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 this 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 next three days 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 2- Market Day, Cooking and Altars Oh my!

Our day begins with a delicious breakfast at the famous Tala restaurant and bakery within our hotel. The city´s main market will be our first adventure this week with Chef Brent Marsh as our guide. He will be teaching us about the history of the dishes we will prepare, as we shop for the freshest ingredients we can find. You will learn how to pick them and what to look for. This fascinating visit to the market offers a glimpse into the bustling center of activity that is at the heart of every Mexican city.

After our shopping, the real fun begins when we arrive at our gorgeous colonial home that will serve as our classroom. Today we will be preparing a Central Mexican favorite- tacos! These are no ordinary tacos. You will never look at a taco the same way again as you sample a wonderful combination of flavors not known to many outside of Mexico. Please see our menu section for more details.

The afternoon activities include an exciting visit to the city´s main square where an altar competition takes place each year. The grand designs seen at this competition are a wonderful example of the creativity and care that goes into every loved ones resting place.

Our dinner will take place in a stunning setting just outside of Merida. We will be dining in the beautiful Xcanatun hacienda known for its exceptional food, service and splendid location.

 

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 
Day 3- Coastal Cuisine and Cemetery

After breakfast at our hotel, we will be heading over to our favorite colonial classroom. This day we will be focusing on the flavors found in the coastal regions of the country. Learn to prepare two kinds of ceviche and a mouthwatering fish and shrimp stuffed chiles. Please see the menu section for full details.

We will have a welcomed break after lunch for you to explore the city on your own or simply relax by the hotel pool. We will regroup later in the day for a special excursion to a liquor producing hacienda within the city. We will visit the farm that supplies the exotic fruits used in the liquors and as well as learn about the history of this magnificent place. No liquor tour is complete without a tasting and stop at the hacienda´s shop.

This evening will be the highlight of the trip as we visit the cemetery and get a first hand look at this age old  tradition dating back to prehispanic times.

Meals- Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4-Mayan Ruins

We head off to Dzibichaltun, Place of Inscribed Flat Stones. This archeological site was first settled around 1500 BC, and is known to be the longest functioning city of the Mayan world.  It was still inhabited at first contact, unlike other abandoned cities that were only visited for ritual and ceremony. This is why missionaries tore down Mayan temples and began constructing a church, which was left unfinished.

The most notable structure is the The Temple of Seven Dolls. It is an observatory, which maps the movement of stars, the sun and moon.  There is a wonderful small museum and a beautiful open crystal clear cenote for swimming. We will be eating a gourmet picnic lunch on site.

We will rest upon our return to Merida before our evening session at our favorite kitchen in town. The menu today will include Oaxacan specialties. Please see our menu for full details.

 

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 
Day 5- The City of Three Cultures

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head out of the city to a magical little town about 45 mintutes 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.

We will take a guided tour of the notable Franciscan monastery before an opportunity to explore on your own. You will be provided with many useful suggestions for lunch and sightseeing.

Our evening cooking session will take place in the famed Kinich restaurant known for its lush surroundings, impeccable service and authentic Yucatecan food. Chef Jose Luis will guide us in this evening´s class as he helps us understand the significance behind today´s day of the dead specialty. Kinich is famous for employing traditional methods of preparing Yucatean food apparent in its impressive standards to quality and aunthenticity.

After our dinner we will head out to a truly magical place that we will call home for the next two days. We will be staying at a 5 star beautifully restored hacienda just outside of Izamal. This 18th century hacienda is full of history and impressive beauty.

 

 

Meals- Breakfast and Dinner

 
Day 6-Class, Artisans and Farewell Party

We will travel to Izamal for our morning session with Chef Jose Luis, after our hotel breakfast. Today we will be preparing a delightful treats from the Yucatan region of Mexico. Please see our menu for additional details.

After enjoying our fruits of our labor, we will leave the kitchen to visit some wonderful local artisans working in their studios. An afternoon rest will follow at the hotel before our very special farewell dinner party.

Our evening festivities will take place in an unforgettable setting within the hacienda gardens. We will share a delicious dinner while listening to live acoustic Yucatecan trova for that added magical touch. This will be a time to share our learned experiences and toast to our most recent accomplishments.

 

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch 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 y Adios!
 

Meals- Breakfast

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