Mérida & the Northwest
3-Day Yucatán Tour
The 3-Day Yucatán Tour is a private, guided route with overnights planned in advance. This three-day plan starts with a taste of Mérida and the Puuc ruins, then moves east to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid. It uses two bases, Mérida and Valladolid, and finishes with a cenote and Ek Balam. Send a quote request and we will adapt the days to your arrival and departure points.
3-Day Yucatán Tour at a glance
This three-day plan starts with a taste of Mérida and the Puuc ruins, then moves east to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid. It uses two bases, Mérida and Valladolid, and finishes with a cenote and Ek Balam.
The route uses 1 night in Mérida, 1 night in Valladolid. Travelers planning 3 days in Yucatán usually want this balance of sights and downtime.
Day-by-day itinerary
This is a sample day-by-day plan.
- Day 1: Arrive in Mérida. Walk Plaza Grande and Paseo de Montejo with a guide, or take a morning trip to Uxmal (about 1 hour 15 minutes each way), and return for dinner. Overnight in Mérida.
- Day 2: Mérida to Izamal (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then Chichén Itzá for a guided visit, a cenote swim and lunch, finishing in Valladolid (about 40 minutes from the ruins). Overnight in Valladolid.
- Day 3: Ek Balam in the morning, a second cenote or the Valladolid convent, then transfer to Mérida (about 2 hours) or Cancún (about 2 hours).
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Local guide at the main archaeological sites
- Hotels for each night, as in the plan
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Not included: entrances, most meals, drinks, tips
Hotels
- Mérida: Restored colonial houses and boutique hotels in the Centro Histórico, larger hotels along Paseo de Montejo, and quiet courtyard stays in neighborhoods such as Santiago or Santa Lucía
- Valladolid: Small courtyard hotels and posadas around the Centro Histórico, many with pools, plus a few cenote-side properties on the edge of town
Prices & dates
Typical prices for the 3-Day Yucatán Tour run from about $570 to $810 per person, with two sharing a room and mid-range hotels. Departures are arranged on dates you choose.
| Option | Typical price (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| Two sharing, mid-range hotels | about $570 to $810 |
| Two sharing, upscale hotels | about $800 to $1220 |
| Solo traveler | Typically more per person; ask for a quote |
| Groups of 4 or more | Typically lower per person; ask for a quote |
Customize this tour
The 3-Day Yucatán Tour is a starting point.
Common changes include:
- Replace the Mérida morning with a Celestún flamingo trip
- End in Cancún for a flight
- Add a hacienda lunch on day one
- Add a night to slow day two
Similar tours
FAQs
How much does the 3-Day Yucatán Tour cost?
Typical prices are about $570 to $810 per person with two sharing, depending on hotels and season. Request a quote for your dates.
Can the tour start or end in Cancún or Mérida?
Yes. We can start or finish in either city, or at an airport, and adjust the route accordingly.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. The plan is a starting point, and you can add, drop or reorder stops.
Is three days enough to see Chichén Itzá and Uxmal?
Yes. This plan includes both, but only a part of Mérida. A fourth day gives more room.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from about November to April, is more comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
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.