food tour yucatan

Culinary Yucatan: Merida Food Tour & Mexico Cooking School Vacation

Embark on a culinary journey through local cuisine of the Yucatan region with our Merida food tour and cooking school vacation in Mexico. Immerse yourself in the local food culture and learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes from expert chefs. Book now and experience the flavors of Yucatan.

• Trip Details

Accommodation Information

• Pricing & Tour Dates
• Culinary Vacations
• Cooking Vacations
• Mexico Cooking School Vacations: Cook in the Yucatan

Yucatan Cooking Classes During Food Tours in Merida, Mexico

The capital city Mérida was once home to the world’s largest per capita population of millionaires. It is now experiencing a resurgence, attracting travelers from all over the globe who are discovering its many charms and culinary experiences.

In such a setting is a cooking school devoted to 100% comida yucateca.

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Details of cooking classes in merida, yucatan.

The Yucatecan cooking school, founded by the late Chef David Sterling, has been committed to teaching and understanding the local cuisine for over a decade. Following Chef David’s passing, his team, notably Chef Mario, his trusted assistant for 12 years, took over the school. Chef Mario, a vital contributor to Chef David’s award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef during your stay. The school has gained recognition in publications like The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, and Condé-Nast Traveler, and has featured on TV shows such as ‘Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ and Martha Stewart’s program. Join us for a culinary experience where your cooking classes go beyond preparing food, but also educate you about the ingredients and traditions of Yucatecan cuisine.

Yucatan Culinary Tour Itinerary

• 6 Night Itinerary
• 4 Night Itinerary
• Arrival at Mérida International Airport.
• Transfer to your boutique hotel.
• Time to relax, with dinner on your own.

• Your day starts with a continental breakfast at your hotel before meeting Chef Mario at the cooking school.
• Get an introduction to Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
• Then, explore the central market with Chef Mario and discover recados, the seasoning blends that add flavor to Yucatecan cuisine.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where Chef Mario’s team will assist in navigating the menu and trying various specialties.
• In the late afternoon, return to your hotel with newfound knowledge of Yucatan’s complex flavors.
• Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

• To help you get your bearings, in the morning take a specially-guided tour of this magnificent colonial city. Stroll around Plaza Principal and tour the Cathedral, the oldest in the American mainland.
• Arrive at the cooking school, where you will meet local Mayan women who will instruct you in the art of making tortillas by hand; afterwards, snack on your creations.
• Your first cooking class to follow. Possible dishes include sopa de lima , pollo asado , tamales de x’pelón , and crema de cilantro .
• Mid afternoon, you will be seated in the colorful dining room for lunch, also known as the “comida fuerte,” main meal of the day (wine/beer included).
• Return to the hotel; evening at leisure and overnight.

• Following breakfast, excursion to the charming colonial city of Izamál.
• Tour the monastery and church of Izamál, built atop the base of an ancient Maya pyramid. Afterward you will enjoy a caleza (horse and buggy) ride through town, past several large intact pyramids that remain of the ancient city.
• In the early afternoon, visit restaurant Kinich Kak-moo, located at the foot of a looming pyramid. Here you will enjoy a typical Yucatecan feast for lunch, observing the local women prepare the meal.
• Return to the hotel with some time to relax.
• In the evening, depart for dinner at a popular Merida restaurant.
• Return to hotel and overnight.

• Depart for an excursion to Hacienda Vista Alegre, a restored 17th-century hacienda, whose current inhabitants operate a distillery on the grounds that produces the famous Yucatecan honey/anise liqueur Xtabentun, as well as a variety of incredible rums. You can also enjoy a small botanical garden and orchard where grow many typical and unusual varieties unique to Yucatán, such as “chico zapote” — the famous chewing gum tree!
• Transfer to the school for another session of cooking instruction to be followed by the comida fuerte .
• After class, return to the hotel; evening on your own.

• Today is a romantic and exotic excursion into the heart of Maya Yucatán. First, we drive to Uxmal — considered the most beautiful of the Maya archaeological zones and inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
• After your guided tour of Uxmal, stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Maya family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.
• On the way back to Mérida, stop at the five-star Hacienda Temozon, one of the Luxury Collection owned by Starwood. The setting is magnificent and you will enjoy the beautiful presentation and updated classics of Yucatecan fare for lunch.
• Transfer back to the hotel with some time to relax.
• In the evening, depart for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant that offers the best in regional fusion cuisine.
• Breakfast followed by check out.
• Transfer to Mérida International Airport. Adios!

• Continental breakfast at your hotel.
• In the morning, Chef Mario will greet you at the cooking school and invite you into his kitchen, where he will present an overview of Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
• Stroll with him through the sprawling and colorful central market where you will see piles of recados , seasoning blends similar to the curries that are a unique feature of Yucatecan cuisine.
• Lunch in a local restaurant that features the finest regional cuisine. Chef Mario’s team will help you navigate the menu as you sample several Yucatecan specialties.
• Return to the hotel in the late afternoon with a budding understanding of the complex flavors of the Yucatan.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

• Transfer to the cooking school, where you will spend the day with Chef Mario. You will work with local ingredients to create a full meal, from snacks and a first course, to soup, a main dish, and dessert.
• Lunch will be late, but if you want dinner, it will be on your own.

• Today is an exotic excursion into the heart of Mayan Yucatán. First sop is Uxmal — considered one of the most beautiful of the Mayan archaeological zones and an inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Mayan family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.

Yucatan Food Tour Details

• 6 Night Details
• 4 Night Details

Included in the 6-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations.

6 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Food & Beverages

• Daily breakfast
• Wine/beer with meals at the cooking school (and 1 alcoholic beverages at meals out)

Classes & Instructors

Founded by the late Chef David Sterling, a New York transplant and long-time resident of Mexico, the cooking school has for over a decade been dedicated to understanding and teaching Yucatecan cuisine. After Chef David’s death in late 2016 the cooking school was taken up by his team, and in particular Chef Mario, who was his right-hand man for 12 years. He will be your chef and guide during your stay.

Chef Mario was an integral part of the Chef David’s James Beard Award-winning ‘Best Cookbook of the Year’ in 2015. The cooking school has been featured in numerous publications such as Travel and Leisure, The New York Times, Elle Mexico, Condé-Nast Traveler, and has been included in Rick Bayless’s television program, Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ as well as with Martha Stewart on her popular show.

Your 3 cooking classes are not just food preparation, but an education into the unique flavors, fresh ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

• Merida market visit with chef Mario to learn about Yucatecan ingredients
• Tour of the colonial city of Merida
• Excursion to Izamál, including the monastery
• Visit to the Hacienda Vista Alegre distillery
• Excursion to Uxmal’s archeological zone and to the pueblo of Santa Elena

Transfer Details

• Round trip transfers from/to Mèrida airport

Miscellaneous

• Drinks (beer/wine) are included with all your meals at the cooking school. For other meals, one alcoholic beverage per person is included, additional beverages are available for purchase.

Included in the 4-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

4 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

• Daily breakfst

Chef David Sterling founded the Yucatecan cooking school over a decade ago with the goal of exploring yucatan cuisine and teaching the region’s cuisine. After his passing, his team, including Chef Mario, took over the school. Chef Mario, who worked alongside Chef David for 12 years and was instrumental in his James Beard Award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef. The cooking school has received acclaim from top publications and TV shows. Join us for an educational and delicious culinary experience where you’ll learn about the unique flavors, ingredients and traditions that make Yucatecan cuisine unique. You will have 1 in-depth cooking session, as well as an education into the ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

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Tour Dates:

Available any dates you choose for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details .

Starting at

Your accommodations will be at a hotel in Merida in either classic 4*, 5*, or luxury 5* accommodations (please see luxury upgrade cost on pricing page).

The Casa del Balam offers classic 5* accommodations as well as boutique luxury upgrades, with spacious and bright with large rooms, a swimming pool, air conditioning, and more. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Casa Lecanda is a small, luxury 5* hotel, exclusively for adults, situated in the historic center of Merida. The architecture and landscaping provide a unique local experience and sanctuary within the city. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Merida Food Tour Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for our Yucatan cooking vacations in Mexico below, and contact us for availability or to book your vacation.

• 6 Night Pricing
• 4 Night Pricing

Mexico 6-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:

6-night Program

US$3245 per person based on double occupancy

• Add US$534 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
• Add US$500 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury hotel

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy: please inquire.

6-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Please inquire for availability. Program generally starts on Sunday.

Mexico 4-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:

4-night Program

US$2190 per person based on double occupancy

• Add US$356 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
• Add US$500 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury Hotel

4-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Avaialble year round for a minimum of 1 person. Please inquire with dates for availability.

We Can Help Plan The Best Culinary Experiences in Merida

We can assist with flights, transportation, additional nights and tours, and more to enhance your vacation experience.

While we can't pack for you, we are always here to help.

You May Also Like Other Mexico Food Tours

Magical Mexico City Culinary Vacation

4 Nights Starting At $2,075

Cooking on the Riviera Maya

4 or 7 Nights Starting At $1,270

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6 Night Vacation starting at $3245 per person OR 4 Night Vacation starting at $2190 per person

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Yucatan, Mexico

immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Yucatan

Put some sort of information here, gimmel travel is proud to offer an exploration of the culture and cuisine of the yucatan as a trip itself, or part of a vacation to nearby cancun and other parts of mexico., throughout the multi-day event, you will experience different periods that combine to create the rich culture in the yucatan peninsula..

The Yucatan Food Tour is a fully customizable multi day tour divided into parts that represent major periods, each a significant influence on the food, drink, architecture and culture.

Your trip to the Yucatan is created to provide you with an intimate experience, as groups are broken down into smaller parties to minimize our footprint and enable cultural immersion.

You will see, smell, taste, touch, and hear the Yucatan in an unforgettable way

Authentic Yucatan tour packages take guests on a journey by experiencing major eras thtroughout the region's history.

The Yucatan Food Tour runs between 4 and 7 days, providing a rich, in-depth exploration regardless of timeframe.

Yucatan food tour details

Day 1, option 1: departure from cancun/riviera maya - ek balam / lunch at izamal / merida.

Pick up from your selected hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya and travel west for a visit of the archeological site of Ek-Balam, ancient Maya city whose name means Black Jaguar. Recently uncovered from the dense tropical vegetation this mystical ancient Mayan city is very rarely visited and a treasure to explore

day 1, option 2: city tour / welcome dinner

Welcome dinner.

Taste an exclusive 4 course gourment menu prepared by a renowned chef based on local ingredients in the historical center of Merida.

day 2 : the mayan world - uxmal / hacienda lunch + chocolate experience

Continue to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered as one of the greatest achievements of the Mayas in the Puuc Region and represents the second most important archaeological site of the Yucatan Peninsula following Chichen-Itza.

Following the visit, lunch at a traditional Hacienda to enjoy typical yucatecan lunch with refreshing local beverages.

day 3 : spanish colonization- market visit / hacienda sotuta & cocktail class / cooking class and dinner

Early morning with our private Chef. We will start the day visiting the city's principal market Lucas de Galvez open since 1887 and the only place where you can find the appropriate ingredients to prepare the original Yucatecan dishes during the class that will take place in the afternoon.

Continue to Sotuta de Peon, a restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequen farming area near Merida that gives a true glimpse of what was once an operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.

In the afternoon cooking class in the kitchen of Casa Lecanda, where the Chef will be waiting for you with all the ingredients bought that morning in the market.

day 4: life by the sea - flamingos, celestun, and lunch

For those who wish to discover the wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun is a real treat. The Reserve is located 56 miles west of Merida and expands for 146,000 acres.

Following the tour, we will visit the beachside town of Celestun to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the area.

for more information or to book your tour, please contact us by phoneat 877-406-3446 or email us at [email protected]

September 23, 2011 at 12:00 am

Amazing trip for our group!

Louise Armero

September 23, 2012 at 12:00 am

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Destinations

• Extremadura

PUERTO MORELOS LUNCH TOUR

Traditional Mexican Culinary Journey

• Book the tour
• Meals included
• PUERTO MORELOS
• Tripadvisor

* All tours are priced in US Dollars

This tour in a small fishing village just to the north of popular Rivera Maya cities combines everything that makes this ‘Pueblo con Encanto’ unique. It truly is an experience unlike any other.

Join this culinary journey that takes you into different local restaurants and small family places. Eat with the local families, enjoying the fresh products of the day, exotic fruits, empanadas, handmade tortillas, ceviche… Come with us to the heart of this beautiful and quite town to taste and share the food as a local.

Puerto Morelos is a jewel, not only for its protected marine park, but its people and traditions make this place a real Pueblo con Encanto!

Bring a big appetite so you can fully enjoy your culinary experience!

10:00 AM: Meeting Point

The meeting point will be on the east side of the highway at the entrance to Puerto Morelos under the cute banyan tree next to the Pemex gas station.

• There is Pemex gas station and a little 7eleven store at the entrance to Puerto Morelos
• This is a well known and safe place to wait after getting off public transport.
• Please let us know from where you are coming from (Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum) so we can look out for you as you either disembark from a bus or drive in with a car.

10:10 AM – 11:00 AM: Traditional Tacos

Our first culinary stop is just a few meters from our meeting point. We will start off at a local’s favorite dish, cochinita pibil, this extraordinary dish is made with pork that has been cooked overnight, special for breakfast and delicious if you put a bit of habanero salsa or pickled onion. Here we will discuss the importance of the tortilla and chiles in Mexican culture and begin to understand that Mexican cuisine is more robust and regional than people know. After our taco stop, we will stroll to our next culinary experience. Have a look at the little coop. run by six women, all experts in homemade food. They will made quesadillas for us, handmade tortillas, pork, cactus, chicken, veggies and more veggies too, excellet stop for vegetarians or vegans.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Exotic flavors at the little fruit market.

In this stop you will taste exotic flavors of the Caribbean, juices, fruits, colors, flavors. Take a look of the daily life of the locals buying all the groceries to make their traditional meal, learning why the people buy what buy, the times, why there, how to cook with all those ingredients and more. Our next stop – the heart of Puerto Morelos neighborhood at a family home where we try a traditional and very popular nixtamal, learn how the corn is prepared in the traditional way to make tortillas, a process that has been made since thousands years.

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Someone said Ceviche?

Taste one of the most popular dishes not just in Mexico but in all Latin America. Shrimp or fish, marinade in lime juice, mixed with fresh vegetables, served with tostadas or totopos, fresh salsas avocado and more.

1:00 PM: End Of Tour

This is where we say good bye, leaving you to spend the rest of the day on the beach, or make your way back to your hotel. We are happy to help make arrangements for taxis or call our friends if you want to spend the next few hours snorkeling.

Tour Reviews

I have been to the Riviera Maya many times, but have never explored Puerto Morelos. This food tour led me into great restaurants off the beaten path and introduced me to a very long history that created the unique meals of Mexico. Cristobal thanks for this great experience! I loved it and loved what I ate!

We loved every minute of our food tour! Cristobal was the perfect guide for this off-the-beaten-path exploration of culture and food. Not only was the food experience great, it was informative and fun. Thank you, Cristobal for such a great tour. We will be sure to look you up when we return to Mexico.

We did the Puerto Morelos lunch tour in April and loved it! The food was delicious, and the knowledge gained about the culture of the area was unbelievable. Cristobal is an awesome guide, very entertaining and full of knowledge about the history of the area. We totally enjoyed ourselves, and when we are back in June we plan to go to all the places that we visited on the tour and eat again!

My boyfriend and I loved this walking food tour! We were staying on a resort about 10 min away. It was super cool to be able to walk through the small town and see the daily life and try the authentic food of Puerto Morelos. Our guide not only took us to small spots for food, but to spots that influence the food culture of Mexico. He was very informative about which different parts of the country influenced what type of food and how it was brought there. My boyfriend and I got to see how traditional homemade tortillas were made firsthand at several spots, and got to try to make some ourselves! My boyfriend’s favorite meal was the final meal, the ground fish ceviche, and mine was actually the first one we indulged in, the pork quesadilla (you had a choice of filling), and the sauces to try with it won me over especially. Our guide left us with some goodies to take back home, and even emailed us a really great picture of us on the tour. I’m really impressed with the tour and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It was great to be able to leave the resort, but not go too far for too long. 5 stars!!

My wife and I met chef Cristobal when he taught a cooking class at the Little mexican cooking school. We found out he did these tours and had to sign up. We did one in late April 2018 and were not disappointed. Seeing the non-tourist side of Puerto Morelos was interesting and of course the food was fantastic. From street tacos, the fruit market, freshly made tortillas, and the ceviche were top notch.

Besides the food, some of the most interesting parts of the tour were his insights about the history of the area, one example was going into a church and him discussing the history.

When we come back, we will definitely plan another tour with him.

Fabulous tour guide, enjoyed the history of where certain foods come from in Mexico and great food!! Places I’d probably not go to on my own and great guide!!! Puerto Morelos is a MUST

We did this tour about a week ago and it was fantastic. This was one of the most unique, educational and enjoyable things I have done on vacation. Food was great and the experience awesome.

My husband and I spent the morning (3 hrs) with Chris on the Puerto Morales food tour and REALLY enjoyed ourselves. We experienced amazing food (possibly the best tacos we have ever tasted) and the Mexican and Quintana Roo history of food and culture that Chris shared with us. Great choices of food selection, the appropriate amount of time at each location and Chris’s easy going style made it one of our top things to do in PM. Would highly recommend this experience.

My husband and I spent the morning (3 hrs) with Chris on the Puerto Morelos food tour and REALLY enjoyed ourselves. We experienced amazing food (possibly the best tacos we have ever tasted) and the Mexican and Quintana Roo history of food and culture that Chris shared with us. Great choices of food selection, the appropriate amount of time at each location and Chris’s easy going style made it one of our top things to do in PM. Would highly recommend this experience.

My friend and I enjoyed the Puerto Morelos lunch tour about a week ago. Cristobal was an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, with a very fun personality too! Would recommend this to anyone and everyone interested in a unique taste of Mexican culture and cuisine…a wonderful “off the beaten path” tour of the “local” side of town. Thank you so much, muchas gracias!!

My friend and I enjoyed the Puerto Morelos lunch tour about a week ago. Cristobal is such a knowledgeable and friendly guide, we experienced amazing food and learned so much about the culture and influences of food on the history of the area. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone interested in tasting unique local cuisine and learning about the “off the beaten path” side of town. Muchas Gracias!!!

We had a fantastic time with Chris on the Puerto Morelos lunch tour! My friends and I learned a ton about the history of the area, tried delicious food from all over Mexico and got away from the tourist area. Not to mention, we spent time with a fantastic guide! 5 stars 100% would recommend.

This is a world class food tour! Cristobal is incredible. The food choices were delicious and diverse. We learned more about the region and the history every step of the way. Thank you for making it accessible for us too. Highly recommend!!

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40 Yucatan Foods & Drinks You’ve Never Heard Of (With Videos)

Mexican cuisine is among the most exciting and delicious in the entire world. And the Yucatan Peninsula’s traditional dishes stand out from more familiar Mexican foods with their unique heritage and unmistakably Yucatecan flavors. Many of the 40 Yucatan foods & drinks on this list have evolved over centuries of Mayan and Spanish influence!

We spent 2.5 months in the Yucatan Peninsula and went on three food tours while exploring this beautiful region. There are so many unique Yucatan dishes that it took three different food tours just to begin to cover this region’s diverse foods! We are sure that the items on this list will give you an entirely different perspective on Mexican food.

So whether you are getting ready to visit the Yucatan Peninsula , or are simply curious about Mexico’s regional cuisines, this is the only guide you need to discover the most iconic Yucatan foods. As a bonus, we even share the best traditional Mayan drinks that should not be missed!

Warning : reading this post will make you book a one-way ticket to the Yucatan Peninsula!

What Is Yucatecan Food Known For?

What is traditional mayan food, 40 best yucatan foods that you need to try during your visit, the best yucatan foods we tried in cozumel, delicious yucatan dishes we tried in merida, traditional yucatan foods we tried in valladolid.

• Famous Yucatan Foods We Didn't Capture On Our Food Tours

Traditional Mayan Drinks To Try

Final thoughts on the best yucatan foods & drinks to try.

Estimated reading time: 47 minutes

Not Hungry? Pin This Ultimate Yucatan Foods Post For Later!

Coming from the US, we thought we knew a little something about Mexican food. But we were amazed by the number of traditional Yucatan dishes we had never seen before spending two months in the region.

Yucatecan food is a unique combination of traditional Mayan and Spanish cuisines . This fusion is highlighted by the blend of local ingredients like sour oranges and achiote with the region’s favorite meat – pork. The introduction of pork is the shining example of Spanish influence on modern Yucatecan cuisine.

Note: achiote is the name of a seed and paste used to create the traditional marinade for many Yucatan foods. The achiote paste is made with with sour orange, chiles, garlic, and other ingredients. Its red color and unique flavor add to the complete sensory experience of eating this region’s mouth-watering cuisine.

The beautiful Mayan ruins found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula are just one example of the region’s indigenous heritage . And even though the ancient cities have been abandoned, Mayan culture and traditions are still at the forefront of Yucatecan cuisine.

Traditional Mayan food is characterized by slow cooking and bold flavors. And while pork is the current meat of choice, Mayan cuisine used to feature turkey and eggs as the primary protein. Considering the close proximity to the sea, it is surprising that there are only a handful of seafood dishes with Mayan origins that still remain.

We organized this Yucatan food post around 3 food-tour videos we made while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. But just because a dish is listed below a particular city does not mean you can only find them there. It is organized this way so you can watch us enjoying these awesome and unfamiliar Yucatan foods while going through the list.

1. Cochinita Pibil: The Holy Grail Of Yucatan Foods

• WOTW rating : 5/5

Where do we even begin with Cochinita Pibil? This slow-roasted pork dish is the quintessential Yucatecan food. In fact, if you come to this region and don’t eat Cochinita Pibil, then you haven’t really had the whole Yucatan experience. Forget what I just said if you don’t eat pork. (But what are you doing on a Yucatan food post if you don’t eat pork?)

Cochinita Pibil blends Mayan cooking techniques with the Spanish preference for pork. ‘Pib’ means ‘cooked underground’ in the Mayan language, and this traditional way of preparing the pork is why the succulent meat just melts in your mouth.

Most people would be surprised to learn that Cochinita Pibil is eaten in the morning . What a great way to start the day! The slow-roasted meat is added to a taco, torta (Mexican sandwich), or other corn-based vehicle used to transport this iconic Yucatec food to your taste buds.

The Cochinita Pibil is marinated in achiote paste and citrus before being wrapped in banana leaf and slow-cooked underground. The pork is perfectly cooked until the meat is juicy, tender, and life changing. We assure you it will be love at first bite!

• How to find it: you will encounter the famous Cochinita Pibil throughout the entire region. But your best bet is to ask for locals’ favorite cochinita spots. ‘El Tigrillo’ in Valladolid was a personal favorite.

WOTW Tip : Cochinita Pibil is usually enjoyed on Sundays when lines form early in the morning around the most popular cochinita restaurants. Indulging in this fine Yucatan cuisine is totally a ‘if you snooze, you lose’ situation. Many places will run out of the slow-roasted pork by late morning!

2. Lechon Al Horno: One Of The Yucatan’s Street Food Staples

Lechon al Horno – or simply Lechon – is a popular Yucatan food with a stronger link to the region’s Spanish heritage than Cochinita Pibil. To that point, it isn’t exactly a traditional Yucatan food. But Lechon is responsible for many of the long lines at street-food carts around the Peninsula.

Like Cochinita Pibil, Lechon is also slow-roasted pork. But instead of being cooked underground, it is cooked whole on a rotating spit until tender and ready to be served on top of tortas or tacos.

This Yucatan street food is chopped up indiscriminately , and can include bits and pieces of pork skin and fat. This can throw off some travelers not used to seeing these extras in their tacos. So make sure to mention ‘solo carne’ if you are not feeling particularly adventurous.

• Where to find it : scope out the local market and street-food carts for lechon. This food is easier to find than Cochinita Pibil, and most street vendors selling pork will be serving Lechon al Horno.

3. Relleno Negro: An Iconic Traditional Mayan Food

You can’t have a list of the best Yucatan foods to try without mentioning ‘Relleno Negro.’ Relleno Negro is a traditional Mayan food that continues to be popular today. Like Cochinita Pibil, this unique dish is typically served on Sunday mornings. And it is just as likely to run out early!

The meat (usually turkey or chicken) is marinated and served with a black recado sauce . The recado features burnt chili peppers that are mashed into the sauce, giving the Relleno Negro its signature black color. The recado also includes a heap of other ingredients like sour orange, garlic, cloves, cumin, and more!

While turkey meat is the traditional Mayan way of preparing Relleno Negro, chicken has become a popular substitute. The shredded meat is pilled into a taco or torta (sandwich) and topped with slices of hard-boiled egg.

Biting into the Relleno Negro filled taco introduced us to earthy and smoky flavors that we had never tasted before . It was both delicious and unusual at the same time. This is definitely one of the ‘must try’ Yucatecan foods on this list!

• How to find it: Relleno Negro is often served at the same places cooking up delicious Cochinita Pibil. Morning is the best time to find great Relleno Negro, so get out of bed early! It can also be found at more ‘gourmet’ taco shops and restaurants serving traditional foods if you’re not an early bird.

Do you love food? Us too! Check out these food posts from Turkey:

• Istanbul : Incredible Istanbul Foods To Discover During Your Visit (With Video)
• Gaziantep : The Best Gaziantep Foods To Try (With Video)

4. Huaraches: Savory Yucatecan Street Food

Huaraches are a yummy and budget-friendly dish perfect for filling your belly on the cheap. They are made from corn tortillas that are shaped into a sandal-like shape and then fried. In fact, huaraches get their name from these traditional Mexican sandals.

The corn dough used for this Yucatan food is thicker than your average tortilla . The huarache is sturdy enough to hold a variety of toppings like fried pork, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

We think huaraches definitely fall in the guilty-pleasure category . They are a simple but delicious blend of traditional Mexican ingredients added on top of a puffy fried tortilla. One bite and you will be going back for more!

• Where to find it: head to the local markets in the Yucatan Peninsula’s larger towns to find Huaraches – the food and the sandals 🙂

You may also be interested in…

• Cozumel : Ultimate Guide To Visiting Cozumel: Things To Do & More (With Videos)
• Merida : 25 Unforgettable Things To Do In Merida, Mexico (With Videos)
• Bacalar : 21 Magical Things To Do In Bacalar (With Videos)
• Valladolid : 23 Essential Things To Do In Valladolid (With Video)

5. Chilaquiles: A Favorite Yucatecan Breakfast Dish

Chilaquiles are a breakfast specialty in the Yucatan Peninsula. This popular dish is made of fried tortillas simmered in a sauce and topped with fresh cheese, onions, and fried eggs. Chilaquiles reminded us of egg nachos – which are obviously amazing!

Chilaquiles can be made with different sauces (salsas) , but the most common one are the red tomato and green tomatillo (local green tomato) salsas. It is a flavor-packed Yucatan dish that’s 100% satisfying. It’s perfect for when you are looking for a savory Mexican breakfast to start your day. Though you may have to sign-up for an early siesta after indulging in this hearty meal.

• Where to find it : Chilaquiles are easy to find at breakfast spots in more touristy areas or at ‘loncherias’ – affordable neighborhood restaurants serving up local favorites.

6. Marquesitas: The Peninsula’s Favorite Sweet Treat

• WOTW rating : 3/5

The sweet and savory Marquesitas served from street carts around the Peninsula are a local favorite. They are one of the beloved Yucatan foods you will find everywhere you go!

The crispy and ultra-light wafers are traditionally filled with Edam cheese (Queso de Bola) and rolled up like a cheesy cigar. The sweet dough mixed with savory cheese is an excellent option if you don’t want an ultra-sweet snack while wandering around town. 

But don’t worry if a cheese-filled wafer doesn’t sound like your thing. Marquesitas can also be filled with Nutella, jams, peanut butter and banana (though these options aren’t exactly the local way).

• Where to find it : Marquesitas can be spotted in every town square throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Just look for people munching on this street food near busy areas and keep your eye out for the little Marquesita carts.

7. Pozole: Hearty Yucatan Pork Soup

• WOTW rating : 4/5

This traditional and hearty soup is perfect if you want to fill your belly with a rich and savory soup. It is probably also a miracle cure if you are hungover – but that is not spoken from experience. And while Pozole’s origins may be from outside the region, it’s still one of the most delicious foods to try while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.

Pozole is a pork broth filled to the brim with shredded pork, dried corn kernels (hominy), and a variety of spices . It’s usually served with fresh avocado, radishes, and shredded cabbage on top. Add the essential squirt of fresh lime, cilantro, and diced onions to bring all the goodness of traditional Mexican flavors to your Pozole.

• Where to find it : we tried Pozole at Los Tacotales Cozumel. However, the beautiful colonial city of Merida is the best place to find this Yucatan food.

Our DIY food-tour videos are great tools for exploring traditional Yucatecan cuisine in Cozumel, Merida and Valladolid. But if you prefer organized food tours, we recommend these highly rated options:

• Valladolid: sample the town’s best dishes, fruits and desserts: $29 (4.9/5 rating)
• Merida: tour the city’s markets the local way: $55 (perfect 5-star rating)
• Cancun: experience the vibrant food scene in downtown Cancun: $61 (4.96/5 rating)

8. Huitlacoche: Traditional Mayan Corn Fungus

Huitlacoche – also known as corn smut – is a type of fungus that grows on corn kernels. I know what you are thinking… ‘why the hell are you suggesting we eat corn smut while visiting Mexico?’ That’s a valid question!

We realize that Huitlacoche does not sound particularly appetizing . But this Yucatan food is actually a delicacy in this part of Mexico. It has excellent savory and earthy flavors that are delicious when featured in quesadillas, tacos or soups. Huitlacoche tastes a lot like mushrooms – because it basically is a mushroom.

Definitely try this unique food the next time you’re in the Yucatan Peninsula. We promise we are not playing some sort of practical joke on you!

• Where to find it : Antojitos Doña Pili in Cozumel is where we tried Huitlaoche in a quesadilla.

9. Nopales: A Somewhat Slimy, But Delicious, Meat Substitute

• WOTW rating : 3.5/5

Nopales are pieces of sautéed or grilled cactus pad often served in tacos, quesadillas, or as a side dish. They have a slightly sour and salty flavor that is both delicious and super healthy!

We found Nopales to have a somewhat slimy texture , but not in a terrible way. And after eating pork for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a few days, you might decide that Nopales are the perfect way to add some of those greens that have been missing from your diet.

• Where to find it : we tried Nopales in quesadillas at Antojitos Doña Pili in Cozumel. But you can find them in many places and even buy them in the supermarket.

10. Panuchos: A Perfect Yucatan Street Food

Imagine a crunchy, warm tortilla stuffed with refried beans that’s deep-fried before being topped with shredded meats, avocado, and pickled onions. That’s a Panucho!

Panuchos are an extremely popular street food in the Yucatan. You can find them everywhere, from local markets to restaurants serving up regional fare.  We consider Panuchos to be in the ‘must-try’ category of Yucatan foods. The combination of traditional Yucatecan flavors served on top of a perfectly fried tortilla is something you have to experience.

The traditional way to eat Panuchos is with roasted turkey. Top it with spicy habanero sauce for a little extra kick and you will probably fall in love with this gem of Yucatecan cuisine!

• Where to find it : Panuchos are easy to find around the Yucatan Peninsula. Our personal favorite spot was La Pequeña Susana in Merida.

11. Salbutes: Panucho’s Puffy And Delicious Cousin

Similar to Panuchos are the soft and fluffy Salbutes. These two Yucatan foods are always next to each other on menus, and the core ingredients are almost identical. But somehow, the experience of eating these two fabulous Yucatan street foods is totally different.

Whereas Panuchos are crunchy, the Salbut (singular) is a light and puffy tortilla. The fresh tortillas are pulled off the grill at the perfect moment when they are puffed up with air. The Salbut is then served with the meat of your choice (although turkey is again the most traditional protein type).

It’s difficult to pick a favorite between Panuchos and Salbutes, so we recommend trying both to find out for yourself!

• Where to find it : Salbutes are easy to get around the Yucatan Peninsula. Our personal favorite spot was La Pequeña Susana in Merida.

12. Huevos Motuleños: A Flavor-Packed Yucatecan Breakfast

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast option while in the Yucatan, look no further than Huevos Motuleños!

This dish consists of fried eggs served on a bed of freshly fried tortillas. The Huevos Motuleños are topped with white cheese crumbles, diced ham, peas, and a mild tomato-based sauce. As a bonus, the plate comes with fried plantains. Who doesn’t love fried plantains!?

Similar to Chilaquiles , this savory breakfast really packs a punch. It is totally worth trying, but don’t make any plans of climbing Mayan temples immediately after enjoying this favorite Yucatecan dish.

• Where to find it : Huevos Motuleños are pretty easy to find at most breakfast spots, including open-air restaurants found outside of local markets and around some town squares.

13. Papadzules: Traditional Mayan Food To Try For Breakfast

• WOTW rating : 2.5/5

Papadzules are without a doubt one of the most quintessentially Mayan foods on this list . This famous food’s origins date back to before the Spanish conquest of the region in the 1500s. Papadzules are recognized as the precursor to the infamous enchilada. We’re sure you can see the resemblance.

Papadzules are made with soft corn tortillas filled with hard-boiled eggs and covered in a traditional pumpkin-seed sauce . The rolled tortillas are finally topped with an additional tomatillo sauce and some more hard-boiled eggs for good measure.

We tried this popular breakfast food before spending the day exploring Merida, and honestly, we didn’t think it was exceptionally flavorful. But give it a try if you want a lighter, vegetarian breakfast.

• Where to find it : local, open-air restaurants serving regional favorites will likely have Papadzules on the menu.

14. Sopa De Lima: Perfectly Delicious Sour & Savory Soup

Sopa de Lima (lime soup) is one of the most popular dishes in the Yucatan. This regional favorite is a chicken broth filled with all the usual suspects, including shredded chicken, onions, black pepper, and tomatoes. The broth is finished with fresh lime juice, giving Sopa de Lima its unique sour flavor.

The refreshingly sour soup is usually served with a side of fresh tortilla chips. The chips are tossed in to add a nice crunch to the dish. Make sure not to just throw them all in at once unless you like soggy chips in your soup.

• Where to find it : most casual outdoor restaurants and those serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine will have Sopa de Lima on the menu.

15. Tacos: Non-Traditional Yucatan Food That You Still Shouldn’t Miss

Okay – so we already sort of touched on tacos when we discussed Cochinita Pibil , and Lechon. And even if tacos didn’t originate in the Peninsula, it’s hard not to mention them when talking about Yucatan foods. The corn tortilla has Mayan origins, so it’s not a stretch to consider them Yucatecan cuisine.

You can find many of Mexico’s iconic tacos throughout the Yucatan, including tacos al pastor, pork chop, sirloin, and more. But you can also find tacos that incorporate other traditional Yucatecan ingredients, such as Relleno Negro (number 3 on this list), Queso de Bola (number 20), and even Chaya (number 38).

• Where to find it: taco restaurants are everywhere on the Peninsula. But head to La Terraza Amarilla in Merida to try the absolute best tacos in the Yucatan. We promise these tacos will blow your mind!

16. Mamey: Regional Fruit Perfect For Your Sweet Tooth

Sampling local produce is one of the most fun ways to discover unique foods. Mamey fruit is indigenous to the Yucatan region , and it’s definitely not something you will find at your local Trader Joe’s.

Mamey has thick brown skin and bright orange flesh resembling papaya. The fruit is ultra sweet and has a nice creamy texture that resembles fresh avocado. Ask the fruit vendors at the local market to cut the mamey in slices to easily enjoy this Yucatan food while exploring the area.

• Where to find it : the local market!

17. Grosella With Spicy Sauce: Unusual Chili-Spiced Fruit

Grosellas are another strange fruit we had never seen before visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. We stumbled upon this unfamiliar food while wandering around Merida’s large central market.

These small, round fruits can be enjoyed when not fully ripe. The unripened version is tossed with a spicy chili sauce that makes for a strangely addictive and messy on-the-go snack. Like other unripened fruits, the grosellas have an extremely sour taste . And the crunchy texture reminded me of celery.

Although the entire experience was pretty unusual, I kept finding myself reaching back in the bag for more grosellas.

• Where to find it : we found the unripened version of grosella with spicy chili sauce in Merida’s largest market.

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18. Polcanes & Pibihuas: Hard To Find Traditional Yucatan Foods

Polcanes and Pibihuas are fried corn cakes typically enjoyed with shredded pork, pickled onions, and spicy sauce . Polcan translates to ‘snake’s head’ in Mayan, and the dish was named this way because of the resemblance. However, if you ask me, Pibihuas actually look much more like a snake head.

Anyways, we first tried Polcanes in Valladolid after already being in the Yucatan Peninsula for 60 days. What a bummer – because we LOVED Polcanes and Pibihuas. They are actually in Aimara’s top 3 Yucatan dishes to try!

• Where to find it : you are in luck if you are visiting Valladolid, because that’s where you have the best chance of finding Polcanes and Pibihuas. Sadly it’s not easy to spot them in other cities around the Yucatan.

19. Longaniza De Valladolid: A Flavor-Packed Sausage Typical To Valladolid

Longaniza de Valladolid is a type of sausage popular in the town of… Valladolid! Shocker, I know.

This delicious sausage is made with pork and an aggressive blend of spices. The Longaniza de Valladolid is smoked over a Mesquite wood fire, resulting in a dry and flavor-packed sausage. And while you can definitely eat it by itself, it is usually mixed with beans, eggs, and eaten in a tortilla.

We loved mixing the Longaniza de Valladolid with our scrambled eggs in the morning . This Yucatan dish is so good that we even consider buying Longaniza from a local’s home as one of the best things to do in Valladolid. Seriously – it’s that good!

• Where to find it : Doña Trini in Valladolid is the spot!

20. Queso Relleno: A Cheesy Yucatan Dish

We didn’t get any great photos of Queso Relleno – but you can see the local version at minute 13:52 of the Valladolid food-tour video above. Or just check out some Google Images of the more traditional preparation style found around Campeche.

• WOTW rating : 3/5 (sorry Campeche)

Queso Relleno is perhaps one of the most surprising Yucatan foods on this list . Translated to ‘filled cheese,’ Queso Relleno is made using Dutch Edam cheese.

The traditional Campechano version of Queso Relleno is made by hollowing out the cheese and filling it with a stew of meat, olives, cheese, and veggies. We tried Queso Relleno while visiting Valladolid, and it was served without the ball of cheese. And while it was definitely good, we recommend trying this uniquely Yucatecan dish while visiting Campeche for the complete experience.

Nobody quite knows how this Dutch cheese became so famous in Mexico, but you will find it everywhere! Shredded Dutch cheese is used in the famous Marquesitas (number 6 on this list) and even in ice cream (number 24).

• Where to find it : Marganazo in Campeche is the spot to try this Yucatan food served the traditional way.

21. Lomito de Valladolid: A Savory Local Favorite

If you’re looking for a delicious and traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula, look no further than Lomito de Valladolid. This dish is made with slow-cooked pork loin marinated in a spicy sauce made with achiote, orange juice, and vinegar. The lomito is typically served with refried beans, rice and a side of tortillas.

The savory pieces of pork are diced to ensure that the meat is fully infused with the rich and flavorful sauce. It is a Yucatan food absolutely worth trying after you have checked off the more popular favorites from your list!

• Where to find it : Las Campanas in Valladolid is one place to try this local dish.

22. Mango With Tajin: Refreshing Yucatan Street Food

Mango with chili powder is one of the best Yucatan foods to try as many times as possible . This street dessert is made by coating ripe mango with a mixture of chili powder, salt, and lime juice. The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the spicy chili and tart lime juice to create an addicting street snack.

You will be on the hunt for the mango cart every time you leave your hotel. We even chased them down for several blocks when we had the urge for fresh mango with chili. No shame in our game!

• Where to find it : look for mango with tajin around the main squares around the Peninsula.

23. Zac Ko’ol: Traditional Mayan Food That Tastes Like Thanksgiving

We couldn’t find a photo, but we did try this dish! Just head to minute 13:02 of the Valladolid food tour video included above!

Another traditional Mayan food on this list that you are unlikely to find anywhere outside the Yucatan Peninsula is Zac Ko’ol (also written as Sac Kool). We were surprised to learn that gravy-like dishes are typical of Mayan cuisine. And I couldn’t help but be reminded of Thanksgiving when tasting this local delight.

Zac Ko’ol is a white gravy made with poultry stock and corn. The rich and homey dish is served with turkey or chicken as a thick soup. We found this to be a delightfully surprising dish.

• Where to find it : Meson del Marque in Valladolid serves up a delicious version of this dish. That said, Zac Ko’ol is not one of the easiest Yucatan foods to find.

24. Tamales: A Favorite Mexican Food To Eat In The Yucatan

Common throughout Mexico, tamales are also a breakfast staple in Yucatecan cuisine. If you are not already familiar, a tamale consists of a corn-dough mass filled with a variety of ingredients before being steamed or grilled while wrapped inside a banana leaf.

The banana leaf used to steam the tamale gives this Yucatan food a distinct flavor. The corn dough can be filled with chicken, pork, and some veggies, but the stuffing is usually pretty light. Adding a couple squirts of spicy salsa is recommended to give a kick of flavor to this filling and affordable street snack!

Tamales are a popular street food in many parts of the Yucatan Peninsula . So popular that supplies run out quickly. We stopped by the tamale ladies in Valladolid at 9 am and they were already sold out! You have been warned – get up early if you are curious about this Yucatan food.

• Where to find it : ask around at local markets or in areas with many street-food options. You will never be too far from tamales when traveling around the Yucatan.

Save This Traditional Yucatan Foods Post For Later!

Famous Yucatan Foods We Didn’t Capture On Our Food Tours

Even though we sampled many of the Yucatan foods in this section, we didn’t enjoy them as part of our food vlogs. Unfortunately there’s a limit to how much food we can fit in our bodies before a video spirals out of control.

25. Cheese Ice Cream: Campeche’s Favorite Desert

You can watch me not enjoying cheese ice cream at minute 8.09 of our Campeche travel video. We couldn’t even finish it!

• WOTW rating : 1/5

Cheese ice cream?!?!

Yes, cheese ice cream is a real thing in the Yucatan Peninsula. And yes, it includes actual pieces of Dutch Edam cheese.

The lovely people of Campeche have a unique obsession with this mild-flavored cheese. So much so, that someone decided that cheese-flavored ice cream infused with bits of ‘Queso de Bola’ would be a good idea.

Obviously we could not miss on trying this popular Campechano dessert . But also – we didn’t like it. There was something too strange about eating cheese ice cream. But if you want to try something weird that locals swear by, go ahead and go for a cone of Queso de Bola ice cream.

• Where to find it : La Brocha in Campeche is the famous spot in town to try this strange Yucatan dessert.

26. Mondongo: A Favorite Weekend Food In The Yucatan

• WOTW rating : N/A (sorry, we are not tripe people)

Not gonna lie – we totally passed on trying Mondongo during our visit. Mondongo is a type of stew made with tripe, the stomach lining of cows. It’s a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, and the Yucatan region of Mexico is no exception. This weekend favorite is slow-cooked in a stew with a variety of vegetables, chili peppers, and spices and served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Like many other iconic Yucatan foods like Cochinita Pibil and Relleno Negro, Mondongo is traditionally consumed on Sundays. Keep your eyes peeled for handwritten signs reading ‘Mondongo’ if you want more adventurous Yucatan foods to try during your visit.

• Where to find it : almost everywhere. Just look for the signs in front of restaurants and homes indicating that there is Mondongo for sale.

27. Pollo Estilo Sinaloa: My Personal Favorite ‘Yucatan Food’

Pollo Estilo Sinaloa is my personal favorite Yucatan food . I miss it almost every day of my life. Okay, not really. But the perfect combination of flavorful, affordable, and filling always hits the spot when you are ready to chow down for lunch.

As the name implies, this version of grilled chicken originates from the Mexican state of Sinaloa.  But even if this isn’t precisely a Yucatan food, you will be amazed by how many places grill up this delicious meal around the Peninsula.

Pollo Estilo Sinaloa is made with chicken marinated in a spicy red sauce before being grilled to perfection . The chicken is served with fresh corn tortillas, spicy salsas, rice, pickled onions, and sometimes… spaghetti? We usually skipped on the pasta side dish, but we firmly stand by the quality of the rest of this dish.

• Where to find it: we had the most unforgettable Pollo Estilo Sinaloa while visiting Bacalar. But you can also find amazing versions of this perfect food in Campeche.

28. Helado de Elote: Mexican Corn Ice Cream

• WOTW rating : N/A

Helado de Elote, or corn ice cream, is a must-try Yucatan dessert . It’s an excellent option whenever you’re ready to step away from the churros and try something a little more exotic. This local favorite is made with traditional Mayan corn and topped with Cajeta, a caramel made from goat’s milk.

• Where to find it : Helados Colon in Merida and La Brocha in Campeche serve this exotic Yucatecan dessert.

29. Botanas: Mexican Tapas Served At Your Favorite Cantina

• WOTW rating : 4/5 (quality varies)

Did you know that if you go to a traditional Mexican cantina and order drinks they will give you free food? Neither did we until coming to the Yucatan Peninsula! Botanas are essentially Mexican tapas that are served after you order a round of cold adult beverages.

And yes, botanas are typical across Mexico. But the cantina experience with mini plates of botanas shouldn’t be missed if you come to this region. So forgive us for putting them on a list of best Yucatan foods.

The types of food served as botanas varies by cantina . And they generally get better the more you order (I smell a challenge). We enjoyed diced pork chops, pumpkin-seed dips, radish salads, spicy potatoes, and more. And we never ordered more than two rounds. Imagine the possibilities!

• Where to find it : Cantina La Joyita in Valladolid and Rincon Colonial in Campeche were our favorite cantinas. Some can look a bit intimidating, but don’t be afraid to walk through those swinging doors.

30. Poc Chuc: Marinated Pork Chops

Poc Chuc is a popular dish found on menus all across the Yucatan Peninsula. This local favorite includes grilled pork served with lime, onions, cilantro, and the ever-present side of fresh tortillas. The pork is marinated in a special blend of spices and citrus before being tossed on the grill.

We don’t consider Poc Chuc one of our favorite Yucatan foods. But it is effortless to find and probably somewhat healthier than many other regional dishes. Poc Chuc may be a good option if you are looking for something grilled and mild-flavored.

• Where to find it : most traditional restaurants will have Poc Chuc on the menu. Although we don’t think its popularity is totally deserved, it is one of the most accessible Yucatan foods.

31. Escabeche Oriental: Another One Of Valladolid’s Favorite Foods

Valladolid punches above its weight when it comes to cooking up its very own local specialties. Escabeche Oriental (also known as ‘Pavo en Escabeche’) is a favorite dish proudly served in the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid.

Escabeche Oriental is a flavorful stew that marries tangy, smokey, and spicy flavors. The Valladolid favorite is traditionally made with turkey. However, today it is more likely that you will encounter it being prepared with chicken as the main protein.

This savory dish is loaded with black pepper, pickled onions, and fresh white onions. The ingredients combine to form a delicious medley of smokey, tangy and spicy flavors you will be sure to love!

• Where to find it: going to Valladolid is a good start if you are curious about enjoying this traditional Yucatan food.

32. Mexican Empanadas: The North Coast’s Favorite Treat

The glorious empanada is king on the Yucatan’s north coast. But don’t mistake the Yucatecan version of this dish with fancy Argentinean empanadas. These bad boys are cheap, deep fried, and best enjoyed with only the essentials. Try them with either shredded chicken, ground beef, cheese, sausage and/or egg. And definitely top it off with habanero sauce and pickled onions!

The fried Mexican empanada is so simple, yet so satisfying. We literally ate them three days in a row while visiting Isla Holbox. It didn’t hurt that each one cost less than a dollar. We didn’t like Isla Holbox, but we loved their empanadas!

• Where to find it : you can find Mexican empanadas around Cozumel, Cancun and Isla Holbox. But we also don’t think Holbox is the best place to visit.

33. Dulce de Papaya: A Very Sweet Treat

Dulce de Papaya is one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most popular desserts . This ultra-sweet treat is dessert or candy made from the not-yet-ripe papaya. The green papaya is boiled in sugar and water. Once the boiled fruit has cooled, it is coated in caramel for good measure, and voilà, you have Dulce de Papaya.

• Where to find it : we didn’t really have our eyes peeled for Dulce de Papaya during our travels, but we did run into it at Las Campanas in Valladolid. It’s best to ask around if you are very eager to satisfy your sweet tooth.

34. Kibis: A Middle-Eastern Influenced Beach Snack

Kibis is the Mexican version of one of our absolute favorite Turkish foods – içli kofte. There is a strong Lebanese influence in Mexican cuisine, which also explains the cooking method used for the ultra-famous tacos al pastor. Doesn’t the vertical spit remind you of how doner kebab and shawarma are prepared?

Anyways, Kibis is a type of fritter traditionally filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. The Kibis can also be stuffed with meat and cheese or simply cheese. The snack food has a perfectly satisfying crunch, while the inside is a delicious blend of savory ingredients.

• Where to find it : Kibis is a popular beach snack. They are also found being sold in little glass boxes around major cities. We mostly saw this Yucatan food around Merida and Cancun.

35. Brazo de Reina: Another Traditional Mayan Food Made With Superfoods

Brazo de Reina is another food that can be considered traditional Mayan cuisine . This one-of-a-kind Yucatan food blends traditional Mayan ingredients and cooking methods. The dish includes chaya (Mayan spinach), pumpkin-seed sauce, and the favorite hard-boiled eggs. The ingredients are mixed in a corn dough and steamed in a banana leaf, giving it a light and fluffy texture.

If the cooking method sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Brazo de Reina is essentially a type of Tamal that incorporates the Yucatan’s favorite ingredients. The final product is served in thick slices and topped with a rich tomato sauce. So while it is a close cousin to familiar Tamal (number 23 on this list of Yucatan Foods), the flavors and experience of eating Brazo de Reina are totally unique.

Note that this unique dish is also known by the Mayan name – Dzotobichay.

• Where to find it : this dish is quite rare. Finding it may require going to restaurants that specialize in traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

Yucatan foods aren’t the only things worth trying while visiting the region. There are also a traditional Mayan drinks that are worth discovering. Don’t forget to try the Yucatan’s favorite beverages!

36. Hot Chocolate: A Mayan Drink Fit For The Gods

Cocoa has been revered by the Mayan culture for centuries. ‘Xocolatl,’ meaning ‘bitter water’ in Mayan, is the origin of the word chocolate. How about that for fun facts?!?

The traditional version of this Mayan drink blends crushed cocoa and spices with hot water. This rich and frothy beverage is less sweet than the childhood chocolate milk many of us are familiar with. That’s because the Mayans didn’t cultivate sugar, so the bitter and spicy flavors dominate this local hot chocolate.

• Where to find it : there are many chocolate museums around the Yucatan Peninsula that describe the history of cocoa in the region. And, of course, they let you try hot chocolate prepared the traditional Mayan way!

37. Xtabentun: Traditional Mayan Alcoholic Drink

Looking for some alcoholic Mayan drinks to spice up your vacation? Look no further than Xtabentun. Pronounced ‘iksh – tah – ben – tun.’ Commonly enjoyed as an after-dinner drink, Xtabentun is made with honey from the Mayan stingless bee. How cool?!?

The fermented honey used to make this Xtabentun produces an excellent anise-flavored liqueur. If you like Greek Ouzo or Turkish Raki , this local alcoholic drink might be right up your alley.

It is typical to serve Xtabentun neat over ice. Give this traditional Mayan drink a try after going out for a nice dinner of local Yucatan cuisine because, well, why not?

• Where to find it: most bars with decent-sized liquor shelves will serve Xtabentun. It is also easy to find at liquor stores if you want to commit to the entire bottle.

38. Chaya: Mayan Superfood To Add To Your Yucatan Drinks (Or Foods)

Chaya is a leafy green vegetable popular in the Yucatan region of Mexico . This superfood is used in many local dishes, including soups, stews, and tacos. And this traditional Mayan ingredient is also added to juices to make them healthier and give them a unique flavor.

Mixing blended chaya with pineapple juice is a favorite way to enjoy this traditional ingredient . The result is a refreshing and vitamin-packed Yucatan drink. The sweet pineapple juice compliments the chaya’s slightly bitter taste to deliver a somewhat surprisingly satisfying beverage.

Known locally as ‘Agua de Chaya con Piña,’ this beverage falls into the category of ‘Aguas Frescas.’ Aguas Frescas are beloved juice drinks consumed throughout Mexico. Look for this adaptation of traditional Mayan drinks at your favorite taqueria around the Peninsula!

• Where to find it : ‘Agua de Chaya con piña’ is easier to find around Merida and Valladolid than around the Riviera Maya’s popular beach destinations.

39. Horchata: Refreshing Mayan Drink Perfect On A Hot Day

Horchata is another traditional Mayan drink that you have to try. The sweet and refreshing beverage is found throughout Mexico, Guatemala, and Spain. However, the version made with rice has Mayan origins. ‘Horchata de Arroz’ (rice-based Horchata) is one of the traditional flavors for the ubiquitous ‘Aguas Frescas’ sold at local restaurants.

Horchata is made by soaking and blending rice and mixing it with milk and sugar before topping it with cinnamon. It is a perfect beverage to cool you down during the steamy days around this part of Mexico. Add a bit of coconut to enjoy this Mayan drink with a Yucatecan twist.

• Where to find it : you will find Horchata at most local restaurants throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

40. Montejo: The Yucatan Peninsula’s Favorite Beer

If Aguas Frescas are not exactly Mayan, then Montejo beer is definitely not at all Mayan . It’s not like historical records indicate that the Mayans were drinking cold ones before the arrival of the Europeans. And to make matters worse, Montejo is actually the name of the conquistador family that conquered the Yucatan. But here we are, putting it on a list of Mayan drinks in the Yucatan.

If I may, Montejo is the signature beer of the Yucatan Peninsula. And it also happened to be one of my favorite national beers that we tried during our extended visit to the region. And that’s all I got for my defense! Be sure to ask for an ice-cold Montejo if you want to cool down with a distinctly Yucatecan beer.

• Where to find it : Montejo isn’t served everywhere, but most places on the mainland (so not Cozumel) serve the Yucatan’s favorite local beer.

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the best food in Mexico . We can confidently stand by that statement. And there are so many unique Yucatan foods waiting for hungry travelers to try. From traditional Mayan food like Papadzules to the iconic Cochinita Pibil, the incredible flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula will have you coming back for more!

Be sure to save this list of delicious Yucatan foods for when you are ready to explore this amazing part of Mexico.

Thanks for reading!

Have any questions about the best Yucatan foods? Reach out in the comments or DM us on Instagram! IG is the fastest way to connect with us for any urgent questions about tacos!

Did these Yucatan Foods convince you to visit? Start planning your trip here:

• Punta Allen : Guide To Visiting Punta Allen: The Riviera Maya’s Hidden Paradise (With Video)
• Cozumel Beaches : 15 Beautiful Cozumel Beaches To Explore (With Video)
• Cancun vs Cozumel : Which Yucatan Peninsula Beach Paradise Is For You?
• Isla Holbox : 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Isla Holbox, Mexico (Why We Didn’t Like It)

Tired of reading? We have an entire Yucatan Peninsula travel series on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe to follow along with the adventures 🙂

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2 thoughts on “40 Yucatan Foods & Drinks You’ve Never Heard Of (With Videos)”

This is a helpful article, and I will take it with me when I visit Yucatan. However, the statement that horchata is a traditional Mayan drink and that rice horchata has Mayan origins makes me skeptical about the accuracy of statements about Mayan origin througout. Rice is not native to the new world, and horchata was well known in northern Africa and Spain before the arrival of Spaniards in the new world. It’s simply not plausible that rice horchata is a traditional Mayan drink.

Hey Tim, thanks for your message. You are correct that rice is not native to the new world and that it was brought to the Yucatan by the Spanish. I am no expert in Horchata, but the research that I did on this beverage led to me to understand that the rice-based version of this drink is, in fact, Yucatecan. You can read here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/history-of-horchata#:~:text=While%20the%20Mexican%20version%20of,(drink%20made%20with%20barley) . And not to argue semantics – but something can be traditional even if it’s not original. So if the Mayans have been producing a version of horchata for centuries, it can be traditional – even if the origins are Spanish. Thanks – enjoy your time in the Yucatan!

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12 Top Rated Merida Tours in 2024 [Locals’ Picks]

Ready to book your Merida Tours ?

Considered the Cultural Capital of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country, there’s no shortage of amazing Merida tours you can take on your trip.

From the more “on” the beaten path places like Chichen Itza, to visiting off the beaten path Yucatan cenotes — and even a tour to have a traditional meal cooked by a chef seen on Netflix , Merida has some unforgettable and unmissable experiences waiting for you!

🤔 How do I know all this? I live in Merida, Mexico! That’s right, you have the most coveted travel advice right at your fingertips — Tips from a local .

I hand-selected all the tours below for their uniqueness, great ratings and value for the price. There’s a mix of Merida cenotes, Mayan ruins near Merida, and even the chance to get blessed by a Mayan shaman !

If you’re ready, let’s dive in and explore some Merida excursions, starting with the best tour on the list: A visit to Chichen Itza and a meal cooked by Chef Rosalia Chay in her home.

This Mayan chef was featured on the Netflix show, Chef’s Table: BBQ (Volume 1, Episode 4), cooking her cochinita pibil .

Top 3 Picks: Top Rated Merida Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mayan Food Experience & Chichén Itzá Tour ✔️ Traditional Mexica lunch ✔️ Local tour guide

Magic Cenotes + Hacienda Tour ✔️ Transportation ✔️ Snorkeling Equipment

Chichen Itza, Cenotes & Magical Cities Tour ✔️ Transportation ✔️ Bilingual guide

Best Merida Tours

Editor’s pick: best merida tour, 1. [netflix chef] mayan food experience & chichén itzá tour.

A true once-in-a-lifetime experience! For visitors who can only take one tour — this is the one — especially for those who were already planning to go to Chichen Itza from Merida.

The Mayan Food Experience & Tour of Chichén Itza tour checks a lot of Mexico bucket list boxes off with a visit to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and an authentic Mexican meal cooked by Chef Rosalia Chay Chuc — as seen on the Netflix show, Chef’s Table: BBQ .

On the Mayan Food Experience & Tour of Chichén Itza , you will:

• Learn ancient Mayan cooking techniques from Chef Rosalía Chay,
• Enjoy a traditional lunch with Chef Rosalia and her family in their small pueblo of Yaxuna, Mexico, and
• Explore the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins with a certified local tour guide.

You’ll be picked up from your Merida accommodation, and driven to Chef Rosalia’s home in the small town of Yaxuna, located in the Yucatan jungle.

Take a seat at her family’s table for a lunch of traditional Yucatecan foods, including cochinita pibil , relleno negro and more.

Chef Rosalia will show you how she prepares food the old-fashioned way, by hand and in an underground oven called a pib. Using recipes passed down through generations in her family, she learns how to make tortillas using an ancient cooking technique.

From there, head with your guide to Chichen Itza, the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico. It is both a Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with so much to see.

Marvel at the Temple of Kukulkan (AKA El Castillo, or The Castle), Temple of the Warriors, Sacred Cenote and more.

Merida Cenotes Tours

Swimming in the Yucatan cenotes is a unique experience you can only have in Mexico!

If you’re wondering, What is a cenote? — Cenotes are swimmable freshwater sinkholes located in the Yucatan jungle, so they are quite picturesque. For more cenote Merida Mexico FAQs, see below.

• Cost: Cenotes have entry fees, though they are minimal. The more popular ones that provide amenities like restrooms, on-site restaurants, etc., should still cost no more than $300 pesos ($15USD) to enter. Most are closer in price to about $50-100 pesos ($2.50-5USD).
• Remote Locations: As cenotes are located in remote places in the Yucatan Peninsula, you do need a rental car to access them unless you’re taking a cenote tour.
• Cash Only: Bring cash to cover both your entry and food. Most cenotes are in rural areas, and won’t have WiFi or the ability to take credit cards.
• Accessibility: Different cenotes have different levels of accessibility. Many will have well-maintained stairs with handrails, especially the more popular ones. Some have make-shift stairs, and some have ladders.
• Water shoes: Water shoes really help! As cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc. Water shoes also help you not slip in general, especially when walking down any staircase entryways. (I see this a lot!)
• Waterproof Phone Holder: If you want to take photos in the cenotes, and don’t have a GoPro, you’ll want to bring your waterproof phone holder .
• Life Jackets: I have never been to a cenote that didn’t provide or rent life jackets; but if you can’t swim, you might want to do additional research on the cenote(s) you’re visiting.
• Sunscreens and lotions: Don’t apply sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent — anything — before getting in a cenote. Many require you to rinse off before entering, so even putting anything on will be a waste.
• Photos: Want those people-less Instagrammable cenote photos? Go on a weekday, and arrive early! You also might want to bring one of those waterproof phone holders that go around your neck.

Flowing under the entire Yucatan Peninsula, there’s a freshwater river, the same water found in every cenote.

As this was the ancient Mayan peoples’ largest source of fresh water, they considered cenotes sacred, and some were used to make offerings, like the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza.

Cenotes in Yucatan

There are about 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan , the largest concentration anywhere on Earth!

Some are fully above ground, known as swimming pool cenotes, some are partially exposed with a large hole in the top, and some are fully underground in caves .

2. Magic Cenotes + Hacienda Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4.97 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 6.5 hours | 🤿  Check Rates and Availability

This tour is led by Miguel Ángel, a Yucatan Merida Mexico native. On this cenotes Merida tours , he’ll show you two off-the-beaten-path cenotes Merida Mexico has to offer, as well as one historic hacienda .

With these lesser-visited cenotes, you (often) have them all to yourself for a truly magical experience.

best MERIDA tours

Tours from merida to chichen itza.

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza may not need an introduction.

Visiting is at the top of most people’s Mexico bucket list, and given that the city of Merida is located only about 1.5 hours away, it’s a must-do for most travelers.

While some Yucatan Mayan Ruins sites may not require a guide, you’ll want one at Chichen Itza.

This site is so large and so historically significant that it’s almost a shame not to soak up as much hands-on knowledge of the ancient Mayan culture as possible when you visit.

Also, you’re essentially just looking at piles of rock unless you get the insider info from a knowledgeable guide 😂

Each of the tours featured below has just that, and some even have extras like swimming in a cenote and a meal included.

• Netflix Chef Lunch: Mayan Food Experience & Tour of Chichén Itza
• Mexico Pink Lakes: Chichen Itza & the Pink Pools
• Cenote & Cooking Class: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote, and Cooking Class
• Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns): Chichen Itza, Cenotes & Magical Cities Tour

3. Chichen Itza, Cenotes & Magical Cities Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4.80 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 10 hours | 🤿  Check Rates and Availability

Chichen Itza is located not far from Valladolid, Mexico, one of the country’s 135 (or so) pueblos magicos , or magic towns.

Valladolid is one of the most popular day trips from Merida , but for those who don’t have a full day to spare, you can at least check out this charming, colorful Colonial city — as well as Chichen Itza and two cenotes — on the Chichen Itza, Cenotes & Magical Cities Tour .

Merida Hacienda Tours

Haciendas are tied to a huge part of the history of the Yucatan Peninsula. Back in the 1600s-1800s, Yucatan farmers harvested the area’s most profitable cash crop, sisal , nicknamed “green gold.”

This was once used to make rope twine, thanks to the henequen plant’s sturdy string-like fibers.

After the need for sisal died out, many hacienda owners abandoned these sprawling estates when they became too expensive to maintain.

For years, the majority sat in ruin, but in the last 50 years or so, some have been restored to be used as event spaces, wedding venues and even boutique hotels .

4. Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche Tour

⭐️  Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 6 hours | 🤿  Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time as you explore Hacienda Mucuyche , on this Merida cenote tour, a historic 18th-century hacienda.

There are two cenotes onsite, Cenote Carlota and Cenote Azul Maya, perfect for a refreshing swim after your guided tour of the grounds.  (Note: You can only access Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche on private tours in Yucatan Merida).

5. Hacienda Yaxcopoil & Cenotes Tour

Hacienda Yaxcopoil (pronounced yash-coh-poe-eel) was built in about 1650. It has been fully restored and is known as one of the best haciendas in Merida .

As with most Merida haciendas, this one is mostly rented out for private parties and events. When not rented out, you can visit and tour the grounds.

For this reason, it’s best to go with a tour — so you don’t show up to find the hacienda closed for a private event.

Stay in a Merida Hacienda Hotel

For a truly unique experience, book one of the Merida haciendas listed below. Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP is located right in downtown Merida, and the others are within 25 minutes by rental car or Uber.

• Hacienda Santa Cruz Merida
• Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP
• La Hacienda Xcanatun

Merida tours to Las Coloradas Pink Lakes

Las Coloradas (literally meaning The Blush) are the famous Mexico pink lakes in Yucatan.

These naturally-occurring pink lakes gained popularity after a viral Instagram photo a few years back, but because of their remote location, they remain an off-the-beaten-path Yucatan destination.

In fact, if you’re not driving your rental car , Las Coloradas isn’t easily accessible by public transport — and it will take two buses and a taxi to get to from Merida.

For this reason, the best way to visit is by booking a tour of Las Coloradas, with two options listed below.

6. Chichen Itza & the Pink Pools Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4.85 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 11 hours | 🤿  Check Rates and Availability

Beat the crowds with an early morning Chichen Itza visit before heading to the Mexico pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

On the way, stop for an authentic Yucatan food lunch in the pueblo (small town) of Temozon. When you reach the pink lakes, you’ll be able to take amazing pictures and may even see some of the flamingos that inhabit the area.

7. Live the Pink Sea and Exotic Beaches Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4.63 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 10 hours | 🦩  Check Rates and Availability

Since this is not a place you can swim, you’ll then head to the virgin beaches of Cancunito. The tour ends with a Rio Lagartos boat ride, a peaceful cruise through the mangroves to see alligators and maybe flamingos.

las coloradas faq

Las Coloradas has pink water because of the red algae, plankton and brine shrimp that live in this salty water. The salt content in this water is so high, this area has been used as a natural salt mine by the Mayans for centuries.

In fact, the flock of wild Yucatan flamingos that live in this part of Mexico drinks this water, which in turn keeps their feathers pink!

The pink color of the lakes shows brightest on very sunny days. Keep this in mind if you plan to make the trip from Merida. On overcast, non-sunny days, the water will not be vibrant pink.

For photography, the lakes show brightest during (approx.) 11am-1pm, when the sun is directly overhead. The lakes are pink year-round, so the real factor is the sun… meaning definitely check the weather report before heading there.

A few years back, the Mexican government stopped allowing swimming. The reason for this is that the salt content can actually be toxic on the skin.

While there’s no one around monitoring if you go in or not, there’s also not a hospital too close to Las Coloradas, so don’t risk your health and safety for a photo.

Merida Tours to Uxmal Ruins

Though often overshadowed in name recognition by Chichen Itza — Uxmal (pronounced yoosh-mall) is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s equally as impressive.

It also feels much less touristy and less crowded, seeing only about 10% of the amount of annual visitors as Chichen Itza. This makes for one of the best Merida trip packages to Chichen Itza.

If you’re wondering Should I visit Chichen Itza or Uxmal? , there is one good reason that might convince you to take a Uxmal tour from Merida over one to Chichen Itza.

It is that you’re actually allowed to climb the structures and pyramids at Uxmal (with the exception of one pyramid).

8. Cenotes, Uxmal & Chocolate Museum Tour

⭐️  Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 1-2 hours | 🗿  Check Rates and Availability

The city of Uxmal, Mexico, is mostly off the beaten path, though it is a fun area of the Yucatan to visit. Start the day with a refreshing swim in two cenotes nearby.

Besides the ruins themselves, the ChocoStory Chocolate Museum is right across the street, which is more of an interactive Mayan culture park than a museum (and yes, there is chocolate! ).

Puuc Route Tours

Besides Uxmal, the most famous of the bunch, there are four other sites along what’s known as the Ruta Puuc (Puuc Route).

This is a 36-mile (58km) drive, which you can visit on The Puuc Exploration Tour or Loltun Cave and Puuc Route Full-Day Tour , if you don’t have a rental car .

Along the route, there are Labna, Kabah, Sayil and Xlapak Mayan Ruins, which all feature the same stone carvings and Puuc -style design elements as Uxmal. 

As lesser-known, off the beaten path Mayan ruins in Mexico, there’s a good chance you’ll have these sites all to yourself.

Merida Food Tours & Drink Tours

In 2010, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared traditional Mexican food an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind.”

In plain English, this means Mexican food is a cultural treasure worth preserving. #TRUTH 🤤

While most think of tacos and burritos when they picture Mexican food — these don’t play a role in Yucatecan cuisine.

Yucatan food is different because the Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, so many plants, fruits and veggies that grow near Merida aren’t found in other parts of Mexico.

When in Merida, you’ll be enjoying local Yucatecan foods .

These include cochinita pibil (suckling pig slow-roasted underground), sopa de lima (chicken and lime soup made with local limes), papadzules (egg enchiladas with pepita sauce) and marquesitas (chocolate and cheese crepes).

9. Merida Cooking Class and Market Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4.96 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 4 hours | 🌮  Check Rates and Availability

Visit a small but special market, where many Merida restaurant chefs shop, to learn about local ingredients — like zapote, mamey, achiote and chaya.

Then, head back to the kitchen at a renovated Colonial hacienda to cook a three-course meal you’ll eat afterward in the courtyard!

🥘 Note: This Merida tour package can accommodate vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs.

10. This is not just a Mezcal Tasting!

The name says it all! During this Mexico drinks tasting, you’ll sample small-production Mexican mezcal and lesser-known adult beverages — most of which you won’t find outside of Mexico.

These include pox , pulque , sotol and raicilla. Enjoy a small bite local Yucatan foods paired with your drinks.

Additional Merida cooking class, Food & Drink Tours

• Mayan Food Experience & Tour of Chichén Itza — With a Netflix Chef!
• Merida Street Food Walking Tour
• Merida Cantinas Walking Tour
• Stingless Bee Honey Tasting

Merida Walking Tours

Merida is a centuries-old city which holds a lot of history. It is known as the Cultural Capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, with buildings dating back to the 1500s.

The best way to see and learn about it is on a walking tour of Merida with a local guide, like this one ⤵

11. Merida Tour: Explore, eat and learn

⭐️  Rating : 4.74 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 3 hours | 🌮  Check Rates and Availability

Join host Jessica Alejandra for a walking tour around Merida to get a sense of the town, learn some history and get insider information from a local.

On this walking tour Merida , you’ll visit bustling mercados (markets), historic monuments, and even some off-the-beaten-path places to eat and drink.

Additional Merida Tours

• Photoshoot in Mérida
• Merida City Tours in a Gua Gua Bus
• History Walking Tour in Mérida
• Discover Merida’s Old Neighborhoods

FREE Merida Walking Tour

Looking for what to do in Merida Mexico that won’t cost you any money?! You’ve found it in the Free Merida Walking Tour , which is a great way to get to know this historic Mexican colonial city.

Join a guide from the Merida Tourism Office on a FREE, one-hour walking tour with an English-speaking guide.

Tours depart daily at 9:30 a.m.; try to arrive by 9:15 a.m. Meet your guide on the first floor of Palacio Municipal (seen in the photo above⤴), the big pink building in Plaza Grande .

💡 Merida Travel Tip: It is customary to tip at the end of your free walking tour Merida. As a suggested amount, consider tipping your guide $100-200 pesos ($5-10USD) per person , or more to show appreciation for a job well done!

Unique Merida Tours: Mayan Cultural Experiences

Located in the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is surrounded on all sides by Mayan culture.

It has been called the Cultural Capital of Yucatan and provides visitors with a very different experience compared to the well-known tourism hubs of Tulum and Cancun , located a few hours away.

For many who visit Merida, it’s for exactly this reason — to be immersed in Mexican and Mayan culture.

There are many ancestral ceremonies and spiritual practices still used by the Maya today, some of which are open to visitors to experience.

12. Mayan Shaman Blessing: A real magic ancestral experience

Step into a traditional Mayan spa in Downtown Merida, for a full sensory journey. There are several Mayan baths and pools, all with infused waters at varying temperatures to promote wellness and healing.

You’ll also have a miner-rich mud bath and a blessing from a local Mayan shaman.

Additional HOLISTIC Mayan Experiences

• Cacao Ceremony & Sound Revitalization – one of the best cacao tours in Merida Mexico.
• Kukulkán Invocations: Mayan Voice & Sound Meditation
• Art Oracles & Cacao Ceremony

Merida Travel FAQ

Is merida, mexico safe.

Merida has been ranked as not only the safest city in Mexico, but one of the safest on the entire Americas Continent by CEOWorld magazine. In 2019, Conde Nast Traveler magazine named it the best small city in the world.

Though Merida is considered safe, you’ll still want to follow the 10 General Travel Safety Tips below to err on the side of caution.

These safety measures — like taking Uber home at night — are the same ones you’d follow when traveling anywhere, and they should suffice in Merida.

🩺 Mexico Travel Insurance

Want an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times? Smart choice!

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Mexico and Merida travel safety are on your mind, World Nomads is a great option for more adventurous travelers, and Safety Wing provides affordable, basic travel policies.

• Always listen to your intuition — because your intuition is always right.
• If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place asap. Don’t worry about making a kind, nice or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away fast.
• Don’t walk home alone at night.
• Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket.
• Learn some basic Spanish. If you can’t learn it, save this infographic as an image on your phone so you have something to use even if you’re off-WiFi.
• Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things. This is annoying, for sure, but it works to not get your stuff stolen.
• Speaking of bar neighbors… don’t take drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended.
• Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.
• Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to pay.
• When in doubt: Get Travel Insurance !

Make sure you enroll in the free  STEP Program  before your trip. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the U.S. Consulate in Merida can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.

Where is Merida, Mexico?

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, one of three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula — along with Quintana Roo and Campeche states. Merida is located in southeastern Mexico, about 160 miles west of Tulum , 190 miles west of Cancun , and 180 miles west of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

It is also not far from other top Yucatan Peninsula destinations, including Bacalar Lagoon , AKA “Maldives of Mexico,” and the pueblo magicos (magic towns) of Valladolid , and the “Yellow City” of Izamal .

📍 Merida Mexico Map

Are there flights to merida, mexico.

Wondering what’s the best way to get to Merida? There’s actually an airport about 20 minutes from downtown — Merida International Airport (code: MID). There are direct flights to Merida from only a few U.S. cities, like Miami, Houston and sometimes Oakland.

If you can’t get a direct flight from the U.S., you can also fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara International Airport. From either of those, you can take a short, connecting flight into MID.

From the airport, you can take a rental car , Uber, taxi, or private transport service (see options below) to your accommodation. Depending on where you’re staying and traffic, the drive is usually no more than 30 minutes.

🚘 Merida Airport transfer service

Where to stay in merida mexico.

From Merida hotels and boutique hotels to VRBO and Airbnb Merida Mexico home rentals, to great Merida hostels, like Nomadas — there’s options at all budgets.

For a list of the best Merida rentals, like CasaBlanca seen below, visit 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local] .

More of a hotel traveler? Keep scrolling to discover the best hotels in Merida ⤵

🏩 Best Merida Hotels

There are only four rooms in the Rosas & Xocolate Merida Boutique Hotel & Spa — so don’t hesitate to book!

Located right on Paseo Montejo, in the heart of Merida, this hotel provides a tranquil oasis in a modern boho jungle, complete with a luxury spa, restaurant, bar and boutique shop.

Hotel Casa Azul (Blue House Hotel), a National Historic Monument, is gorgeous both inside and out.

Its blue exterior makes for a beautiful photo backdrop, but it’s also one of the most historic and best hotels in Merida, with near-perfect ratings and an amazing location just off Paseo de Montejo.

🏨 Additional hotels in Merida, Mexico

• ($$$) Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP
• ($$) NH Collection Merida Paseo Montejo
• ($) Casa Garza Boutique Hotel & Hostel

🚘 Getting a rental car in Merida?

If you’re renting a car in Merida , check the parking policy with your accommodation before booking.

For those planning to stay in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida), know that many home and apartment rentals only offer street parking, and many hotels charge a daily parking fee.

RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 Merida Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know + 10 Driving Tips

BEST TOURS MERIDA

Final thoughts: best merida tours in yucatan.

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Merida !

If by chance you do find yourself at a loss for what to do in Merida itself, there’s also many amazing days trips from Merida located within 30 minutes to two hours of town, and amazing beaches in Merida Mexico , just outside of the city.

To get the best experience on your trip, a Merida trip is definitely the way to go. All tours featured in this article have great ratings and good pricing, and you’ll have a local as a guide.

As they say, A local is a travel game changer , so don’t pass up the opportunity to see Merida with the experts.

Merida Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Merida?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Merida?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?

For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb! ( Read more )

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

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THE BEST Merida Food Tours

Merida food tours.

• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine

2. Nightlife tour in Merida, Yucatan.