Travel time/options for day trip to Uxmal ruins?

Question

I'm taking a cruise that stops in Progreso/Merida, Mexico, and one of the shore excursions goes to Uxmal. It says the travel time is 2.5 hours (each way!), but from what I've read, that's longer than it should be. Then you're there for 1.5 hours - 5 hours of driving for an hour of exploring seems silly. How long is the drive from Progreso to the Uxmal ruins? Would it be better for me to find an outside tour?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Driving time from Progresso to Uxmal should be about an hour and 15 minutes.  They probably expect to stop for 45 minute to an hour for bathroom, food and souvenirs--that's where the extra time come from.  And the bus company gets a kickback from the restaurant/souvenir stores.  If you book with another firm,  they may want you to stop at their friend's restaurant/souvenir stores.  If you can go earlier and leave later, you could probably see the sites of Labna and Kabah which are close by.

Driving time from Progresso to Chichen Itza should be about an hour and 40 minutes.  Which would be another option if you're booking your own tour.