It's a can't miss, must-see and a must-explore when in the magical town of Izamal…read more It was the first thing Hubbers and I explored upon arrival of this modest town. How massive this whole place is! I was also impressed at how well maintained the walkways and grass are. Took a minute to truly take in its outer beauty, and we eventually made it inside. I felt a lot of history walking through the main halls and walkways. There was a sense of honor walking the same floors Pope John Paul II had been. The golden wall of the church's sanctuary stood out immediately. Pews and floors were clean. They maintained its simplicity. More exploring and we discovered a museum upstairs for a modest fee (I believe it was $10MX/pp.) I spent a lot of time looking at some historical artifacts and reading through a lot of its history. It was quite educational. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir. Price point is very fair. Five centuries this structure has been here. I can only imagine what it has gone through that whole time and yet, here it remains still standing strong. TIP: It's a bit of a climb via stairs on one side or cobblestoned ramp on the other, but nothing to make you out of breath. If anything, the most bothersome was the heat and humidity, but once you see this majestic structure with your own two eyes, you forget about all that. It really is a sight to see. So glad of the stop. Would do it again given the chance.

We took a tour a couple of days ago that brought us to Izamal, where we explored the Convento San…read moreAntonio de Padua. The monastery was founded in 1549 by Franciscan friars, and when the building's construction began a few years later, it was erected on top of a pre-hispanic, Mayan structure (Paphol-Chac). The building was completed in 1561 (later additions were made). The open atrium of the monastery is still today second in size only to the atrium at the Vatican. Most of the stone used to build the monastery came from the ruins of Paphol-Chac. The monastery was painted yellow when the rest of the city was, and it's a stunning building - and great to photograph! They are preserving and restoring some original frescos on the building, which you can see when you walk up to the exterior. You may walk into the church and other areas of the monastery depending on the day and time of your visit. Pope John Paul II visited the monastery in 1993, and there is a statue of him outside the monastery. Definitely worth a visit to explore and photograph if you're in Izamal!

Yesterday we had a tour of Merida from our friendly and competent guide, Emilio…read more He took us through the old town square and told us about its history. We then walked through the cultural center of town where he told us about the legends and fables of the area. Finally, he ended the tour in one of the lively town squares where he gave us information about what's happening in Merida today. The tour was free- they just ask for a tip at the end. At no point was Emilio pushy about tips (he didn't even ask about it), he was genuinely grateful for the pesos we gave him at the end. We highly recommend this tour and hope that Emilio has great success in his endeavors.

We took the free walking tour through central Merida with Sofia as our guide. They meet daily in…read morefront of the cathedral at 9:30 am. She was super informative and fun and the pace was perfect for our group of people of all ages. She talked about the history of the cathedral and the people of the Yucatán from colonial times through the Mexican revolution to today in modern times. The tour is free but she accepts tips! I highly recommend this tour for anyone's first visit to Merida.

Enjoying our visit, but questioning why we prepaid at a $60 rate when it's only $40 to book at the…read moreport? And yes, both of the groups bought the all inclusive beach club with blue wrist bands. $40 - great value $60 - would have be better if the other alcohol and menu items were included Guess our next visit we will wait and book at the port - also while the buffet menu references fish - there was none when I asked was told not today

This was our first cruise/excursion and Sergio's had great reviews vs. the ship options. Uva met us…read morewhere he communicated he would be, easy to find. They encourage you to get there early to beat crowds at the stops and it's worth it! We got on the road and did the stunning cenotes first- best way to start the morning! Peaceful and gorgeous. Flamingos weren't here yet due to weather/migration, bummed to miss it but it worked out for our schedule. The salt mines were incredible to see that process and taste salt and bring some home. The Mayan historical market was educational and beautiful. Please be respectful of the space so we can have them for longer! We headed to the beach house for a tasty buffet lunch and great drinks! It's a fabulous set up with a pool and shower and access to the beach. We had a surprise massage option with Dory, I think she might be a new addition and you MUST have her work on you. I did 30 months and regret not doing the hour. She's so strong and magical! I had a massage in Cozumel that was nowhere near her ability! Treat yourself. Overall experience was 10/10! Uva was a fun and knowledgeable guide and we had a blast! Will definitely go back. Even if you don't want to see all the stops- get the house package and just spend the day there. Worth it! Thank you, Sergio's Tours team!

Visit Jan 2021 Museum is closed…read moreCenote is closed because of COVID. Too many people visit here would be no way to manage social distancing in the cenote Within Merida city limits Go early and have the place to yourself and beat the heat Can climb the other pyramids- not the one you seen on the postcards Like others have said. Read up on what you are looking at and you don't need a guide If you've been to the big two (uxmal and chichen itza) this site is much smaller but well worth the visit

Love this place. Very interesting. A lot of walking. Will take future visitors there in the future.read more