F/37C in May through August especially, accompanied by drenching humidity and torrential downpours of rain in the afternoons or evenings.

Winter Climate:

November through January are the coolest months in Merida; January being the coolest with an average nocturnal low of 64F/17C). Average temperatures range from 74F/22C to 77F/25C during these months.

Spring Climate:

February through April the climate is a continuation of winter: dry and relatively mild. Temperatures begin to rise to the late 70’sF/26C towards the end of April.

Summer Climate:

May through October are the hottest months in Merida, with temperature ranging from 75F/21C overnight, to 95F/35C or hotter in the daytime. The rainy season begins in late May and torrential downpours are common during June, July and August; the high temperatures do moderate during the downpours, but as the rains pour the humidity levels soar. The hottest month is May and the highest humidity levels appear during September.

Autumn Climate:

Temperatures begin to moderate during the latter half of October, the humidity passes and the hot, humid, daytime temperatures climb down from their summer highs. Temperatures in the late autumn months reflect very similarly to those in the winter, ranging from 74F/22C to 77F/25C.

Rainy Season:

Merida’s rainy season runs from May to October, with most of the rain falling in June, July and August. Torrential afternoon rains may be experienced several days a week and, in the peak temperature months of July, August and September tropical storms may feature, too.

Hurricanes:

Hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean can affect Merida. Although the hurricane storms do not affect the city directly (as it is inland) tropical storms and hurricanes on the coasts can cause adverse weather conditions over Mérida and environs.

Sea Temperature in Progreso, near Merida

The average sea temperature in the water off Progreso, a beach side town less than an hours drive from Mérida, is 87F/30C.

See Also:

Weather and Climates in Mexico

Practical Information About Living in Merida

This section contains links to guides where you can learn more about living in Mérida.

Accessibility / Transport

Getting Around Merida

Getting Around

Transportation choices in Mexico

Communications

Staying in contact while living in Mexico

Money and Banking

Guide to Money in Mexico | Banks & Banking in Mexico

Practical Matters

Practical Information (Mérida Travel Guide)

Auto Insurance in Mexico

How to insure your foreign-plated car in Mexico

Safety in Mexico

Latest Safety Updates

Key Attractions

Travel Guide to Merida

Many of the principal underwriters (the big companies which cover loses on insurance products) have had a moratorium in place since 2015 pending a review of the data and risks associated with insuring property in the Yucatán region.

Our home insurance associate, MexPro, offers homeowners in Mexico who have residential property situated on the Yucatán peninsula —that includes the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo— residential property insurance quotes for properties in those states.

This is welcome news to the thousands of people who have been trying to get insurance for their property investment in the region, as previously only specialized insurance brokers situated locally would quote for coverages, and then only under less-than-ideal terms.

Learn more about caring for and insuring your home in Mexico

Mexperience publishes extensive information to help you plan and care for your home life in Mexico through guides, articles and free eBooks:

• Latest articles about property insurance
• Articles about real estate in Mexico

Investing in a good hammock

There is some debate about where and how hammocks came into being, although it seems likely that hammocks arrived in Mexico from the Caribbean, long before the Spanish landed on the shores of present-day Veracruz.

Mexican hammocks are woven in a variety of colors and patterns, although not all hammocks are created equal: there are certain features which need to be considered closely if you are going to procure a hammock that will last you and be comfortable to lie in.

The wide-weave nylon hammocks will be the least expensive, possibly around $300-$500 pesos; cotton and other natural fibers (where available) with a tight weave will be more expensive, starting from $800-$1,000 pesos or more.

Tips to help you buy your Mexican hammock

When you invest in a decent hammock, you’ll take home a hanging bed that will be a real pleasure to use, and provide years of restful service. Generally speaking, the higher the price, the better the quality—although as with all trades in Mexico, price is subject to negotiation.

Here are some tips to help as you choose a hammock to invest in:

Choosing your material

Hammocks are woven in a variety of materials, but only nylon and cotton are widely available. Other traditional materials that may be used for hammock-making include hemp and sansevieria.

Nylon hammocks are the least comfortable, especially in the heat, but if you live in a damp climate they will be the longest-wearing; the key then is to ensure you buy a closely-woven nylon hammock (see weave, below).

Cotton is the most comfortable material that is widely available, and if you really want a hammock made from a natural fiber like sanseveria, you’ll likely have to order it locally: check online for traders and options—some shops might ship their products to you if you can’t attend the store locally.

Check the weave and the thickness of the material

Most hammocks are twisted and folded when they are hung on display for sale.  It’s essential when considering a purchase to take the hammock down, untwist it, and stretch the material out to check the weave.

Cheaper hammocks have a wide weave and are made from thinner threads.  Whichever material you choose, if you choose a wide weave, the hammock will not be comfortable for anything other than brief periods of rest.

When you compare hammocks, choose the one with the tightest weave for the most comfort: the “gaps” between the fibers should be narrow.  A tightly-woven hammock will provide excellent body support and enable you to rest for hours on your hanging bed.

Check the workmanship

Check the ends of the weaves; ensure that the fibers are woven well, and that the ends are elegantly finished without any loose ends or strands hanging out.  Ensure that the materials are in good condition and not worn, damaged, or frayed.

Choose your merchant

Good quality hammocks are available for purchase across Mexico, although if you’re determined to get something quite special, you’ll need to visit a specialist hammock merchant in Mérida or purchase online.

Some online purchase options

• General search for hammocks on Google
• Hammocks advertised on Amazon Mexico
• Hammocks advertised on Mercado Libre

Ambulant vendors

You might come across ambulant vendors offering hammocks for sale, but be sure to check the material used as well as the weave and thickness of the threads especially as ambulant vendors tend to carry the cheaper versions instead of the more expensive varieties, although some vendors do offer the higher quality and more expensive ones too.

In essence, a Temazcal is a sweat lodge, although ancient cultures across Mesoamerica combined this with ceremonial rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification (for example, after battles or sports events) and for healing, well-being, and childbirth.

The ancient practice of a Temazcal has become more accessible in recent times, primarily in places across Mexico’s central and southern highlands, Chiapas, and the Yucatán.  A Temazcal steam bath and ceremony can be readily experienced at some spas and boutique hotels across Mexico that offer ceremonies, as well in certain towns that specialize in sharing traditions of ancient indigenous cultures with their visitors—for example, Tepoztlán.

Traditional symbolism and ceremony

At its heart, the ceremony symbolizes death and rebirth with the Temazcal itself representing the womb of the mother.  A Temazcal ritual is more than a simple steam bath: it’s a ceremony that envelops physical, mental, and spiritual elements, led by a Temazcalero or Temazcalera who guide the proceedings according to ancient customs.

The Temazcal ceremony blends the physical benefits of a steam bath with ancient traditional rituals and medicinal herbs to aid purification and healing.  A Temazcal thus opens a space for personal reflection and contemplation, and some also use the practice as part of an effort to overcome some personal difficulty they may be passing through.

While some spas and hotels have a Temazcal dome installed at the property, most traditional Temazcal ceremonies are conducted elsewhere, and hotels that offer a Temazcal experience will work with their preferred Temazcaleros locally and arrange for their guests to be transported to and from the venue where the Temazcal ceremony takes place.

The Temazcal dome

The dome-shaped structure used to conduct the ritual will accommodate anywhere from a handful to a couple of dozen or more participants, depending on its size.  Typically, a stone or wood ledge provides seating for the participants, who sit around the inside perimeter of the dome during the ritual.  The exact specifications vary: a Temazcal situated at a fancy property may be constructed in stone, elegantly decked out, with steam piped-in instead of using hot stones; whereas the most rustic domes may be constructed on bare earth using bamboo and blankets with participants sitting on the ground. Most Temazcal domes strike a balance that blends tradition with practical comfort.

The rituals are always led by the Temazcalero, who acts as the guide for those taking part and conducts the proceedings using his or her own personal style according to the ancient traditions; this makes every ceremony as unique as the person guiding it. The guide will carry-in volcanic stones, heated on an outdoor fire, and settle them carefully into the middle of the dome.  (Colloquially the stones are called Abuelitos, a reference to this culture that honors the wisdom of the ancestors.)  The the doorway is sealed, and afterward the guide begins to pour a mixture of fresh water and herbs onto the hot stones creating the steam infusion that becomes the focal point of the ritual.

A holistic healing ceremony

As the ceremony unfolds, songs and prayers will be led by the Temazcalero, and individuals may be given an opportunity to speak about themselves if they wish to.

Herbs used in a Temazcal ritual —some of which may be medicinal— can include artemisa, eucalyptus, calendula, and echinacea.  Resin from the Copal tree may be placed onto the hot stones to release an aromatic fragrance into the dome.  Aloe may be offered to rub on the body for refreshment.

Each ceremony is unique, and every participant’s experience of the ceremony will be unique, too.  For some, a Temazcal is an enjoyable and entertaining steam bath; for others it can become an emotional experience that helps to release stress or anxiety as part of a healing exercise; a few may experience it as a very spiritual event that also encompasses purification and thanksgiving.

The benefits of participating in a Temazcal ceremony

People who participate in a Temazcal talk afterwards about the benefits they feel after the ritual, which include:

Cleansing and purification: the heat and steam cause your body to sweat profusely, helping to dispel toxins and cleanse your skin’s pores.

Help with your breathing and respiratory system: the mixture of steam and medicinal herbs can help to relieve symptoms associated with colds, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.

Improved blood flow and muscular system: the ritual helps to improve your blood circulation aiding the flush-out of toxins, helping to address matters related to circulation issues, that in turn helps your muscular system including sprains, bruises, and muscle aches.

Helps to reduce stress and anxiety: The ritual intends to help your body and mind release stress and nervous tension.  People who have experienced a Temazcal also report being able to rest and sleep much better afterwards.

Tips for enjoying your Temazcal experience in Mexico

Taking part in a traditional Temazcal ritual is enjoyable, supports your well-being, and gives you direct insights into a unique and ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial culture.  Here are some tips to get the most from your Temazcal experience in Mexico:

Attending prepared: if you’re not used to a steam bath, then the experience can feel quite intense at first; if you’re accustomed to the heat and intensity of a steam room, the Temazcal ritual will add unfamiliar layers to an activity you’re already familiar with.  To get the most from the Temazcal ceremony, approach the event in a relaxed way and be prepared to go with the flow of the ritual.  If you have any medical conditions that may be aggravated by the steam bath and herbs, talk with your guide beforehand for advice.

Holistic healing: every Temazcal ritual is unique; the primary physical intention is to sweat, eliminate toxins from the body, and promote blood circulation; although ceremonies also encapsulate elements of mind and spirit which participants may find beneficial to their overall wellbeing.

Dressing for a Temazcal: a light bathing suit is ideal for attending a Temazcal ceremony; you want to leave as much of your skin exposed to the air as practical.  Men can wear bathing suit shorts; women may wear a bathing suit, sarongs, or light beach dresses.  Shoes are not worn inside the dome: sandals are ideal footwear when attending a Temazcal ceremony, and some people choose to go in barefoot.

Food and drink: attend the ceremony well hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water in the hours leading up to the event, but don’t eat too much and don’t drink alcohol beforehand.  A Temazcal can become an uncomfortable experience on a full stomach, and/or if you are inebriated.

Follow your guide’s instructions: the guide will lead you through the Temazcal rituals which are based on ancient Mesoamerican traditions.  The guide will also be there to assist you should you not feel well, or if you need to leave the dome.

Don’t panic: the experience inside the dome can become quite intense through a combination of the enclosed space, the proximity of others sitting next to you, the hot steam mixed with medicinal herbs, and the guide’s songs and prayers.  If you begin to feel unwell, don’t panic; try to relax, regulate your breathing with a tranquil rhythm, and go with the flow of ceremony.

If you need to leave the ritual: the guide will usually brief participants on what to do in the event you feel the need to leave at once; don’t be afraid to communicate clearly with others inside the dome and with the guide so that you can leave quickly and safely if you need to.

Don’t shy away from the cold shower: it’s traditional to take a cold shower or have cold water poured over you when you leave the sultry, vapor-filled, dome.  This shock-effect (your body will be very hot and sweating) helps to raise your energy levels and improves your body’s immune system.  The cold water treatment is optional and recommended if your general health is good enough to take the shock.

A wander through the impressive Gran Museo del Mundo Maya gives you an insight into the rich and varied history of this region and its people.  After the Spanish conquest, Yucatán became a focal point for Haciendas – working plantations – and the state’s economic fortunes shifted dramatically in the 19^th century when the invention of wheat reapers with twine binders drove demand for strong twine: the region’s henequen crop proved popular among buyers, supplies were reliable, and exports boomed. Political upheaval, and technology in the form of combine harvesters and synthetic fibers which caused demand for henequen twine to collapse, brought the boom – and the Haciendas system itself – to an end. By the close of the 1920s, most of the haciendas were left abandoned or returned to being agricultural centers, and their twine machines lay derelict.  Today, some of the old haciendas have been restored and converted into luxury hotels and event venues.

As the first century of new millennium takes hold, Mérida – and the Yucatán region in general – is experiencing something a renaissance.  Mérida is attracting significant investment domestically and internationally, and some foreign residents are looking to Mérida as they seek a new lifestyle or retirement options in Mexico.

Being a focal point of Maya culture, Mérida is also flourishing as a tourist destination, helped by its well-organized cultural events and attractions inside the city itself, as well as several important World Heritage sites on its doorstep, including the famed Chichen Itzá, and Uxmal—the anchor site of the Ruta Puuc.

Mérida might be poised to overtake some of the established places where foreign residents live in Mexico were it not for its climate: between late spring and early autumn the heat can be stifling.  One resident we know remarked that the climate protects the city from a potentially unsustainable influx of new residents.  An attraction of places like San Miguel and Ajijic is their temperate high-altitude climate; coastal locations like Puerto Vallarta have beaches and sea breezes to help cool things down, whereas land-locked Mérida must simply wait for the season to turn: between November and March, the climate is thoroughly pleasant here.

You can learn more about the features, attractions and opportunities in Mérida and Yucatán here on Mexperience.

Stepping off the street through the colonial doorway past the thick mesquite wood doors, you step-out of the heat and bustle of Mérida’s city center into an oasis of light and color.  There’s no opulence or grandstanding here, and instead the immediate feel of a friendly, easy-going, and comfortable hotel that’s created for people who like to explore, meet others on the journey, and be close to a city’s heart and soul.  And this is precisely what Tom and Donard intended when they set out to create Luz En Yucatán.

Described as an ‘urban retreat,’ the property might have been part of the old convent situated next door; it has now been tastefully restored to bring its colonial-era courtyards, nooks and crannies back to life with light, color and flora—creating spaces for guests to relax or socialize around the pool, terraces, fountains and alcoves.

Each of the 16 rooms and studios are individually designed and appointed—each one as unique as the property itself, and guests may choose the one they would like from the booking system on the hotel’s website. The amenities in-room have been carefully thought out to provide comfort and convenience for guests, and the entire property enjoys access to WiFi for those who need to keep in touch.

With its central location in the historic district of Mérida, Luz En Yucatán is perfectly situated to explore and enjoy this most vibrant of Mexican cities: situated less than two minutes’ walk from the one of Mérida’s most popular dining and cultural plazas, and just a short cab ride away from every major attraction.

After a day exploring the city, guests can return to a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a drink from the complimentary selection of beverages on the bar cart, and rest or catch-up with other guests’ stories.  The rooms are cool and comfortable, and some also offer cozy private terraces to while away an afternoon or evening.

The owners and staff are very welcoming, paying attention to details and providing local assistance to help you get the most of your visit to the area, including travel tips, maps and personal recommendations for eating and entertainment; Donard even knows a cenote off-the-tourist-radar situated an hour’s drive away—and has a hand-drawn map he shares with guests to help them find it!

When you’re looking for a comfortable and friendly place to stay in Mérida that offers convivial accommodations amidst an authentic colonial feel and atmosphere, Luz En Yucatán offers great value and a genuine oasis in the heart of Mérida.

When Chichen Itzá was voted as one of the New Wonders of The World in 2007, the publicity which surrounded this anointment served to attract even more visitors to the park. From about 9 a.m. onward each day, the tour buses begin to arrive. The ruins are also situated in the jungle, so not only do visitor numbers swell, the heat of the day begins to take hold, making exploration of the park less pleasurable and more tiring as the day wears on.

Similarly, although less, popular than Chichen Itzá, the remarkable ancient city of Uxmal near Merida, attracts many visitors on tour buses along the Ruta Puuc.

If you really want to experience Chichen Itzá and Uxmal properly, the best way to accomplish this is by staying overnight at one of the hotels situated right next-door to the park. This way, you by-pass the malaise of the tour-bus crowds and enjoy the comfort of the facilities and services the hotels have on offer to guests.

You arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, check-in, relax with a cool drink, and perhaps take a refreshing afternoon swim. Some hotels offer spas treatments, too. This gives you space to unwind in the quiet tranquility of the hotel’s grounds before enjoying dinner served in a courtyard surrounded by soft candlelight and lush vegetation.

After a good night’s rest, you wake early to sounds of birdsong: a symphony performed by wild jungle birds, principally tropical Toucans. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast from around 7 a.m. The park opens its doors at 8 a.m.

By entering the park early, you have a couple of hours to really enjoy Chichen Itza, without hordes of people everywhere.

By the time the tour-bus crowds arrive, and the intense heat of the midday sun takes hold, you have seen most of the key features and got some great pictures.

We recommend at least one night at a hotel in Chichen Itzá and/or Uxmal. By staying overnight, you avoid the crowds which gather later in the day, the rush to the entrance, the jockeying for position to take pictures, the jungle heat, and the ‘long’ bus journey back to your hotel at the beach resort.

You might also combine the stay as part of a tour of the Ruta Puuc archaeological sites which include Uxmal, Kabáh, Nohpat, Sayil and Labná.  A tour of these important historical places with local stay-overs will give you deeper appreciation for the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilizations, without the commercial rush of the tour bus circuits.

See Also: Hacienda Uxmal, near Merida

Hacienda Uxmal is a working plantation that offers comfortable and very agreeable accommodations in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.  The property is situated less than a ten-minute walk away from Uxmal archaeology site—the best-known Maya site along the Ruta Puuc.

As we remarked in a related article, staying overnight near the archaeological ruins of Uxmal or Chichen Itzá offers several advantages and helps you to get the most out of your visit to these famous archaeology sites—which are among the most visited in all Mexico.

Practicalities aside, the Hacienda Uxmal is an experience in its own right.  From the midst of a thickly-wooded jungle springs a beautifully planned and well-kept property featuring beautifully appointed rooms surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, and refreshing swimming pool which offers cool refreshment after a long day exploring archaeology ruins.

The hotel features an elegant restaurant on-site offering Mayan, Mexican and International cuisine prepared using fresh local ingredients.  Breakfasts offer a buffet, or choices from an a-la-carte menu.

Uxmal is an easy drive one-hour from Mérida.  Arrive early afternoon and settle-in to your room, wander and relax around the grounds, or take a tour of the remarkable Cacao Museum, run by the hotel just a five-minute walk away.  For an evening of light entertainment, consider the nighttime ‘light and sound’ show at Uxmal which begins around 7:30pm (check times locally) and tickets can be purchased at the hotel’s reception.  Dinner at the elegant restaurant can be taken on the terrace in the evening when the air is cooler.

After an early breakfast, a ten-minute walk will have you at the gates of the Uxmal archaeology park long before the tour buses and crowds arrive.

Hacienda Uxmal also offers a range of other amenities including a spa, an Aztec steam bath (Temazcal), horse riding tours, free use of bicycles, and a games room.  Local tours can be organized from the hotel including outings to local cenotes which offer you an opportunity to swim in fresh water underground pools, situated in remote jungle areas surrounded by natural beauty.

The Choco-Story cacao museum, situated adjacent to the hotel, offers a remarkable and very enjoyable learning experience that tells a detailed history of the cacao-growing and chocolate-making business in Mexico.

You could stay one night and use Hacienda Uxmal as a base to explore the ruins, but a longer stay provides an ideal opportunity to get the most from what the hacienda and surrounding area offers—including a visit to local cenotes, the cacao museum, and other important archaeology sites on the Ruta Puuc.

Hacienda Santa Cruz, near Mérida, was originally built in the 17^th century as a Franciscan monastery for nuns and was later converted into a henequen hacienda to capitalize upon a boom in the demand for twine.  It reached its peak of production during the 19^th century, but when demand for henequen collapsed, the estate returned to its agricultural roots and, like some other similar estates across Mexico, has now been restored to become a luxury hotel and social events venue.

Important buildings from the original hacienda remain in place including the main house, the machine room (which processed the henequen), and the chapel.  The machine room has been restored and converted into what is today a grand hall, reception, and bar.  The re-consecrated chapel remains a quiet sanctuary for prayer and meditation, as well as serving as a place for religious weddings, and occasional baptisms.

To accommodate guests, the present owners have constructed twenty-five modern, sumptuous, rooms and suites with facades in-keeping with the original colonial look and feel of the property—and all surrounded by carefully manicured and well-tended gardens where guests can stroll and relax.  Each luxurious room is appointed to a high standard, offering guests modern comforts amidst the echoes of a 19^th century hacienda estate.

The restaurant, café and bar offer guests a range of freshly prepared regional, Mexican, and international dishes served in an authentic colonial setting.

For pastimes which promote health and well-being, the property also features two beautiful swimming pools, a bicycle track (with cycles freely available from the bike shed), a soccer pitch, a man-made ‘cenote’ (50-foot deep fresh-water pool), and fully-appointed spa.

The estate also includes a large dining area and ball-room featuring a retractable roof, marble floors and pillars—a space most frequently used to host elegant weddings.

Situated about half-way between Merida’s international airport (6 miles) and the city’s center (9 miles), Hacienda Santa Cruz offers a luxurious escape from the city in the middle of the Yucatán countryside. It’s an ideal base from which to visit local cenotes and archaeological sites along the Ruta Puuc, including Uxmal.

Uxmal (pronounced “oosh-MAHL”) is said to be among the most attractive of Mexico’s archaeology centers and should be included in any itinerary that intends to visit the most important Maya ruins.

Uxmal was an important city, probably built around 700 AD, although inhabitants are thought to have lived in the area as far back as 800 BC—nearly 1,000 years before the city was built.

It is a mystery as to why a settlement was ever made here: there are no rivers or local sources of water, and no evidence that they once existed. One of the important features of Uxmal are the chultunes (cisterns), which held water for the population to live from, and Chaac, the rain god, features prominently in much of the architecture’s carvings—no doubt an important source of water for the people that lived here.

Within a 10 mile radius of Uxmal are four other smaller ancient ‘towns’ of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. Together with Uxmal, these places make up the Ruta Puuc, named after the hills in which these ruins are nestled and the architectural style of the buildings found at this and other Puuc sites.

Uxmal is a delightful archaeological site to explore and experience. During the rain season (May to October) the rich green fertile land provides a perfect setting for some of the most magnificent ancient pyramids, buildings, and temples of the ancient world. You can sense the history here as you walk around and gaze at the stunning architecture and majestic layout of this ancient city.

Key Attractions

The 120-foot high Piramide del Adivino (Magician’s Pyramid) stands majestically above the other buildings, and a climb to its summit will reward you with spectacular views of the entire half-square-mile ancient city.

The Cuadrángulo de las Monjas (Nuns’ Quadrangle) was believed to have been used for military purposes, perhaps an academy or palatial complex.

At the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s Palace) you can admire the 300 foot-long facade described by one scholar as the finest structure in Uxmal.

Other attractions include the Juego de Pelota (Games Court) which is nowhere near as large or impressive as the one in Chichen Itza; Casa de las Tortugas (House of the Turtles), one of the smallest buildings, but quaint and interesting all the same and La Gran Piramide (The Great Pyramid), a 100-foot, 9-level structure adjacent to the Governor’s Palace. As is the case with the Magician’s Pyramid, those prepared to climb to the summit of the Great Pyramid will be rewarded with spectacular views.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The closest airport is in Mérida. Further away, but in the same region, is the airport of Cancun. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Uxmal is located about 40 miles southwest of Mérida, and about 250 miles southwest of Cancún. Because of the limited public transport in this area, we recommend you rent a car (see below) to explore the region and especially the Ruta Puuc, if you are not taking a guided tour. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico on Mexperience.

By Bus – Public transport is very limited in this area in comparison to other regions in Mexico, and most of the buses that pass-by Uxmal are infrequent local transport services, or organized tour buses visiting the Ruta Puuc. To explore this area independently, it’s best to rent a car for your visit. You can find detailed information about car rental and bus transportation here on Mexperience.

Uxmal Essentials

Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Federal and state admission charges apply and there are concessions for students, children, seniors and legal foreign residents (you need to show your residency card).  On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency).

Other Nearby Sites: To avoid the tour bus crowds, consider staying overnight at a hotel in Uxmal archaeological park. There are several hotels immediately surrounding the Uxmal Archaeological park. Uxmal is an excellent base for travelers who want to experience the other significant archaeological sites in the vicinity which include: Kabah, Labna, Sayil, Xlapak, Mayapan and the caves, Grutas de Loltun.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Mexico Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole; strong shoes, appropriate for climbing, if you plan to ascend the pyramids. Note: The Magician’s Pyramid is especially steep and extreme care must be taken when climbing this pyramid. This region is very hot and humid year-round, so dress for sweltering weather – see Local Climate, below. See also: Tips for Visiting Mexico’s Pyramids and Archaeology Sites

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities: Merida, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen

Other Archaeological Sites: Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum

Local Climate

During the late spring and summer, Uxmal is hot with drenching humidity. The rainy season is May through October; fierce afternoon rains last for 2-3 hours and clear in the evening. Dress in light clothes, and carry plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times. Wear high factor sun screen, take a hat and spray on some insect repellent to keep flying creatures at bay.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Chichen Itzá Mexico’s most extensively restored archaeological park, and has always been the most-visited, but since it was voted as one of the New Wonders of The World in 2007, the publicity which surrounded this anointment served to attract even more visitors. The ancient city of Chichen Itzá — which means “the mouth of the well of the Itzás” — is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico.

The archaeological site takes up about four square miles and it will take you all day to see it properly. The temples are laid out in such a fashion that they represent time, akin to an enormous calendar.

Much of the Mayan and Toltec cultures are still a mystery and there is disagreement between scholars over how the Mayas arrived here and their relationships and interactions with the Toltecs. This doesn’t take away from the immense feeling of size and grandeur of this location; even when it is full with tourists, there is so much space that, aside from the main temple which tends to become crowded, you can feel quite relaxed wandering around the park.

Official local guides situated at the site will take you on a tour and explain the history of the site and the Mayan culture.

This region of Mexico gets extremely hot during the peak daytime hours of noon until around 4 pm. Staying at a hotel nearby and starting your tour of the site early in the morning will significantly enhance your experience of Chichen Itzá; see the article: The Best Way to Experience Chichen Itza for details.

Key Attractions

Chichen Itzá has a wealth of features that will take you all day to experience properly. Listed here are a few of the highlights; consult a guide book for further details.

El Castillo

As you enter the site, your first glance will be towards the Piramide de Kukulkan, or Castillo (Castle). This pyramid has 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces. If you visit during the spring or autumn equinox (March 21st and September 21st) you’ll be in for a special treat: The sun’s light touches the steps on the northern side, creating the shadow of a “moving serpent” which glides up the pyramid as the sun moves through the sky.

Juego de Pelota Principal

Juego de Pelota Principal (Principal Ball Court) is the main one of eight ball courts, and the largest games court in all of Mexico’s archaeological sites. Here, you will see the famous stone hoops. It is believed that contestants of pelota (ball) needed to get a stone ball through them during the game.

Templo de Jaguares

To the southeast, you’ll find the Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars) on which you’ll see carved rattlesnakes and jaguars. The murals inside depict an ancient battle.

Tzompantli

Tzompantli—Toltec meaning “Temple of Skulls”— is in between the Temple of Jaguars and the Castle. It was here where heads of those sacrificed were displayed for the gods.

El Caracol

El Caracol (“The Snail” – named because of its circular structure and staircase) is actually an ancient observatory. This structure is an example of how the Maya were obsessed with time and astronomy. This building developed over time and was used by astronomers to accurately measure and record important days in the astronomical calendar, such as the spring and autumn equinox and the solstice.

Chichen Viejo

Chichen Viejo, literally meaning “old Chichen”, is the oldest part of the city; it has some interesting structures which date to the pre-Toltec times. If you stay at the Mayaland Hotel, you can also arrange for a horseback tour through Chichen Viejo.

Sound and Light Show

The Sounds and Lights Show, that is a mixture of colorful lights projected onto the pyramids, Mayan music, and a voice-over with commentary about Maya legends, is worth attending if you are staying overnight at one of the nearby hotels. It starts at around 7:30 p.m. (check times locally); the admission fee is included in the price of your entrance ticket to the site.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The closest airports to Chichen Itzá are Cancún or Mérida. Many travelers to Cancún take a day trip here, although there are some good hotels nearby and if you stay overnight in the area, you’ll see more and enjoy a better experience of the site and area surrounding it. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – Depart frequently from Cancún and Mérida to Chichen Itzá, most often as part of organized tours to the ancient city. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

Chichen Iztá Essentials

Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission charges apply (check at local tourist office for the latest admission prices.) Multi-lingual guides are available for hire at the ticket booth.

Better Overnight: Chichen Itza is a big tour-bus destination. Since it was nominated as a ‘New Wonder of the World’ in 2007, the center has become extremely busy during the daytime. If you want to miss the crowds and get the most out a visit to this spectacular archaeological park, stay for a night at one of the hotels situated next to the archaeological park and be among the first to enter the park in the morning. It’s by far the best way to experience Chichen Itza.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Mexico Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You’ll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole—Chichen Itzá is an extensive archaeological site. Wear light clothes—it gets very hot and humid here. Carry plenty of water, wear a sunhat, and insect repellent is also very useful as this site is located in the jungle. See also: Tips for Visiting Mexico’s Pyramids and Archaeology Sites

Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)

Colonial Cities: Merida (State Capital of Yucatán), Campeche, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Other Archaeological Sites: Palenque, Tulum, Coba, Uxmal

Local Climate

The local climate is the same as that for Cancun—hot, and humid. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated. The sun here is fierce, especially between midday and 4 pm.   Wear light clothes, sun cream, sun glasses and a hat.   Insect repellent is also useful to keep the mosquitoes at bay; carry and drink plenty of water at all times.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico