Inland Yucatan :: Chichen Itza & Merida

When we arrived in Chichen Itza, we pulled up to a beautiful hacienda surrounded by some of the most lush gardens and grounds I've ever seen. Originally built in 1523, and purchased in 1900 by an American for $75, this 60 hectare piece of property was used as a cattle ranch and now houses guests in the original colonial bungalows and serves food grown all onsite.

Offering less than 30 rooms, each a very unique style and atmosphere, this award-winning hacienda also hosts the Yaxkin Spa, which is a complete holistic spa experience using only organic ingredients grown on the premises. Treatments are given in the Mayan tradition, and one can opt to participate in the time-honored cave/steam cleansing ritual unique to this area.

Besides offering lovely grounds and gardens to walk through and explore, there's also a pool area, library, and restaurant/cafe/bar. The restaurant offers full service for each meal of the day and although a little pricey, the service and quality of food can't be beat. Each menu item is carefully prepared with foods grown onsite and in season.

One of the highlights for us was about this hacienda, is that this property backs up to the Chichen Itza archeological site, it also includes access to a back entrance of the famous ruins. This allows visitors to skip the main entrance line, save parking fees, and enjoy a short walk to the side entrance throughout the day.

There are always great, seasonal special offers being announced on their website, so keep watch and take advantage.
http://www.haciendachichen.com/

Parking is free.
Wi-fi only offered on front porch.
Room rates mid$100-$400/night.
Restaurant onsite.
Complete spa services.

Chichen Itza is one of the most famous sites in the Yucatan - and rightly so, as it's unparalleled restoration and conservation make it one of the most historically rich places to visit in the area. The entire site is quite expansive and houses many interesting structure...all surrounding the star of the site - the El Castillo (or the Temple of Kukulkan) Pyramid. Named as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, this Mayan/Toltec pyramid takes your breath away as you step into the massive grassy area which contains it.

Walk around the various temples, ball courts, and other pyramids while reading an extensive guide book about the Mayan mysteries that surround this ancient city. There's so much to be learned from this site, that one can spend an entire day there...and after just learning about the very tip of the information about the culture, there's no way else to explain this ancient culture than to say something like, "uhgggh! really?!", as sacrificial images are everywhere. Jaguars eating hearts of human sacrifices. Eagles tearing out hearts of human sacrifices. Skulls of decapitated human sacrifices. Bones found at the bottom of a deep cenote from human sacrifices thrown in. Chac Mool statues which held the heart and other organs from human sacrifices. Ball courts (where a game between soccer and quidditch was played) in which the loosing team - you guessed it! get's sacrificed.

Besides this, though it's easy to just get lost and almost transformed into another time while you're here - imaging what a day in the life of a Mayan might have been like.

After we left that afternoon, we took a break at a cafe to eat a small dinner before we returned later in the evening to the site to watch a narrated light show about the Pyramids and the Mayan culture. It talked about the mathematics that went into building a structure like that and how perfectly calculated it is to the calendar, including a shadow that slithers down the side of the steps each solstice, showing the body of the snake, who's head is carved at the bottom of the structure.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SITE in general - and the light show offers an interesting addition to the experience.

Open 9-5 everyday.
Light and Sound Show is at 7pm every night during Fall and Winter and 8pm during Spring and Summer.
Entrance fee $111.00 pesos (includes the Light and Sound Show)
Parking fee $10 pesos
Head-phones for translations are available for $25 pesos.


Driving our rental car from Chichen Itza into the bustling city of Merida, one thing struck us immediately...this city was beautiful. And very colorful. I wanted to grab my camera right away and start capturing the beautiful pastel color combinations.

After settling down in the hotel we were staying, Luz en Yucatan, we put on our walking shoes and headed out to meander in the city center. Small enough to easily find your way around, but large enough to have plenty to do - Merida was a lovely stop during our Mexican vacation, and I'm glad we got to explore for a little bit there.

In the center of town are a few lovely squares, the main one being flanked by restaurants, cafes and shops on 3 sides and the large cathedral on the 4th. The cathedral is worth a quick look, as is the side chapel which houses regular prayer services. Avoid the main tourist sidewalk cafes and shops directly on the square, as the prices are inflated, but you don't have to walk too far down a side street to find better, more authentic options.

On Sundays, there is an outdoor market/fair called Mérida en Domingo in the main plaza. Eat, people-watch, and shop... and remember that hammocks are this region's specialty, so if you want to bring a hammock back from Mexico, be sure to shop for one here. Look for a good, tight weave, and material made from agave (not cotton)...as agave won't shrink and some say helps in repelling moquitos.

A unique thing to notice in this town, are small plaques on the street corners. Normally placed on the side of the corner building, these small signs display images and funny old Spanish descriptive names for the streets (as the official street names are all numbered). These names were passed down from many generations past and have significance with someone/something or an event that happened on that street.

Overall, Merida is a lovely stop for a day or two, as there are many things to wander around and explore, although not too busy, it's a great place to slow down a little and just see what you come across.

One of our most favorite places to stay in Mexico, or anywhere for that matter, based on unique style, price, and service is Luz en Yucatan. Located in the heart of the colorful city of Merida, this small hotel offers a wonderful, cool retreat from the bustling city streets.

The prices can't be beat, and the owners and staff make you feel right at home. Offering fully-furnished studios or one-bedrooms, all with privatre baths, a pool in a private walled garden, along with lovely common areas for relaxing and meeting - one just can't find something to complain about. Free wi-fi is accessible throughout the complex and because it's set in an intimate 7-room building, your privacy is respected and it's easy to feel like you're staying in your own home with friends.

As soon as we arrived, we were shown to our room, which was a penthouse apartment with screened porch, hammock, pool view, and unique tiled and clay bathroom with upscale fixtures. The owners gave us a view handouts with maps, city event schedules, and recommended restaurants...all which came in very handy for our day in the city.

If you're staying in Merida, DON'T MISS OUT! Stay at Luz en Yucatan. Just check out their website to get a feel: http://www.luzenyucatan.com/

Prices: $50-$90 / night
In house spa treatments offered at GREAT prices
Wifi available
Parking available
Guided tours upon request

Every Friday at 9pm, the courtyard at the University of Yucatan in the heart of Merida. This university, also known as the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (Autonomous University of Yucatan), or UADY, is easy to locate on Calle 60 at Calle 57. As one of the prides of the city, any resident can point you in the right direction, as we even had a couple people tell us on the street that we shouldn't miss the performance.

We entered the courtyard and paid the small admission fee before grabbing a program and settling in for the performace by the Ballet Folklorico troupe. A full live band provided live music for the dances which lasted about an hour, and involved dances from various regions of Mexico. Folkloric renditions of Jalisco, Guerrero, Nuevo Leon, Michoacan, and of course Yucatan were all displayed.

Yucatán Ballet Folklórico performs typical regional dances and this is a show that provides an authentic glimpse into Mexican culture and shouldn't be missed!

University of Yucatan, Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
9pm Friday (be sure to check the days, as this changes throughout the year)
$50 pesos (about $3 USD)