explore
excursions
self-drive routes
Some of the regions greatest treasures are within an hour's drive of the Hacienda San Jose. A rental car will enable you to get the most out of your visit and enable you to explore at your own pace. We recommend a minimum of 3 days to see the highlights of the area, whilst a visit of one week would enable guests to choose a selection of the routes below and also to enjoy some of the more relaxing amenities at the hotel.
Chichen Itza and Balankanche
Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive and certainly the
most famous of the restored Mayan cities. The giant pyramid
of Kukulkan and the imposing Temple of the Warriors make
this a memorable excursion and one not to be missed. The
site really warrants more than a one day visit, but if you
have time the spectacular caverns at Balankanche are close
by and worth a detour.
Merida
Mexico's charming "white city" has a surprisingly violent
past. The huge and rather austere cathedral was built from
the stones of razed Mayan temples and later served as
fortifications during the struggle between the Mestizos and
the Maya. Today Merida is a peaceful but bustling city, with
leafy parks and fine colonial buildings. Sunday is a great
day to visit, with many roads closed to traffic as
entertainers, live bands and food vendors take to the
streets.
Izamal and Ake
Izamal, a colonial town of striking yellow facades, lies
close to the Hacienda San Jose in the direction of Chichen
Itza. Its amazing monastery was visited by the Pope during
his visit to the area in 1993. Close by, the town of Ake has
some impressive ruins and also a working sisal hacienda -
don't miss the opportunity to see the ancient cogwheels and
belts still churning out the precious 'green gold'; this is
a museum in the making.
The Convent Route
This region boasts an amazing number of magnificent stone
convents, typically with openwork triangular belfries. Visit
the convents in the small authentic towns of Mama, Teabo and
Mani, followed by lunch in a renowned Yucatecan restaurant.
Don't miss the traditional local market at Oxkutzcab and the
ruins of the strategic Mayan city of Mayapan.
Progresso and Dzibilchaltun
Progresso is a small Mexican resort on the gulf coast, where
many water sports can be enjoyed. The fishing village of
Chicxulub, with its white sand beaches, is also worth a
visit, as are the nature reserves close to Telchac. En
route, visit the impressive ruins of Dzibilchaltun,
including the Temple of the Seven Dolls.
Uxmal and the Puuc Sites
Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all
the Mayan cities. Whilst it would be easy to spend at least
one day at this site alone, we suggest that you also include
the neighboring sites of Labna, Xlapak, Sayil and (our
favorite), Kabah. These smaller cities can be covered in
around 30 minutes to 1 hour in each location, and all are
close together. During your excursion, enjoy a typically
Yucatecan lunch at the newly restored Hacienda Ochil.
private tours
The following excursions can be arranged in advance or during your stay at the Hacienda. The rates are valid for a maximum of 5 people in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver and are subject to change until confirmed.
Professional guides or archaeologists speaking foreign languages can be arranged if required. Cold towels, soft drinks, fruits and light snacks will be provided, and picnics can be arranged on prior notification. Half day tours last for up to 5 hours and full day tours for up to nine hours.
The excursions can be tailored to meet your requirements, and the Hacienda's resident manager can suggest many other fascinating and off-the-beaten-track tours.
| sample excursions available | |
|---|---|
| Chichen Itza, Valladolid and Cenote Dzitnup | Visit the majestic ruins of Chichen Itza, returning via the colonial town of
Valladolid, with time for a refreshing dip in the picturesque Cenote Dzitnup. Full day US$242 |
| Uxmal, Kabah, and the Hacienda Temozon | Uxmal, with its intricate designs is often regarded as the most
beautiful of the Mayan cities. The smaller site of Kabah, with its facade of
dozens of large masks of the rain god Chac, is equally stunning. Optional stop
at Hacienda Temozon for lunch. Full day US$242 |
| Celestun, Becal, and the Hacienda Santa Rosa | Visit the fishing village of Celestun, home to hundreds of vivid pink
flamingos, the town of Becal where the finest panama hats are made in caves,
with an optional stop at the Hacienda Santa Rosa. Full day US$303 |
| Tixkokob, Ake and Izamal | One of our favorite excursions includes a visit to the "hammock
capital" of the Yucatan (you can purchase hammocks direct from the weavers), a
working sisal hacienda at Ake, and Izamal, which boasts the largest monastery in
North America. Half day US$99 |
| Merida and Dzibilchaltun | Merida, capital of the Yucatan, is a delightful city with parks, plazas,
markets, museums and fine colonial architecture. The impressive archaeological
site of Dzibilchaltun has been designated a national park. Half day US$121, Full day US$176 |
| Telchac Port and Xcambo | A trip to the gulf coast to see the typical fishing village of
Telchac Puerto and the nearby Mayan ruins of Xcambo, famous for the cultivation
of salt. Half day US$99, Full day US$143 |
| Note that prices are approximate and subject to change. Rates shown exclude taxes of 15% and service charge of 5%. | |
