Private tour in Merida Andrej V

Chichen Itza with an Archaeologist

5.0

(26) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Andrej V.

5.0

Guide rating

119

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Before we start, I would like you to know one thing. Forget about the traditional guiding services where the tour guide provides you with all sorts of yakety-yak monologue-type of information which you will probably forget anyway! No, that's simply not me. I'm Andrej. I live in Mérida and I'm passionate about authentic Mexican culture. I am a trained archaeologist and anthropologist in the Mayan culture with some field work at Dzibilchaltun in Yucatan and Uaxactun in Guatemala; also I was researching about Chichen Itza's ancient economy through the lithic materials that were recovered by Isla Cerritos Archaeological Project directed by Rafael Cobos. However, it was in 2019 when I accidentally came to guide a group of Europeans in their travels to Mexico. And the result was? I loved the experience! And you cannot imagine what it felt like. It was like a classroom full of toddlers asking you all types of simple questions I loved to answer. But, from the beginning, I told them: "I have also traveled and taken photographs of the places I visited, same as you. And now, after all these years, I regret I did not enjoy the beauty of the cultural and natural heritage of Mexico before my very eyes". So here I am. Seven years later, spreading my archaeological knowledge as a full-time freelance guide, who teaches travelers to observe the little details that Mérida and its surroundings definitely have to offer. Feel welcome to ask me any details before your trip and I will be glad to help you and have your tour tailor-made just for you! Whichever tour you decide to go with, they all have one thing in common: to get to the core of the Mayan culture of the Yucatan Peninsula so you will fly back to your home country full of experiences and unforgettable memories that not even time will be able to erase from the inner source of your being! ¡Hasta pronto! PhD. in Maya Archaeology and Anthropological Sciences (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México). Although it doesn't mean I know everything :-) Since 2019 I have been a freelance archaeologist (guide) offering tours not only in Yucatan Peninsula but also in other parts of Mexico. I am also a certified guide NOM-08-TUR-2002 by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism allowing me to guide all around Mexico. Member of National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CANACO SERVYTUR Merida).

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Andrej V.

Overview of your Merida tour

Back in 2007, when I voted in the world-wide online voting for new world wonders, I was still a teenager. Being 19 back then, I was impressed by Chichén Itzá and its historical background, and I believe it was partially this voting that inspired me to come to Yucatan in 2010 and initiate my studies in archaeology of the Ancient Maya at the University in Mérida. Nowadays, I dedicate my time to share my decade-and-so of experience with the visitors who would like to discover more about the ancient Maya and particularly Chichén Itzá. The goal of this tour is not to overwhelm you with academic knowledge and boring facts, on the contrary, it is to transmit you the core of the ancient Maya wisdom that you will remember after long time. And after Chichén Itzá? Well trust me, nothing is better than to jump into the nicest cenotes in the area and have a meditative swim :-) Would you like to add something to the tour? Ask me for any help or suggestions! The following itinerary could be customized.

Your Merida tour itinerary

-Early in the morning, I'd pick you up from your lodging and leave Mérida. -After around an hour driving, we might have a quick breakfast on the way in the Maya village of Pisté, where you would definitely be able to eat like local. -Then we'd arrive at Chichén Itzá (it's always best to come early to beat the crowds!). The tour at Chichén Itzá will last approximately 2 hours during which you will penetrate into the core of its history while you enjoy the beauty of the ancient Maya temples, ball games, platforms, sacred cenote and elite residential units. -Next, we'd visit the the cenote (sinkhole). -Around an hour later, we could have an optional lunch there. -Afterwards, we'd be leaving back to Mérida. -Around 2 hours later, we'd be getting back to your lodging. Unless you'd like to continue to Cancún or somewhere else? Let me know so I can customize your trip!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

Private Sedan Car good for 3-4 persons included in the price. For additional cost, I can upgrade to get bigger vehicles: 1. Volkswagen Caddy or Suzuki Ertiga (up to 6 persons) 2. Toyota Hiace (up to 14 persons) 3. Mercedes Sprinter (up to 16 persons) Ask for a quote if you need other than a Sedan car. Thank you!

What's included
Other: Parking lot, toll highway, gas, guiding services. I'll bring a cooler with beverages and snacks for the road
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. During this trip, almost anywhere you can pay by credit/debit card and I usually bring Mexican pesos with me just in case you would need them. You might consider Mexican pesos as in this area they do not accept dollars/euro. You will need aproximately 1,000 pesos cash per person to cover the entrance fees to Chichen Itza and the cenote.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Entrance fees. Approximately 850 pesos per person
Meeting location

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Hotel or Airbnb or where the traveller requests Note* : this is not a shore excursion as there might be limited timing according to your arrival and departure. Note* : the tour starts from Merida. If you wish to be picked up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, I must increase the cost for 250usd to cover the extra expenses to come and pick you up.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1154148
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Merida

26 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Merida best suited for?

This private tour in Merida is perfect for first-time visitors who are eager to explore Chichén Itzá with the insights of an experienced archaeologist. It's also ideal for those interested in the ancient Maya civilization and who appreciate a personalized experience. Families with kids will find it suitable due to its minimal activity level and kid-friendly nature.

Can this private tour in Merida be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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