HACIENDAS & CONVENTS OF YUCATAN TOUR

History

Some time around 1000 B.C. the Yucatan Peninsula started Receiving migrations of Maya from the Golf, Guatemala and El Salvador. This period is known as the middle Pre-Classic And  it  was  during  this period where the first archeological evidence  of  humans  first  appeared  near Valladolid. They were Pieces  of  ceramics  located  near  the small village of  Pixoy. The  Maya  city   known  as  Zaci  is  the  current  site  of  Valladolid whose Name means “White Bird” in Mayan.

The start of the conquest by the Spanish in the Yucatan was Divided   in  19    campaigns:  Ekab,   Chohuac-H’a,   Tazes,  Chohuac-H’a,   Tazes,      Cochuah,     Chetumal,    Akinchel,  Campeche,    Chacan,   Zipatan,    Acanul,    Kimpech    and Champoton.

According to the Yucatecan history, Merida  was  founded by

The Spaniard Francisco de Montejo on January 6, 1542. When the Spaniards arrived, Merida city known as T’no. 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.

Gastronomy

The  traditional  food  of  Yucatan  is a mixture of the Hispanic culture with the Maya culture. The exquisite  flavor of Yucatan cuisine  depends   precisely   on  the  combination  of  original recipes and ingredients, and is easily recognizable throughout Mexico for the maize, or corn is an essential component of the Yucatecan  dishes,  and  is  consumed  in  abundance.  Some  typical dishes such  as  lime  soup,  papdzul  Motul-style  eggs all use fried tortilla in their preparation;  other  dishes  such  as  the panucho  or  dzotolbichay  are  prepared with masa, or the  tortilla  dough.Turkey  is  also used widely in ycatecan cuisine,  and  is  the  basic  ingredient  of  a  wide  variety  of  succulent  traditional dishes.

Pollo Pibil: Chichen marinated in achiote (annatto),sour orange Juice  peppercorns, garlic,  cumin,  salt, and  then  wrapped  in banana leaves and baked . This  dish  can  also  be made with porc   (cochinita  Pibil).  A  dish  you  should  definitely   try   for  lunch  or  dinner. Not spicy.

Mayan Life

  As   you    travel  through   the   Mayan  Villages   of   the  Yucatan   and  get  a     glimpse  into  the yards of the families,  you may wonder about the lives of the  (no se ve la información en el fax)

Chichen Itza

Dated back 1553 years ago, the famous Mayan  pyramids Of Chichen tza are more one-and-a-hair hours from Merida. The   name  Chichen-Itza   is   derived   from   the Mayan  Language: “Chi” is mouth, “Chen”  is well and “Itza” is the  Tribe that inhabited the area. This  site  is divided in three  areas: the north group, distinctly Toltec;  the central group, Early  period, and  the  area  known  as  the  old Chichen,  Basically  a  pure  Mayan  development. At the beginning, This  site  was  an  small  community, between the XI and The XIII centurles, this became the most important Mayan City under the ruled of the putunes very influenced by the

Toltecs. The Kukulcam Castle situated in the center of the main plaza, is based into two temples on top of the and they belong to the post-classic period. This pyramid has 364 steps plusthe one step at the top of the pyramid represents the days of the years. It is also formend with 9 platforms. During the equinox we can admire a shadow reflected on the stairway representing the Sun God descending to hearth and fertilizing the fields….

Uxmal

 Although   this   site   dates   back   to The Superior Pre classic Era around  500 B.C.  The name “Uxmal” means. “That which Was  built   three  times”  or  “Place   of   Abundant  harvest”  and  is  located 79  km   from   the   city   of   Merida.   This archaeological zone is surrounded by ancient hill ranges, creating a magnificent frame for these series of settlements. The picturesque quality of these sites is accented by the geometric proportions of the buildings and their facades, which are beautifully decorated with stone filigree. The aesthetic appeal of these characteristics is undeniable; the intricate stonework is truly incredible The Mayans channeled their social energy into construction.

Mayapan

The walled city of Mayapan (“Banner of the Mayas”) is located at km. 43 on the Merida-Acanceh highway, part of the tourist route known as the convent route. Within its 4 square km are located approximately 4000 structure. This city is considered the last great Maya capital, dating back to the beginning of the Common Era and reaching its golden age in the Post Classic Period (12500-1450) b.c.) it is believed that this city once had a population of 12,000 inhabitants, and is frequently mentioned in Maya literature and other Hispanic sources.

Dzibilchaltun

In  the  Mayan  language  Dzibilchaltun  is  “The  place where there is writing on the “The place  where   there  is  writing on    the  stones”  alluding  to the numerous commemorative stele  stele  found  throughout  the site. This  place is located at km 14 of  the  Merida-Progreso  highway,  52 kms  from Xcambo  once  of major salt  producer and commercial center.

According to experts, it is possible that these areas were settied from as early as 500 B.C. to the Spanish conquest around the year 1540. The area was originally a concentric settlement that covered approximately 8400 structures. The central area was formed of numerous monumental contractions covering 25 hectares. Found dispersed through the rest of the area are architectonic complexes, including pyramids and vaulted buildings. It is believed that at one time site way have had a population op to 40000 inhabitants, qualifying it as one of the largest ancient cities in Mesoamerica. Dzibilchaltun is noted for its numerous stele, specially a face mask considered a masterpiece of the Mayapan sculpture, an other feature that sets tre site apart is its “true mamposteri” or rubblework, with buildings built of stones joined by mortar and wedaes as well as vaults built witn the system of protru

Monastery of Izamal, Yucatán, México.

Some forty miles east of Merida, the capital of Yucatán, is the quiet, old fashioned, colonial town of Izamal. In the center of town lies the great Monastery of Izamal, which houses one of the most venerated Marian statues in all of Mexico. To this statue are attributed thousands of miracles of healing. The usual Christian explanation for these miracles is that the prayers of the pilgrims call forth the benevolence and therapeutic powers of Mary. Maybe yes, maybe no. Let us examine Izamal’s history more deeply and perhaps another explanation for the miracles will present itself.

During the time of the Spanish conquest of Yucatan (1527-1547), Izamal was one of the largest and most beautiful cities on the peninsula. A pilgrimage site since as early as 1000 BC, Izamal had become the most religious center in northern Yucatan during the Early Classic Period of AD 300-600.  The city was considered by the Mayans to be the abode of Kinichkakmo, a manifestation of the sun god, and of the god Itzam Na (the name Izamal derives from the god’s name). Itzam Na was a deity of healing and resurrection, the creator of arts and writing, and the introducer of many important agricultural items. He was also head of the Mayapan pantheon, bearing the title of ahaulll or “Lord” and was shown as presiding over a collection of lesser deities.

Following the capture of Izamal by the Spanish, the local population was enslaved and forced to dismantle the top of an enormous pyramid in the center of the city. Upon the now flattened pyramid, at the place where previously had stood the sanctuary of the god Itzam Na, the enslaved Indians were forced, in 1553, to erect a monastery and church. This was done because of the Christian belief that a church would discourage the Indians from their ‘devil worship’. Soon after the consecration of the church and the installation of the marian statue, miracles of healing began to occur. These miracles were explained by the Crhistian authorities as resulting from the grace of Mary. Yet, were the miracles really caused by the wooden statue of Mary inside the church or night they be better explained by reference to the Mayan’s mythic bellefs about the power of Izamal. The Mayans had built their pilgrimage shrine to Itzam Na, as  a god of healing, at this precise location, and, if we have no records of healing miracles in Mayan times (other than those encoded in the myths), it is only because the Christians burned all the Mayan writings and libraries during their conquest of Yucatan. This author believes, then, hat the miracles of healing at Izamal are caused by a combination of factors including the specific energies of the earth at the site  (the reason the Mayans originally choose the place), the prayers of the pilgrims, whether they be to Mayan gods or the Christian Mary, and the psychic field that had been created over time by the thousands of pilgrims who have visited the site.

Izamal’s Mayan structures have not been reconstructed, like those at nearby Chichen Itza; therefore the town is seldom visited by tourists. The sleepy little town comes to life twice a year however, when thousands of Mayans come on pilgrimage for the October 18 Procession of the December 08 Procession of the Virgin of Izamal.

Haciendas Yucatecas as part of the tourism world

The properties represent the history of the towns in the Yucatan, their customs, economic and  social activities Developed over  several centuries,  Each  one  has  its own architectural style  according to  the period, where man  and  its  nature  join  to  show  the  world  all they represent.   In   colonial   times,  the   properties   were ranches  assigned  to  the  Spanish colonists. After the conquest, they  were  livestock  ranches and during the years  of  crisis,  they were corn plantations. During the 19^th century, many  of the properties, particularly  those in  the  Merida  region,   were   transformed   into   sisal  producing operations. Yucatan separated from the states known today as Campeche and Quintana Roo in 1910. The Yucatan’s leadership in the number of these estates throughout Mexico gives it the right to be known and promoted globally.

At the start of the 20^th century, the Haciendas Yucatecas, the majority of which were henequen plantations, showed their best styles through their construction. They were surrounded by natural beauty with beautiful gardens and ample spaces. Their owners, relatives and friends visited them and enjoyed the countryside’s fresh and clean natural environment. It was in these estates where great parties and activities were held, where guests shared and delighted for several days. The estates were the place for bull fights, dances and patron saint celebrations – the biggest event of the year. Many of the owners managed the estates and lived in them most of the year. In years past, native Yucatecans with economic resources set out to buy some of the old estates to refurbish them to their original style, in honor of their original owners. At present, smart investors have purchased and converted them into comfortable hotels and tourism paradises. Through this short narration, the history of the Mexican henequen plantations, colonist estates, corn and livestock operations await you. The Haciendas Yucatecas are paradises full of enchantment and natural beauty that have entered the 21^st century as part of the future’s first industry, the tourism industry.

Haciendas & Monasteries of Yucatan Tour

Welcome to the Mayapan world!! You are about to experience a life time journey that will take you into the magic of the Mayan world and the beauty of the nature of the Yucatan Peninsula; Join us in this fascinating adventure!!

Tour Itinerary

Fly to Mexico:

Day 01.- (Saturday) Arrive to Cancun and transfer to the Westin Hotel; briefing at the hotel and welcome dinner. Overnight in Cancun.

Cancún /  Ek-Balan/  Valladolid /  Izamal /  Hacienda San Jose.

Day 02.- (Sunday) Right after a nice breakfast we will depart To “Ek Balam” a fascinating Mayan site; admire  the delicate  work in the temples  facades and explore  the site  with  your bilingual   guide.  Continue  to    Valladolid;   colonial    cities founded  in  1542  by  the  Spanis concords, short visit of the cithy and continue to “Izamal”, visit the biggest monastery in Latin America; Transfer to Hacienda Sam Jose. Dinner at the Hacienda and overnight.

Ake  /  Dzibilchaltun / Merida City Tour / Hacienda San Jose

Day 03.- (Monday) Our first visit will be to the site of “Ake” view a working ancient sisal plant processor in use and learn the use of the Henequen Plant. Continue to “Dzibilchaltun”; guided visit of the site and swim in the natural spring cenote. Lunch at the Hacienda Teya (On your own) for Yucatecan cuisine and after lunch; return to Hacienda San Jose and Dinner. Overnight in San Jose.

Uman / Celestun /  Hacienda Temozon Sur

Day 04.- (Tuesday) Today’s journey takes us to “Uman” Visit the market a  tortilla factory  and  the  Franciscan  church  of Uman.  Then   continue   to  “Celestun”  to  admire  the  Pink Flamingos  in  their natural habitat; (luch in Celestun on your own)  then,  transfer  to  the  Hacienda Temozon Sur. Dinner  at the Hacienda and overnight. (Optional Light & Sound show at  Uxmal)

Uxmal / Kabah / Sayil / Mani / Hacienda X-Canatun

Day 05.- (Wednesday) Right alter a nice breakfast at the Hacienda visit the PSUC region with incredible Mayan sites such as “Uxmal, Kabah and Sayil” the we will visit an incredible last Century Monastery used by the Franciscan monks during  the  conquest.  (Luch  in  Mani  on   your own) Transfer  to  the  Hacienda  X-Canatun  located just a few minutes  from the city  of Merida. Overnight at the Hacienda and dinner.

City Tour of Merida / Hacienda X-Canatun

Day 6.- (Thursday) guided visit of Mérida, known as the white city and  famous for its friendly people and  delicious cuisine.  Visit the Cathedral; the oldest one  in America build with  the stones of the stones of the Mayan  temples.  The  art  room and  stroll down the Paseo de Montejo Blvd. Return to the Hacienda and rest of the afternoon free to shop, or just  enjoy your self in Merida.

Chichen Itza / Ik-kil Cenote / Cancun or Riviera Mayan Drop off

Day 07.- (Friday) Depart to the Captial of the Mayan civilization; “Chichen Itza” guided visit of the site visited the observatory the (no se ve en el fax)

Tour Package Include:

• One Nigt at the Westin Regina
• 5 Nights at Deluxe Class room at the Haciendas
• Daily Breakfast and Dinner
• First Class transportation
• Entrance Fees to Archaeological Parks & Museums
• Bilingual Guides at Sites and Museums
• Tour Escort
• Soft Drinks and beer on board
• Tips to Bell Boys, Maids and Waiters
• Hotel Taxes

Tour Package Princes: (Based on 2 pax minimum)

Season: Dec 16 to Jan 06, 2005

Single   $ 3,999.00 Us   Double  $ 2,123.00 Us   Triple   $ 1,955.00 Us

Season: Jan 07 to April 30, 2005.

Single   $ 2,795.00 Us   Double  $ 1,973.00 Us    Triple  $ 1,832.00 Us

Season: May 01 to Dec 15, 2005.                      

Single    $ 2,573.00 Us   Double $ 1,859.00 Us    Triple  $ 1,757.00 Us

Booking Conditions:

• All reservations will be accepted with a minimum of 30 days prior to arrival
• A First deposit of $ 250.00 Usd per person will be required 72 hrs after reservations has been confirmed by the DMC or Tours Operator
• All reservations will be accepted only by fax or e-mail
• 20 Days prior to arrival all reservations must be paid in full
• As this is considerate a High quality tour we do not accept children on tour
• Every departure will be limited to a maximum of 12 pax
• No handicapped services are available for this tour