|
MERIDA
Merida, a city of about 1 million people, is a wonderful mixture of colonial
city and cosmopolitan destination. With Merida as your base, you can visit
cathedrals and churches, Mayan ruins,
museums,
haciendas
and
cenotes.
History.-
The Spaniard
Francisco de Montejo founded Merida on January 6, 1542. When the Spaniards
arrived, Merida was a large Mayan city known as
T'ho,
situated on what is now the Main Plaza. It was conquered by the Spaniards,
who dismantled all the pyramids and used the huge stones as the foundation
for the Cathedral of San Idelfonso (1556-1599), the oldest cathedral on the
American continent.
The Cathedral, situated on the east side of the Plaza, is
only one of
Merida's many interesting sites. Directly across the Plaza is the Palacio
Municipal (1735), Merida's Town Hall. On the south side is the Casa de
Montejo (1542), the former home of the conqueror of Yucatan.
The Palacio de Gobierno (1892), on the north side, houses 27
murals by Fernanco Castro Pacheco illustrating the somewhat violent history
of
Yucatan.
One of te major influences on Yucatecan history is the henequen plant, also
called sisal (for the Yucatecan city of Sisal from which shipments left the
continent). This plant became known as 'green gold' or
oro verde
for
the wealth it lavished upon the hacendados or hacienda owners in this area.
In the early 20th Century, as a result of the henequen or sisal trade,
Merida was the home for numerous millionaires who built their lavish homes
on Paseo Montejo, and their impressive
haciendas
throughout the jungle surrounding Merida. A walk down Paseo Montejo is a
wonderful way to view some of these mansions, many of which are completely
restored, and some of whose romantic decay are food for the imagination.
Because of its tranquility and cleanliness, Merida has become a popular
place for families from other Mexican states. Many people have moved here
from Mexico City, where crime, pollution and overcrowding are ever growing
problems. Crime is not tolerated in Merida, and it has the distinction of
the city with the lowest crime rate per capita in Mexico.
A wealth of ancient ruins,
restored haciendas, colonial cities and modern conveniences awaits your
discovery. From your modern air-conditioned hotel in a colonial city such as
Merida, you can drive to the ancient Mayan ruin of Dzibilchaltun, visit the
anthropological museum on the grounds, swim in the cenote, and still have
time for a delicious Yucatecan dinner, perhaps at a restored hacienda.
There are many fascinating places you can visit in a day by rental car or
bus. When planning a day trip, we recommend that you leave early in the
morning and return by sundown, avoiding the roads at night. It gets dark by
7 pm in the summer and 5 pm in the winter.
Always
remember to take a hat, drinking water, a camera, an open mind and a sense
of adventure. These destinations will make your Yucatan experience one you
will always remember
|
|
|
 |
|
MAYAN SPA
There
are different ways to treat your body and the Mayas believed that the most
powerful stimulating way to did it were with the natural resources of the
zone, so enjoy them and feel like traveling in a time machine.
|
|
|
 |
|
CULINARIA GASTRONOMIC SCHOOL
The
Cheff Luis Felipe Barocio made his studies at one of Mexico´s most
recognized schools “Ambrosia Culinary Institute” and in the early 2002
looking for new air he packed in and move to Merida where he established and
with the help of his wife Andrea they founded their own gastronomic school.
The
main idea of this class will be:
·
Introduction, theory and discussion
in room class
·
Recipes handling in entrees, main
course & desserts
·
All raw material required
·
Menu lunch,
wine & beer
|
|
|
 |
|
UXMAL
Uxmal
(OOSH-mahl) means "'built three times" in the Mayan language, and though its
name is a mystery, its beauty is not. As a
World Heritage site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in
the Yucatan, and certainly one of the most magnificent.
Its architecture, some of the most
majestic of the Yucatan ruins, is characterized by low horizontal palaces
set around courtyards, decorated with rich sculptural elements and details.
Uxmal
was the greatest metropolitan and religious center in the Puuc hills in the
late classical period. It thrived between the 7th and 10th century A.D. and
its numerous architectural styles reflect a number of building phases.
Recent
studies have suggested that Uxmal was the capital of a regional state that
developed in the Puuc region between 850 to 950 AD. Other evidence suggests
that Uxmal collaborated politically and economically with Chichen Itza, the
popular ruin located between Merida and Cancun.
The
most impressive structure and the tallest at 100 feet, is the House of the
Magician which you will find just beyond the entrance. According to ancient
legend, this pyramid was built by Itzamna in one night. It actually appears
to have been built in five phases, and it was situated so that its western
stairway faces the setting sun at summer solstice.
The Governor's Palace is an excellent example of stone mosaic work probably
created by hundreds of masons and sculptors. It occupies five acres and
contains many beautiful sculptures of the rain god Chaac, serpents and
astrological symbols.
Other
buildings at Uxmal include the House of Turtles, decorated with charming
turtle sculptures associated at that time with rain, the Dovecote, a
building with many separate chambers, the House of the Old Woman, and more.
Uxmal also has a large ballcourt, enclosing a playing field that is 110 feet
long and 32 feet wide.
The
Nunnery, another large building on the site, was named by the Spaniards as
it reminded them of a European nunnery. It was probably used as a school for
training healers, astrologers, shamans and priests.
|
|
|
 |
|
HACIENDA OCHIL
Hacienda Ochil (oh-CHEEL)
is every bit as historically interesting as Yaxcopoil, but with the added
pleasure of several artisan workshops, a giftshop and a small hacienda
museum.
Here you can watch master
craftsmen teach younger artisans to work in leather, stone, metal, wood and
henequen. Although most of the products are commissioned, you can purchase
some of their work in the gift shop. If you're looking for a genuine
henequen or a nice cotton
hammaca,
you can find them here at a reasonable price.
Ochil is a charming and
intimate hacienda that houses an informal restaurant, a gift shop, the
artisan workshops and a museum. The museum has many interesting photographs
that trace the history and restoration of Ochil, as well as examples of
products and artifacts from when the haciendas were in full operation.
One of the pleasures of
Ochil is simply strolling around the grounds, enjoying the lush gardens. If
you walk behind the restaurant and down the path, you will be pleasantly
surprised by a half-hidden cenote. Depending on the water level, you may be
able to walk inside under a ledge and see ancient Mayan handprints painted
on the cave walls.
|
|
|
 |
|
CHICHEN-ITZA
The famous Mayan pyramids
of Chichen-Itza are over 1500 years old and are located only 75 miles from
Merida. The name Chichen-Itza is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and
ITZA (of the witch water). Some say this is because people were often thrown
into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed
to be seers.
The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is
distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early
period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichen." All three can be
seen comfortably in one day.
As the most famous of the
Mayan pyramids on the Yucatan peninsula, Chichen Itza has been studied
extensively and is the most popular Mayan ruin in Mexico. Much has been
written about it. Below are some links to websites with in-depth information
about the history of the site.
Try to visit Chichen Itza
early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the sun can be punishing
at midday. The main attraction is the central pyramid, El Castillo del
Serpiente Emplumado, which means "Castle of the Plumed Serpent," and is
pictured above. The plumed serpent is a popular deity in various
Mesoamerican cultures. Among other names, the Mayans called this god
Kukulkán. It is sometimes possible to visit the inside passageway of the
pyramid, but we would encourage visitors who are claustrophobic to skip that
part of the adventure.
If you are up to the
challenge, inside you will find a narrowly enclosed staircase that leads to
a chac mul, an altar where sacrificial hearts were placed to be offered to
the gods. Climbing to the top of the pyramid is a popular thing to do, and a
guide rope is provided. Take it slowly and you will enjoy one of the most
beautiful views of the Yucatan from the top.
Just beyond El Castillo you will find a large ball court where Mayan men
played a game called pok ta pok. Anthropologists believe that the object of
the game was to hurl a ball through a ring that was mounted on a wall, seven
meters above the ground. Each team had six field players who would attempt
to pass the ball - using any body part except their hands - to their captain
who would attempt the shot using a racket of sorts. The captain of the team
that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to
the gods. This was seen as an honor and guaranteed entrance into heaven.
But the true mystery behind
the ball court at Chichen-Itza is the Mayan prophecy that on Dec. 22, 2012,
the great warrior serpent Kukulkán will rise from the ground beneath the
playing field and end the world for good. Even if you're not one to believe
in predictions, it's still exhilarating and eerie to stand in the middle of
the court, close your eyes and imagine.
At the entrance to Chichen
Itza, there is an informative museum, a dining room, clean restrooms, a few
giftshops and vendor stands. If you didn't bring a hat, it's a good idea to
buy one from one of the vendors outside before you go in.
|
|
|
 |
|
HACIENDA TEYA
Teya (tay-yah). has been
renovated with a modern restaurant, large enough to accommodate tour buses
and events such as weddings. They have conference rooms, a gift shop, a
chapel, and many beautiful suites, but the mirrored ballroom with reflecting
pool will really impress.
|
|
|
 |
|
LA
CEIBA GOLF COURSE
Try to
hit your drive in this challenging 18 hole/par 72 golf course. Bermuda grass
in fairways & greens. This course is to be consider a tough one due to the
multiple left & right out of bounds. Golf cart is included.
|
|
|
|
CAMPECHE
Campeche is located on the
southeast part of the peninsula and has an area of 56,114-sq. km.
(21,665-sq. mi.) including two islands. It is bounded on the north and
northeast by Yucatan, on the east by Quintana Roo and Belize, on the south
by Guatemala, on the southwest by Tabasco, and on the west and northwest by
the Gulf of Mexico.
Campeche was founded around
the third century and used to be the principal town of the Mayan district Ah
Kin Pech which means "serpent tick".
On March 22, 1517 soldiers
lead by Francisco de Montejo invaded Champoton but were defeated by Mayan
warriors led by the legendary Moch Couoh. Seriously wounded Cordova died of
his wounds. The battleground where this took place came to be known as "Bay
of the Bad Fight" and is to this day.
In 1527 and 1537 further
attempts to conquer the area failed led by Commander Francisco de Montejo
and his son. In 1540 Montejo's son returned better equipped and armed to
massacre their way into the Mayan homeland. Successfull they finally
conquered Kin Pech and Acanul. In 1541 he founded the Villa de San Fransisco
de Campeche then went on to attack Tenabo, Helcelchakan and Calkini.
Campeche became a lucrative
port for the area and once the bulk of precious metals were removed captured
slaves became the chief commodity. All traces of Mayan religious beliefs
were systematically wiped out and replaced by Christian beliefs. Practicing
the Mayan faith was punishable by death.
Once the slave trade was
organized and prospering, the conquistadors turned to new avenues of wealth.
The Spanish discovered a dye in logwood, which grew in the forests near
Campeche. This dye was considered a rare commodity and was highly prized in
Europe and brought high prices on the European market.
When news spread that this
dye was available in Campeche, it attracted the attention of others seeking
to capitalize on this rich export. In time a ruthless group of Caribbean
pirates and thieves sought to profit from this valuable commodity by
controlling the market for the dye. As a result, the city was attacked and
looted on many occasions from 1597 to 1685.
Also because of the
ceaseless number of wars fought between Spain, Portugal, England, France and
Holland Campeche became a target for repeated attacks. In 1663 a flotilla of
pirate ships launched a united front and assaulted the city massacring many
of its inhabitants. Such was the destruction and looting that the King of
Spain was forced to act. Starting in 1668 thick rampart measuring 3.5 meters
in thickness were erected. After 20 years of construction a 2.5 km hexagon
wall was built encircling the city with strategically positioned baluarts
along the wall. A section of the ramparts extended into the sea so that
ships had to sail into a guarded fortress to dock. Cannon could now be
easily moved to any side of the city as well as men and ammunitions.
Campeche was now a fortress city.
As hostilities waned and
the industrial revolution came the walls fortifying Campeche were dismantled
and used as cobblestones to pave the roads. Windmills dotted the city
pumping water to its inhabitants.
Today the windmills are gone but the
fortress baluarts are still intact along with short sections of the wall.
There are still a number of upper-class Spanish mansions, churches and other
colonial buildings still standing which serve as the cities chief
attractions.
|
|
|
 |
IZAMAL
Called the City of Hills and located right in the middle of the Yucatan
Peninsula, Izamal may be the oldest city in the Yucatan. Izamal was
conquered by the Spaniards, and the monks in their eagerness to convert the
Indians to Catholicism gave the city its religious distinction. To this day,
Izamal's people are very devoted to the Immaculate Virgin.
The
most important thing to see here is the Franciscan convent that was built
over one of the Mayan pyramids. This convent is also famous for the monk
Fray Diego de Landa, its founder, who burned all the Indian scripts, and
then, feeling remorse for what he had done, tried to rewrite all he could
remember of the ways of the Mayans.
It
is here where Pope John Paul visited in 1993. This visit has been one of
Izamal's claims to fame ever since, and is commemorated by a statue of the
Pope in the convent courtyard.
Inside the church itself, you will see the beautifully restored altarpiece,
the stained-glass window of St. Francis of Asissi, and many statues along
the walls. The second floor is where the statue of Our Lady of Izamal, Queen
and Patron Saint of Yucatan, is housed. Note all the gold-leaf paint,
crystal chandeliers, flowers and elegantly painted walls. A small church
store with postcards and religious souvenirs is on the first floor.
Izamal is a jewel of a colonial city, with almost all the buildings painted
an egg-yolk yellow. Cobblestoned streets and colonial lampposts complete the
scenery. Clean, peaceful and quaint, this is a great town to stroll through.
There are Mayan pyramids, colonial-style buildings, parks and plazas, horses
and buggies, and lots of people watching.
Upon arrival, head to the Government Palace to see the large model in the
outdoor corridor. It shows the entire town and the tremendous number of
Mayan pyramids that are scattered about. To the north are the Mayan ruins of
Kinich Kakmo, the most important. This is a largely unrestored pyramid that
looks like a very symmetrical hill. A climb to the top will reward you with
a beautiful view. You will also want to visit Kabul, Itzamatul and the
Conejo.
Next, visit the Museum of the Community, located under the convent in front
of Cinco de Mayo Park. All the information is in Spanish, but the exhibits
are interesting.
Check out the
calesas
(horse and buggies). They are usually in the plaza and can take you all over
town.
|
|
|
|
|
CUZAMA CENOTES
(SINKHOLES)
This antique wooden buggy type cart
pulled by the horse is the mode of transportation used on the almost-famous
"Cuzama cenote trip." Traveling through the lush sisal plantations of the
Yucatan with three wonderful refreshing cenotes as the goal of the trip,
this day trip is something truly unique that you can do while visiting the
Yucatan Peninsula.
Once
in Cuzama, the thing to do is hire one of the "trucks" for about 100 pesos
per truck. Each truck can hold about four people. Once you are settled and
underway along the centuries old truck tracks you will begin your 9
kilometers adventure.
It's a good idea to
take refreshments, as there are no convenient stores at the cenotes. When we
did the trip, we took a cooler with water, sodas and beer. Remember, please
do not leave even one piece of garbage. Pack it in, pack it out.
The
goal of this trip is to relax, enjoy the peace of the Yucatan countryside,
and have a refreshing swim in three different cenotes...a perfect trip for a
hot day! The first cenote, Chelentun (Chay-len-TOON), has the easiest
access. The cement stairs and handrail make it easy to go down for a swim in
the crystal clear water. After a swim and some photography, it is time to
head back up the stairs, back onto the truck and on to the next cenote.
This cenote, Chansinic'che (Chahn-seen-eek-CHAY), is a bit harder to get
into. The first thing you will find is a hole in the ground and a ladder
made out of the railroad tracks. Descend the ladder for about 10 meters or
30 feet and you are in another transparent cenote for another refreshing
swim.
The next and last cenote is Bolonchoojol
(Bow-lawn-chew-HOLE). This impressive cenote is the subject of MANY pictures
used for publicity on cenotes in the Yucatan. The entrance is also a hole in
the ground with a railroad tie ladder. The hole looks narrow but once you
get down, you will find yourself in a huge, well-lit cavern with the crystal
clear blue toned water of the cenote. In the middle of the cenote the
stalactites have formed what looks like a huge tree. Enjoy your swim here
and don't forget those photographs
|
|
|
 |
|
CELESTUN
Located 60 miles
southwest of Merida, Celestun is a quaint fishing village where the
infrastructure is very basic. There are a few 2-star hotels, the 5-star
ecological resort Xixim, a new resort called Playa Maya, several very good
seafood restaurants, a few small shops and a harbor.
Celestun is famous not only for its seafood restaurants,
such as La Palapa, located on the beach, but also for its river or ria,
beautiful flamingo colonies, fresh water springs, and calm beaches. You will
also find a 36 foot tall lighthouse and salt fields
near the town.
The most popular thing to do here is
contract a boat to travel the ria and see the flamingos. These boats
are located at the entrance to Celestun, where you can easily contract with
a guide.
The flamingos of Celestun are a
beautiful part of a fragile ecosystem. When you go to see them, we encourage
you to treat the birds and their surroundings with respect so that they will
be able to continue breeding and living there.
Sometimes a guide, in order to show the tourist a good time, will attempt to
get too close to the flamingos. This has a very negative effect on these
exotic birds and you should encourage your guide to stay at a healthy
distance. And, please don't ask them to get closer if they are staying away.
Refrain from abrupt moves or noises which might scare the birds. If we don't
protect this fragile ecosystem, the birds will not be able to survive.
Needless to say, there is absolutely no hunting or shooting of anykind
permitted in Celestun or Ria Lagartos.
The best time of the
year to see these beautiful pink flamingos is between March and August, the
time of the year when they leave their nests to eat the rich plankton of Ria
Largartos. Part of the boat excursion includes a visit to the fresh water
springs "Valdiosera" and "Venecia" where the water is sweet, transparent and
ideal for swimming. You will also visit the "petrified forest" Tampeten, a
strange place where you can see just the trunks of these trees with their
roots in the water.
|
|
|
 |
