Overview
This Spanish language tour in Mérida combines immersive cultural excursions, guided tours to historic sites, homestays with local families, and language classes at local universities. Highlights include Uxmal, the Emerald Coast, and the Mayan World Museum of Mérida, making this one of our most popular language programs in Mexico.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Mérida
Please note: Tour must depart North America on Sundays.
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Health & safety program orientation
Participate in an orientation session covering health, safety, and program expectations.
Begin homestay
Our home for the next six evenings will be with our homestay families in Merida, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily. Mérida was founded in 1542 by the Conquistador Francisco de Montejo y León and named after the town of Mérida in Extremadura, Spain. It was built on the site of the Maya city of T'hó, which was also called the City of Five Hills in reference to its pyramids. Today Mérida retains an abundance of beautiful colonial buildings and maintains its reputation as a cultural center, featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres, and shops.
Daily reflection and group discussion
“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey. Each evening of the program, time will be set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and impressions that emerged during the day.
Overnight in homestay
Day 2
Spanish language and culture classes
We will have the opportunity to participate in language classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Dance Lesson
Enjoy a dance lesson conducted by professional instructors.
Overnight in homestay
Day 3
Spanish language and culture classes
We will have the opportunity to participate in language classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
LEAP Mexican school visit
Visit a Mexican school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)
Overnight in homestay
Day 4
Spanish language and culture classes
We will have the opportunity to participate in language classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Mayan World Museum of Mérida visit
Dive into Mayan culture at the Mayan World Museum. Galleries explore the Ancient Maya, the effect of the Spanish Conquest, the natural Yucatan habitat, and the Maya today.
Overnight in homestay
Day 5
Spanish language and culture classes
We will have the opportunity to participate in language classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Uxmal guided excursion
What did this region look like before the Spaniards arrived? Journey to Uxmal, one of the largest and most powerful ancient Mayan cities, to find out. A licensed local guide will lead you through wooded valleys and wide, uncrowded plazas, showcasing some of the best-proportioned Mayan architecture. Visit the restored Magician’s Pyramid, a three-tiered structure built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the grand Governor’s Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle—four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, reminiscent of a monastery.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon visit
The Hacienda Sotuta de Peon is a restored and functioning henequen hacienda. Henequen, or sisal, is referred to as the Yucatan's "Green Gold" due to its profitability in the mid 19th century.
Overnight in homestay
Day 6
End homestay
Reserva Ecológica El Corchito visit
Visit the Reserva Ecológica El Corchito, a nature reserve with pools, cenotes, and mangrove swamps.
Travel to the Emerald Coast
Visit the Emerald Coast, a beautiful and more authentic experience than the glamorous Riviera Maya. Here you will find a mix of locals and foreigners.
Beach party and farewell dinner
Our week will end with a special beach party and farewell dinner, celebrated with our host families.
Final reflection and group discussion
This evening, students make their final entries in their Reflection Journals, sharing key observations and perspectives gained throughout their travel experience and considering how these insights will remain relevant as they return home.
Overnight in hotel
Day 7
Recognize perspectives and communicate ideas
Throughout the program, we will set time aside time for discussion, guided reflection, and time to write reflections on self-discovery and what we have learned. "We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience" - John Dewey
End tour
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
Language-intensive classes (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Mexico
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.