Alternative Merida

Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida
Alternative Merida

Alternative Merida

Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Package Type

https://cms.vaexpeditions.com/media/images/package_type/adventure.svg

Adventure

Activity Level

Activity Level

Moderate

Wildlife expectation

Physical Difficulty

Wildlife expectation

Cultural rating

Wildlife expectation

Wildlife expectation

Specialist

Travel specialist

Claire
Contact Us

The City of Merida is usually on the list of places to visit for anyone visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. The area is famous for its haciendas, colonial history and spectacular beaches and coral reefs of course. This itinerary takes us a little further away to remote, pristine beaches and lesser visited Mayan ruins, offering a local cultural experiences as well as pristine spectacular scenery in more remote areas of the Yucatan.

DAY BY DAY SCHEDULE

Today is arrival day to the city of Merida! We will be waiting at the Merida International Airport for your arrival to take you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will have an included holistic massage to recharge you with energy for the next 10 days’ adventure. In the evening, we will head out for an authentic Mexican dinner to begin our adventure.

    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 A...

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      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 ...

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        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 reside...

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              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


                      WHAT'S INCLUDED

                      • All private ground transportation during your trip for tours and transfers mentioned according to the program
                      • 9 nights of lodging in Mexico
                      • 9 breakfasts (American and continental)
                      • 2 picnic lunches
                      • Professional English guide for tours
                      • Entrances fees and activities to the sites of visit mentioned in the itinerary
                      • Hotel Taxes

                      WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

                      • Extra charges for payments with credit card
                      • Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
                      • Meals not described
                      • Departure tax
                      • Domestic or International flights
                      • Alcoholic and no alcoholic beverages
                      • Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, etc
                      • Gratuities for drivers and guides
                      • Services not described

                      Trip Preparation & FAQS

                      Guides & Drivers:

                      2.2. Protective Measures and Equipment to consider:

                      2.2.1. Mandatory Equipment:

                       

                      • Face mask

                      • Tied Hair (in case of having long hair)

                      • Closed Shoes (not sandals)

                      • Constant use of Hand Sanitizer

                      • Use pants with the uniform (not shorts)

                      • Sanitize your backpack and equipment constantly when providing services

                      • Limit the use of accessories (wallets, fanny packs, watches, etc.)

                      • Avoid sharing glasses, spoons, bottles, etc.

                      • Avoid the use of reusable tissues, make use of disposable towels or napkins

                      • Make use of the digital thermometer

                      • Avoid wearing a tie or scarf

                       

                      III. SPECIFIC PREVENTION MEASURES

                       

                      3.1. Tourist Guide Service

                       

                      • Maximum 1 Guide for every 14 visitors

                      3.2. Tourist Reception

                      • Welcome: greet without physical contact and maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters.

                       

                      3.3. Delivery of Preventive Utensils

                      • Take the temperature of Each Visitor

                      • Hand Sanitizer

                      • Masks, if necessary.

                      • Gloves

                       Physical distancy and wear masks in public spaces are mandatory for clients, guides and drivers.

                      We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.

                      We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.

                      We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.

                      As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.

                      We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.

                      Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

                      VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

                      Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

                      Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.

                      Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.

                      Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.

                      We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

                      We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.

                      We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

                      The official currency in Mexico is the mexican peso (MXN). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.

                      Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.

                      As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations.  An example of our sustainable projects:

                      Sustainable Tourism Policy

                      Our partner, Martsam Travel, organizes trips focused on sustainability while respecting the natural environment, the communities, and their traditions, trying as much as possible to use suppliers committed to sustainability practices, and collaborating with them in the implementation of these practices that lead us to raise the quality of the services offered.

                      Environmental Friendliness (Eco-Friendly):

                      All the activities of the company are analyzed, and it considered in order to avoid, mitigate, reverse or compensate any kind of environmental impact, since the natural environment is an essential part of our product and therefore is vital for our daily survival.

                      Social and Cultural Responsibility

                      It implies that the company analyzes and takes into account the social and cultural background of the sites and their areas of influence, in which it develops activities, so that these result benefits the local inhabitants as much as possible. The cultural environment is the most charismatic part of our product and therefore conserving it is conserving our way of life.

                      Financial Sustainability

                      We make sure that our operation generates profits for the local communities and make sure the benefits are real, we also ensure that the payments to the services they provide are fair.

                      Our partner, Martsam Travel, cooperates with different service providers such as hotels, restaurants, community projects, leaders, and local guides, relying on the “Best Practices Agreement in Sustainable Tourism”, established with the Rainforest Alliance in 2006.

                      Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.

                      Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature. 

                      The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

                      This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests. 

                      For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: + (502) 5417-5517

                      At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. An example of our sustainable projects: Conservation in Ria Lagartos,

                      Conservation in Selestun, Merida Yucatan

                       Conservation at Sian Kan Reserve and Muyil Archaeological Site,

                      Visit local families, markets, etc

                      Visit communiarian projects at Señor and Tihosuco in Quinta Roo,

                      Projects at Oaxaca with artisanal agave production.

                      All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: + (502) 5417-5517. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com 

                      This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

                      This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.

                      The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.

                      Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

                      Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your  hotel.

                      For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

                      In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

                      In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

                      It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your  program.

                      We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.

                      Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:

                       

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