explore
excursions
For the energetic and adventurous, there are numerous excursions available from the hotel. This is a good base from which to explore both the intriguing archaeological sites and the spectacular natural attractions of the Yucatan peninsula.
| Excursions available from the hotel | |
|---|---|
| Merida Full day tour |
Sample the busy cultural life of Merida, capital of the state of the Yucatan. This vibrant yet relaxed, tropical-style, colonial city is filled with gardens riotous with color, plazas, museums and mansions. Discover its cultural attractions and secret hideaways. Enjoy private visits to artisans’ studios and workshops and musical performances.
Visit a cave where Panama hats are made. Explore the government palace whose famous murals illustrate the history of Mexico and the Mayans as well as the oldest cathedral in North America, the bustling squares, museums and markets. While exploring Paseo Montejo, Merida’s most fashionable area, be a guest in exquisite turn-of-the-century mansions. Drop by the best shops for guayaberas, cigars, iron sculpture and home furnishings. Consult a local shaman or medicine man. Enjoy a local Yucatecan lunch.
This tour can be arranged to satisfy any type of special interest. Cost: 180 USD for 1 - 3 people, lunch not included. |
| Uxmal Full day tour |
Considered to be architecturally the most beautiful Mayan site in the Yucatan, the buildings at Uxmal are noted for their rich geometric stone facades. The majestic Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace both rank as the masterworks of Uxmal.
Along the road, visit the Mayan village of Muna, one of the highest points in the region, for a birds-eye-view of Uxmal and the ruins of Kabah. A Mayan artisan here creates beautiful clay jewelry. At Hacienda Ochil sample local Yucatecan specialties.
Returning home, stop in the village of Villa de Santa Elena and visit with a local Mayan family. See how they live --their home, the use of herbal medicine, learn to make tortillas over an open fire. Cost: 180 USD for 1 - 3 people, lunch not included. |
| Chichen Itza Full day tour |
Explore the fabled pyramids and temples of one of the Yucatan’s best known ancient monuments. No one should leave the Yucatan without visiting this great site. Wandering through the platforms, pyramids, ball courts, observatory and Sacred Cenote*, etc. one is awed at the scale and the wonder provoked by this site.
Lunch at the rustic Mayaland restaurant – try squash “Valladolid”, drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce, and grilled fish with mango sauce.
Stop at Hacienda Tahmek and see how sisal is produced from the henequen cactus. Then enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Ikkil cenote Cost: 180 USD for 1 - 3 people or 240 USD for 4 - 6 people, lunch and entrance fees not included. |
| Celestun Full day tour |
This eco-tourism sanctuary, located on the west cost of the Yucatan and the Gulf of Mexico, is home to flocks of deep coral flamingos. Glide through thick mangroves and petrified forests in a small, flat-bottom boat to view the flamingos and 99 other species of water birds. Stop for a swim in a freshwater cenote*.
In the village of Celestun, relax on the broad beach as fishing boats bring in their catch. Sample the freshest seafood at the beachfront restaurant La Palapa. Specialities: lobster, whole grilled red snapper or shrimp, king crab legs, ceviche, etc. Cost: 240 USD for 1 - 3 people plus boat rental (around 40 USD plus 2 USD per person). Lunch and entrance fees not included. |
| Cenotes Full day tour |
East of Merida, in the lowland forest of Cuzama, snorkel through a network of underwater rivers and caves connecting three of the Yucatan’s most beautiful cenotes. After climbing down a steep vertical ladder, explore fascinating stalagmites and rock formations fed by underground freshwater rivers. These cenotes* are accessible only via a horse drawn “Truc” (a small cart pulled along a narrow-gauge railroad track) cutting through acres of henequen fields. Hard core adventurers can repel into the cenotes for scuba or snorkeling. Cost: 180 USD for 1 - 3 people, lunch not included. |
| Birding Excursion Full day tour |
Depart Hacienda Xcanatun in the early morning for the San Felipe and
Rio Lagartos Nature Parks accompanied by an expert, bilingual birding guide.
More then 350 species of birds make their homes here. Specialty costal birds include the Yucatan Yucatan Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher and Mexican Sheartail, along with the snowy and red egrets, white ibis, great white herons, cormorants, pelicans and peregrine falcons, plus huge flocks of flamingos. Also to be spotted are alligators and jaguars. In season, hawksbill and green turtles lay eggs on the beach. Cost: 240 USD for 1 - 3 people including entrance fees, guide and private, air-conditioned car transportation. |
| Note that prices are approximate and subject to change. Tours are subject to availability. | |
