Mérida & the Northwest
Private Izamal Tours
A private Izamal tour from Mérida is a day trip with your own vehicle, driver and local guide, planned around your group's pace instead of a fixed bus schedule. Izamal is about 70 km from Mérida, a drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes. Request a quote with your dates and group size and we will arrange pickup at your hotel.
Private Izamal tour options
Izamal, the Yellow City, is known for its yellow-painted colonial buildings, the Convent of San Antonio de Padua with one of the largest atriums in the Americas, and the Kinich Kakmó pyramid. The town is compact and walkable, and many visitors like a horse-drawn carriage ride.
A Izamal private guide on the day explains what you are looking at, while the driver handles the road and parking.
- Classic Izamal walk with the convent, the market and the pyramid
- Izamal with a hacienda lunch nearby
- Izamal combined with a cenote swim
- Izamal as a first stop on a longer day toward Chichén Itzá
What's included
Bottled water can be arranged.
The convent is free to enter, and the pyramid has a small separate entrance fee; carriage rides are paid per ride.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Local guide for the main site, in English or Spanish, and other languages on request
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Mérida, arranged on request
- Fuel and highway tolls
- Not included: entrances, meals, drinks, tips
Sample private itinerary
Here is a typical day.
Dress modestly for the convent, and bring a hat. Mornings are quieter.
- 9:00 Pickup in Mérida and drive east on Highway 180
- 10:15 Arrive in Izamal and meet your guide at the plaza
- 10:30 Convent, atrium and a walk through the yellow streets
- 12:00 Kinich Kakmó pyramid
- 13:00 Lunch of local specialties
- 15:00 Return to Mérida, arriving about 16:30
Private tour prices by group size
The private Izamal tour price depends mostly on the vehicle and the length of the day.
| Group size | Vehicle | Typical total (USD) | Approx. per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | Sedan or SUV | about $190 to $240 | about $95 to $120 |
| 4 people | SUV | about $210 to $260 | about $50 to $65 |
| 6 people | Van | about $250 to $310 | about $40 to $50 |
| 10 people | Van (up to about 10) | about $300 to $380 | about $30 to $40 |
Private vs. small-group tours
Neither option is better for everyone.
| Factor | Private | Small group |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Set by you | Set by the operator |
| Pace | Flexible, with extra time at your favorite stops | Fixed stops and times |
| Cost per person | Lower with larger groups | Lower for solo travelers |
| Pickup | Your hotel only | Often several hotels |
| Interests | Tailored | General |
Related private tours
FAQs
How long is the tour?
Plan on 6 to 7 hours door to door, depending on your pace and any added stops.
How much does a private Izamal tour cost?
Typical prices start at about $190 to $240 total for two people, and the cost per person falls as the group grows. Entrances and meals are generally extra.
Can the tour be changed on the day?
Within reason, yes. A private vehicle and guide can adjust stops and timing, as long as closing hours and the drive time allow.
Can we stay overnight in Izamal?
Yes, we can adapt the plan to include an overnight and return the next day.
Is pickup available outside Mérida?
Pickup can be arranged from other towns on request, and the price changes with the extra distance.
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.