Tuesday 03rd November: Upon arrival at Mérida Airport you will be met by our chauffeur who will drive you to Hacienda Santa Rosa. This drive should be approximately 1 hour.

When you come to Santa Rosa you escape from routine and relax and submerge yourself in a world where time has stopped. Stroll through the gardens and surroundings where you will discover the traditions of the ancient Maya. Stroll through the Botanic Garden and learn about the variety of plants used in the ancient, but thriving regional Maya medicine. The plants are a powerful part of the culture today, and are used not only to heal, but also in cooking, household items and ornamentation. The Santa Rosa Botanic Garden covers a hectare and is comprised of 211 different documented and labelled species.

Wednesday 04th November: This morning you will visit the Botanical Garden of Santa Rosa – this will be guided by the gardener of the hacienda. Dr. Balam will also give you an introductory lecture. Then you will visit the artisans’ workshops just outside the hacienda.

We will continue to visit a workshop at a nearby town – Muna. Patricia, the owner of the workshop will show us some of the handicrafts she and her family produce.
Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious regional lunch at the lovely Hacienda Ochil.

Hacienda Ochil is a very pleasant surprise. The delicately restored building is filled with charming settings surrounded by tropical gardens. The restaurant has a refreshing, cheerful atmosphere and offers one of the best regional cuisines in the state.

Finally we will take you to the stunning Hacienda Temozón.
The gardens and nooks throughout the Hacienda Temozón offer absolute peace and privacy. On a stroll along the paths of the Hacienda you will encounter a perfect balance between past and present.
Back in the old days the Hacienda had no permanent dining room; meals were enjoyed in settings chosen in accordance with the mood of the moment. Today, there is a cosy restaurant that serves haute Mexican and regional cuisine, although meals can still be enjoyed in a variety of natural settings.
In the evening you will enjoy the traditional Yucatecan dance “La Jarana” performed by the children of the Temozón community.

Thursday 05th November: This morning you will visit the town of Temozón: the kindergarten, the Health Centre where you will have a talk with the heath assistant; the library, and the artisans’ workshops.

We will then take you to the charming colonial town of Izamal.
Izamal is also known as the “hill city” because of its 123 pyramids spread throughout the town, or the “Three Culture City”. It is a fascinating mix of Mayan elements and colonial and modern buildings. The yellow city is toured on a wagon or carriage decorated so that you may enjoy in full detail the beauty of this colonial city and discover how every spot allows you to appreciate something different.

We will visit the convent (the largest in America), and the fantastic Museum (Centro Cultural). Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Then your guide will take you to visit some of the artisans’ workshops which are in their homes. It is a fantastic experience to be able to get in contact with this marvellous people and get the chance to admire how they produce their handicrafts. Ask them to teach you how to do some; they will be thrilled to show you!

Afterwards your chauffeur will drive you to your hotel in Mérida.

Tour includes: Private transportation, chauffeur, guide, lunches (without alcoholic beverages), and taxes.