Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
We arrived into Mérida International Airport and checked in to Fiesta Americana Mérida.
Downtown Merida has an architectural treasure that everyone can admire: Fiesta Americana Mérida. This majestic hotel is located at the crossroads of the capital's main avenues: Paseo Montejo and Colón. Guests are greeted by the grandiose Porfirian architecture that frames an exquisitely decorated lobby with Yucatan marble, huge windows, and a spectacular stained glass ceiling that lets in natural light and creates a welcoming atmosphere. The beautiful interiors are complemented by personalized service, high technology and modern luxury to ensure a pleasant stay. This icon of the White City is the meeting point of Mérida's elite and a coveted place by vacationers and business travelers. Fiesta Americana Merida is, without a doubt, one of the best hotels in Merida and Mexico.
Dinner at Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca
The Yucatán Peninsula constitutes a significant proportion of the ancient Maya lowlands and was the central location of the Maya Civilization.
The Yucatecan Gastronomy Museum, or MUGY, is a unique restaurant in Mexico that promotes our cultural and culinary richness. It is located in the heart of downtown Mérida, and when you visit, it will take you back in time through a magical journey into the history of our cuisine. There, you can discover the authentic aromas and flavors of the perfect fusion of two cultures.
Yucatecan cuisine occupies a privileged place in Restaurante Regional Yucateco. The dishes are made with typical ingredients and in each one of them you will enjoy an unequaled seasoning. The delight is greater in the cozy atmosphere of this restaurant, where you can also savor good times.
Merida City Tour (Paseo de Montejo, Casonas, Centro Histórico / Cathedral, City Hall, Government Palace, Casa de Montejo Museum)
Maya civilization
The Maya civilization developed in the Maya Region, an area that today comprises southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador. It includes the northern lowlands of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre, the Mexican state of Chiapas, southern Guatemala, El Salvador, and the southern lowlands of the Pacific littoral plain. Today, their descendants, known collectively as the Maya, number well over 6 million individuals, speak more than twenty-eight surviving Mayan languages, and reside in nearly the same area as their ancestors. The Mayans and Spanish blended as a people through intermarriage and various types of relationships. The Maya lived throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and the surrounding region at the time of European contact.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_conquest_of_the_Maya
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization
Hacienda Sotuta de Peón
Hacienda Viva Sotuta de Peon is located in the heart of Yucatan’s henequen plantation zone, just 45 km from Merida. Built in the mid-nineteenth century, it began operating in 1858 and after 100 years of prosperity, resulting from its original sisal production vocation, it was abandoned for three long decades, to be later rescued from the ravages of time and become a loving restoration project that, through years of unwavering dedication, perseverance and passion for detail, gave life to the current Sotuta de Peón Hacienda Viva, completely restored, working as it did in its heyday and rescuing the traditions of the henequen boom.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peón offers you a wide range of cultural, historical, touristic, gastronomic, and lodging experiences in natural landscapes that will remain imprinted on your minds and hearts for a long time.
Henequenero Tour - Embark on a captivating journey through the historical backdrop of Sisal Haciendas. Begin with a delightful fruit-based, non-alcoholic welcome cocktail. Witness the age-old craft of Hand-Twinining, followed by the Scrapper process for fiber extraction and the Press for bale production. Explore the Rope Making Factory's blend of tradition and modernity. Enjoy a unique ride through fields, visit the Mayan House for cultural insight, and optionally swim in the cenote, Dzul-Ha. Conclude with Yucatecan antojitos and a refreshing natural drink, encapsulating the hacienda's charm.
Visit to Chichén Itza https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/483/
https://www.thecollector.com/what-are-the-seven-wonders-of-the-world/
Chichen Itza is one of the main archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. It was and is a sacred city and Mayan pilgrimage center founded by the Itza, the so-called water sorcerers, in the 5th century AD. The Mayans developed one of the most fascinating and enigmatic cultures of Humanity in the heart of the dense jungles of Chiapas, Guatemala, Yucatán, Honduras and Belize. Although the habitat in which they settled was not very favorable for urban development, they achieved great splendor. Between the 3rd and 10th centuries of our era, the classical Mayans, in the south, raised cities such as Tikal, Copán, Quiriguá, Palenque and Piedras Negras, ruled by divine and intriguing kings, who today are known to have permanently fought to increase their power.
The Tren Maya (sometimes also Mayan Train or Maya Train) is a 1,525-kilometre (948 mi) intercity railway in Mexico that will traverse the Yucatán Peninsula. Construction began in June 2020 and the railway is scheduled to begin operation by December 15, 2023.[2] The railway begins in Palenque in Chiapas and travels northeast towards Cancún in Quintana Roo via two routes that encircle the peninsula. The project aims to connect tourist destinations in the Caribbean with lesser-known sites inland, including historic Mayan sites from which it derives its name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tren_Maya
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has an estimated 10,000 cenotes, water-filled sinkholes naturally formed by the collapse of limestone. Some of these cenotes are at risk from the construction of the new tourist Maya Train.
https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/hacienda-sotuta-de-peon/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenote
Transfer to Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, 2.5 hours
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun is an exceptional hotel offering ultimate relaxation as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort.
The Aqua Club Exclusive Level Suites exemplify luxurious living and comfort. They feature state-of-the-art amenities for relaxation and enjoyment. Each suite comprises a separate living area complete with a bar for beverages and a space for brunch or snacks. The master bedroom boasts a King Size bed, a fully equipped bathroom with a Jacuzzi, separate shower, and a dressing room. A second bedroom includes two Queen Size beds and a full bathroom for guests. The expansive personal terrace provides a unique vantage point with stunning views of the Nichupté lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, exclusive access to the Aqua Club Lounge enhances the experience.
Butler Service is tailored to anticipate and fulfill every need and desire, even before arrival. The butler welcomes guests with a personalized ritual and preferred beverage, handles packing and unpacking, understands specific preferences like ice for whisky and wine choices.
Multi-colored pools mimic the mesmerizing multi-colors of the Caribbean Sea. Breakfast at leisure at Azur A delight for all the senses. This restaurant is located in a semi-open palapa, where you can eat indoors or outdoors. Savor your dishes while you contemplate the turquoise waters of the sea and enjoy the sea breeze. The menu is delicious and varied: Mexican, North American and South American dishes, as well as the exclusive "olive bar", the catch of the day and the tasty thin crust pizzas. At night, delicacies made with the freshest Mediterranean ingredients, fish, shellfish and poultry stand out.
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Dinner at Hidden Garden - As night falls, relax your spirit in a warm atmosphere that invites you to discover the delicacies of the East. The experience begins from the moment you walk into the restaurant. The tour is magical. For the fascination to continue, our chef will surprise your palate with an avant-garde concept that fuses exquisite Asian flavors. Your evening will be unforgettable in the shelter of a spectacular and serene garden with all the Caribbean charm.
Lunch at Sea Corner Located in front of the beautiful beach with its white sand and turquoise waters, this restaurant is the perfect setting for a seafood feast. This culinary experience features accents of fresh tropical fruits and the traditional flavors of the Mexican Caribbean. Savor delicious ceviches, tacos and fresh tropical cocktails.
Breakfast at leisure at Azur - A delight for all the senses. This restaurant is located in a semi-open palapa, where you can eat indoors or outdoors. Savor your dishes while you contemplate the turquoise waters of the sea and enjoy the sea breeze. The menu is delicious and varied: Mexican, North American and South American dishes, as well as the exclusive "olive bar", the catch of the day and the tasty thin crust pizzas. At night, delicacies made with the freshest Mediterranean ingredients, fish, shellfish and poultry stand out.
