Private tour in Merida Andrej V
5.0
(14) reviews
5 hours
1
5 hours
1
Andrej V.
5.0
Guide rating
126
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
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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.
Just another walking tour? Big NO! During this tour I will revive your five senses: In the beginning, the sense of sight will be stimulated by the majestic colonial buildings I'll show you, where I'll introduce you to the history of Mérida beyond the Spanish "conquistadores". The sense of hearing will be fueled when I engage you into the conversational basics of Spanish in the local marketplace where you'll be able to learn and interact with the local vendors. The senses of smell and taste will be enhanced not only by trying the delicious seasonal fruits from the market, but also when I zig-zag you through the colonial neighborhoods where we'll meet locals eating the traditional delicacies. And of course, those places where we'll eat at are still considered hidden gems that only locals know! But what about the touch? Your heart will be touched because you'll never forget when you became a "meridano" for one day. So, let us have a relaxing walking tour full of history and traditional local gastronomy!
Andrej was an outstanding guide and made our Mérida experience truly memorable. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and very flexible, adjusting the tour naturally to our interests and needs as the day developed. What impressed us even more was his willingness to help with unrelated questions both before and after the tour. His professionalism, warmth, and genuine care went far beyond what we expected. Highly recommended.
We booked with Andrej for a cruise stop in Progresso. He maximized our time in the region for the day and personalized a tour for my family of three kids (9, 14, & 17) and two adults. He kept the youngest to the eldest engaged. He was attentive and sensitive to when each of them had questions or comments and listened as intently to them as to mom and dad. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local history. We went back in time to colonial Merida, visited the square, the Cathedral and then walked through the market where we had cochinita pibil, dragon fruit and yellow mango. We also found vanilla, salt, and honey to bring home with us, the latter two which the area is well known for. After we were refreshed, we headed to Dzibilchaltun where there is a new museum but we enjoyed all of our time there exploring some of the oldest historical sites in the Yucatan. The van he rented he apologized for being a bit too large but the teens didn't mind at all. I can't wait to come back to the region and explore more sites. Be prepared with cash for the market and also for gratitude. You cannot find a better local guide for your family.
Andrej was a member st excellent guide for our walung your of Merida centro. He explained the history while showing us the architecture. He took us to srveral of the parques and to the markets where wenjoyed some local food and feuit. He was very accommodating and a very knowledgeable guide and we would highly recommend him.
Wonderful tour with Andrej. Educational, informative and fun. It was great introduction to lots of aspects of Mérida history, culture and architecture.
Andrej is a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide who made my brief exploration of Merida enjoyable and informative. He was very patient with my pace. Thank you!
Andrej was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and engaging for our group of 5. We tried some different fruit that we all enjoyed from the market He was also very understanding of one of our group being sensitive to the heat for medical reasons. I would highly recommend him as a guide!! Thank you!!!
·We'd start the tour in the downtown area, where I'll give you an introduction to the history of Mérida. ·We'll then get to know the main square and its Cathedral, City Hall, local theaters, and other places. ·Next, we will visit the local marketplace where you will be able to smell and taste all the local seasonal fruit. *NOTE - If you happen to take this tour in the afternoon, the markeplace might be closed. We can go somewhere for tacos or have a nice dinner where locals go ·Another hour after, we'll be returning to the downtown area and walk slowly (or using my car if you feel tired) towards one of the most beautiful avenues in Mérida named Paseo Montejo. Here we will admire the ancient buildings along the way and we may stop to try delicious Mexican coffee or typical local ice cream with an incredible variety of natural flavors! ·We'll end the tour back at your lodging. This itinerary could be customized. Note* - the itinerary can vary for shore excursions as we have to checking the time.
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.
On foot. If you didn't want to do this tour walking, we could use Uber to move back to your hotel. I can manage a mini-van for some extra cost for 10 visitors if you come on a cruise ship. Feel free to ask for a customized tour.
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Hotel or Airbnb or at your place
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5 hours
1
5 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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