Oxkintok Ancient Puuc + Becal Jipi Japa Artisan + Cenote

The Oxkintok Ancient Puuc tour offers an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Maya site, admiring the intricate stone carvings that reveal the sophistication of the civilization. After this archaeological adventure, the tour takes guests to the artisan workshop in Becal, where they’ll learn about the traditional craft of Jipi Japa hat-making and its sustainable practices. The day culminates with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote San Ignacio, providing a perfect balance of cultural enrichment and relaxation. There’s more to discover in this captivating itinerary.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Oxkintok, known for their well-preserved structures and intricate stone carvings from the Classic period.
• Witness the traditional craft of Jipi Japa hat-making at the artisan workshop in Becal, and learn about its cultural significance.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote San Ignacio, providing a rejuvenating break during the tour.
• This comprehensive 8.5-hour excursion from Mérida includes round-trip transportation, certified guide, and all entrance fees.
• Flexible pickup options and a free cancellation policy ensure a smooth and customizable experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does this tour offer? This 8.5-hour excursion from Mérida allows you to visit Oxkintok, an ancient Puuc archaeological site, and Becal, an artisan workshop for making Jipi Japa hats.

You’ll also have the chance to swim in a refreshing cenote. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a certified guide, bottled water, and entrance fees.

While children under 2, wheelchair users, and those with medical conditions may not be able to participate, the tour offers a chance to explore Yucatecan history, culture, and natural wonders.

With flexible pickup options and a free cancellation policy, this tour provides a convenient way to experience the highlights of the region.

Activity and Duration

This 8.5-hour excursion from Mérida offers visitors the chance to explore Oxkintok, an ancient Puuc archaeological site, and witness the traditional craft of Jipi Japa hat-making in Becal.

At Oxkintok, guests will embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour, discovering the ruins and learning about the site’s history.

Next, they’ll visit an artisan workshop in Becal, spending 1.5 hours observing the intricate process of creating these iconic hats.

The tour culminates with a 2-hour break at the stunning Cenote San Ignacio, where travelers can swim and enjoy a refreshing swim.

With round-trip transportation, certified guides, and all entrance fees included, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive cultural experience.

Pricing and Cancellation

The tour package is priced at $104.02 per person, providing good value for the comprehensive experience offered.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving travelers flexibility.

The tour’s duration of 8.5 hours allows ample time to explore the Oxkintok archaeological site, visit the Becal artisan workshop, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cenote.

The tour is available in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

Pickup Details

Mérida serves as the pickup location for this tour.

Pickup starts 40 minutes before the activity, and the tour company will contact you the night before with an estimated pickup time.

If you’re not staying in the pickup zone, there are options available for non-pickup accommodations.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup location in Mérida.
2. Pickup time 40 minutes before the activity.
3. Contact the night before for estimated pickup time.
4. Options for non-pickup zone accommodations.

This ensures a smooth start to your adventure as you explore Oxkintok, Becal, and the refreshing cenote.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Archaeological Site Visit

After the pickup from Mérida, the tour heads to Oxkintok, an ancient Puuc Maya archaeological site.

The group enjoys a guided tour of the ruins, learning about the site’s history and architecture. Oxkintok dates back to the Classic period and features well-preserved structures, including temples, palaces, and plazas.

Visitors can explore the site, taking in the impressive stone carvings and intricate details that showcase the sophistication of the Puuc Maya civilization.

The tour allows ample time for guests to wander and take in the atmosphere of this remarkable archaeological gem, seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Artisan Workshop

Following the visit to the ancient Oxkintok site, the tour then moves on to the town of Becal.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of Jipi Japa hat making at an artisan workshop. This traditional craft has been passed down for generations and is a source of pride for the local community.

Visitors can expect:

1. An informative guided tour of the workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate the techniques used to create these distinctive hats.
2. The chance to interact with the artisans and learn about the cultural significance of this craft.
3. The opportunity to purchase handmade Jipi Japa hats as unique souvenirs.
4. Insight into the sustainable practices and attention to detail that go into the production of these artisanal products.

Cenote Swimming

Next, the tour visits the captivating Cenote San Ignacio, where participants enjoy a refreshing break, indulge in a provided lunch, and have the opportunity to swim in the tranquil waters.

The cenote, a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water, offers a serene and rejuvenating environment. Swimmers are required to wear life jackets for safety.

After exploring the depth and beauty of the cenote, visitors can relax, refuel, and prepare for the journey back to Mérida.

The cenote swim provides a welcomed respite from the day’s activities, allowing guests to enjoy the natural wonder of the Yucatan peninsula.

What to Expect

The tour begins with a convenient pickup service from Mérida, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventures.

Travelers can expect the following during the Oxkintok, Becal, and cenote excursion:

1. A guided tour of the ancient Mayan ruins at Oxkintok, where the group will uncover the site’s rich history and architectural wonders.

2. A visit to an artisan workshop in Becal, showcasing the traditional craft of Jipi Japa hat-making.

3. A refreshing break at the Cenote San Ignacio, where guests can swim and cool off in the crystal-clear waters.

4. Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable, bilingual guides to enhance the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour, and they’ll be joined by other travelers. The tour can accommodate single travelers or small groups without any restrictions on group size.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Cenote?

The tour doesn’t allow guests to bring their own food or drinks to the cenote. However, there’s a break time scheduled during the visit where participants can purchase lunch and refreshments.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Archaeological Site Visit?

The tour has no age restrictions for the archaeological site visit. However, it’s not recommended for children under 2 due to the nature of the activities and locations. Visitors should check with the tour provider for any additional age-related policies.

Is It Possible to Extend the Time at the Cenote?

The tour includes 2 hours at the cenote, but it may be possible to extend the time there if arranged in advance with the tour operator. Extending the time would likely come at an additional cost.

Can I Book Additional Activities or Stops Along the Way?

According to the tour overview, additional activities or stops cannot be booked along the way. The itinerary is fixed, including the 2-hour break at the cenote. Customizations to the tour aren’t mentioned as an option.

Recap

The Oxkintok Ancient Puuc tour offers a captivating exploration of Maya history, artisanal craft, and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, discover the intricate Jipi Japa hat-making process, and refresh in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote San Ignacio, providing a well-rounded cultural and relaxation experience. This tour is a must for those seeking to enjoy the rich tapestry of Yucatan’s heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: