No. 157 ATV Tour in Chocholá

Only 0.9 miles from Chocholá village, you can find Rancho Zoológico Interactivo San Miguel (zoo ranch), the starting and ending point of this tourist experience called ATV Tour in Yucatán Jungle.

This adventure experience starts by choosing a helmet, protective eyewear, reflective vest, and of course the ATV you will drive, then an experienced guide will tell you the instructions and signs to stop, continue, lower speed, among others. Start the tour in a dirt road, under the jungle canopy, several sections are shaded by trees like dzidzilché, you will cross ancient railways, a small section among rocks so that you can test your abilities, until you get to the day’s surprise: Chen Há cenote. You will have enough time to swim in this ground level cenote, almost virgin, with its warm waters surrounding abundant water lilies and aquatic vegetation. Along the tour you will have the opportunity to visit strategic sites like the honeybees, and an ancient hacienda shell, surrounded by wonderful landscapes to take pictures of this adventure.

When going back to the zoo ranch to finish the adventure, you may enjoy the facilities and its services like food, swimming pool, the small zoo with animals like the spider-monkey, peccary, poultry, among other birds, as well as enjoying serenity and the deserved rest.

It includes guide and food service. It is recommended to bring a straw hat, comfortable shoes, and clothing, make a prior reservation by phone call or social media.

Tips:

-It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes

-For additional expenses, cash and credit cards are accepted

-Food: It includes “probaditas Yucatecas” tasting

-Consider that this activity starts at 6:00 pm

The tour starts at the Monumento a la bandera, artwork from the sculptor Romulo Rozo, who shows a part of the history of Mexico, from Tenochtitlán foundation until mid-20^th century.

In this monument you will see many details about Yucatán, for example: Mérida’s coat of arms, the Chacmol, the Mayan hut, two armed and prostrated tiger knights, representing the devotion and protection of Mexico’s armed forces. In the lower part you can see a huge kapok tree sculpted with four butterflies, in the upper part, the glory and conquest of Mexican villages. In the center and apart, you can see México’s symbol, the eagle eating a snake.

During the tour, you will hear about the construction of Paseo Montejo, landmark and pride of Mérida and henequen, as the cornerstone of this famous avenue. The henequen industry and the construction of this important avenue are closely related. Even though they seem to be independent events, henequen production during the Porfiriato times, generated an important income for Yucatán, and boosted regional economy through landowners.

Paseo Montejo Avenue in Mérida was built in the late 19^th century enhanced by a group of landowners and businesspeople. According to Rodriguez and Figueroa (2017) the objective was to build a public promenade that uplifted the state’s capital with European characteristics. European modernism influence in this project was given under the Porfiriato context. President Porfirio Díaz visited the city of Mérida, which pushed Yucatán’s Governor Olegario Molina to pave the city and implement a street cleaning system to prepare for the important visit.

The Paseo’s name was suggested to honor the Spanish conqueror of the Mayan territory: Francisco de Montejo. The name Paseo Montejo was defined unanimously by the small group at Mérida’s governing board, and the outline was inspired by Champs Elysées in France. The construction took 16 years due to an economic crisis in the state and the lack of political interest, though the project was possible thanks to the elite group devoted mainly to henequen production, where they had made their fortune. It is for this reason that it is said that Paseo Montejo roots are anchored in henequen.

But henequen not always was produced industrially. Since pre-Hispanic times, the plant was harvested and was manually processed; its job was considered a craft activity. Thanks to henequen, Yucatecan landowners focused on ambitious projects and placed Mérida in the modernization route in the late 19^th century.

Economic boom promoted big manors of French inspiration which can still be seen in Paseo Montejo, avenue whose first stone was placed more than 133 years ago.

The project was guided by big henequen producers and operators, but few times is told in the history that the success formula laid mostly in the knowledge and ancient practices of Indigenous Maya people, to produce and transform the fiber.

During henequen golden times, in the early 20^th century, 113,250 tons of henequen fiber, also called sisal, were produced annually. In 1916 Casares (1988), registers a production of more than 200,000 annual tons. This precious natural resource was known as “green gold”, because it was the main agricultural exportation product in the country during the 80’s decade of the 19^th century and for the next 4 decades.

Production and export of henequen was important, mainly in Yucatán, because of the great economic revenue it generated for more than one century, becoming an important economic basis for the state and the country. Most exportations were sent to the United States of America.  One of the most important routes was Sisal port in Yucatán, and up to New Orleans in the United States.

Currently, Paseo Montejo is one of the main attractions for locals, and national and international visitors. Being one of the main avenues, it has restaurants, hotels, and banks. Paseo Montejo is full of tourists taking pictures, or locals walking with their pets, or just enjoying strolls.

During the tour, near the end of Montejo, you can taste different sweet snacks, like the famous marquesitas or a champola ice-cream at Colón sherbet store, an ice-cream landmark. It was founded in 1907 by Mr. Vicente Rodríguez, who brought to Mérida the recipes of ice-creams and sweets from his native country, Spain. These ice-creams are made with water, and among the favorite flavors of people are coconut, mamey sop, sour sop, and mango. Definitely, an ice-cream landmark.

Do you still want to taste something else? Prepare, because a culinary tour awaits with the most traditional Yucatecan dishes in any of the markets, loncherías or restaurants in Mérida. You will be able to enjoy the traditional panucho, or the soft salbute filled with turkey meat, the unparalleled lime soup, or pigglet’s tacos, and cochinita.

Enjoy Mérida in snacks, while the sun sets in one of the most beautiful cities in our country. We will be waiting for you! Come soon!

Nueva Altía is an eco-tourist development and hotel located strategically in the Puuc Route with iconic archeological sites nearby, apart from being surrounded by lush vegetation with many birds like the turquoise-browed motmot, it is an ideal place for a comprehensive experience in harmony with nature. Considered as a relaxing and healing sanctuary for retreats, workshops, and personal development events, or just to enjoy a pleasant stay in one of the beautiful bungalows.

In contribution with mother nature, sustainable management techniques have been implemented like the wastewater treatment, use of energy obtained from solar panels, and well-outlined pathways, respecting the fauna and flora from the ecotourist complex. Facilities like the temascal, the octagon for multiple uses, the ritual site, and the swimming pool will make of your stay an unforgettable experience.

There are three new activities for guests, previous reservation: design your own flower arrangement from the abundant garden with Doña Annie; walk along the silence pathway with the local guide Don Humberto, learning about different types of trees, their uses, pre-Hispanic vestiges, and luckily, local fauna; and ancient Maya cuisine, in this activity, you will learn about the origin and process to make hand-made tortillas, the famous sikil p’ak, the Mayan chaya, interacting with Doña Remedios, sharing her knowledge and tasting the dishes prepared. An actual surprise in the Puuc Route.

It includes local guide, and if it is the case, tasting. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and ecological repellent.

Discover the gorgeous Maya Cenote: it is the cenote with the biggest vault in the Yucatan Peninsula. Enjoy this natural jewel with beautiful geological formations, there, you can swim and practice adventure activities. Discover the Mayan culture, participate in an authentic ceremony and delight yourself with traditional dishes.

A wonderful place to taste a delicious burger is El Bucanero, a restaurant located at El Cuyo Port. They offer a variety of traditional combinations, they even have seasonal flavors, like the lobster one. They are served with French fries. To drink, they have sodas and natural flavored water.

Service is excellent and the place is colorful, decorated with a flamigos’ mural. You cannot miss the picture dressed as a pirate, El Bucanero has an area with pirate hats and accessories so that families, couples and/or friends can try them for the picture.

El Cuyo, a beach, nature, eco-tourism, and adventure destination is known by locals as Yucatán’s hidden treasure, residents’ friendliness will provide you with the opportunity of learning, enjoying, and being part of this tourist destination.

It includes food and beverage services. It is recommended to bring cash.

This museum guards pieces of Mexican Folk Art from the State of Yucatán and from other areas of the Mexican Republic, it has six halls of permanent exhibitions, one hall for temporary exhibitions and it also has a bibliographic collection which can be consulted by visitors if they ask for it.

Opening hours

• Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 17:00 pm.
• Sunday from 10:00 am to 15:00 pm.

With more than 7 years of providing services, “Los 3 cenotes de Cuzamá” is a fascinating tourist attraction, ideal for families or groups of friends. Dare to live the adventure, starting the tour by riding a truck pulled by animal force to the inside of the Yucatecan jungle. You will be astonished by the beauty of these three cenotes, and if you are lucky during the tour, of around 4.9 miles, you may see different bird species and animals from the region.

The first cenote to visit is the one called Ucil, an underground cave-type cenote, so it is illuminated with artificial light; there, you can see impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The second is called Chak-Zinik-Ché, a semi-closed-type cenote, with natural daylight illumination and turquoise waters. The third cenote is Bolom-Chojol, which means “Nine mouse holes” referring to the nine light entries that go through to the cenote’s interior. It has a wooden platform of approximately 114.8 ft of diameter, where you can enjoy an impressive view. The tourist look-out is in the Eastern part of the state, approximately 16.1 miles from the city of Mérida. Before being a tourist area, it was an area of henequen plantations, so this fields were part of the henequen industry in Yucatán. With no doubts, this experience will take you to the henequen golden times and you will learn about the natural secrets of Yucatán.

It includes a tour in a truck, lifejacket, and guide.

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, do not use sunscreen, nor repellent, bring cash, an extra set of clothing and towel.

María Elena Hacienda offers the experience of sierrita de Ticul through two activities, the first one consists in admiring the beautiful landscapes you can see in a biking tour, either in a small tour on your own, or the second option is for mountain biking lovers that would like more adventure, they will go through several pathways, accompanied by a guide in a scheduled tour.

After the tour, and so that you can have a better rest, María Elena Hacienda offers ten comfortable rooms, with beds, hammock area, flat-screen TV, desk, and a jacuzzi.

Inspired in the essence of Yucatán, María Elena Hacienda outstands for its architecture, history, culture, and flavors, based in the Haciendas’ times, but with a modern touch. You can see the bustle of the Mayab land in the design, especially in the colors: green representing henequen, white for people’s serenity and the Mayan culture purity, and red for the beauty of Haciendas.

It is worth to mention that all areas are inclusive and that it is located at the foot of the Ticul hills, what makes it a perfect place for staying if your objective is to rest and go along the Puuc Route, which goes along archeological sites like Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, and Labná. Besides, Ticul, the Pearl of the South, offers a vast variety of handcrafted products, like women shoes and pottery.

It includes guides, water, and use of facilities. It is recommended to make a prior reservation, and in case you want to go on the adventure tour, you must bring a mountain bike.

Xtampú salt banks is a pink paradise located in the Emerald Coast, between Telchac Port and Dzemul municipality. The impressive pink waters took this color due to the high concentrations of salt, where shades exacerbated in some areas. Tour around the Mayan salt banks and see the ponds, which isa perfect place to learn about the artisan process of salt cropping and harvesting in the region, activity performed since the ancient Mayan ancestors’ times, and which flourished during the 20^th century in the coastal area called the Pink Lagoon. In the lagoon, you can perform exfoliating activities, and while visiting the lagoon and the ponds, it is feasible to see flamingos at a distance.

After the tour and after learning about the entire process of producing salt, you will visit Xcambó archeological site, which once was the most important commercial hub in the coast, during the early classic times. The next stop will be one of the most beautiful churches in the state of Yucatán, Santa Ana de Dzemul Church, from which its quarry stone façade outstands for its delicate carvings of flowers and geometrical motifs. The next stop is a working henequen hacienda, where you will learn about the henequen process and will walk along the old manor in order to learn about the hacienda’s history. Finally, you will visit Tumben Há tourist center, where you can taste a delicious regional dish, like Poc Chuc. Do not miss this incredible experience just one hour away from Mérida.

It includes guided tours, entrance tickets, and food. It is recommended to bring an additional set of clothing and flip flops.

Let us walk together and discover why Valladolid is considered a magic town. Tours are designed so that you can experience the living culture of Valladolid, its traditions, and customs. Every corner we go, will take you to its glorious past, and you will learn about many of the historical moments guarded by its most important monuments; you will fall in love with its fascinating architecture and colorful streets, considered the most picturesque in Mexico.

If you want to experience local daily life, go on the morning tour. You will walk along one of the most emblematic neighborhoods in Valladolid: “Santa Anna” indigenous neighborhood, where the municipal market is located, our friends will welcome you with arms wide open; besides, you will visit the majestic Zací cenote, which is in the heart of the city, to learn about the best guarded secrets of this landmark. If you like history, we suggest that you take the evening tours, in which we have a historical-gastronomical tour that will let you go deep in history and the unparalleled flavors of Valladolid, and discover why it is considered one of the best destinations to discover Yucatán’s cuisine, you will continue walking through the most emblematic streets, to finish at the impressive “San Bernardino de Siena former Convent”, one of the most ancient religious buildings in Yucatán.

It includes certified tourist guide, entrance tickets to the different places, tastings. It is recommended to bring water, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and shoes. It is compulsory to wear a face mask.

Visit San Felipe, located in the north coast of the state of Yucatán. It is considered one of the cleanest municipalities in the state, there, the variety of colorful wooden houses outstands. One of its primary features is that it is a port devoted mainly to fishing, and you can be part of that adventure, practicing one of the main activities in the place.

Start the boat tour from the port to go to the most strategic sites in the sea for this activity, there are two options: deep fishing using a line with bait, and the trolling fishing with rod, during this practice you will receive instructions and guidance from the local fishing guide.

You may sit in the boat’s seats while fishing, and enjoy the sea breeze, if you are lucky, you will see the marine species of the area. You will see “Playa Bonita”, certified as a platinum beach, distinguishable for its scenic beauty and environmental excellence.

When the fishing activity is over, as an extra, you can visit in San Felipe port, a pathway called “Punta Morena”, where you will go along 0.3 miles into the mangroves and wetlands thickness, and you will continue watching the fauna from the port.

It includes boat, guide, lifejacket, fishing equipment, bait. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, repellent, comfortable clothing, and swimming suit.

The Hacienda

The former henequen hacienda San Nicolás Dzoyaxché was built in the 19^th century, and its first owner was Don Francisco Martínez de Arredondo y Castro. The Church was built in 1926 and is consecrated to San Nicolás de Tolentino, guardian saint of the village, whose festivities are celebrated in September 10-20, with trade, folk dances, processions, and novenas.

The surviving walls, roofs, and machinery are witness of the architectural splendor of those times, these vestiges can be seen in gardens and corridors. One of the peculiarities of the main manor, of colonial style, is that it is built over a cenote, and the pond it has was modified to be used as a swimming pool.

Patron Saint

San Nicolás de Tolentino (1245-1305) was an Italian friar from the Augustinian order, whose life represents the most achieved personification of charisma of his order. He is always represented with the book of rules in the hand; book that sometimes will show the phrase: “I always observed the precepts of my father Saint Augustine”. He intercedes for the poor, patients, people in need, and patron of the souls in purgatory.

Dzoyaxché Plant Nursery

The purpose of this area is to cultivate regional plants with the objective of reforesting diverse areas within the municipality of Mérida, improving environmental conditions and enhancing the knowledge of plants from the region. Some of its goals are:

Improvement of the plant nursery conditions in Dzoyaxché Hacienda, acquiring gardening and foresting nursery materials for its operation.

Creation of a regional plants’ seed reservoir, through collection and selection in the countryside, classifying and preparing them to be planted and start the nursery’s collection.

Transportation of specimens from other plant nurseries to Dzoyaxché, so that they can grow and then be used for reforesting purposes.

Currently, Mérida’s Town Hall do not have plant nurseries completely devoted to the cultivation of regional trees, which is important when selecting species to reforest specific areas in the municipality of Mérida and its surroundings.

Taking into account the environmental services provided by vegetation, like avoiding soil erosion, filtering water, purifying water, functioning as a barrier against hurricanes, attracting rain, bringing shelter and food for many animal species, including humans, besides many other qualities and functions, it also hides unpleasant landscapes, provides color and texture, mitigates noise, enhances positive and reduces negative behaviors, decreases temperature  for even three degrees, and diminishes time of patients in hospitals; because all of these reasons it is important to have the proper species to plant into the municipality of Mérida.

Some of the foresting regional species found and used in the municipality of Mérida and its surroundings are: ziricote, jabín, chaka, kitamché, tzalam, Kaan ha bin, tsluche, x'canan, chiit, huano, chucum, catzin, chokecherry tree, maquilishuat tree, balché, ramón, oak, etc. Regarding fruit trees, they are: sapodilla, regional guaya, nance, plum, star apple, black sapote, yellow sapote, mango, tamarind, annona, soursop, sweetsop, calabash, etc.