Conquistadores, their architecture, and the Mayans that resisted

Our day began at 8am in front of the cathedral in the main square, a historic building that's been through quite a lot!

The cathedral of Merida

Located in the northeast corner of the plaza grande

Many of the stones used to build the cathedral were taken from the Mayan ruins of the ancient city T'ho

The cathedral has stood through cannon fire, revolutions, being used as a stable and army barracks and the looting and burning of the religious adornments.

Heading north!

In the distance, one of the arches that used to divide the social classes of the city. The European and the rich lived inside the arches and the Mayans and the poor lived outside in los barrios

Our group outside of Santa Lucia

Standing at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, a french-style avenue that marks the beginning of the rest of the city and represents some of the diverse styles of architecture found in the city

Seeing some beautiful buildings

Arriving to the Palacio Canton, an anthropology and archaeology museum

Learning a little bit about the Mayan culture

Looking at pieces of fabric that were salvaged from the sacrificial well of Chichen Itza

Checking out the jewelry from the upper class of Mayan society, necklaces made of jade, bone and shells

After the museum it was time for a paleta and a short break

Feeling refreshed!

Next we took a tour around the Casa de Montejo, the house of the conquistadors

And took time for a group photo!

Our last stop was the Palacio del Gobierno where we saw the murals of Fernando Castro Pacheco that demonstrate some of the highest and lowest points in Yucatecan history.

Then it was time for everyone to head back to their host families houses for lunch and a siesta!

Small Town Days: Our time in Yaxunah

Before we began our time in the rural community of Yaxunah, we passed through the small city of Acanceh, where we were able to tour through the market and visit the prehispanic structures that make up the ancient Mayan settlement that today is fused with the architecture and modernity of the town. These ancient structures tell their story through the exposed stones and glimpses of preserved stucco. The pyramid of the masks holds eight stuccoed masks, two on each side of the structure, each one with characteristics associated with the sun god Kinich Ahau. A few blocks away, past the large catholic church and down a side street, surrounded by family homes, the Palace of Stuccos has a frisee that adorns the north face of the building with zoomorphic beings. Just like in the city, the best part of the program is when the students get to meet their new host families. The family is the main pillar of support for the student’s immersion into any context, but it is especially important in smal

The Grand Adventure: Orientation Trip

Our orientation trip began in the southern part of the state of Yucatan, in the community of San Mateo, where we were able to explore the natural resources of the area and learn about a few of the most important trees in the Mayan culture. We also admired historic buildings in the middle of the jungle that are evidence of military bases that were established along the ancient roads of Yucatan after the Caste War. One of the most fascinating experiences we had was entering into what the ancient Mayans knew as the inframundo , or the underworld. We rappelled down into the cenote of San Mateo, breaking the silence within and sending hundreds of bats circling around the high vaulted ceiling of this massive natural well. It is a unique experience that very few people are lucky enough to see. The next part of our trip took place in the state of Quintana Roo, where we were awed by the beauty and culture of the region. We enjoyed our stay at the lakeside cabañas Síijil Noh Há. The food was g

Merida: Our Days in the City

The first part of the student’s time in Merida, meeting and integrating into their host families, is probably the most important step in beginning an immersion program. In our case, here in Merida, host families are fundamental for the students to adapt to their new urban context. Another important aspect of their time in Merida are their Spanish classes, since the language will allow them to interact and immerse themselves more completely in the culture. During these language classes, the students not only learn grammar and structure, but they are also able to develop their own linguistic abilities by sharing, discussing and practicing the everyday vocabulary and expressions that they hear outside of the classroom. Mayan culture classes are another key part of the program, they help the students understand diverse aspects of the culture, how a Yucatecan family lives, the differences between interacting in an urban or a rural setting, and provide the hidden historical context for wha

Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

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