Exploring Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – 8 Days

Welcome to Mérida – Upon arrival you will be transported to your hotel for check-in.  Meet at the lobby of your hotel to have a guided tour in the city, where you will visit the  Governor’s Palace, The Mérida Cathedral (one of the oldest in the Americas) and some other popular attractions.

After breakfast, you’ll visit Santa Barbara, where you can swim in four different cenotes. The cenotes are natural freshwater formations characteristic of the Yucatan peninsula.

Today you’ll go to the local market to discover traditional dishes; you’ll get to taste delicious local fruits and you’ll learn about the customs and traditions of Yucatan.

After buying all your supplies you’ll take a bus ride to the home of a local host, who will guide you step by step to cook a traditional menu.

From there you’ll head to Progreso beach, the main fishing village, to visit the international boardwalk, the shelter port, the marinas and the local neighborhoods while enjoying the sea breeze. You will also visit the new area dedicated to Yucatecan Pigs.

Today you will visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the new world’s seven wonders. Here you will have a guided visit with a site guide. Chichen Itza was a cultural  and political center of the old Mayan civilization and was one of the most extensive settlements of the center-north of the Yucatan Peninsula.  

On the way back to Mérida, you will visit the magical town of Izamal, a small village where you can visit the biggest open convent of Latin America. 

You’ll then meet up with a dance instructor and participate in a Jarana dancing lesson. The Jarana is a traditional folk dance of Yucatán that blends European rhythms with Mayan traditions.

Visit the Ek Balam Mayan Ruins, an archaeological site discovered in the Yucatan Peninsula now considered one of the most important Mayan ruins ever found.

After exploring the ruins, and be part of the daily customs of a real Mayan community while you  share lunch in their local restaurant.  

You’ll return to Mérida to participate in a Piñata Workshop where you will be instructed in the making and decorating of your own piñata!

Today you will travel to Las Coloradas to discover this hidden gem of natural beauty. Here you’ll take a walking tour around the crystal formations and admire the incredible pink lakes as well as learn about the production process of the salt that gives the water its unusual color.

Next you’ll visit Rio Lagartos, a nature reserve. You’ll take a boat ride to the pink flamingo reserve to get a glimpse of these beautiful native birds. Then you can exfoliate in organic white mud pools!

Visit Sinanché, a small community where you’ll have the chance to meet a local beekeeper. You’ll learn about the important role of bees in the environment. You’ll be introduced to the process of honey production and visit a meliponarium (beehive) to participate in a honey tasting. You’ll also learn how to make a natural wax candle.  

Then you’ll head to San Crisanto to navigate the mangrove channels and explore the salt  swamps with a local guide. You’ll visit a coconut plantation and learn about some of San  Crisanto’s original products and their elaboration process by participating in coconut jewelry  workshop.

This morning after breakfast you will be transported to the airport for your return flight home.