Our hacienda is located in the municipality of Tixkokob. If you have free time in the area, we recommend:

• Hammock workshops: Tixkokob is well known for its hammock production. Walking through the town, you'll see the looms in the artisans' homes; it's the ideal place to buy an original hammock.

• Aké Ruins (15 km away): A very peaceful archaeological site. Right next door is an old henequen plantation that is still operating.

• Izamal, the Magical Town (40 km away): Known as "The Yellow City" because its entire historic center is painted that color. You can visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua or climb the Kinich Kakmó pyramid, located in the middle of town (admission is free). For a meal, the Kinich restaurant is a sure bet, but we suggest making a reservation.

In Mérida (Like a local) For those staying in the city, skip the tourist traps and try this:

• Paseo de Montejo at sunset: Ideal for a stroll when the heat subsides. A must-do is stopping at a street cart to try a "marquesita" (a crispy roll-shaped dessert filled with Edam cheese).

• Santiago Market: In the historic center. Go to La Lupita taco stand early for an excellent breakfast taco or torta de lechón and cochinita.

The Classics and Nature

• Chichen Itza (120 km from Merida / 90 km from Tixkokob): A must-see. Best advice: arrive precisely at 8:00 am when the ticket booths open to avoid the intense heat and crowds. Afterward, you can cool off in the Ik Kil cenote, just 5 km away.

• Uxmal (80 km from Mérida): For many, even more interesting and less crowded than Chichén Itzá, with an impressive level of architectural detail.

• Celestún (100 km from Mérida): The ideal coast for seeing pink flamingos in their natural habitat (December is an excellent month). Take a boat tour through the mangroves and enjoy fresh seafood on the beach.

Options to explore (If you rented a car)

• Homún and Cuzamá cenotes (50 km away): Very natural cenotes. The experience includes traveling through the jungle in "trucks" (small wagons on rails) to go from one cenote to another.

• San Crisanto (65 km away): Instead of going to the busy beach of Progreso, drive a little further to this very quiet fishing village with clean beaches and boat tours.

• Valladolid (160 km away): A picturesque Magical Town, ideal if you continue your journey towards the Riviera Maya, with cenotes right in the center of town (like Zací).

What to eat in Yucatán (Note: Typical food is not spicy! Habanero peppers are served separately):

• Cochinita Pibil: Pork marinated in achiote and cooked underground.

• Lime Soup: Turkey or chicken broth with fried tortilla and the citrus touch of the Yucatecan lime.

• Poc Chuc: Sliced pork, marinated in sour orange and grilled over charcoal.

• Stuffed Cheese: Edam cheese rind filled with prepared ground meat and covered in a white sauce.

Fun Fact for Your Trip: Why are there so many cenotes? About 66 million years ago, the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs struck this region. That impact fractured the limestone bedrock, creating the vast network of underground rivers we know today as cenotes. You'll be swimming in prehistoric history!