CENTRAL AMERICA
It looks like you are visiting from Australia or New Zealand, would you like to go to the Australian Worldstrides site?
Yes, go to worldstrides.com.au No, stay on worldstrides.com
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 theaters and shops.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
We will take a guided City Center Walking Tour, which will be highlighted by the Palacio Municipal, the Casa de Montejo, the Cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Parque Cepeda Peraza, the Templo de la Tercera Orden, the Universidad de Yucatan, the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras and the Iglesia de Santa Lucia.
Governor's PalaceExplore the Governor's Palace and enter an upstairs gallery where you can admire paintings by Mérida's local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco. The murals display the history of the Yucatán.
Visit the CathedralDiscover the oldest cathedral in Latin America and the largest church in the Yucatán peninsula. Located on the east side of the Plaza Mayor, and occupying the site of an earlier Maya temple, it was built by Pedro de Aulestia and Miguel de Auguero between 1561 and 1598.
Paseo de MontejoStroll the fashionable boulevard Paseo de Montejo, a broad, tree-lined boulevard that runs north to south starting at Calle 47. Today, this is the fashionable part of town, with many fine restaurants, trendy discos and expensive hotels.
Progresso BeachEnjoy some free time by taking the opportunity to swim, or explore the stone pier, which is one of the longest in the world and is used to transport people from the cruise ships that arrive at this location.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
We will have the opportunity to participate in Language Classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Museo Regional de AntropologíaVisit the Museo Regional de Antropología, designed and built by the Italian architect Enrico Deserti. The museum's main focus is the pre-Columbian cultures of the peninsula, especially the Maya, and topics include cosmology, history, and culture.
DzibilchaltunVisit the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun, a great urban center for the Yucatan that flourished for almost 2,000 years. It covers over 17 square kilometers and contains an estimated 8,000 structures, the most striking of which is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, named for the offering of seven clay dolls in human form found inside. We will also have the opportunity to Swim in the Cenote, a natural turquoise pool within the location.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
We will have the opportunity to participate in Language Classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Chichén ItzáExplore the ruins at Chichén Itzá, which has two parts: the northern zone, which shows distinct Toltec influence, and the southern zone, with mostly Puuc architecture. Our visit will include: the El Castillo Pyramid; the Main Ball Court; the North Temple; the Temple of Jaguars; the Temple of the Skulls; the Platform of the Eagle; the Platform of Venus; the Sacred Cenote; the Temple of the Warriors; the Tomb of the High Priest; the Observatory; and the Temple of Panels
Ik-Kil CenoteVisit this natural underground lake where we will have a chance to swim and cool off from the heat.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
We will have the opportunity to participate in Language Classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
Hacienda YaxcopoilVisit Hacienda Yaxcopoil. The mansion is now a museum which offers a fascinating insight into life on a hacienda. A henequen plantation surrounds the house.
Horse and Buggy Ride through MeridaThis evening we will take a ride through Merida, followed by a typical Yucatan Dinner, featuring local foods from the region.
We will have the opportunity to participate in Language Classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
UxmalTour the Mayan ruin site of Uxmal and view the remarkable Pyramid of the Magician, unique because of its rounded sides, height, steepness, and its doorway with heavy ornamentation. The visit will also include the Nunnery Quadrangle, which resembled a Spanish convent and was possibly a military academy or a training school for princes, the partially restored Ball Court, the Governor's Palace, the Great Pyramid and the Dovecote.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
We will have the opportunity to participate in Language Classes that will enhance our cultural understanding and linguistic skills.
CelestunCelestun is a national biosphere, where many of the most exotic species of Yucatan birds exist together. Take a Boat Ride to view the beautiful and unique pink flamingos in their natural habitat, and cruise through the dense mangroves that surround this biosphere.
Dinner in local restaurantEnjoy an evening meal with your group.
Class is in session. And, by that, of course we mean the endless lessons that travel brings. So, no matter if you’re out trotting the globe or at home planning your next trip, adventure is never far! These must-read blog posts open a world of learning through inspirational travel stories, destination spotlights, classroom resources, and other buzzworthy news.
When you think of Mexico, maybe you think of a tropical spring break vacation, but Mexico has so much more to offer than just fun in the sun! The country has a fascinating history, wonderful food, and...
Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica offers unique travel experiences and breathtaking views, but what you don’t know about Costa Rica may surprise you! We’ve compile...
The University of Colima’s Folkloric Ballet is a rich interpretation of Mexican expression, history, and tradition. The University’s Dance Company was founded in 1981 by artist and dancer/choreogr...
