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The 10 Best Archaeology Tours in Mexico, Mexico
With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.
Restaurants in Mexico
1. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.
Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)
Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities
Reviewed By Robert S
Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.
2. Chichen Itza, Cenote and magic town of Izamal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Small groups of 8 travelers maximum in a small comfortable van. We will pick you up at the meeting point, We want to get early to Chichen Itza to enjoy it without crowds and take advantage while the morning is cool. Our professional licensed tourguide will explain the history and the importance of the mayan city. Afterwards we will take a 30 minutes drive to Izamal to climb the mayan temple of Kinich Kak Moo and, blend among the local streets, enjoy the architecture of the houses, visit the impressive franciscan convent builded in the XVI century and delight in colors of the local market. Finally we will hit back the road again to visit a family in a small mayan community, they gonna let us swimm and enjoy their own underground cenote which they found not so many years ago. This cenote is off the beaten path and not offten visited. The family is happy to have travelers with them and they will cook some local regional food for us. At the en of the day we will return to Merida..
Inclusions: purified water, air conditioned vehicle (small van of maximum 8 travelers) professional licensed tourguide
Exclusions: Lunch, Entry fee to Chichen Itza , lunch and cenote
Reviewed By Thevoluptuary
Great tour guide who is knowledgable, kind, and an expert in local finds that guarantee a memorable experience!
3. Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 362 reviews
WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour • Enjoy at your own pace • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home • Enjoy Chichen Itza archaeological exploration with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide • Sacred Cenote swim • Colonial city Valladolid • The most talented and passionate guides in the region • Secluded Locations • No gimmicks, No upsells, No Souvenir Shops • Included: entrances, archaeological federally licensed guide, parking fees, toll road (if applicable), soft drinks, beers, water, snacks • Photos taken during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams • Although we do not include lunch, you can request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgeable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer. We are sure that you will be provided with the option that best suits your tastes and interests
Inclusions: Private tour with professional archaeological licensed guide, Local taxes & National Park fees, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Beverages are provided inside your vehicle, Private transportation, Round-trip transportation from all hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Snacks, Free time if desired
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (In restaurant) * Only included on board vehicle., Feel free to request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer.
Reviewed By beachnuttylaura
I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)
4. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds & the midday heat. - Shortest travel time (Toll highway). - VIP Access (no lines). - Be one of the firsts to arrive & take the best pictures. - Stay as long as you like in the archaeological site with your certified guide. - Jump & refresh in an amazing open sky Cenote. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Toll highway (shortest travel time)., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Lunch buffet at Ex-Hacienda Mayaland., Open Cenote entrance fee., Visit to Valladolid Colonial Town., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included – Drink at the Buffet. , Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
5. Private Tour: Teotihuacan and Guadalupe Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 262 reviews
Enjoy a private tour in Mexico City and visit the Teotihuacan archaeological site and the Guadalupe Shrine. You will have a professional guide with you and learn all about the history of these two iconic places.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private guide, Transport by private vehicle, Food and Drink only (no buffet, Tickets, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By SNG56
We booked this tour based on it's itinerary and reviews. We do enjoy an occasional private tour. We were picked up on time at our hotel. Veronica was our guide and was amazing. We went to a flower market before getting on the floating boat. The ride was lovely. Veronica told us a lot about the city it's history and culture. We went to the Diego Rivera museum which is amazing. Then to the Coyocan market where we grabbed a bite to eat and have some free time. Then the Frida Kahlo museum which is a must see. The driver was excellent, smoothly guiding us around the city. We also stopped at the University which wads fascinating. Veronica is very proud of her city and it shows. Her energy and enthusiasm were palpable. The price for what you get is a real bargain. Highly recommend
6. Chichen Itzá, cenote and Valladolid Small groups day Trip from Tulum
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 249 reviews
Recently selected as one of the New World Wonders, Chichen Itza is without a doubt one of the most spectacular and important archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula and Mesoamerica. The Maya-Toltec style; which can be appreciated in Chichen Itza is the result of the cultural exchange between the different cultures of Mesoamerica. The excellent restoration of this ancient city makes it an absolute “must-see” destination for any visitor to the Yucatan peninsula interested in history and culture. After visiting Chichen Itza we cool off in an impressive cenote (flooded cave) where nature and mysticism will bring you to a whole new dimension. Valladolid is a city where past and present come together to delight us with astounding sights of beautifully colored colonial architecture and tastes of an incredibly rich gastronomy. A visit to the main square of the town will absorb you in the peace and tranquility of its people while you learn about the local customs.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Lunch, Snacks and drinks
Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum). +$10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.
Reviewed By anais_lfbvr
Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.
7. Sian Ka'an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 219 reviews
The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum), 10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.
Reviewed By anais_lfbvr
Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.
8. Full-day tour to Tulum and Jungle Maya Native Park with Ziplines & Cenotes
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 137 reviews
Explore the impressive Tulum archaeological site. It is set on a cliff giving you stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This beach has been declared one of the best in the world! Discover Jungla Maya where is the entrance to the amazing Sac-Actun system, the world’s longest underground river, explored and recommended by National Snorkeler specialized cave divers. Snorkel surrounded by awesome rock formations. Rappel down into a cenote (underground cave) and swim in a unique natural pool. Enjoy nature flying over the jungle’s foliage on exciting zip-lines. Participate in a traditional Maya purification ceremony. The expedition includes: Transportation for small groups, traditional lunch, water, archaeological tour guide, entrance fee to Tulum, entrance fee to the park, equipment required for activities, towel and lockers.
Inclusions: Lunch, All activities & all the equipment, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lockers
Exclusions: Photos (available to purchase), Souvenirs (available to purchase), Gratuities, Water, please bring your own container, Towel
Reviewed By siphoenix
We actually visited January 2020 but I have only just got round to writing a review. Our guide for the day was Joseline Martinez and she was brilliant!!! Very knowledgeable and informative. I feel like I learned a lot from our trip about Mexico and its rich history. We will be going to Mexico again some day and hope to use this company again ????????
9. 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 997 reviews
This is the perfect 3-in-1 combination tour of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling in the colorful coral reef in the Caribbean Sea and finally you'll get to swim and refresh in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves.
Inclusions: Bilingual guide, Round Transportation with AC, Equipment required for water activities, Box Lunch will be provided, Drinks: Bottle of water
Exclusions: The Natural Marine Reserve Fee 13 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By erinrI2229AV
My boyfriend and I went on the half day sea turtle and cenote cave tour on a private tour with Xenia, Stefani (photos) and Daniel the driver extraordinaire! I highly recommend a private tour as we had the entire cave to ourselves. I also recommend private as the sea turtle snorkel portion felt much more intimate and you got much longer time observing them in their natural environment. What really made the excursion though was our hosts. Xenia was fantastic! She was so well informed and told us everything we needed to know prior to the excursion as well as throughout. Her excitement is infectious and you can tell she truly loves what she does and I cannot say enough good things about her! Please request her if you plan a day with them! Stefani was also wonderful! So sweet and kind to take pictures and allow us to focus on having a wonderful experience! Daniel was our driver and helped us with everything including equipment, water, and providing help with anything we needed to stay comfortable during the drive. Loved this group and we had such a great time spending the day with them!
10. Coba Ruins, Cho Ha Cenote, Tulum and Paradise Beach Day Trip with Lunch Included
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 480 reviews
Enjoy this amazing one day combo tour as you visit Coba Ruins, Cenote Choha, Tulum Ruins and the beautiful Paradise Beach. You'll have an amazing experience as you cover these fantastic places in one day. Your tour includes lunch, a professional guide and transport.
Inclusions: Beverages, Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By I9656DRlauriel
Ulysses and Javier were fantastic. We had 5 in our party and when we arrived at our pickup point were told it would just be us. The insights and knowledge from our guide Ulysses was the best. Great customer service. After the trip my son found he had left his wallet in the van. They actually ce back and dropped it off for us later that night. Thank you so much! Highly recommended!
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