Merida AND Mayan ruins?

[LCW]

Will be in port Nov 8th. Looking for a tour that does both Mayan Ruins and a short tour of Merida. Arriving on Carnival Elation.

 

We've done Tulum, Chitzen Itza and Coba. Do we really need to see more ruins?:confused: Will the benefit outweigh misisng Merida?

[hdawson]

Why bother with a tour/excursion? Local, modern bus service to Merida is $3.00 RT. Easy to do and very safe. The Merida bus terminal is two or three blocks from the central plaza and the historical sites. Plenty of good eateries, ice cream parlor with great tropical flavors and archetecure from the mid 1400s and the oldest cathedral of the Americas, the state governor's bldg, etc. And then there is the carriage rides out onto the upscale Montejo Paseo blvd (50 min/$20). Merida's population is approaching one million and is a vibrant and busy city which also lends itself to great relaxation.

[WilliamLawson]

If you are iffy about seeing Uxmal, then don't do it. The time will be better spent in Merida. If you go to Uxmal, time in Merida will consist of a drive through visit. Not enough time to do both reasonably well, IMHO.

 

Happy planning!

[LCW]

If you are iffy about seeing Uxmal, then don't do it. The time will be better spent in Merida. If you go to Uxmal, time in Merida will consist of a drive through visit. Not enough time to do both reasonably well, IMHO.

 

What about DZ or Xcambo? Could we do one of those AND Merida?

[WilliamLawson]

What about DZ or Xcambo? Could we do one of those AND Merida?

 

Yes, definitely. Dzibilchaltun and Merida are part of a AutoProgreso tour you can book right there in Progreso. I believe Xcambo is a little further out of the way, since you head off down the coast for about 45 minutes, visit the site and then have to come back those 45 minutes to Progreso and THEN head to Merida, another 30 minutes away in a different direction. Traffic can make the drive to downtown Merida longer as well. The advantage to the Dzibilchaltun/Merida combo is that it is on the same highway/route unlike Xcambo.

 

Also keep in mind that the museum at Dzibilchaltun is closed until further notice for much needed maintenance. Read about it: http://www.lawsonsyucatan.com/2010/01/14/dzibilchaltun-museum-is-an-embarassment/

 

Happy planning!