Private tour in Merida Andrej V

Once Upon a Time in Yucatan, Mexico - Full Day Shore Excursion

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 5 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

126

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

Do you have a short trip to Progreso/Merida? Let me show you around making the most of your time! This is actually my personal favorite day trip. Why? Because in just one chill-out day, it lets us explore the ancient and the contemporary Maya civilization together! And, what's the best part? That we will explore the small coastal town with empty beach and might have a swim in the North of Yucatan. We will feel like the ancient Maya sea traders after we visit the archaeological site of Xcambó and the nearby (pink) salt beds where we will learn about how locals extract it. We will also be able to have an adventure and use kayak/raft to explore wonderful mangrooves and the fauna that lives in it. The idea of this tour is that you get to know a bit from the non-touristy North Coast of Yucatan. Besides this, if you'd like to add or remove something to the tour, contact me and I will be happy to help you customizing it!

Recent Reviews

David E.United States
January 2026

I can't say enough good things about Andrej. Every detail was taken care of. He went above and beyond to make sure my vacation was everything that I had hoped for. Andrej demonstrated that he is highly knowledgeable regarding the science of archaeology. He knows the history, culture, and places of Yucatan. I felt like a vital member of a conversation that incorporated everything I had hoped for- and more. He taught me. He surprised me with experiences I hadn't expected. Andrej was very perceptive of me as a person. I am so happy to have met Andrej. Spending time with him was a privilege. I'll be back. btw, I'm a tough grader.

Olga S.Canada
October 2025

Thank you, Anrej! The tour had some enjoyable diversity, while I felt away from crowds. A lot of deep and unique knowledge from Anrej made my trip unforgettable.

Steve R.United States
August 2025

We hired Andrej for this tour following our wonderful experience on his Ruta Puuc tour. We asked for some modifications and Andrej came up with a great version of this tour that checked all of our boxes including 3 additional sites of Mayan ruins (Ake, Ixamal, and X'cambo) and (our personal favorite) a brief stop at Puerto Chicxulub, the closest point on land to the center of the impact crater that doomed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. As with our previous tour, Andrej was very knowledgeable about the sites and how they fit into the bigger picture of the history of the Maya people. And once again, Andrej's kindness and attentiveness to our needs/requests shined through.

Sarah D.United States
April 2025

We cannot recommend Andrej enough! He planned the perfect day for us. He communicated very well prior to the excursion. He took time to explain all of the beautiful sights of Progreso so well- it was a place our family will always remember. We really enjoyed kayaking through the mangroves, visiting the Mayan ruins at Xcambo and visiting a secluded beach in a quaint fishing village. We felt safe and he was very mindful of our time and getting us back to port on time. We also appreciated the fresh fruit snacks and the bottled water. Everything was so well thought out- we didn’t have to worry about a thing! Andrej truly thought of everything and his love of the land, people and architecture truly shown through his and his work. We are so thankful that our paths crossed! Don't hesitate to book with Andrej- you’ll have a perfect day!

Teresa L.United States
December 2024

Andrej was wounderful. We all enjoyed our time and learned a lot. Will definately use him again when we come back to visit. Had a blast going to the man groves with a very delicious lunch.

Richard G.United States
April 2024

Andrej made our visit to the northern coast truly memorable. We couldn't have imagined doing so much and seeing so many incredible site in such a comfortable easy paced manner. There were so many highlights; from starting with an excellent breakfast in Motul and touring its Mercado to the beautiful beach's of TelChac and Progreso. Andrej was prompt and a very conscientious driver. He was very professional yet so friendly at the same time. His English is excellent and easy to understand.

Your Merida tour itinerary

-We'd start the tour meeting at the Lighthouse in Progreso -Approximately a 45 minutes after, we'll find ourselves visiting coastal town of Telchac Puerto in the North of Yucatan. NOTE: the beach may experience different level of sargassum (seaweed) during the year, so these conditions may vary. - afterwards we will go kayaking or "rafting" at the very special mangroove place. -Afterwards we'll be entering the Xcambó archaeological site where I will introduce you into the ancient Maya civilization and this ancient port. We may also visit the Xtampú salt beds nearby. - Return to Progreso This itinerary could be customized and changed to fit the timing for your proper arrival on boat.

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: Cooler with beverages and snacks, fruit.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Lunch in Progreso beach town. If you need a bigger car, it may cause additional cost
Tickets: Entrance fees to Xcambo and El Corchito Reserve (total 350 pesos per person)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico

Hotel, Airbnb. If you arrive at Progreso by the Cruise Ship, I can pick you up at the Lighthouse which is right where the shuttle from the boat will drop you off. The itinerary of this tour may vary if starting at Progreso. Ask for any details and I would be glad to know the schedule of your Cruise Ship

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
1153104
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Progreso best suited for?

This private tour in Progreso is perfect for travellers who want to explore both the ancient and contemporary Maya civilization in a relaxed setting. It's ideal for those who enjoy coastal adventures, as it includes visits to archaeological sites, salt beds, and opportunities for kayaking or rafting in mangroves. The tour is also kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

Can this private tour in Progreso 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?

Is this private tour in Progreso suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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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