Mérida & the Northwest
Dzibilchaltún & Progreso Beach Tour
A Dzibilchaltún and Progreso beach tour combines a Mayan site with a Gulf beach, all within 40 minutes of Mérida. It is the easiest of our full-day trips and a good first outing. Request a quote and we can arrange pickup in Mérida.
Dzibilchaltún & Progreso Beach Tour: options & departures
This is a relaxed day for visitors who want a little history and some beach time, and a Dzibilchaltún and Progreso beach tour offers both. Dzibilchaltún includes the Temple of the Seven Dolls and the Xlacah cenote, where you can swim.
A Dzibilchaltún and Progreso beach day trip can be shared or private. A private vehicle is easy to arrange, and the short distances make the day very flexible.
- Dzibilchaltún with a Xlacah swim and an afternoon at Progreso
- Version with a long seafood lunch on the malecón
- Sunset version that ends at the beach
- Version with a stop at a hacienda on the way back
Full-day itinerary
A typical day from Mérida looks like this; we adjust the timing to the weather and your pace.
- 9:00 – Hotel pickup in Mérida
- 9:30 – Arrive at Dzibilchaltún and walk the site
- 10:30 – Visit the Temple of the Seven Dolls
- 11:15 – Swim in the Xlacah cenote
- 12:15 – Drive to Progreso
- 12:45 – Seafood lunch
- 13:45 – Beach time and a walk on the malecón
- 16:00 – Drive back toward Mérida
- 16:45 – Drop-off in Mérida
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or an agreed meeting point (where pickup can be arranged) in Mérida
- Air-conditioned vehicle and a local driver
- A local guide where the format includes one (language to be confirmed in your quote)
- Bottled water on board
- Time at Dzibilchaltún and at the beach
- A lunch stop in Progreso
Prices
Prices for a Dzibilchaltún and Progreso beach tour are among the lowest of our day trips, because both stops are very close to Mérida.
| Format | Typical range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Shared small-group tour | USD 45–80 per person |
| Private vehicle with driver | USD 160–260 per vehicle (up to 4–6 people) |
| Typically extra | Entry fee, beach services, lunch and tips |
Why combine these stops
Dzibilchaltún and Progreso both lie north of Mérida, along the same road to the coast. The ruins are about 17 km from the city, and the beach is another 25 km, so the route is almost a straight line.
The combination also works for mixed groups: those who want history get the ruins and the temple, while others can spend more time at the beach. It is easy to end the day at Progreso for lunch and a swim.
What to bring
Bring the basics for a day at the ruins and the beach:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash in pesos for entry, lunch and tips
- A change of clothes for the afternoon
Related tours
FAQs
How long is the drive from Mérida?
About 25 minutes to Dzibilchaltún and about 40 minutes to Progreso.
Can we swim at Dzibilchaltún?
Yes, the Xlacah cenote is a swimming area on the site.
Is the beach good for swimming?
The Gulf water is warm and shallow, though the colour is less clear than on the Caribbean coast.
Is it a good day for families?
Yes, the distances are short and there is something for everyone.
Want this trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.