Museo Choco-Story Uxmal

Antigua, Calle 10 Carretera Merida Campeche Km. 78, 97899 Uxmal, Yucatan

Hours

Open daily 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting Museo Choco-Story Uxmal:

Adults: 180 pesos

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

+52 52-999-289-9914

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About

What do you get when you combine chocolate and Mexican history? The answer: Museo Choco-Story Uxmal.

Located within the lush landscapes of Uxmal, the museum offers an immersive journey into the world of cacao, from its ceremonial use by the Maya to the modern delicacy enjoyed today.

Exhibits at Museo Choco-Story Uxmal take visitors through time, beginning with the pre-Hispanic era when cacao was considered sacred. Artifacts such as ancient cacao pods, traditional tools, and ceremonial vessels provide a tangible connection to the past. Additionally, the museum explores the arrival of the Spanish and how cacao was introduced to Europe, changing its course forever.

Museo Choco-Story Uxmal hosts live demonstrations that reveal the ancient techniques of chocolate-making. Guests can witness the roasting of cacao beans, the grinding of nibs, and the careful mixing of ingredients, resulting in the rich, flavorful chocolate cherished for centuries. Add in tastings of the flavors created from different cacao varieties, and it's a sweet tooth's dream come true!

The museum's lush grounds, set against the backdrop of the city of Uxmal, are enchanting. They include tropical gardens filled with native flora, including cacao trees in various stages of growth. This setting enriches the experience and underscores the deep connection between the land and its cultural heritage.

Museo Choco-Story Uxmal: Fun Facts & Cool Features

What makes Museo Choco-Story Uxmal fun is its interactive and engaging features, such as the collection of Mayan artifacts. These relics, ranging from ceremonial objects to everyday utensils, offer a glimpse into how cacao was part of Mayan society.

Another exciting feature is the animal sanctuary. Yes, you read that correctly: a chocolate museum with an animal rescue! The refuge houses spider monkeys, coatis, and other native species, offering visitors a chance to observe these animals up close and learn about their importance in the local ecosystem.

Combine a trip to other landmarks like The Puuc Route or Uxmal Archaeological Zone with a visit to the Museo Choco-Story Uxmal. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Mayan culture and how chocolate was integral to their society. Combine all this with a delicious Yucatan-inspired meal at Restaurante Halach Huinic for the ultimate Mayan experience.

One of the museum's coolest aspects is its commitment to sustainability. The museum practices eco-friendly methods in its cacao cultivation and chocolate production. Solar panels power part of the facility, and farmers use organic techniques to grow cacao trees, ensuring quality chocolate and protecting the environment for future generations.

Museo Choco-Story offers an immersive journey through history, culture, and nature. Its interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and serene tropical gardens make it a must-visit attraction in Merida.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Museo Choco-Story Uxmal from Merida:

Begin by heading southeast on Calle 60 toward Calle 57.
Turn right onto Avenida Colón/Calle 72.
Continue on Avenida Colón, then take a slight left onto Calle 14.
Merge onto México 261.
Follow México 261 for about 60 kilometers (37 miles).
Turn right onto the road leading towards the Uxmal Archaeological Zone.
Continue straight until you reach Museo Choco-Story Uxmal.
Address: Carretera Uxmal a Kabah Km. 78, Uxmal, 97840 Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico

Local Tips

Visit early in the day to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the Yucatan sun can be powerful.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for the museum grounds and garden paths.
Check if any seasonal events or special chocolate-making workshops are available during your visit.

Location

Antigua, Calle 10 Carretera Merida Campeche Km. 78, 97899 Uxmal, Yucatan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!