Spend a day coexisting with nature in the biosphere reserve of Celestun. During this tour you will have the opportunity to stroll through the village, interact with the locals and learn about the amazing traditions of Merida by an expert guide who will join you.
You will have free time to explore the landscapes that Celestun offers, besides being able to dive on the beach and if you like, to eat something delicious (on your own).
You will continue the trip aboard a boat and during the tour you can enjoy a spectacular sunset, where the most exotic birds in the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun will join you, such as: cardinals, orioles, motmots, woodpeckers , hummingbirds, orioles, herons, storks & crocodiles.
The view of this paradise is exceptional, is part of the heritage of the special reserve, which also has been officially declared fauna shelter since 1979. To finish the day, we’ll take you to a restaurant so you can enjoy a delicious meal and enjoy an exquisite menu.
Your Mérida tour takes you out of the city centre (via local public transit) and to a nearby Mayan village, where sustainable tourism feeds back into the local economy. You’ll meet with locals and see some of the region’s most precious natural treasures.
First up, hop on a 4-person motorbike and take off into the jungle, toward the first of 3 different cenotes (underground caves) only accessible on two wheels. You’ll learn about the geology of these gorgeous subterranean worlds, and hear the stories and mysteries that surround them as you descend narrow staircases and through hollow passageways deep underground. You’ll escape the heat and swim and snorkel in the fresh waters of these eerie caverns, where a world of mystery awaits just beneath the surface.
Next, your Mérida tour will lead you through a nearby village to give you a taste of local life — and a few ancient practices. You’ll visit a traditional “drugstore,” where ancient Mayan medicinal remedies are prepared. All of the medicines are derived from natural plants, and prepared with knowledge that has been preserved and passed down by families living in this corner of the Yucatán. You may even hear a short prayer and blessing in the Mayan language, thanking the guardians of this sacred place for allowing us to visit.
From here, you’ll begin your journey back to Mérida — but, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’re free to stay longer on your own to explore more cenotes in the afternoon and make your own way back to Mérida.
Located 14 km from the city of Merida, Dzibichaltun means place where there is writing on the flat stones, it was an ancient and great urban centers in the north part of the Yucatan peninsula. The most outstanding building is the Temple of the Seven Dolls. It got its name from the seven clay figures with form of human bodies that were found in its interior. An arc-astronomical phenomenon that occurs in spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinoxes when the doorway of the temple is illuminated with the glow of the sun rise forming a solar face. Dzibilchaltun brings together in a single site a pre-Hispanic city, an eco-archaeological Park and the Museum, where you can see numerous pieces representative of the area.
Located 2km from the coast. X’cambo (“celestial crocodile” or “place of trade” in the Mayan language) was once of great importance for the development of commerce and salt trading in pre-Hispanic times. The experts consider it one of the areas of major extension in the peninsular cost. Its architectural features are characterized by pyramids of magnificent sizes, round corners and facades decorated with huge masks. It is a place for pilgrimage.
There is a catholic chapel where the virgin of Guadalupe is worshipped; the chapel was built upon one of the principal Mayan platforms. In the surroundings you can admire the mangroves forest and palm trees that give it a tropical costal aspect of great. The corchito is one of the most important ecological reserves on the northern cost of the state of Yucatan situated in Progreso sea port. To get there it is necessary to take a boat to cross the estuary and a?er a few minutes you will observe a wide variety of plants, birds, animals and fish that live in this ecosystem. Nature lovers are able to refresh themselves in the sinkholes and fresh water springs in the middle of the mangroves forest, enjoy the company of its inhabitants; birds, raccoons and coatis.
Progreso is the main sea port located 36km forms thecity of Merida and a special destination for local and foreigner tourism. Here you can walk along the coastal avenue enjoying the breeze and the delicious regional food of the numerous restaurants. The Port of Progreso height has an excellent strategic location that provides connectivity between commercial markets in Europe, North, Central and South America, Numerous cruise ships from all around the world stop here to discover the Mayan world. For its infrastructure Progreso is an optimal place to practice various water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking.
Located 33km from Merida, Acanceh means in the Mayan language “bellow of deer” it is an archaeological site located in the center of the town of the same name just next to the catholic church. It has a surface of approximately 3 square km. In Acanceh still preserved two architectural complexes: The Pyramid (center of the town) and the Palace of the stuccos (behind the market) that suggest the existence of a relationship with other places such as; Uaxactun, Guatemala and eotihuacan from central México. One of the uncover levels of the pyramid has 8 masks adorning both sides of the stairway. The Palace of stuccos is decorated with a frieze with figures representing supernatural entities or deities, perhaps supporting the ruling linage. A special synergy in the main square is the archeological zone close to the colonial church from the 16th century where the people worship the Virgin of Guadalupe and it is one of the few existing examples of the guadalupan worship in the peninsula and México. Mayapan is known as the Flag of the Mayas. According to the indigenous and Spanish chronicles is considered one of the last Mayan cities from the postclassical period. It is located in the south of the state of Yucatan; only 40km from Merida. During its apogee there was a population of 12,000 inhabitants. Mayapan was the seat of the League of Mayapan, a confederation that brought together the headmen of Uxmal and Chichén Itzá in the time of splendor of the Maya civilization. It covers an area of 4 square km, in which almost 4,000 buildings can be found. It consists of a central area in which the main civic plaza, administrative and religious buildings and the residences of the rulers were located. The city was built similar to Chichen Itza. One of Its buildings is a small copy of The Castle from Chichen Itza. Visit to a sinkhole.
The Caves of Loltun are located 110km from the city of Mérida, they form part of the extensive cavernous system in the south of the Yucatan state and they are conditioned to be visited along of 2km. the paleontological evidence suggests that they were used as settlement in early periods (9,000 B.C.) and later as ceremonial centers. In one of its cavities known as "Huechil" (armadillo in the Mayan language) remains of extinct fauna, bones of mammoth and bison were found among other discoveries that indicated a period of cold weather and vegetation very different from the current. The caverns of Yucatan full with stalactites and stalagmites, petro glyphs and ancient artifacts discovered inside, have many mysteries, secrets and amazing legends as well.
Uxmal known as “three times constructed”, is located on the hill region called in the Maya language “Puuc” these are elevations about 250 meters above sea level this breaks the flat lowland of the Yucatan state. It was the most important city of the “Puuc” region; it had over 35,000 inhabitants during its splendor (600 – 900 A.D.). There are 15 groups of buildings covering about 2 square km; where we can see the Magician’s pyramid (35 meters height), the ball court, the Nunnery quadrangle, the great pyramid and the beautiful Palace of the Governor. Particular features mark the difference from other sites in the Mayan area, as the architectonical style and the disposition of the buildings built for the observation of astronomical phenomena, such as the movement of the planet Venus, they also built “chultunes” (artificial cisterns to store rain water) there are not sinkholes in this area).
Izamal, located 72km of the city of Merida, it is called the “City of the Three Cultures” because it has three main periods: pre Hispanic (pyramids), colonial (the convent which is an indelible mark of Spanish influence), and modern period with its friendly and gentle people proud of their culture. The Pope John Paul II visited Izamal in 1993 there was a memorable mass in the large atrium that precedes the Temple dedicated to the Immaculate Conception virgin. Three large ramps facing north, South and West, provide access to this monumental Atrium, considered the largest in Latin America (8,000 square meters surface). Walking quietly along the beautiful and picturesque streets, enjoying its gastronomy, handicra?s and its people, will be an unique experiences that will help you to understand the past and present of this Mayan village afther we continue to visit Chichén Itzá means in the Mayan language “the mouth of the well of the shamans of the water” It was the most important city between 900 AD. and 1200 AD. Declared World Heritage by (UNESCO) and one of the wonders of the world. The pyramid of Kukulkán also known as” the castle” Together with the temple of the warriors, the ball court, the astronomical observatory and the complex of the nuns reflect the ceremonial character of the city. At the equinoxes If spring (21 of March) and autumn (21 of September) an effect of light and shadow projects a snake silhouettedescending on the lustrade of the north stairway of The Castle, symbolizing the beginning of agricultural work before the raining season. after we can visit and stay for a time in the cenote ikkil
Cuzama is one of the 106 counties in the state of Yucatan, located 26km from Merida. It is famous for its open cenotes (caves with water similar to the sinkholes)and semi underground ones which are the most beautiful ones in the peninsula where you can swim and practice adventure tourism such as zip line. You reach the sinkholes by taking a Truck (small platform) pulled by a horse, penetrating into the jungle. A?er a couple of kilometers the Truck arrives at the first sinkhole called Chelentun (stone of the agave). The second is located 2km away and is called Chacsinikche’ (red ants from the trees) the last and most impressive one is Bolonch’o’jool (nine mouse holes). The unique turquoise color of the water created by the sunshine and the contact o with the nature will be an unforgettable experience
Hacienda Yaxcopoil, in this tour has a tour of the facility where we can appreciate Mayan ruins (ceramic) found in the hacienda in addition to learn the splendor of gold green ( henequen ) . afther we go to cenote Sambulá located in the municipality of Pebá, this cenote is ideal for children and adults, because its crystal, clear, shallow waters allow them to enjoy this natural beauty. After we continue to visit the Hacienda Temozon with a big history and other is an open type cenote Yaaludzil, located in the town of Maya Mucuyché at the end of this visit we go to the hacienda Ochil where we will enjoy the architecture of a hacienda and dining Yucatecan. and finally we will back to Merida.
Izamal, located 72km of the city of Merida, it is called the “City of the Three Cultures” because it has three main periods: pre Hispanic (pyramids), colonial (the convent which is an indelible mark of Spanish influence), and modern period with its friendly and gentle people proud of their culture.
The Pope John Paul II visited Izamal in 1993 there was a memorable mass in the large atrium that precedes the Temple dedicated to the Immaculate Conception virgin. Three large ramps facing north, South and West, provide access to this monumental Atrium, considered the largest in Latin America (8,000 square meters surface).
Walking quietly along the beautiful and picturesque streets, enjoying its gastronomy, handicra?s and its people, will be an unique experiences that will help you to understand the past and present of this Mayan village. In the night you can enjoy the sound and light show.
Coming out of Merida will make a one-hour and 15 minutes trip approximately to arrive the magical town. Upon arriving there you will have a city tour where you can visit the market, the main square and the convent. Then you will wait for nightfall to start the hike to enjoy the wonderful light show called videomapping, which are projections on the main facades of the houses and important corners of the historic center, this culminates in the Franciscan convent. At the end we return to the city of Merida.
Time seems to have stood still in the beautiful hacienda of Sotuta de Peon. One feels like one has been transported back to the 19th century when the fibre henequen was cultivated right across the yucatan and sold all over the world. From the moment of your arrival you feel as though you are inside a real live functioning hacienda. The architecture has been conserved as has the steam-powered chimney, the storage room for the henequen and a Deauville railway network where the small carts of hennequen were pulled along by mules. It´s one of the few haciendas in Yucatan where hennequen is still produced.
The visitor is given a tour starting in the main homestead which covers the colonial furnishings, decoration and architecture. The next section of the tour takes the visitor to the machinery room where you can see the process of obtaining fibre from the leaves of hennequen in action. Later the tour goes on to the areas where the fiber is dried. In the corcheria the fiber is combed by a machine and is made into rope of varying thicknesses and finally into a hennequen fabric. A traditional mayan house is situated on a small rise surrounded by the fields of hennequen. Here, don Antonio Ucan, a local mayan man will tell the visitor about the life of the mayas and also explain the process of cultivating henequen. The tour also includes a visit to three different cenotes, the last of which guests can swim in.
Departing from Merida towards the city of Ticul, a place where you can visit the Main square, the band shell, make a small city tour through the main streets. You will also visit a pottery to the one you get on board of a “Moto-Taxi”, a local motorcycle taxi, and see the magnificent way in which the clay is worked, be delighted by beautiful replicas that are made with the hands of native people of the city. You may also enjoy a delicious traditional ice cream.
Then the tour continues onto Santa Elena, a place where you can visit a Church and a Museum located on one side where the mummies can be seen. Immediately there is a visit to a “Casa Maya”, (Mayan house) where the hosts will lead you know the main plants of the region.
Later you will dine at a local restaurant with a la carte Menu. Then finally comes the most exciting part of the tour, to see the bats flying out of the “Calcehtok” caves, this will be one of the most amazing experiences that you cannot miss.
On the outskirts of Yucatan, there is a village called “Becal”, a town where you will walk by its historic streets, the church and a house where “Jipi Japa hats” are made in the courtyards and inside a cave, because the moisture helps the material to keep its manageability and you will be explained how the hats are made.
Afterwards the tour will continue to the city of Campeche where you will experience a sightseeing tour on board of the transportation, then visit the historic center, a church, the “Fuerte de San Miguel” (A fort), and the house number 6. This tour does not include meals so you are advised to eat at one of the local restaurants in town, to then finally return to Merida.
After two and a half hours of journey, you will arrive to the archaeological site of Ek Balam. Ek Balam means in the Mayan language “black jaguar”, it is located 186km from the city of Merida. It is one of the few Mayan settlements that never were abandoned; it was occupied until the Spanish arrival. Upon entering you will appreciate the wall that surrounded the city. On this site you will have a tour of at least two hours with free time.
You will visit the palace of the masks, the ball court, the observatory, platforms offering and the various quadrangles of the upper class. Then you will travel to Valladolid a historic and heroic city located in the east of the Yucatan peninsula 160km from Merida where you will make a city tour through the main streets, the cathedral, the historic center and St. Lucia. The guide will give you the option to eat at a local restaurant and finally return to Merida.
After a few hours of road trip, you will reach to the magnificent archaeological site of Tulum. Being there and ready to start the tour, it is necessary to board on a truck to take you to the main entrance of the archaeological site to begin to live a unique experience, tour for about two hours, including time for a swim in the sea. At the end the tour guide will suggest you the option to eat at a local restaurant for then continue towards the archaeological site of Coba. You will make this visit on board a tricycle. Finally the tour returns to Merida.