This sample itinerary was designed to provide a varied perspective of Yucatán through culture, history, food, nature and community interaction all while staying in its beautiful capital: Merida.
We began our journey in Yucatán by arriving in Mérida, where we were welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Day 2 started with a city tour of Mérida where our guide led us through the neighborhoods of Santiago and La Ermita, we walked on the main square where we stepped in to the Cathedral, Governors palace and and Francisco de Montejo’s house.
We also took time to explore the markets of Santiago, Lucas de Gálvez and San Benito which all were full of movement.
Moving along Paseo Montejo, we stopped at local art galleries where we found pieces from Yucatán and beyond, to finish off this visit.
On Day 3, we made our way to Uxmal. Walking among the structures like the Governor’s Palace, the Nunnery, and the Pyramid of the Magician gave a real sense of how skilled the Maya builders were. Our guide unraveled the history behind the layouts, showing how Uxmal fit into the broader story of the region before European contact.
After a quick lunch nearby, we headed into the jungle to visit cenote Kankirixche where some of us swam, while others sat quietly by the edge.
On our drive back to Mérida, we made a quick stop at Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a once-thriving sisal plantation that offered a glimpse into another era.
Day 4 took us to Izamal, known for its striking yellow buildings and its layers of colonial and Maya history.
As we walked, we saw restored temples like Kinich Kakmó rise between homes and churches.
After a casual lunch, we visited local artisans: one crafting jewelry from cocoyol seeds, and another creating hand-carved wooden pieces, both preserving skills passed down through generations.
The journey turned even more hands-on on Day 5 with a culinary workshop.
We prepared traditional cochinita pibil, learning about the spices and underground slow-cooking process that gives it its signature flavor.
While the food was being cooked, we visited a couple of artisans one of them working with bull horn to make kitchen utensils, and the other hammocks
We then went for a quick cenote swim before our food was ready.
Once we were done with our lunch, we continued to Chichén Itzá, where wile walking among the temples, we learned about the city’s astronomical alignments and the significance behind its grand structures like the Temple of Kukulkán and the Ball Court.
On Day 6, we explored traditional livelihoods still alive today.
We first observed the process of sisal fiber production using old machinery from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s seeing how this durable material is still being crafted.
At another town, we visited a project focused on Melipona bees, learning about these stingless bees and their role in Maya culture.
Afterward, we drove to the coast for a simple beach lunch of ceviche and fried fish.
On our return to Mérida, we stopped at an artisanal salt farm where we learned about traditional salt harvesting techniques.
Day 7 was left open for leisure. Some of us wandered the streets of Mérida, others returned to markets and galleries, and many of us did a little last-minute shopping.
Finally, on the final day, we were picked up and transferred to the airport.
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