A Seven Day Stay: Tekit, Valladolid, Izamal, Progreso, and Mérida

Monday

Let’s start at the Guayabera Capital, Tekit; this is the perfect season to do a tour of the cemetery and a few family altars with Co’ox Mayab, a local cooperative. You’ll never regret hearing directly from the families. Don’t miss the shops and workshops to revamp your wardrobe.

Tuesday

Today we’ll visit Tabi; on the way, stop in Sotuta to learn about the history of Nachi Cocom, a fierce Maya chief, and admire his statue. Once in Tabi, visit the local church, known as the “Yucatecan Sistine Chapel;” it’s a true hidden treasure. For the night, you can go back to Holcá to stay at Villas El Encanto and enjoy their marvelous facilities.

Wednesday

When you decide it’s time to leave this wonderful lodging (because you won’t want to), you can go straight to Valladolid…or stop in the archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá, where there’s always something new to see. Later, cool down with a swim in a cenote; San Lorenzo Oxman is always a great option.

Thursday

Your Thursday will be devoted to Izamal and its Maya pyramids, convent, and delicious food (tip: Papadzules with Longaniza). If you have enough time, visit Hermano Maya’s sanctuary; a obligatory stop. By night, join the itinerant video mapping Senderos de Luz and get a good night’s sleep, as tomorrow we’re going to the beach.

Friday

Visit the Reserva Ecológica El Corchito (don’t let your bags out of your sight, the raccoons like to peek inside!), swim in the spring (Ojo de Agua), and afterwards refresh yourself on Progreso’s marvelous beach. The options are infinite: seafood on the Malecón, a visit to Pig Beach, the Meteorite Museum…mix them as you wish! On your way to Mérida, for a haunted hacienda, take a detour to Cholul to visit the former hacienda Cancabchén Casares.

Saturday

Have a delicious breakfast filled with authentic flavors at any of Siqueff’s two restaurants. With a full, happy belly, tour Mérida’s historic downtown and discover everything it has to offer. By night, don’t miss out on the Mexican Night in Remate de Paseo de Montejo, and end the night with dinner and drinks at Trópico 56.

Sunday

See Mérida from another point of view: join the Biciruta (bikes for rent) and later have a chill tour in one of Mérida’s new electric Calesas, or horseless carriages. A Calesero will share his generations-old knowledge about our beautiful city’s history, and that’s literal: Calesero jobs are passed down from generation to generation. For lunch, the options are endless. The restaurants at Paseo 60 won’t disappoint.