A Mexican hacienda in the Yucatan

Highlights

  • Spend 4 nights in an authentic, colonial era hacienda
  • Visit and spend the day with a local Mayan community
  • Take a boat tour to watch flamingos and crocodiles

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What you'll do

Overview

Experience the best the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer: Mayan heritage, amazing natural richness, and historical architecture from the colonial era.

This uniquely crafted experience shows you some of the best off the beaten path experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula. The area is full of history, culture, amazing gastronomy, and some of the most stunning natural sights in Mexico.

Your unique accommodation is centred around the beautiful Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha in the Yucatan peninsula, located in the little town of Dzidzantun, an hour away from the city of Merida. The hacienda has been restored to welcome visitors, and invites them to explore its massive grounds full of fruit trees.

As part of the activities included, you will take a boat ride in Ria Lagartos, with the opportunity to watch crocodiles and several types of birds, where the highlight is the beautiful flamingo.

You will also get a unique view at the every day life of the descendants of the Mayan people, as we visit a small community where we will be invited to cook traditional dishes, weave hammocks and carve traditional jewellery.

Welcome to Merida

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our team, who will transfer you to the Hacienda San Fracisco Tzacalha, about an hour away.

Accommodation

Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha

Boat tour in Ria Lagartos

After a delicious breakfast, get ready to get close and intimate with the natural richness of the region, as we head north east to reach the Biosphere Reserve of Ria Lagartos. While enjoying the nice weather and the sea breeze on a boat tour, you will get the opportunity to enjoy encounters with the exuberant fauna of the area: egrets, herons, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills are common in the natural reserve, but the most sought after is definitely the majestic flamingo, which can be seen in great flocks around the area.

Accommodation

Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha

Mayan community visit

Today, you will visit a small Mayan community located south of the hacienda. It will be a two hour ride there and the same back, but it is well worth it, as the local families offer a glimpse into their uses and traditions and invite you to share a day in their lives. The well rounded visit will include a visit to a traditional backyard garden, including tasting of corn based drinks; preparation of the authentic “cochinita pibil”, which is marinated pork, cooked underground; two different workshops: hammock weaving and jewellery carving; and visit to the archaeological site and cenote in the town.

Accommodation

Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha

Enjoy the hacienda

Today is dedicated to enjoying the beautiful hacienda you are staying at. Wander around the massive grounds enjoying nature or take a relaxing dive in the pool.

Accommodation

Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha

Farewell

We will head back to Merida airport at the arranged time.

What's included

Included

  • Extended Traveller insurance, valid for the entirety of the tour (5 days)
  • 4 overnights in the beautiful Hacienda Tzacalha
  • 4 breakfasts at the hacienda, including taxes and service charges
  • 1 lunch during the tour on day 3
  • 2 dinners at the hacienda, including taxes and service charges
  • Entrance fees according to described itinerary
  • Boat tour in Ria Lagartos
  • Private vehicle for the group with A/C (highway fees, parking fees and driver expenses included)
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Small private tour (max 8 guests)
Your local host

Alex and Team

Alex and his team take you to see the less visited, more authentic side of the country. Even if you’re staying in a big resort area, we have designed our tours to focus on unique experiences.

Wander through cobblestone streets, watch craftspeople in their workshops (or participate in craft making!), taste the food, and learn how to make it. Visit the natural wonders of Mexico, and marvel with our rich culture.

Having worked in tourism in Mexico for 50+ years, we have curated our experiences to show you only what we love the most.

Alex and his team take you to see the less visited, more authentic side of the country. Even if you’re staying in a big resort area, we have designed our tours to focus on unique experiences.

Wander through cobblestone streets, watch craftspeople in their workshops (or participate in craft making!), taste the food, and learn how to make it. Visit the natural wonders of Mexico, and marvel with our rich culture.

Having worked in tourism in Mexico for 50+ years, we have curated our experiences to show you only what we love the most.

Location

Located in the eastern-most part of Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula holds a wealth of places to visit: the resort destinations of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen; the less visited beaches of Progreso, El Cuyo and Sisal; countless cenotes (natural sinkholes) and caves; a dense jungle perfect for hiking and bird watching; a myriad of little towns where the descendants of the Mayan people still speak their native language, and carry on with their traditions; and of course, the dozens of archaeological sites left behind by the Mayas.

Your unique accommodation is centred around the beautiful Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha in the Yucatan peninsula, located in the little town of Dzidzantun, an hour away from the city of Merida. The hacienda has been restored to welcome visitors, and invites them to explore its massive grounds full of fruit trees.

FAQs

What is the activity level?

The activity level of this tour is easy

What should I pack?

Guests are recommended to bring light, comfortable clothes; walking shoes; sunblock; insect repellent; hat; sunglasses.

Where is the hacienda located?

The hacienda is located approximately 60 minutes away from Merida airport, please keep this in mind when booking your flights.

Will we be meeting any locals?

We will be visiting local Mayan families at their homes and workshops. While we are welcome, please be respectful, and ask permission before taking pictures or video

What other activities are included?

Among other activities, you will learn how to weave hammocks and carve traditional jewellery, but the pieces created are not included. They can be purchased on the spot for a small fee.

Are there any triple rooms available?

No, there are no triple rooms available at the hacienda.

Can children come along?

Children 0 – 8 years old: free of charge

Children 8 – 12 years old: $230 (USD) discount. Rooms are suitable for 2 adults and 1 child.

Please note that this experience involves a boat tour, some walking, and diving into a cenote. Life vests are typically available for children 4 and older.

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