25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
The south of México is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic sides of the country, you will gain first-hand insight into the history, the language, the ecosystem, the people and more, all while exploring the sights that make Yucatán a gem in the South of México.
Our Culture Week will prepare you for your stay in Merida, you will be taken not only into the most beautiful Colonial and historical sites of the city, but also into the Gulf of Mexico warm beaches, a Mayan village where a local family will teach you some of the secrets of their cuisine and happy simple life, and a Mayan Archeological site where architecture ranging from 300 d.C. to 900 d.C. will make you travel in time to the most fascinating times of Mesoamérica.
Objectives
- Visit some of the most amazing places of Merida learning about the history
- Visit a Mayan village
- Visit the warm beaches at the main port of Progreso in the Gulf of Mexico
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Merida, Mexico
Our center is in the Beautiful Colonial City of Mérida, Capital of the Yucatan State in the Yucatán Peninsula, in the South of Mexico. Like most colonial cities, this one also features broad central plazas, beautiful cathedrals, colorful buildings, restaurants, many cultural and arts centers and museums, and it is the hub of a strong Mayan and Spanish mix of traditions and history.
To the East, it is just 30 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico, and to the South East 4 hrs away from the exotic Cancún at the Caribbean Sea, Belize and Guatemala are just right there at his southern border.
Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival
(MID) (Mérida International Airport Manuel Crescencio Rejón) Great, we can pick you up from the arrival hall. You will be met at the airport on Saturday or Sunday either in the morning or evening. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.
(CUN) (Cancun International Airport) No meeting point here. No pickup included. Make your way to us at your own extra cost. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.
Monday
- Introduction to Projects, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
- Quick introduction to the main Spanish and Maya Language
- Tour around the compound and local areas of the neighbourhood, where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
- Lunch
- After lunch, prepare for a visit to the port of Progresso, just half an hour away from Merida, here you will be able to swim in the beautiful warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and relax with an optional massage (at your own cost) right by the white sands of the beach and or join a local team and play some beach sports, sunbathe and watch the sunset before returning to the accommodation in Merida for dinner, resting and preparing for the next day.
Tuesday
Part one of the Interactive Merida City tour
We will take you on a tour around Merida city, along the way you will visit several areas of the city from the colonial era as La Ermita de Santa Isabel, the main square that bustles with constant activity, and some other main attractions, traditional food and artisanal market places with typical Yucatan materials and goods and other historical attractions.
Wednesday
We will have you to visit the beautiful and traditional Mayan village of Xcanchacan and the Mayan archeological site of Mayapán, just one hour away from Merida; you will have the opportunity to get in touch with heritage and scenery that surrounds Merida
After that, lunch will take place with a real Mayan family who will be delighted to teach you the proper way to make corn tortillas and a spicy habanero hot chilli sauce.
Thursday
This time, we will take you on a second tour around Merida city, starting at the Colonial and traditional food market and park of Santa Ana, then take a nice walk along The Paseo de Montejo where you can find an architectural discovery at almost every step.
Enjoy the second most beautiful avenue in Mexico with its splendid classic old mansions with clear French and Italian tendencies, and balconies and doors worth of a photograph, museums and art galleries, there are restaurants, bars, cafés, and pastry shops for all tastes.
Then finish at the Monumento a la Patria a unique sculpture in Mexico; completely carved out of stone.
Friday
We welcome you to a day in a local urban farm, where you will learn all about the spicy peppers and endemic vegetables and medicinal plants.
In the evening a dancing day at one of the local parks will give you the perfect opportunity to learn the Cha-cha-chá, Cumbia and Salsa basics.
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation Saturday morning. Take a taxi to the airport (30 mins) for earliest flights on Saturday Afternoon
Inclusions
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredYes
Other Requirements
- Appropriate clothing and gear for extreme hot weather, swimming and or beach activities.
Food
The food will be typically Mexican meaning lots of corn tortillas, beans, rice, chilli peppers, potatoes, wheat, and other grain, all very vegetarian friendly. Keep in mind that some local dishes may be spicy!
