uxmal excursion

• Tours & Excursions /

Two days (Chichen Itza, Merida and Uxmal)

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• What's included
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An incredible two day and one night tour to discover Uxmal, Merida and Chichen Itza. We will take you visit the most impressive Archaeological Zones of the Mayan World

Departing from Cancun and Riviera Maya Empire. Afterwards, you will visit Uxmal where you will live a double experience; at night you will enjoy a Light and Sound show and later stay in a beautiful hotel, right at the entrance to this Archaeological Zone, and, in the morning, you will take a tour of this amazing location. We will end the day by touring the center of Merida city, one of the first cities founded in Latin America by the Spaniards. Here you will visit the State Government Palace, the House of Francisco de Montejo, founder of the city of Merida, the Main Square and the Cathedral. ITINERARY Day 1 07:00: Pick Ups start in Cancún and la Riviera Maya hotels. 08:00: Departure to Chichén Itzá from place of transfer. It includes a light gourmet breakfast on board the bus. 11:00: Visit to the archaeological site of Chichen Itzá (90 minutes with guide and 30 minutes free). It includes a bottle of water and a bottle holder for the tour. 13:15: Lunch in the Hotel which includes a delicious buffet, 1 fresh water (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages not included). 14:50: Departure to 5-star Hotel 18:30: Arrival at 5-star Hotel. Check-in 19:20: Departure to Uxmal Archaeological Zone. 19:45: Entrance to the Light and Sound show at Uxmal Archaeological Zone. Duration: 1 hour. 21:00: Dinner at restaurant of the Hotel with fresh water included (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages not included). 22:30: End of activities first day. Overnight at five-star Hotel. Day 2 07:00: American breakfast in the Hotel. 07:45: Check out of the hotel and boarding of the bus. 08:00: Departure and 2 hours travel to the archaeological site of Uxmals day. It includes a bottle of water. 10:45: Departure to Merida. 12:00: Guided tour at the Historic Center of the Mérida to visit: the Palace of the State Government, which houses murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco; the interiors of the House of Francisco de Montejo, founder of the city of Mérida; Plaza Grande and the Cathedral. 13:45: Departure to restaurant "Misión Panamericana". 14:00: Arrival at the restaurant. 1 hour for lunch. 15:00: Back to Cancun or the Riviera Maya according to lodging. 18:30: Arrival to Cancun or Riviera Maya.

• A two-day circuit.
• Air-conditioned transportation.
• Light gourmet breakfast on board the bus during the way to Chichen Itza.
• Access fee to Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone.
• Access fee to Uxmal Archaeological Zone and the Light and Sound show.
• Accommodation in a five-star hotel.
• Guided visit to the City of Merida’s Historical Zone. Specialized guide service at all times.
• Bottled water during the tours in Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Merida.
• Bottle holder
• Tip in restaurants and hotel.
• Headphones for simultaneous translation available for the Light and Sound show in Uxmal
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Tour available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Minimum age 5 years
• Due to the warm and humid temperature of the region, we recommend to use light and comfortable clothes, hat and sun block lotion.
• Good Walking Shoes
• Extra Cash for Shopping, etc.
• Reading material or entertainment on the bus
• Pick up is available for most hotels located in Cancun and Riviera Maya from Monday to Saturday. Exact time of your pick-up will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we dont have pick-up for a specific hotel or location will be sent you the nearest meeting point where pick-up is available
• Cancellations made 48 hrs before = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund.
• Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hrs before = no refund.
• No show = no refund

ATV Zip Line

Coba and Tulum Private Tour

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Visiting the Uxmal Ruins: Your Complete 2024 Guide

Visiting the Uxmal Ruins is a highlight of any trip to the Yucatan. This ancient Mayan city is spectacularly well-preserved and in its heyday, it was the most powerful city in the western Yucatan. 

Uxmal was on par with Chichen Itza in terms of its commercial and political importance. If you only have a chance to visit a couple of Maya sites during your time in the Yucatan, Uxmal is certainly a place that you should prioritize. 

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about visiting the Uxmal ruins – its history and notable buildings to look out for, how to get to the site, and hotels and other attractions nearby. 

Table of Contents

Visiting the Uxmal Ruins in 2024 

The Uxmal Ruins are a UNESCO-protected archeological site in the Western Yucatan. The city, which was once home to over 25,000 people, sits 42 miles south of Merida and is usually the first stopping point for travelers exploring the Ruta Puuc archeological trail in the Yucatan. 

Uxmal makes a great day trip from Merida , and you might be surprised to find that the ruins here are just as large, and equally as interesting, as Chichen Itza. I have been living in the Yucatan for the last 18 months and during that time, I have visited every single ruin in the Yucatan state. (A tiring but rewarding challenge I set for myself!) 

Of all the places I visited, Uxmal was one of my favorites and I’d hazard a guess it will be one of yours too!

Exploring the Uxmal Mayan Ruins 

Historians and archeologists dispute the exact date that Uxmal was founded. However, it is believed that the first occupants arrived around 300 AD. 

The city thrived during the Late Classic period between 700 and 900 AD until, like most Mayan cities in Mexico , it was eventually abandoned. 

Uxmal, and the nearby ruins of Sayil, Labna, Kabah, and Oxkintok are known for their distinctive Puuc style of architecture. This construction style is distinctly different from that which you see on Mayan ruins in other parts of the Yucatan, as well as in Belize and Guatemala. 

Puuc architecture is distinguishable by its smooth vertical walls, archways, ornate friezes, and sculptures and masks of the long-nosed Mayan rain god Chaac. (There are many buildings in Uxmal and along the Puuc route that are absolutely covered in Chaac masks). 

There are dozens of interesting and well-preserved buildings scattered throughout the Uxmal Ruins complex. Some notable structures to look out for are detailed below. 

The Pyramid of the Magician 

The Pyramid of the Magician is the tallest and most distinctive structure in the Uxmal ruins. It is the first thing you see when you enter the site and it is probably a place you have seen in photos and videos of the archeological site.

It was built in several stages between the 6th and 10th centuries A.D., with each layer covering the previous one. The name Uxmal means ¨thrice built¨ in Mayan and this is believed to point to the process of building the Pyramid of the Magician over several centuries. 

It has a unique oval shape and contains five temples that are set out on different levels. The pyramid is also sometimes referred to as ¨the Pyramid of the Dwarf¨. 

According to local legend, a sorceress living in the area laid an egg and when the egg hatched, out popped a magical dwarf. The dwarf made a bet with a local governor that he could build an impressive pyramid in just one night. 

After the governor took him up on the bet, the dwarf got to work. He created the Pyramid of the Magician in just one night and proclaimed himself the new governor of Uxmal. 

The Nunnery Quadrangle 

The Nunnery Quadrangle (Cuadrángulo de las Monjas) is another intricate structure at Uxmal, showcasing the Puuc architectural style. This impressive building complex consists of four large palace structures surrounding a central courtyard. 

It was built between 900 and 1000 AD. The name “Nunnery” is a misnomer given by the Spanish. 

The Spanish colonizers thought that the building’s layout resembled that of a convent. However, this structure was most likely used for administrative and ceremonial purposes. 

The buildings are decorated with elaborate motifs that represent different deities and cosmogonic concepts. Admire the intricate mosaics and the carvings of the rain god Chaac throughout the quadrangle, as well as depictions of Tlaloc, two-headed serpents, and depictions of fertility, power, and the underworld. 

The north building is considered the most important of the four as it is built upon a higher platform than the others. It boasts 26 rooms and a large staircase with two temples at its base. The other buildings only contain between 8-20 rooms. 

The Governor’s Palace

The Governor’s Palace (Palacio del Gobernador) is one of the most important buildings in the ruins of Uxmal. It sits on top of a raised platform on a hill above the rest of the city and from up here, you can enjoy spectacular views over the ancient site.  

It was built by Lord Chahk, the ruler of Uxmal, in the 10th century to commemorate his reign and display his power and prestige. There is a small platform with two small carved stone jaguars in front of the palace where it is believed that the Mayan rulers of the city may have stood to give speeches and assemblies. 

Pok ta Pok Ball Court 

The sun-bleached remnants of an old Pok ta Pok ball court can be found close to the Governor’s Palace in the Uxmal ruins. Pok ta Pok is an ancient ballgame that was played by the Mayans and other Mesoamerican cultures hundreds of years ago. 

Players had to whack a hard leather ball through stone hoops mounted high on the walls using just their hips. For the Mayans, pok ta pok was more than just a game. 

Sometimes it was used to settle disputes and important discussions. Sometimes the losing team was sacrificed! 

The House of Turtles

Another important structure at Uxmal is the House of the Turtles. It gets its name from the rows of elaborately carved turtle figures that adorn the top of the building. 

Turtles were considered sacred to the Maya and associated with the rain god Chaac, which further highlights the significance of rain and water in their culture. This building showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the Puuc style.

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid at Uxmal is a stepped pyramid in the ancient city that you can still climb. It is somewhat similar to the Pyramid of the Magicians, although its appearance is arguably more like that of the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza and in Mayapan.  

From the top of the pyramid, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the jungle canopy and the western Yucatan. The sides of the pyramid are decorated with stone Chaac masks, as well as some interesting carved macaw sculptures. 

Uxmal Ruins Admission Info 

Uxmal is one of the pricier Mayan cities to enter in the Yucatan but it is well worth visiting. General admission is 466 pesos per person. (Circa $26.55 USD). 

(Entrance fees are made up of a 381 pesos Uxmal fee and an 85 pesos federal fee). 

Some concessions are available for children and the elderly. Entrance is free for Mexican nationals and Yucatan permanent residents on Sundays but you need to be prepared to show your ID. 

Information plaques are scattered throughout the Uxmal ruins to offer more history and context to the various structures that you see. However, if you love history and want to gain a more thorough look into the lives of the Ancient Mayans, you can hire a tour guide at the entrance for around 200 pesos (circa $11.40 USD).

This is well worth paying for in my opinion and is a great way to support locals. Guides are available in English, Spanish, and a handful of other languages.  

Getting to Uxmal Ruins

It takes about an hour and a half to get to Uxmal from Merida . Buses operated by Autobuses Sur depart from ADO Centro bus station to the ruins daily. 

However, despite the popularity of the ruins, buses are relatively infrequent. They depart at 06.00 am, 09.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 15.30 pm respectively. 

The return bus runs at 15.00 pm. (However, sometimes it leaves a bit early or a bit late so your best bet is to be at the bus stop outside the ruins from 14:45 pm). 

If you miss the bus, you can take a smaller minibus to the nearby city of Muna and then transfer to a bus back to Merida. Renting a car in Merida gives you a lot more freedom and flexibility during your Yucatan itinerary if you are comfortable with driving overseas. 

Many Yucatan beaches, historic sites, and other places of interest are tricky to get to by public transport. 

Recommended Uxmal Tours

Several reputable local tour companies also offer tours to Uxmal and other ruins along the Puuc route.

You can opt to do a small-group or a private tour and many tours include pick up and drop off at your hotel. This takes a lot of the stress out of planning the logistics of how to get from A to B. 

Several excellent options are detailed below for your consideration. Book your place online in advance to avoid disappointment. 

• From Mérida: Uxmal and Kabah guided tour with lunch
• Uxmal light and sound night experience tour from Merida
• From Merida: Uxmal, Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Cenote with lunch
• Uxmal with private guide and transportation from Merida
• Uxmal: vintage land rover expedition to Uxmal cenotes 

Experience the Uxmal Sound and Light Show 

If you are staying in the area overnight, you have the option of experiencing the Uxmal Sound and Light show during your visit. The show takes place at 20.00pm daily and requires a separate entrance ticket. 

Various online sources document different prices for this experience. However, when we stopped by Uxmal for the second time in May 2023, the price was 700 pesos per person. 

That is approximately $40 USD each and a massive price increase from over the last few years when the show cost just 70-100 pesos per person. Whether it is worth it or not is up to you. 

The show is a little cheesy but fun. The various structures are illuminated in different colors and it’s incredible to see them at night, under a canopy of twinkling stars when there are very few other people in the site. 

The show is narrated by the Rain God Chaac and tells the story of how Uxmal came to be. 

Where to Stay in Uxmal 

There are a couple of great hotel options close to the Uxmal ruins and in some of the smaller towns and villages nearby. However, public transport in this area really isn’t great. 

If you are not driving and are therefore depending on the bus that runs to and from Merida, your best options are to stay at The Lodge at Uxmal or the nearby Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum. Both are within walking distance of the Uxmal ruins. 

The Lodge at Uxmal is directly opposite the main entrance to the site, while the historic Hacienda Uxmal is just across the Carretera Federal 261, next to the chocolate museum. If you have access to a car, you can look at some more budget-friendly guesthouses and Airbnbs in the charming nearby town of Santa Elena, the city of Muna, or the village of Sacalum. 

We stayed at the Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum which is a luxury hacienda where several celebrities, royals, and foreign dignitaries have stayed throughout the decades. This includes Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Jackie Kennedy, and Indira Gandhi.

The Lodge at Uxmal and the Hacienda Uxmal share a restaurant where you can sit beneath palapa huts and indulge in traditional Yucatecan delicacies like cochinita pibil and relleno negro. 

Other Attractions Near the Uxmal Ruins 

The Uxmal ruins are a great starting point for exploring the wider Puuc region. Despite the historical significance of the various Mayan cities found along this route, they are often overlooked by most visitors to the Yucatan.

So, if you do take the time to visit the likes of Kabah, Sayil, and Xlapak, you may find that you have them almost entirely to yourself. The Ancient Mayans would once access Kabah by an old sacbe (white stone road) that led from the stone jaguar platform close to the Governor’s House in Uxmal.

Centuries ago, Kabah and Uxmal had a strong trade relationship. One of the most important structures here is the ¨Codz Poop¨ – a spectacular temple that is covered with hundreds of masks of Chaac. 

Nearby, Sayil meaning ¨Place of the Ants¨ is home to an impressive palace, as well as some interesting sculptures of the Mayan fertility God. Labna, another expansive and underrated Mayan city, is best known for its ceremonial arches. 

You also have the ¨Choco Story¨ chocolate museum directly opposite the Uxmal ruins. A little-known fact is that Mexico was the birthplace of chocolate. 

Here, you can learn the history of how chocolate was discovered and created, try some samples, and participate in a spiritual Mayan ritual. This can be a fun place to stop if you have some time to kill before your bus back to Merida. 

Visiting the Uxmal Ruins FAQs 

Any questions about visiting the Uxmal ruins? The answers to some FAQs on the subject are detailed below. 

Hopefully, you will find the information you are searching for there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Chichén Itzá and Uxmal are both impressive in their own right and both cities are worthy additions to any Yucatan trip. That being said, Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the world and nothing compares to being able to say that you have seen it in person.

Uxmal is important because not only was it one of the most powerful political and commercial hubs during the days of the Ancient Mayans but today, it is one of the best representations of classic Puuc architecture. 

You should allow at least 2.5 – 3 hours to explore the Uxmal ruins. The site is larger than many people realize. 

Try and get to Uxmal early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. (The bus departs from Merida at 6 am and 9 am daily).  This also helps you avoid being out in the sun at midday. The Yucatan is extremely hot all year round, and if you happen to visit between April and October (aka the hottest time of the year), temperatures often soar above 104°F during the day! The best time to travel to the Yucatan is between December and March each year. May to October is the rainy season and although the rainfall doesn’t last all day, showers can be heavy so it is a good idea to pack a rain mac if traveling at this time. 

The total entrance fee for Uxmal is 466 pesos per person. (Circa $26.55 USD). 

There is a lot of wrong and conflicting information about whether you can or cannot climb the pyramids at Uxmal online. You cannot climb most structures (including the Pyramid of the Magician) and it is clear where you can and cannot go thanks to ropes and signage.  Some structures are partially or fully climbable. The rules are in place for your safety as well as the preservation of these incredible ancient sites. 

Yes! The Uxmal ruins are one of the largest and most important Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula and arguably, across all of Latin America.  Even if you are not someone who is big on ruins or ancient sites, you will be blown away by some of the structures here. If you only have a chance to pick one or a couple of ruins during your time in the Yucatan, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza are among the best. 

Final thoughts on visiting the Uxmal ruins

Do you have any final thoughts or concerns about visiting this UNESCO world heritage site or planning your trip to Mexico in general? I live in Merida nearby, and I am happy to help out with any questions and queries you may have. 

Have a wonderful time exploring the Yucatan! Bien Viaje! Xo

Melissa Douglas

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9 Best Merida to Uxmal Tours to Book in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST TOURS TO UXMAL FROM MERIDA?

You’re in the right place because the best Merida to Uxmal tours are featured here. How do I know they’re the best? I lived in Merida for several years, and the Uxmal ruins were one of my favourite places to visit. 

The Uxmal ruins are estimated to date back to 700 AD, making them some of the oldest and most well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Tour to Uxmal Ruins, Kabah Ruins & Cenote Sambula — which has a near-perfect 5 Star rating.

I’ve been here multiple times and done many different activities, so I’ve compiled a list of the best-rated Merida to Uxmal Tours for anyone else who wants to visit. These are experiences I’ve enjoyed and recommend.

Taking Merida day tours to Uxmal is without a doubt one of the best ways to navigate the can’t-miss attractions the region has to offer. Whether you want your experience to be private and authentic or focused on history and the area’s natural beauty—the options are endless. 

Ready for the best Merida day tours to Uxmal? Let’s dive in! 

Top 3 Picks: Best Merida to Uxmal Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tour to Uxmal Ruins, Kabah Ruins & Cenote Sambula ✔️ Visit to Uxmal and Kabah Ruins ✔️ Mexican lunch

Uxmal Ruins Tour Plus Hacienda Yaxcopoil & Cenote Peba ✔️ Entrance fees to all attractions ✔️ Lunch in Cananah restaurant

Uxmal Private Tour Plus Chocolate Museum & Cenote Swim ✔️ Sample the ancient Mayan chocolate ✔️ Admission tickets and lunch

The 9 Best Merida to Uxmal Tours

1. tour to uxmal ruins, kabah ruins & cenote sambula.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 7-9 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Are you looking for an incredible way to experience Merida’s rich culture in just one day? This Uxmal day trip from Merida will take you on an unforgettable journey through four essential Mayan sites—all led by a knowledgeable local guide full of engaging stories and historical insights.

It was all together lovely trip : great guide, nice driver, small size group. Very informative and entertaining at the same time. Lunch was excellent! Highly recommend! -iraida ( see more reviews )

You’ll explore towering pyramids and impressive stone ruins of the Mayans, and even get a chance to relax at a stunning cenote. 

Although this tour is not all-inclusive — you’ll still have to pay for entry to each site — it is a fantastic way to see all the important attractions in one day without worrying about logistics. It’s the perfect introduction to this fascinating region and its culture.

Best Merida to Uxmal Tours

2. uxmal ruins tour plus hacienda yaxcopoil & cenote peba.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 9-10 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Step back in time and discover the history of Merida on one of the most fascinating all-day Uxmal Mayan ruins tours . 

One of the must-see places on your list should be the Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a Yucatan plantation that has been perfectly preserved over the years and is now one of the most important rural estates in the region.

Learning about the Mayan history from the most amazing super proud & passionate tour guide Gero. The trip was educational & fun throughout ! -char ( see more reviews )

The tour’s main attraction is the Uxmal ruins, so ancient they date back to AD 700. As you stroll past the Pyramid of the Soothsaye, keep an eye out for the many odes to their Mayan God Chaac, who was the god of rain. 

And finally, your last stop will be a refreshing cenote, one of the most popular things to do in the Yucatan — the perfect way to end your day of history and learning. 

3. Uxmal Private Tour Plus Chocolate Museum & Cenote Swim

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 8 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Step back in time at the interactive Choco-Story, a museum that replicates Old Hacienda Uxmal, on this Merida to Uxmal by car private tour.

The historic sugar estate offers a glimpse into Uxmal’s past, some Mayan cultural tidbits, and lets you see how cocoa is made firsthand. Don’t worry, you’ll get to try a bit too! 

Once you’re fully fueled on chocolate, it’s time to explore the Zona Arqueologica Uxmal, a UNESCO world heritage site filled with sculptures, pyramids, buildings, and mosaics.

Gabriel was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable about the history of the Maya and created a great experience for my family. -eric ( see more reviews )

Merida private tours to Uxmal win when it comes to personalizing your trip. Why bother with the bus from Merida to Uxmal ruins when you can ride comfortably in a private car?

This day in Mérida will leave you with a newfound appreciation for chocolate and culture!

4. Tour Uxmal Ruins & 3 Different Cenotes

⭐️ RATING: 4.95 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 7 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Is Uxmal worth visiting? Absolutely, and your trusty Guide, Omar, is going to show you why. This Uxmal Ruins and Cenote Tour takes you on an adventure to discover the hidden wonders of this ancient Mayan city. 

While the architecture and culture are undoubtedly incredible, the highlight of this tour will be the three unique cenotes that Omar will take you to.

We had a great day trip with Omar! He was super helpful, friendly and full of information around Mexico, Merida and the Maya. -marissa ( see more reviews )

You’ll dive into the crystal clear waters of an open-air cenote and explore the depths of caves cenote, perfect for snorkeling . 

Note that the Uxmal tickets are not included, but it’s still a great option if you want to check the city off your list. 

5. Private Uxmal Tour & Choco-Story Museum Visit

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 8-10 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

The Mayans believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods, and this Private Uxmal Tour is the perfect excursion to learn about Mayan culture and heritage. 

After learning about the ancient city of Uxmal, your journey to Choco-Story will show you how chocolate was an integral part of Mayan life and how they used it in ceremonies, religious rituals, and daily life.

Our guide Raul was wonderful and very knowledgeable. They were very accommodating and we never felt rushed. The pickup was right on time and the large van was comfortable and snacks/drinks were provided. -matthew ( see more reviews )

End your Merida Uxmal tour with an authentic lunch from Bar Cana-Nah. Take your time, ask your travel guides all the questions you can think of, and indulge in this chocolate-filled Mayan journey.

6. Ruins of Uxmal Tour, Hacienda Sotuta de Peón & Centoe Swim

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 10 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

During this Uxmal Ruins guided tour , you’ll get a true feel of Mayan culture visiting the Uxmal ruins, a classic hacienda, and a cenote. 

A hacienda in English means a large estate or plantation, and Hacienda Sotuta de Peon is a spectacular sight to see!

This is a wonderful tour! Uxmal is the most beautiful ruin site and it was great to be basically the first tour group there while it was cool in the morning.  -rachel ( see more reviews )

This particular plantation was a popular sisal plant production site that began operating in 1858.

Sotuta de Peon is also filled with lots of history, culture, and even a cenote that you’ll get to take a dip in after a long day of learning. Ten hours is a long day, so I’d suggest bringing some snacks and plenty of water to get you through this day trip to Uxmal from Merida . 

7. Uxmal Ruins, Kabah Ruins, Chocolate Museum & Cenote Kankirinche

Start your journey from Merida to Uxmal with a certified Uxmal tour guide through two architectural sites — Uxmal Ruins and Kabah. 

Because the Uxmal Ruins are a bit farther from the more popular tourist areas, they’re generally much less crowded than Chichen Itza .

I had the chance to see both Chichen and Uxmal. Carlos was our driver and he was amazing! The guides are also amazing!   -heriberto ( see more reviews )

After soaking in all the knowledge of the ruins and enjoying a stroll through the chocolate museum, you’ll get to cool off in one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area, Cenote Kankirinche. 

You’ll make your way back from these Merida tours Mexico reminiscing on a unique and personalized day. If you ask me, it’s even better than Merida cenote tours , as you get a chance to immerse yourself in all of the attractions in the area in one day. 

8. Uxmal Tour, Chocolate Museum & Traditional Yucatan Food Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 3 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Don’t want to spend a full day sightseeing? This 3-hour Uxmal tour from Merida is perfect for you. 

No need to worry about Merida Uxmal buses or taxis—this experience provides private transportation for two to Uxmal, the Chocolate Museum, and a traditional lunch.

Tickets to each Uxmal Merida Mexico experience aren’t provided, so be sure to add that to the cost.

This was a lovely day! Our host was attentive to our needs, and ensured that everything went smoothly. Uxmal was beautiful , we learned a lot and had fun doing it! -laura ( see more reviews )

On this Ruins Merida Uxmal tour, you’ll learn about one of the most well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in the region, the history and process of cocoa, and end it with a delicious lunch.

If you’re looking for the perfect private transportation to visit Uxmal from Merida, this is the perfect Uxmal Merida Mexico tours option.

9. Uxmal Ruins Tour, Cenote Swim & Traditional Mexican Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 4.70 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 6 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW

Getting to Uxmal from Merida is easy with this Uxmal Ruins Tour, Cenote Swim, and Traditional Mexican Lunch . 

Turn your day into an individualized tour with this trip to Uxmal Ruins, a cenote, and a delicious Mexican lunch.

Very nice program, reliable, friendly and pleasant host and very good meal typical of the region. We did it with two young teenagers and recommend it unreservedly. -marieve ( see more reviews )

Though tours to Uxmal are not nearly as crowded as tours to Chichen Itza from Merida , you’ll still wake up bright and early in the morning to go! You’ll start your day at 8 am where your host, Bricio, will pick you up and bring you to the ruins. 

Bricio has been sharing his homeland with visitors for ten years now, so you’ll be in great hands! 

After your tour of the ancient pyramids and statues, you’ll get to swim in a cenote — a stunning clearwater sinkhole, before finishing off your day with an authentic Mexican lunch. 

Best Way to Get from Merida to Uxmal

To answer the How do I get from Merida to Uxmal? or how to get to Uxmal? question frankly: You have three good options (tour, rental car and bus), and one bad option (taxi/Uber).

📍Remember that Merida to Uxmal distance is around 51.8 mi (83.4 km).

Exploring ways travel from Merida to Uxmal offers a variety of options, from bus rides to bike tours. Here’s a rundown on the best ways to get from Merida to Uxmal Ruins, and the worst way.

Merida to Uxmal Tours (Easiest Option)

I’m of the opinion that the easiest, safest, most hassle-free and best way to visit is with a tour Uxmal Merida. If you need a suggestion, this Uxmal Ruins, Kabah Ruins & Cenote Sambula Tour from Merida is my pick for best Merida to Uxmal tour.

I’ve been to Uxmal on a tour and on my own, and the tour brought Uxmal Ruins to life because that’s exactly what an amazing guide does — and if you think about it, you’re essentially just looking at some rocks without an explanation (no offense to rocks 🗿). 

Merida to Uxmal Drive via Rental Car

This is the fastest and easiest way to get to Uxmal from Merida on your own, so if you’re planning on renting a car in Merida — Merida to Uxmal driving is a smart choice!

Merida day trips and Yucatan road trips are a great way to see a lot of sites in a short amount of time. I’ve done several road trips in Yucatan Mexico, and can’t recommend this enough, especially if you enjoy off-the-beaten-track travel.

Once you get your rental car in Merida, just follow these directions to get from Merida to Uxmal Ruins. It’s a safe and easy drive on a paved and well-maintained highway through the Yucatan jungle.

Is there parking at Uxmal Ruins?

Yes — There is a large parking lot right in front of the ruins. As a Yucatan off-the-beaten-path destination, you should have no trouble with Uxmal parking, no matter when you visit.

How much is parking at Uxmal Ruins?

If you want to park in the Uxmal parking lot, it’s $80 pesos (about $5 USD) . However, I’ve heard you can park for free across the street at the Uxmal Planetarium and ChocoStory Museum (AKA Uxmal Chocolate Museum), though I haven’t done it myself.

Merida to Uxmal Bus

Want to take the bus from Merida to Uxmal? It’s totally doablet to travel via bus, and only about a 1.5-2 hour ride each way. I’ve taken Merida public transportation to Uxmal, and it was pretty straightforward.

While you can usually buy your tickets online with BusBud or a similar site, that’s sadly not the case for the Merida to Uxmal bus trip.

For this Uxmal Merida bus route, you will need to purchase tickets in person at the Merida ADO bus station, AKA the main Merida bus terminal in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown Merida). This station is often abbreviated as CAME or TAME.

🗺 Head here for a visual on Google Map, or you can navigate to the Terminal Ado Merida bus station address at Calle 70 #555, Centro, Mérida, Yucatan, 97000.

What Merida Uxmal Bus do I take?

The only bus company doing the bus Merida to Uxmal route is Autobuses Sur bus line (Sur Bus Mérida Uxmal), and the Merida Uxmal autobus departure times are 6am, 9am, 12pm and 3:30pm.

You should be able to just show up about 30 minutes early and you’ll be able to buy autobus Merida Uxmal ticket without any issue. However, if you want control over your seat selection, you can buy your Uxmal bus tickets a day before to make sure you get the seat you want. 

⚠️ Be aware that even though you can pre-book your ticket from Merida to Uxmal, you don’t be able to do that for the trip back to Merida.

If you don’t care, just show up at the bus taxi station on the day you plan to visit Uxmal Ruins and buy your ticket at the Autobuses Sur counter.

How long is the bus from Mérida to Uxmal?

In normal traffic, the autobus Merida Uxmal from Merida to Uxmal Ruins takes about two hours. This is longer than it takes to drive yourself because the bus makes a few stops in some small towns along the way.

Is it easy to get the Uxmal to Merida bus?

This part was a little more hectic than the bus to Uxmal from Merida for several reasons, which I’ll list below. However, my experience with the Uxmal to Merida bus was reason enough for me to book this tour the next time I went to Uxmal.

1. First, you can’t buy a ticket in advance , so when the bus came, it was a free-for-all. If you get on the bus when it comes, you will need to pay the driver, so make sure you have $85 pesos cash with you to cover this. 

2. Second, is the confusing Uxmal to Merida bus schedule . There are only one or two buses going from Uxmal to Merida each day — and no one really knows the schedule. I was told the bus definitely comes at 3:15pm each day, but it was closer to 4:15pm when it finally showed up.

3. Third, this was not a large comfy bus like the one you will take from Merida to Uxmal. Rather, this is a Uxmal to Merida colectivo, or shared van that seats about 12-15 passengers (hence why it was a free-for-all for seats).

Thanks to my boyfriend pushing our way through, we did get seats, but others weren’t as lucky.

If you don’t get a seat, your best option is to head inside the Choco-Story Museum (which is located across the street from Uxmal, and where you catch the bus from Uxmal Ruins to Merida), and ask them to call you a cab.

You’re not likely to find a taxi car driver who will take you all the way back to Merida, and if you do, expect to pay about $800-1,000 MXN ($45-55 USD). Nevertheless, you can take a taxi to the Muna ADO bus station . From there, you’ll find a colectivo van back to Merida.

Don’t forget, you’ll have to take the bus from Uxmal to Merida at the end of the day as well. If taking the bus from Merida to Uxmal (and back) sounds like it’s not for you (just like it’s not for me), then I recommend you book this tour so you know you’ll make it back to Merida in the most stress-free way possible.

Merida to Uxmal Taxi or Uber

Wondering, How much is a taxi from Merida to Uxmal? — and furthermore, Is it a good idea to take a Merida to Uxmal taxi? 🧐

No , this is not a good idea 🙅🏻‍♀️, and I’ll explain why:

A one-way taxi or Uber from Merida to Uxmal Ruins will run you about $800-1,000 pesos 🤯($45-55 USD), so you’re looking at $90-110 USD for round trip transportation, which is more than what most tours cost.

Keep in mind that this is only the cost of the drive there. On the flip side Merida Yucatan tours will also include a local guide, your entry to Uxmal Ruins, a meal, and usually a stop at another noteworthy site, like the cenotes and pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns).

While getting a Merida to Uxmal taxi or Merida to Uxmal Uber isn’t that difficult, this is not always the case for the return trip. For this return drive, you’d not be able to get an Uber at all, and keep in mind that not all taxis in Mexico are very comfortable . 

❌ In short: I never recommend anyone go for this option.

If you’re on a budget, opt for this budget-friendly Merida to Uxmal tour , which includes A LOT for only about $80 USD per person! While prices can vary for the cost depending on the season, this is the best cheap Merida to Uxmal tour I know of.

🚊 P.S. If you are wondering about a Merida to Uxmal train option, there isn’t one!

Visiting Uxmal Facts & FAQ

Where is uxmal located.

Uxmal is located in the Yucatan state within the Yucatan Peninsula. This is one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, along with Quintana Roo state and Campeche state.

Uxmal is located near the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, though because of the roadways, it’s quite far from many popular Yucatan destinations like Tulum , Cancun , Riviera Maya , Playa del Carmen .

The closest city to Uxmal is Merida, which is about 1-1.5 hours away by car. While Uxmal makes for a great Merida day trip, you can also stay the night in one of these best Uxmal hotels located near the ruins.

How do I get from Merida to Uxmal?

If you’re not going on one of these best tours , you can easily drive to Uxmal in your Merida rental car , or take the bus from Merida to Chichen Itza. These are pretty much your only options as far as how to get to Umxal from Merida.

What’s the distance from Merida to Uxmal?

Merida is about 52 miles (83 km) from Uxmal Mayan Ruins.

So now you know how far is Uxmal from Merida one thing you should note is that even though total the distance Merida Uxmal is not that much, it can feel like forever, depending on what transportation option you choose. 

What’s the Merida to Uxmal drive time?

The Merida to Uxmal drive takes about 1-1.5 hours in normal traffic by car, but the bus is closer to 1.5-2 hours since it makes some stops along the way. You can use this Google Maps route to get a visual on the drive.

Is it safe to drive from Mérida to Uxmal?

Yes — This is considered an easy, safe drive. It’s basically just two roads you need to take when driving from Merida to Uxmal; Carretera Costa del Golfo southeast (Highway 180) to Carretera Uman-Hopelchen south (Highway 281), which goes to Uxmal.

Can you visit Uxmal on your own?

Yes — You can visit Uxmal on your own, and don’t need a tour. However, a qualified guide will bring this ancient Mayan site to life for you, making for an experience you won’t ever forget. If you only plan to visit Uxmal once in your life, spring for this guide . 

What is Uxmal famous for?

Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most important Mayan sites in Mexico . It is also one of the best examples of the Puuc style of architecture, and one of the sites on La Ruta Puuc, or the Puuc Route.

This is why a Ruta Puuc Tour Merida option is a great idea.

What is the Puuc Route?

The Puuc Route is a 37-mile-long (60 km) stretch of road that goes from Uxmal Ruins to the Loltún Caves. Along it, you can see all the Mayan Puuc sites: Uxmal, Kabah Ruins, Sayil Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, and Labná Ruins.

Why was Uxmal important to the Mayans?

In its heyday around the 7th Century, Uxmal housed about 25,000 people . It was a center for astronomy, commerce and education, and showcased the unique Puuc architecture style on its many structures. 

What are some Uxmal fun facts?

1. The Uxmal Dwarf King: It is said that a dwarf king built the entire city of Uxmal in one night, and all by himself. There is also a Maya legend called The Dwarf-Wizard of Uxmal , which takes place in Uxmal.

2. Thrice-built: The word Uxmal comes from the Mayan word, Oxmal, meaning “thrice-built” or “three times built.” This references the Pyramid of the Magician (El Adivino), the largest Uxmal pyramid, which kept being built higher and higher on top of existing pyramids.

3. Rain God Chaac : The main deity worshiped at Uxmal was the Mayan rain god, Chaac. Built far from any freshwater sources, they had to collect rainwater in huge cisterns to sustain the city — and performed many rituals and offerings to Chaac to keep the rains coming.

Is Uxmal worth visiting?

Yes — As one of the coolest Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s absolutely worth seeing these important Mayan ruins in Yucatan.

Uxmal ranks as one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites ever discovered in Mexico, along with Palenque Ruins in Chiapas, Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins and Calakmul Mayan Ruins in Campeche state.

Chichen Itza vs Uxmal: Is Chichen Itza or Uxmal better?

They are both very important and interesting, but unlike Chichen Itza, you can climb the Uxmal Pyramids, which can make the Uxmal site more appealing. Uxmal is also a lot less touristy and less crowded, which can add to the authenticity of your experience.

How much is the entrance fee to Uxmal?

Currently, the Uxmal entrance fee costs $499 MXN pesos (about $28 USD) for foreigners, though Mexican citizens and locals from Yucatan state pay less.

⚠️ Note: Mexican citizens get free entry to Uxmal on Sundays, so Sundays are always the most crowded day to visit Uxmal.

What’s the best time to visit the Uxmal Ruins?

While you can visit Uxmal year-round, the weather is much more pleasant in Yucatan from about November to March .

What are the Uxmal opening hours?

Uxmal Mayan Ruins are open daily from 9am-5pm . They do not sell tickets past 4pm, so you must be entering Uxmal by that time or you won’t be allowed in.

How long does it take to visit Uxmal?

2 hours — You can tour the entire Uxmal site at a leisurely pace in about two hours. However, if you’re deeply fascinated by Mayan history, or you’re an architecture, art, and/or history buff, give yourself three hours.

Final Thoughts: Best Merida to Uxmal Tours

We’ve reached the end, and I hope this article helped you find the best Uxmal tours from Merida Mexico. Still unsure which one to pick? I’m here to help!

I recommend this Tour to Uxmal Ruins, Kabah Ruins & Cenote Sambula — which has a near-perfect 5-star rating and includes a tour guide, cenote swim, Yucatan food lunch and round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van.

Going on a tour is a fun way to see this important site. As much of what’s significant about Uxmal isn’t visible to the naked eye, your guide will give you fascinating insights into one of the best Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Merida Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Merida?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Merida?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?

For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb! ( Read more )

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

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• Progreso Excursions
• Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins Excursion S3694

Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins Excursion

Progreso (yucatan), mexico (excursion id s3694).

• Duration 6 hours
• Activity Level Moderate
• Minimum Age All Ages
• Languages EN | ES

Description

• Meeting Point
• Restrictions

Cancellation

• Round-trip transportation from your Progreso terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified shore excursion guide!
• Entrance fee to Uxmal Mayan ruins!
• Snack bag - fresh fruit, cereal bar, a bag of chips, and orange or apple juice!
• Explore the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal!
• Learn the history of the Pyramid of the Dwarf!

On this Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins Full Day Excursion, you'll explore the beauty, mystery, and sanctity of one of the world's greatest reflections of ancient Mayan civilization. Bring your curiosity, imagination, and camera to capture the memories that will last a lifetime.

Once your ship has docked in Progreso, you will meet the guide right outside the terminal. Upon meeting your professional, English-speaking guide, you will board the comfortable, air-conditioned transportation for the hour ride to Uxmal. As you make your journey deep into the heart of the Yucatan, your guide will provide insight into the Mayan culture, Uxmal ruins, and the entire peninsula. As an excellent reflection of Mayan architecture, Uxmal has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Following the "Sacbe's", and ancient roads made from white crushed stone, you will encounter the intricately carved facades, plazas, and pyramids on the grounds that make this such a special place. In addition to the palace of the Governor, Ball Court, House of Turtles, and Nun's Quadrangle, you will visit the Pyramid of the Dwarf, said to have been magically constructed overnight by a dwarf in response to a challenge issued by the governor/ruler of Uxmal as noted by author John Stephen's in his book "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan". Heightening the mystery and sanctity of Uxmal, it is said Chaac, the Mayan god of rain, delivered a sudden torrential downpour out of clear blue skies during the site's grand opening as the sound system rendered a Mayan prayer beckoning him. 

Upon the completion of this guided Progreso excursion, your guide will lead you back to your transportation back to your Progreso cruise terminal.

What is included?

• Round-trip transportation from your Progreso terminal
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation
• English-speaking certified shore excursion guide
• Entrance fee to Uxmal Mayan ruins
• Explore the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal
• Learn the history of the Pyramid of the Dwarf

Excursion Notes

• The Mexican government charges a $5.00 USD fee for the use of video equipment inside the ruins (no tripods).
• We recommend bringing along a hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and cash for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.
• Please note that you are part of a group and may need to wait for others to arrive.

Where we meet

For this Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins and Lunch Excursion, you will meet outside your pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• There is a lot of walking required on this excursion and not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
• This excursion does not allow any wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or strollers.

Excursion FAQ

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.

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Progreso uxmal mayan ruins excursion experiences, this excursion is available to everybody and specially designed to accommodate passengers of the following cruise lines.

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Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins Excursion Reviews

Uxmal, is an impressive set of ruins, easily ranking among the top Mayan archaeological sites. Come and enjoy this Progreso Uxmal Mayan Ruins Full Day Excursion and learn about the Mayan culture and its mysteries.

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Uxmal Mayan Ruins: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Phenomenal Ruins of Uxmal: Discover the beautiful Mayan City of Uxmal, (pronounced Ush-Mal), considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Mayan world. Most of the architecture visible today was built between about 700 and 1100. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Uxmal is well worth seeing if you are in the Yucatan. Structures: Explore the magic of this ancient city including the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Nun’s Quadrangle, Temple de los Falos, Nunnery Quadrangle, Governor’s Palace, Ball Court, House of the Turtles and many more. Meal on Wheels: Enjoy a boxed lunch as you board the motorcoach for your return journey to the ship. What’s Included:

• Lunch Box: Ham and cheese sandwich, granola bar, a piece of fruit, and bottled water (1 per person.

Requirements & Restrictions: For safety reasons, pregnant women and guests with back or neck injuries, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, or limited mobility may not participate on this excursion. What to Bring: Cash or credit/debit cards for additional purchases. Good to Know: Travel time to Uxmal will be an informative 1 hour and 45-minute drive. The motorcoach is equipped with a restroom and air conditioning. This is an active excursion involving a lot of walking. The Mexican government charges a $5 fee for the use of video equipment inside the ruins (tripods, screens or professional video cameras are not allowed).

What is Uxmal?

Uxmal is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Yucatan and the largest ancient settlement in the PUUC region. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

The name Uxmal comes from the Yucatecan Mayan and has several possible meanings. One of them comes from the word ux , meaning "harvest the fruit", and mal , meaning "prosperous place." In other words, it refers to a region where the harvest is plentiful, which corresponds to the agricultural wealth of the Puuc territory. Another possible meaning of Uxmal is given by the conjunction of the word ox, meaning "three" and the word mal , meaning “number of times a job or a task is repeated". In conclusion, the meaning of Uxmal can be 'thrice built or occupied." This is the most accepted and used meaning.

The monumental architecture found in Uxmal , the design of their city and the extraordinary beauty of its buildings, have enabled scholars to suppose that culture was the most important settlement in the Puuc region and one of the most important sites the Maya area and Mesoamerica. As with other Maya sites, archaeologists have been able to date different periods of occupation due to constructive evidence.

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We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

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We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

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At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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