No. 205 Xcajum Cenote

Xcajum eco-tourist center is located 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the city of Mérida, and 20 minutes from Chichén Itzá archeological site. “Xcajum” in Maya language means “the place of the sounds”. Here you can experience swimming in an open cenote, the only one in Yucatán with four look-outs located in different areas, in a way in which you can see the cenote from different perspectives, thus, you will have magnificent views. This cenote has a 131.2 ft depth, and in there, you will see the fauna within. To enter, you must descend approximately 114.8 ft through a stair; the first view of the cenote you will see is from outside, you will have a view from a high point, and you can see all the circumference, which measures approximately 164 ft of diameter. Then, we recommend that you watch the rest of the cenote from the other look-outs, it is undoubtedly the perfect place to take pictures, as you will have available the same scene, but from different angles. Another reason that makes this cenote unique is that due to its size, you can enjoy a tour boat.

In the restaurant, you can enjoy the excellent service and taste traditional dishes of the region with hand-made tortillas. You can also relax in the resting area, an open space surrounded by trees and with available hammocks. During your visit to Xcajum cenote you will feel good and connected to nature.

It includes restaurant, swimming pool, green areas, ATV, resting area. It is recommended to bring swimming suit and open shoes, sandals.

From the shelter port you will go on an adventure to open sea until getting to an area of approximately 52.4 ft of depth. It is a place where fishermen go to fish. After arriving into this area, a guide will provide you with the proper tool you will need for the activity, these instruments will depend on the technique you want to use for fishing. If you want to be anchored to one place, the fishing technique would be bottom fishing, in which you use a line with fishing sinkers and bait. You can also fish with the boat in movement, so that you can use other techniques like trolling and casting, which are performed with a fishing rod, and finally the technique of living bait which is done with a line. Enjoy this activity and learn about the variety of species you can fish depending on the fishing technique.

Besides the different fish you will observe, it is likely that you see some other species living in the environment, like sea turtles, jellyfish, flamingos, and other bird species.

When making the reservation for the activity, it is recommended to ask for the restaurant service of the cooperative, so that you can eat the fish you caught, either fried or in a ceviche. There is no better satisfaction than having gotten your own food and share it with your companions.

It includes ship, lifejackets, fishing rod, hooks, baits, and fish ceviche. It is recommended to bring clothing that protects against sun rays, sunscreen, cap, beach shoes, waterproof bag for the cellphone.

Experience Temascal near Uxmal, one of the most important Mayan cities, located just 48.4 miles southwest of Mérida. There, you can admire the natural and archeological beauty of the place in a complete comfortable way.

The temascal service is provided inside a clay hut, where participants cover their bodies in mud to receive the best vibes the shaman (Mayan priest) conveys through incenses and ancient techniques. At the end of the ritual, the mud on the skin is removed with pure water, representing the reborn of a new internal harmony.

During this tour focused in the Day of the Death traditions, you will prepare a commemorative dish for this celebration. You will start in the morning, heading to a local home with the Yucatecan cook, so that you can prepare the traditional Pib. It is a special dish prepared only for the days related to the Day of the Death, practically in every home in the Yucatán State. It is also an essential element in the altar dedicated to the deceased relatives. The traditional cooking method consists in making a hole in the dirt where stones and wood are placed at the bottom, when fire is started, they cook the “pib” covered in oak leaves and dirt. You must wait around two hours so that it cooks. In the meantime, you will visit the cemetery, where you will see the artworks of several architectural styles, so different among them, creating a unique fusion of artistic beauty. Afterwards, you will go back to the house to enjoy the pib.

Be astonished by the Sambulá cenote, a beautiful underground cenote, where you can appreciate stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as the formations in internal walls. An opening in the soil indicates the entry to the site. You will descend through wooden stairs that will lead you directly to its shallow waters; in hot times the deepest part is 5.2 ft, while in rainy seasons, the depth increases to 6.5 ft, perfect for those who do not know how to swim very well and for children.

Another activity you can enjoy is the bike tour, either inside the premises or with the option to go to the village, which is less than 0.6 miles, and as it is small, you can visit it in a quick tour.

Located in the heart of the Magic Town of Valladolid, Mulik Spa is an innovative concept and a unique place where the experience of a day pass at the Spa will take you to a high-level relaxation, as the spa customizes its service according to client’s needs and preferences. The experience is the result of the combination of diverse treatments like holistic massages, face and body treatments mixed with Hydrotherapy Ritual which consists in a spa-swimming pool, showers, and steam room with a mineral clays bar, that altogether provide you with a relaxing meditative state of body and mind. All treatments include a previous relaxation hour within the most luxury spa facilities in Valladolid.

The Spa offers the experience of a day pass in which you can enjoy a brief treatment. You can experience this activity individually, with your couple or in group. Mulik Spa is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet environment surrounded by a regional trees and flowers garden. The ideal election is to spend a day devoted to relaxation and wellness. Do not miss the opportunity of connecting with yourself in the best locations in Valladolid dedicated to offer all kinds of relaxing treatments.

It includes steam room, body and face clay, rain shower, spa swimming pool, relaxing area. It is recommended to bring swimming suit.

Archeological Mérida, following the footprint of Mayas, it is a natural and cultural tourism service provided by archeologists from the civil association Xíimbal K’áax – Caminantes del Monte, specialists in heritage interpretation. Discover the eco-archeological park Xoclán through a tour guided by experts, do not miss the experience of watching the clearest evidence of the interesting historical past the Mayas left us.

The experience consists of a tour around the eco-archeological park Xoclán, one of the biggest and most incredible natural reserves in Mérida, where you can be in contact with authentic archeological vestiges among which a pre-Hispanic Mayan structure of more than 32.8 ft of height outstands, as well as an ancient “sacbe” known as white pathway, which used to connect this place with the ancient Thó (currently Mérida city).

Never is too late to learn about the Mayan structures found within the beautiful White City.

Visit the ecotourist park Sihunchén, where you can carry out different activities to visit the authentic Mayan ruins of the so-called “Grupo E astronómicos” (Mayan observatory of the pre-classic period).

A specialized guide will explain to you about the astronomy and Mayan calendars, you will have the opportunity of going up a Mayan vestige, where you can recharge energy; you can also watch the flora and fauna from the surrounding areas. You will go along the pathways of Sihunchén, where 130 bird species from the Peninsula live.

At The Harbor Mérida mall, you will find a variety of prestigious brands, you will be charmed by restaurants and be able to spend a fun evening with the incredible experiences for families and/or friends. For all the family members who are willing to experience the emotion of flying in the heights of the mall, there is a zip-line. You just have to go to the concierge area within the mall to buy your ticket and then go to the zip-line located in the upper floor terrace.

To start with this adventure, it is necessary to fill out a form and protocol documents, then you can wear the harness, helmet, and all equipment needed to enjoy the experience going along 597 ft and 13 ft over the outdoors lake. You can watch gorgeous sunsets and feel the adrenaline of heights. The Harbor Mérida has activities designed for the whole family.

Experience a unique moment and endorse a Melipona Beecheii beehive. This activity takes place in the lovely village called Maní. It starts with the explanation of the importance of bees in the world, you will learn about the different kinds of bees existing in Mexico and in the state of Yucatán, their herbal and medicinal uses, as well as their feeding and the importance of preserving them.

Afterwards, you will enjoy a honey tasting to learn about its flavors; once the activities are over, you will be invited to the program BEE MATTERS, where you can support women from the communities which are devoted to protecting and producing this endemic species. Leave your footprint in the program and embody your love and respect for bee lives by painting a beehive box which will be donated to women communities devoted to harvest Melipona bees. When finishing the experience, you can enjoy a delicious dish in a Mayan home, prepared with organic products they crop and harvest in the community.

Surprise that special person by giving her/him an unforgettable moment, a romantic dinner under a sacred Mayan tree. Specialty dishes, wine, romantic music, candles, flowers, stars, the ideal stage to celebrate love. After the diner, you and your couple may enjoy the enclosed cenote of crystalline waters, illuminated inside and very cozy, as it is shallow.

Cenote San Ignacio is an eco-tourist complex located 20 minutes away from the peripheral road of Mérida, on the freeway heading to Campeche, the municipality of Chocholá, near Calcehtok grottoes, Oxkintok archeological site, the Mayan city of Uxmal, and the Puuc Route.

Idilio is a restaurant located inside the cultural center “Ramón Mendoza Novelo”, where there is an exhibition about his life and artwork, considered as the best artist from Valladolid from the 20^th century, whose value lies in the exhibition of Mayan traditions through painting. You can admire the content of this Museum and in general of all the place that together form a spectacular stage.

Idilio is the place where you can find craft beer 100% from Yucatán, they have ten different kinds of draft beer, a varied menu of food and snacks, which match perfectly with such a drink.

After the guided tour through the Museum, prepare for the craft beers tasting. After listening in detail about the characteristics of each one of them, you will have the choice of four beers to taste while you enjoy your meal. Prepare for this idyllic experience, while you spend a pleasant moment with your companions, surrounded by art.

It includes guided tour, craft beers tasting, four of your choice, and snacks. It is recommended to have interest to learn about the Mayan culture through art and taste for beer.