Choco-Story Uxmal
Discover the ancient Mayan history of cacao and interact with rescued animals at this unique museum in Uxmal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Choco-Story Uxmal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient Mayan history of cacao and interact with rescued animals at this unique museum in Uxmal.
"A fun and underrated experience, perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a unique blend of history and animal encounters."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Enjoy the exhibits and animals with fewer people around. :clock1:
🐒 Feed the Monkeys!
Purchase tokens to feed the monkeys. It's a fun and interactive experience for kids and adults alike. :monkey:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mayan Cacao Ritual
Witness a traditional Mayan cacao ceremony and preparation of authentic hot cacao. A truly unique cultural immersion.
Rescued Animal Sanctuary
Interact with and feed rescued animals like monkeys and deer in a natural setting. A delightful surprise for all ages.
Chocolate History Exhibits
Journey through the fascinating history of cacao, from its Mayan origins to its global journey, in engaging displays.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
A Treat for All Senses
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Enjoy the exhibits and animals with fewer people around. :clock1:
🐒 Feed the Monkeys!
Purchase tokens to feed the monkeys. It's a fun and interactive experience for kids and adults alike.
☕ Taste Authentic Cacao
Don't miss the tasting of traditional hot cacao, with options to add spices like chili.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibits, or more if you love history and animals. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Enjoy the exhibits and animals with fewer people around. :clock1:
🐒 Feed the Monkeys!
Purchase tokens to feed the monkeys. It's a fun and interactive experience for kids and adults alike.
☕ Taste Authentic Cacao
Don't miss the tasting of traditional hot cacao, with options to add spices like chili.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibits, or more if you love history and animals. :walking:
💰 Great Value for Money
Considered a good price for the experience, including exhibits, animal encounters, and chocolate tasting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Choco-Story Uxmal is a highly-rated, fun, and educational experience, particularly praised for its unique blend of chocolate history and a rescued animal sanctuary. Visitors appreciate the value for money and the engaging exhibits, though some find the traditional chocolate tasting quite bitter. It's a recommended stop, especially when visiting the nearby Uxmal ruins.
"This old hacienda has been transformed into a chocolate museum that tells snippets of the history of chocolate in a series of traditional Mayan houses. Separated by walks under the trees, visits to enclosures for rescued animals, and dioramas, the museum is loaded with info.
I ended up taking pictures of the boards to read later because we ran out of time before we could explore the last three exhibitions properly.
It's well worth the visit. This museum includes a demonstration of a Mayan cacao ritual, and a cacao ceremony with preparation of hot cacao that is out of this world."
Hein De Vries
"We went to this museum as part of our tour with the mindset that we were bit sick of cacao tours as we have attended a few prior to this. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how good this was. This provided further insight into the history and manufacturing of cacao which supplemented the knowledge gained from our prior experiences. This museum also doubles up as an animal rehabilitation centre as it fosters wild animals including jaguars and monkeys that are not fit to be returned to the wild."
Leon B
"Very fun and underrated! Perfect for kids. Loved the jaguar and the monkeys and all the rescue animals. My 3 year old got a chance to run around the playground too."
Nadia Sadeghi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Choco-Story Uxmal is located directly across from the Uxmal archaeological zone, about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Merida. You can drive yourself, take a bus, or arrange a tour.
No, Choco-Story Uxmal is conveniently located directly opposite the entrance to the Uxmal archaeological site, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
You can reach Uxmal by car (rental or private), ADO buses from Merida, or as part of organized tours. Hiring a guide at the ruins is also recommended.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Merida. Combine it with a visit to the Uxmal ruins for a full day of history and culture. +1
Yes, there is parking available at Choco-Story Uxmal, especially convenient if you are driving your own vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $210 MXN, with a discounted price of $145 MXN for Yucatecans. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or inquire upon arrival.
Yes, Yucatecans often receive a discounted entry fee, typically around $145 MXN, compared to the general admission price.
Your ticket generally includes access to all exhibits, the animal sanctuary, and a tasting of traditional hot cacao.
While not always necessary due to its less crowded nature compared to other sites, you can inquire about advance ticket purchases or buy them at the entrance.
Choco-Story Uxmal is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check their official social media or website for the most current operating times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on cacao history, witness a Mayan cacao ritual, interact with rescued animals, and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Yes, it's considered very fun and underrated for kids, with animal encounters and interactive elements. Some find it more engaging for adults than very young children.
Most visitors spend about 90 minutes, but you can go through faster in under 45 minutes if you're not deeply interested in agriculture or history.
Yes, you can purchase food from machines (using 1 peso coins) to feed the monkeys and other animals.
The museum offers unique photo opportunities with its exhibits, animals, and the historic hacienda setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the main attraction is the chocolate tasting, there might be limited snack options. The nearby hacienda hotels offer full dining.
You'll taste traditional hot cacao, often with options to add spices like sugar, cinnamon, or chili, as the Mayans did. Some find it quite bitter.
Yes, there are dining options available at the hotels located directly across from the Uxmal ruins, such as Mayaland Resorts.
The focus is on traditional Mayan cacao preparation, but the exhibits cover the evolution of chocolate, offering insights into various forms.
Yes, the tasting of traditional hot cacao is typically included with your admission ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the museum exhibits and animal enclosures.
The animal enclosures, the historic hacienda architecture, and the cacao-themed exhibits offer great photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites and museums in Mexico. It's best to check specific regulations before flying.
While generally permitted, avoid flash photography in certain areas that might disturb the animals or delicate exhibits.
A versatile lens for both close-ups of exhibits and wider shots of the hacienda and animals would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the peak heat and crowds, making the experience more comfortable for everyone. The proximity to the Uxmal ruins also means you can easily combine a visit to the ancient city with the museum for a full day of discovery.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting as part of a day trip from Merida, which is a common and cost-effective option. Combining it with a visit to the Uxmal ruins, which has its own separate entrance fee, allows you to experience two significant attractions in one trip.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1 The exhibits are informative without being overwhelming, providing a solid understanding of cacao's cultural and economic significance. Complement your visit by exploring the nearby Uxmal archaeological site, a masterpiece of Mayan architecture. Together, these two locations offer a deep dive into the history and culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey of Cacao: From Mayan Ritual to Global Delight
+1One of the most captivating aspects of the visit is the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of a traditional Mayan cacao ritual. This experience offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural importance of cacao for the Maya. Following the ritual, guests can participate in a tasting of authentic hot cacao, prepared as the ancients did. While some find the traditional preparation quite bitter, even with added sugar and cinnamon, it provides a unique and educational sensory experience.
+2The museum is housed within a historic 16th-century hacienda, adding an atmospheric layer to the exploration. The grounds are dotted with traditional Mayan houses, dioramas, and pathways shaded by trees, making the learning process enjoyable and comfortable, especially during the warmer parts of the day.
A Haven for Rescued Wildlife
Visitors have the unique opportunity to interact with and even feed some of these animals. Monkeys are a particular highlight, with machines dispensing food for a small fee, allowing for close encounters. Other animals that may be found include deer and various bird species, contributing to a diverse and engaging experience. The presence of these animals adds an unexpected but delightful dimension to the visit, making it more than just a typical museum tour.
The animal enclosures are integrated into the museum's layout, often found along the walking paths between exhibits. This thoughtful design ensures that the animals are part of the overall experience without detracting from the historical narrative of cacao. It's a chance to learn about local fauna while supporting a worthy cause.
Visiting Choco-Story Uxmal Alongside the Ruins
+1Many visitors choose to explore the Uxmal ruins in the morning, often arriving early to avoid the heat and crowds, and then head to Choco-Story Uxmal in the late morning or early afternoon. This itinerary allows for a full immersion in Mayan history, from the grandeur of the ancient city to the detailed story of cacao.
Staying at nearby resorts, like those in front of the ruins, can further enhance the experience, providing easy access to both Choco-Story and the archaeological site, along with dining options.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit