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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Calle 66 497, Merida, Yucatan, 97000, Mexico
View on Google MapsWe booked the Dzibilchaltún Mayan Ruins & Beach Break Excursion based on the online description, but the experience did not match what was promised and felt like a bait and switch. Before the tour even started, communication was confusing. The listing said the tour began at 9:00 AM, but when I reached out to confirm the meeting point, I was told 8:30 AM instead. We arrived at 8:30 and no one was there. A nearby store had to call the company for us, and someone eventually showed up and redirected us to another location. At the second location, we were told to wait for transportation. Instead of the comfortable, air-conditioned transport described online, the four of us were asked to squeeze into a small Chevy sedan. It was very tight and not clean. The driver was polite, but this was not appropriate transportation for a paid tour. We were driven about 20 minutes to the ruins. The driver paid the entrance fee (400 MXN total for the four of us), but there was no guide provided, despite the tour description stating otherwise. We had to pay an additional guide at the ruins ourselves. That guide, to be clear, was excellent and the ruins themselves were amazing—but this was not included as advertised. After about two hours, we were taken to the “beach break.” This was not a beach club as described. It was simply a few tables on the beach. Drinks were made from a cooler, and food was fetched by running across the street to other restaurants. This was nothing close to the private, relaxing beach club experience promised. Overall, I could have saved money and had a far better experience by going directly to the ruins on my own and then visiting Progreso Beach to eat at a proper restaurant with better service. I’m honestly not sure what our money went toward. I would not recommend this booking. The lack of organization, misleading description, and downgraded experience made this feel like a classic bait and switch.
$85
per personPricing
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Specialized infant seats are available, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Minimum age is 18 years, May be operated by a multi-lingual guide, At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
This excursion was nice but a little disconcerting as they changed plans on it frequently. The ruins and guide were very nice. The beach they took us to was unremarkable except that there were so so many shells on it. That part was very cool. I have never seen so many shells in one place at a time.
We did both get to take the tour we booked. I want to start by saying our tour guide, Toni, was great and helped make the day as good as could be for us, but we did not get the tour we paid for. Upon arrival to the meeting location we were told that the ruin site we were scheduled to visit was not open at this time. Instead they took us to another site, which was nice but not nearly as impressive as the site we’re were supposed to see. My husband and I have visited Dzibilchaltún before and were excited to take our daughters there, especially to swim in the sinkhole. The backup ruin site was interesting, but just not the same experience we were expecting. The second half of our tour was supposed to be at Silcer Beach Club where we would have had pools and beach access. Silcer Beach Club was supposed to be more of an “all inclusive” type of experience with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Instead, we were dropped off at a restaurant on a dirty public beach where lunch cost us an extra $150. All in all, I’m super disappointed with the excursion experience we got and would not likely book with this company or tour guide again. I gave a two star rating because our tour guide was quite nice and taught us a lot about the Mayan culture.
Not up to expectations. Did not go to the ruins advertised (Dzibichaltun) due to what was explained as a non-payment by the vendor, instead was taken to Xcambo ruins. The pickup spot was somewhat confusing and hard to find despitethe instructions. The tour guide (Tony) did his best and was friendly but spoke very little english. Not much to see at flamingo location and Myan salt production area. Disappointing would not recommend this tour.
Great tour guide that adjusted our itinerary- with our consent - due to an issue out of their control.
We decided to visit the site on our own, so took a taxi from Merida. The ruins are very old dating from 600BC. They are small and well worth having a guide as he can explain everything to you about the buildings. The open chapel which was built of stones from the original buildings is interesting, it self a ruin, was being worked on by the conservators. The cenote is polluted therefore it is not possible to swim in it any more The echoes in the main square really do,sound like the quetzals. The most important building is the building of the 7 dolls.the window at the top was strategically placed for the solstices and the moon. The ruins were not very busy. We took about 2 hours
We were disappointed that the museum and cenote were closed, but our guide improvised and did a fantastic job. We really enjoyed spending our time with Carlos. He was great!! He even spoke Mayan!
Was not very impressed. The cenote was closed and they didn't reduce the price of admission. The museum was also closed. We did not get a guide but the ruins were not that impressive. There are a lot better options in the area.
If you’re looking for fancy and glamour, this tour is not it BUT if you want friendly, flexible, fun and knowledgeable this is the group for you! We had a great experience on a private tour. The tour guides were laid back and personable and extremely accommodating. The van was old and AC wasn’t great but that didn’t bother us.
I had the absolute best time! Our tour guide, Adam, is not just a local but also a full fledged Archaeologist! He kept the 30-40min bus ride very entertaining with his plethora of knowledge, while mixing in a few jokes and stories. Bus itself was comfy and driven by a delightful driver, Toni. The Mayan ruins were incredible! To stand in the same location as the ancient Mayans is really a once in a lifetime experience. You can climb up several of the temples/structures and get some amazing photos/viewpoints. There's even temples that haven't been excavated yet, which gives you an idea of just how hard it is to find these buildings initially. Adam gives you a guided tour (about 40min), and it happy to continue giving you information about the wonderful area, and you're free to look around on your own for the rest of the time. The Sun temple, while closed to climbing, was cool to see. There's an interesting natural spring, around the size of a large swimming pool, filled with an abundance of fish who will gladly give your feet a soft spa pedicure (warning: it tickles like crazy). Weather was perfect! 80 degress and clear, I highly suggest you go in Fall and avoid the heat of Summer. Bring some sunscreen and bug spray, as you would anywhere else that Nature exists. The beach portion of trip was a lot of fun. A brief walk (about a city block) and we arrived a nice beachfront local restaurant, to enjoy roughly 90min of open bar time. Some drinks are pre-made in large batches, but everything is clean and sanitary. Cups are around 12oz, but you can easily order multiple and "double" for stronger drinks. There were a few local vendors wandering around the area (the beach is public after all) that will approach you. They're trying to make a living of course. But a kind "No" and wave of your hand (as Adam instructs you), and they will pass you by. Never did I once feel crowded by them. The staff was very kind and the prices on food was quite reasonable, akin to average prices of most Mexican restaurants back home. Food was both great and interesting! You're given free chips n' salsa, beans, and a small veggie plate, but can order more food. Bartenders were super friendly and the DJ kept the music going and even did a fun ring toss game! Beach itself was pretty. Water had a little bit of algae but wasn't gross. There are some sharp shells in the water (because it's a beach), so make sure you wear flip flops,etc. There were some seagulls, but that's simply nature for you. Just make sure you cover your plates if you get up, and every once in a while one bird might get brave and land on the table. Just DON'T feed them. You'll regret it. Overall, best Archaeological experience ever! Ruins and rum! You couldn't ask for more.
