Excursions
"Two excursions are included with our 3-4 week program."
Chichen Itzá
Every year the Great Chichen Itzá is visited by over a million people. This site, was declared Patrimony of Humanity in 1988, and it is now consider one of The Seven Wonders of the New World. For its combination of culture, history, grandeur and nature Chichen Itzá its a most for any traveler.
Chichen Itzá is one of the most controversial, studied and visited ruins of the Mayan world. Its history and its chronology are the subject of debates and the fate of its people a puzzle that archaeologists continue to theorize about as excavations continue.
The Mayas forged a wide empire with one culture centered in Chichen Itzá. Nevertheless around 1250 A.D. the city was abandoned for reasons still not completely understood. The power of this city was so great that centuries after its fall, it is still a site of peregrination and adoration. Even as recently as 1540 A.D. Francisco de Montejo, founder of Mérida, considered making it his capital.
The Castle of Kukulcan rising 30 meters from the earth is the most impressive building. Its age is difficult to calculate, being estimated between 650 and 800 A.D. The numbers of its different measurements relate to digits in the Maya solar calendar; for example, 91 steps on 4 sides, or 364; plus the platform, 365, the number of days in a year. The five adornments on each side of the temple are 5 x 4, or 20, the number of days in a Maya month. This building, revealing the profound knowledge of the Mayas, every year during the equinox demonstrates the descending of the god Kukulkan, “The Feathered serpent”, to earth, in a light and shadow phenomenon that every year attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Ball Court has a cosmic meaning. With its warlike symbols and almost perfect acoustics it is one of the oldest constructions in the zone, bearing the date 864 A.D.
To visit this majestic site is to enter an indispensable chapter in the history of the Maya people. Truly no visitor to Yucatan should leave without visiting The Great Chichen Itzá, ending this meeting with the Mayas with the light and sound show offered every night of the year.
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Uxmal
The Name “Uxmal” means: “That which was built three times” or “Place of abundant harvest” and is located 78km from the city of Mérida along the highway to Campeche.
The Mayas channeled their social energy into construction, creating fabulous buildings.
Uxmal is the site of one of the most representative constructions of this style: “The Governor’s house”, holding in its elliptical form a large number of enigmas still to be discover, is considered by experts as a wonder of the ancient world for its precision and architectonic beauty.
The Majestic structure invites the visitor to discover all the revelations of the different constructions of this amazing civilization.
For these and many other reasons, Uxmal was declared Patrimony of the Humanity. Explore Uxmal, discover an ancient and fascinating culture like the Maya, and embark on a journey that crosses cultures and transcends time.
This Trip includes a visit to the Archeological site during the afternoon(day light) and then a show with ligh and sound during the night.
This show descrives a Mayan wedding while lights iluminated the piramid, transporting you to the old days and making you feel like you are actually taking part in the ceremony.
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Optional Excursions
Yucatan is a magical state. There are many things to do and many incredible places to visit during your stay at the Spanish Institute. Here is a list of the optional excursions we currently have available.
Celestún:
Eco-touristic paradise of Yucatan: The Celestun Estuary
Take a 90 minutes boat trip into the mangroves and admire the impressive pink Flamingo colony as well as the over 300 different bird populations. After the boat tour you visit the warm sands of the pristine Celestun beach.
From 9 am to 5pm
Cenotes de Cuzamá:
Take a horse drawn cart ride down the old henequen rails of an old hacienda to the three sweet water springs. You will have the chance to explore the caves and swim in the cool clear waters of the underground cenotes.
From 9am to 4pm
*2 passenger minimum
Hacienda Sotuta de Peón:
Hacienda Sotuta de Peón is the only henequen hacienda in Yucatan that continues to operate just as it did 100 years ago. You will see step by step how the henequen is made and take a ride into the fields. Along the way, you will stop off at a Mayan community to learn about their daily life. Lastly you will visit the underground spring cenote where you can swim.
From 9 am to 1:30pm
Ruta Puuc & Loltun:
The Ruta Puuc takes you to 5 Mayan ruins through the few rolling hills in the Yucatán. Lol Tun is a cave that the Mayas used for ritual, the beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations make it a truly magical and mysterious site.
From 8:30am to 6pm
*4 passenger minimum
Dzibilchaltun, Uaymintun & Progreso:
Visit the Temple of the Seven Dolls in the ancient Mayan ruin of Dzibilchaltun. While you are there you will travel to an underground river. In Uaymitun, see exotic pink flamingos and dozens of species of exotic birds in their natural setting. Lastly you will visit the beautiful beach of Port Progreso.
From 9am to 4pm
* 2 passenger minimum Tuesdays to Sunday only
Izamal:
The colonial city of Izamal is known as Golden City, all the buildings in the downtown area are painted yellow. Visit the city's majestic Fransiscan convent and the largest and most famous pyramid in the Yucatan Kinich-Kakmo.
From 9am to 4pm
*4 passenger minimum