From Merida: Izamal and Santa Barbara Cenotes With Lunch

Exploring the vibrant city of Izamal and the captivating cenotes of Santa Barbara offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Yucatan. This full-day excursion from Merida promises a well-rounded experience, catering to both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With convenient hotel pickup, guided tours, and a delectable local lunch, the tour provides a seamless and enjoyable way to discover the hidden gems of this enchanting region. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the cenotes, offering a refreshing respite and a chance to connect with the region’s natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Lunch Experiences In Merida.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Merida exploring the historic city of Izamal and swimming in four stunning cenotes near Santa Barbara.
• Includes guided tours in English and Spanish, hotel pickup, transportation, entry fees, and a local lunch.
• Spend 2 hours exploring the iconic yellow buildings, ancient ruins, and Izamal convent, followed by 4.5 hours of cenote swimming.
• Flexible options such as bike or mule-drawn cart rides available during the cenote portion of the tour.
• Tour is priced at CZK 2,757 per person and has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on customer reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion to explore the historic city of Izamal and swim in four captivating cenotes near Santa Barbara, including transportation, a guided tour, and a delicious lunch.

Lasting around 9 hours, the tour costs from CZK 2,757 per person and is available in both English and Spanish. Pickup from your hotel or hostel in Mérida is included.

You’ll visit the iconic yellow buildings, climb ancient ruins, and tour the Izamal convent before traveling to the Homun region to swim in four stunning cenotes.

During the cenote portion, you can choose to ride a bike or take a mule-pulled cart. Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees, and safety equipment are all provided.

Activity and Duration

This guided tour combines visits to the historic city of Izamal and a series of captivating cenotes near Santa Barbara, lasting around 9 hours in total.

The day starts with a scenic drive from Merida to Izamal, where you’ll spend 2 hours exploring the town’s iconic yellow buildings, ancient ruins, and the impressive convent.

Next, you’ll head to the cenotes of Santa Barbara, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in 4 different natural sinkholes over 4.5 hours. You can choose to explore the cenotes by bike or opt for a mule-pulled cart ride.

After your aquatic adventure, you’ll enjoy a local lunch before the return journey to Merida.

Pricing and Languages

Priced from Kč2,757 per person, this full-day tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a Spanish-speaking local or an English-speaking tourist, you can fully learn about the cultural and natural wonders of Izamal and the Santa Barbara cenotes.

Tour Details	Price (per person)	Language Options
Izamal & Santa Barbara Cenotes with Lunch	Kč2,757	English, Spanish
Entrance Fees	Included	N/A
Transportation	Included	N/A
Guided Tour	Included	English, Spanish
Lunch	Included	N/A

This comprehensive package ensures that language barriers never get in the way of your enjoyment, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories during your Yucatán adventure.

Pickup and Itinerary

Pickup begins at your hotel or hostel in Mérida’s city center, where the tour will whisk you away on a 70-minute journey to the historic town of Izamal.

Once there, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the town’s iconic yellow buildings, climb the ancient ruins, and discover the beautiful convent.

Afterward, you’ll travel to the cenotes of Santa Barbara in Homun, a 55-minute drive away.

Over the next 4.5 hours, you’ll have the chance to swim in these natural swimming holes, with the option to ride a bike or take a mule-pulled cart to reach them.

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Inclusions

The tour includes a tasty lunch at the Santa Barbara restaurant, as well as hotel/hostel pickup and drop-off within Mérida’s city center.

Plus, entry to the Santa Barbara cenotes, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and use of bikes and life vests are all provided.

Beverages are also included to keep you hydrated during the swimming portion of the tour.

With these inclusions, you can fully learn about the natural beauty of the cenotes without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

The tour’s comprehensive offerings ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Cancellation and What to Bring

With flexible cancellation policies, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing travelers to plan with confidence. Participants should come prepared with swimwear, a towel, and cash on hand, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

To make the most of the experience, travelers should consider the following:

1. Bring a swimsuit and towel to fully enjoy the cenotes.

2. Carry cash for any additional purchases or tips during the tour.

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves some sightseeing on foot.

The tour’s thoughtful inclusions and hassle-free cancellation policy ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have consistently praised the tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Past participants have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the tour’s well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides.

Visitors appreciated the opportunity to explore the historic town of Izamal, climb the ruins, and enjoy the vibrant yellow architecture.

The chance to swim in the four stunning cenotes was a particular highlight, with the option to cycle or ride in a mule-drawn cart adding to the adventure.

Reviewers also commended the included lunch, which allowed them to refuel and enjoy the local cuisine.

Booking Information

How can travelers book this tour?

Travelers can reserve their spot now without payment by checking availability for specific dates and times. The booking process is simple and straightforward:

1. Visit the tour provider’s website or contact them directly to check the availability for your desired travel dates.

2. Select the tour option and the number of participants, then complete the booking form to secure your reservation.

3. No payment is required upfront, allowing you to book your spot and arrange the rest of your travel plans with flexibility.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience exploring the historical town of Izamal and swimming in the captivating cenotes near Santa Barbara.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Deep Are the Cenotes?

The depth of the cenotes can vary significantly, ranging from shallow pools just a few feet deep to cavernous underground water systems that can extend dozens of feet or more. The specific depths depend on the individual cenote’s geological formation.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes lunch at the Santa Barbara restaurant, but you can supplement this with their own snacks and beverages if desired.

Are the Cenotes Suitable for Non-Swimmers?

The cenotes are suitable for non-swimmers, as life vests are provided. However, participants should be comfortable in the water as the cenotes can be deep in parts. Those who cannot swim may want to consider an alternative activity.

Can We Take Professional Photography Equipment?

The tour allows visitors to bring professional photography equipment for use at the cenotes and other sites. However, participants should ensure the equipment can be safely transported and used without disrupting the tour or other guests.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour and enjoy the activities even if they are the only participant. The tour is flexible and accommodates solo travelers.

Recap

This full-day excursion from Mérida provides a chance to explore the vibrant yellow buildings and ancient ruins of Izamal.

Following this exploration, participants can enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the stunning Santa Barbara cenotes.

With convenient hotel pickup, a delicious local lunch, and the option to bike or ride a mule-drawn cart, this tour offers a comprehensive and memorable experience, guided in English or Spanish.

You can check if your dates are available here: