Alternative Merida

In the morning we will head out on a walking tour of the city. We will visit the Hacienda Teya and Hacienda Vista Alegre, the colonial jewels in the crown dating back to the 17th century, dedicated to the Henequen plantation. This plant is processed as a textile in various forms to obtain a range of products and is native to the Yucatan area. The Hacienda Teya dedicates its energies to these cultivations and we will enjoy a typical lunch from this region of Mexico.   We will then continue to the fascinating Hacienda Vista Alegre, one of the most important and prestigious rum and liquor distilleries. We can appreciate the oak barrels, ceramics and distillery area of the hacienda, and of course no visit is complete without sampling the products accompanied with a full explanation its processing. 

We will finish the excursion with a visit to a 100-year old tavern in Merida’s historic centre. These small “cantinas”, are a traditional part of the culture in the Yucatan area, which came into existence at the same time as the Yucatacan brewery. We will have the opportunity to try traditional tapas and Mexican liquors, before we return to the hotel for a wonderful nights’ sleep. 

In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the small village of Muna. We will begin with a visit to the local market to see the local fruits, vegetables, seeds, tubers, and vegetables which are the main ingredients in the traditional Mexican kitchen. 

After the market visit we will then head to an authentic Yucatecan Mayan family home, where we will have the opportunity to cook a variety of local dishes. We will enjoy this lunch with the family who helped us prepare these traditional dishes. After lunch we will visit a Maya pottery workshop to learn the local methods of ceramic work. In the evening we will 

At sunset, visit a local sinkhole or “cenote” for some night-time snorkelling in the clear, transparent waters. 

Today we will head out on an adventure, to learn more about traditional Yucatecan history by visiting a traditional henequen Hacienda.  We will learn all about their traditions and the culture of the people who lived through the Spanish conquest. We will enjoy lunch at the Hacienda Pedro Ochil, a stunningly restored hacienda offering delectable Mexican and International cuisine.

After breakfast, we will head out on a cultural city tour around the historic centre of Merida. We will marvel at the modern and classic art galleries and enjoy the Anthropological and Historic museums of Canton Palace, such as the Casa Quinta Montes Molina Museum and the oldest Cathedral in the Americas. We will then visit the Casa Montejo house, the handicrafts market and some other interesting sites in the city, before we head back to the hotel.

Today, in the morning, we will head out on a visit to a number of ancient Mayan cities. The first stop will be at a lesser visited site called “Canceh”, who’s principal plaza includes a pyramid and the Estucos Palace. We will then head to the walled city of Mayapan, the last Mayan capital.  Amongst its temples, we can appreciate a smaller dimension replica of the Chichen Itza Castle, named Kikulkan. We can also see a number of administrative and religious buildings, as well as the former governor’s residence. We will also visit Mani, a city with the Franciscan convent where the Mayan codices and manuscripts were destroyed. 

After breakfast, we will visit Celestun. This stunning area filled with mangroves is the home of some spectacular birds such as flamingos, and different shorebirds. We will enjoy a nature tour of the area before we head to the beach resort to kick back, relax and enjoy the pristine beach. 

You will have two free days to relax and enjoy the spectacular beaches in Celestun or take part in some of the water sports available in the area.

You will have two free days to relax and enjoy the spectacular beaches in Celestun or take part in some of the water sports available in the area.

Today is the final day of the tour and we will leave our beachside paradise to head back to the city of Merida for your flight back home or onto your next exciting destination, taking home with you, incredible memories of your Yucatan adventure