Labyrinth, Cave, Cenote

This off-the-beaten-track archaeological experience is designed for visitors to Mérida who want to explore lesser-known Maya heritage sites in the Yucatán, paired with a cenote visit. You begin in the beautiful hills of the Puuc region at Oxkintok, an ancient Maya site known for its distinctive architecture, including a hieroglyphic stairway and underground tunnel system known as Tzat Tun Tzat, or “the Labyrinth,” which can sometimes be entered depending on conditions. Compared to better-known Puuc sites, Oxkintok remains quieter and less restored, allowing space to observe its layout and features without crowds. From there, you continue to a cave, where ceramics and burials remain in situ. Zac explains how natural caves functioned within Maya culture — as ritual spaces, burial sites, and places closely connected to the natural and spiritual world. The day concludes with lunch at a traditional restaurant, followed by time to swim at Cenote San Tito, before returning to Mérida.

Although Oxkintok lacks the single monumental pyramid found at larger Maya sites, its labyrinthine plazas, epic entrance arch, and underground structures are woven uniquely into the surrounding landscape. The place feels markedly different from more visited Puuc centers, offering the rare chance to spend time at a Maya city in tranquility. The visit continues at a group of cenotes located on land associated with a small, long-established Maya household. Access is private and requires prior coordination with the owners, something visitors aren’t able to arrange independently. This allows for a quieter, more respectful encounter with the landscape. Zac’s experiences are shaped by the inclusion of both academic perspectives and local knowledge – “insider” and “outsider” voices. Alongside archaeological context, you hear how people who live in the region understand Maya heritage today — how these places are remembered, used, and talked about beyond textbooks and site signage.

Zac is a journalist and trained archeologist who arranges intimate, harmonious adventures that connect you with the land and people of the Yucatan peninsular. With a small selection of local collaborators, he provides in-depth experiences focusing on sustainability and meaningful interaction, utilizing a method developed for the science of anthropology in which both an outsider and insider perspective are used. That way, you get a truly comprehensive understanding of a place. He has curated this tour based on his personal favorite sites, out of more than 75 that he’s visited in the region.

Check the weather forecast and dress for heat and sun; lightweight, practical clothing works best. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are strongly recommended. This experience requires a degree of athleticism, particularly when entering and exiting the cave over uneven terrain. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim at the cenote. ** If a site is unexpectedly closed, your host will adjust the route to a comparable alternative.