Itinerary

Day 1- Welcome!

MexicaChica Getaways takes you to Merida, Yucatan, also known as The White City. From ancient Maya temples to charming haciendas full of history, we celebrate the diversity that this region has to offer. This is a state rich in natural wonders and exciting adventures.

Join MexicaChica Getaways for a 7 day, 6 night trip that embraces the exuberant tapestry of Mexico. You will be met at the airport by a private transfer and will be taken directly to a five star boutique hotel known for its impeccable service, beautiful courtyard and famous gift shop and bakery. This will serve as our home base for the week as we delve into our creative activities and explorations of the area.

Once at the hotel, we will be greeted with welcome cocktails and appetizers followed by a brief orientation with Claudette. You will have time to explore before and after our delicious dinner in a beautiful Merida restaurant. Our timely arrival could not be better orchestrated since that night we will play witness to one big authentic Mexican fiesta featuring live music, folkloric dances from various regions of Mexico, food and local crafts. Take the time to explore the city by night on one of the charming horse drawn carriages found only steps away from our hotel.

Meals- Welcome Drinks and appetizers, Dinner

 
Day Two-Haciendas, Legends and Mayans oh my!

We start our day with a delicious breakfast at the famous Tala Restaurant and Bakery in our hotel. We soon head off to Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL). This hacienda was an important Yucatan plantation dating back to the 17th century. The name Yaxcopoil means "the place of the green alamo trees" in Mayan and was named after the Mayan ruins nearby. This stunning place will serve as our backdrop as we commence our journey into our legends that will inspire our works of art.

Our second spot for inspiration will be nothing short of phenomenal. We will be visiting the famed Uxmal (Oosh-mahl) Mayan archeological site. Uxmal, enveloped by legends, myths and anecdotes, poetic by name and by nature, is situated within a series of hills. The name was later given to describe the architectural style of the region.

A professional storyteller will narrate a magical tale told by the Mayas to describe their culture. We will perform scenes from the story among ourselves and document the reenactment with photographs. These will be essential for constructing our collages back in the studio. A guided tour of the site will follow. A very special chef prepared gourmet picnic lunch will be served on site.

Upon our return to Merida, the evening will be yours to explore as you wish. Plenty of useful suggestions for dining and sight seeing will be made.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

 
Day Three-Lets Create!

A hearty breakfast at the hotel will be followed by a full morning of creation at the studio. You will be selecting and printing your favorite photos from our previous day's journey. These will be used in your unique collages. We will begin to develop ideas and discuss the definitions of the elements of composition used in this visual art.

A delicious lunch of Mexican favorites will be presented by our chef in the studio followed by some free time to rest or enjoy the city on your own. We will finish the composition stage and begin to apply color, texture and life to our pieces during our afternoon session.

You will have the evening to yourself to explore some more or dine in any of the helpful suggestions we will provide.

Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and refreshments during our studio time.

 
Day 4-Studio Time and The City of Three Cultures

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will continue with our works of art during our morning session in the studio. Another delicious lunch of chef prepared specialties will be enjoyed in the studio before breaking for an afternoon siesta.

Our late afternoon activities will be very special as we head out of the city to a magical little town about 45 minutes away. Izamal, the city of three cultures, brings together elements of the prehispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. The town is known for its distinct  yellow color that decorates a large portion of the town,  creating a very charming and unique effect. Numerous prehispanic constructions, some currently under restoration, are located within the city, providing a contrast next to the remains of the colonial era.

This evening's activities include a wonderful dinner under a palm thatched room restaurant boasting some of the best authentic Yucatecan food in the region. Among the many attractions is the Franciscan monastery, whose construction was completed in 1562. It is still recognized as a destination for many believers who come in pilgrimage to pray at the feet of our Lady of Izamal. We will enjoy a wonderful light and sound show on the convent grounds after our dinner.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack and refreshments during our studio time.

 
Day 5-Inspiration abounds!

Our search for inspiration never stops! Merida is known for its many museums, art galleries and cultural events. Today we will be visiting the museum of popular art known for its impressive collections of modern art featuring work from artists all over the world.The next stop is the MACAY museum (Museum of Contemporary Art) that sits directly next to the oldest cathedral on the American continent, San Idelfonso cathedral. The space between the two buildings is used as an outdoor venue to display sculptural works of art for the community to enjoy.  Our visit will include the outdoor space and a walk within the gallery space.

Free time will be provided to enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own before joining up again for an afternoon session of fun in the studio. A delicious dinner will be provided in the studio's own open air courtyard.

Meals- Breakfast, Dinner , Snacks and refreshments during our studio time.

 
Day 6-Morning class, City Bus Tour and Farewell Dinner Party

Our morning studio session will be used to add finishing touches to our masterpieces. They will then be mounted and prepared for exhibit and transport. Take the afternoon off for a long lunch in any one of the city´s famous cafes and explore some more or opt for a relaxing and refreshing dip in the hotel pool.

Our group reunites to embark on a city wide tour on a charming colorful open bus known as the gua gua. The gua gua will take us on a delightful tour of the city´s most important avenues where we will be able to appreciate the finest examples of French, Spanish and Moorish architecture this colonial city is famous for.

Our evening festivities will commence upon our return to the Nahualli studio where a memorable and delicious dinner party has been planned. This will be a time to share our learned experiences and toast to our most recent accomplishments. Live acoustic music of traditional Yucatecan trova will add a magical touch on this evening of celebration.

 

Meals- Breakfast and a very special Dinner
Day 7-Adios!

The time has come to say goodbye. You will be provided private transporation to the Merida airport. Buen viaje!

 

 

Meals- Breakfast

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