CULTURE AND ADVENTURE
Surrounded by major Arqueological zones and colonial villages like Chichen Itza (one hour 15 minute drive), Ek Balam and Dzibilchaltun and natural reserves (the rare Pink Flamingos in Ria Lagartos), the historical "yellow" city of Izamal and the hacienda Ake, were you still can see how they worked the Sisal fibers in the glorious days, the hacienda is the perfect place for cultural day trips.
The Hacienda is also the perfect place for the guests seeking recreation (Mountain bikes and horses are available, hikes can be organized) and relaxation (use the Spa services the hacienda offers or just relax for a while at the border of the beautiful designed and very well located swimming pool).
Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) (full day trip)
Ek Balam is a spectacular pre-Hispanic site located north of Valladolid, on the way to Tizimin. Only five years ago, archeologists discovered an acropolis here with stucco figures in high relief measuring up to four meters. These figures of Ek Balam are wholly original and unique in Mesoamerica.
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Aké
In Aké, you will find, side by side, an archeological zone, the stunning remains of a colonial hacienda and a soccer field from our time and day. Guided by Don Teo, you can visit the ancient machine house and rope factory. Discover, step by step, how the sisal fiber is processed and made into rope!
Tixkokob
Tixkokob is a center of traditional hammock making. Hammocks are found in every house in this region because they are a perfect match for the local climate and the limited space in the homes. They also cost little. You are welcome to visit the workshops and choose what might be the most colorful souvenir of your vacations.
Dzibilchaltún (half day trip)
Only fifty minutes from the Hacienda San José, you will find one of the most singular archaeological sites in Yucatán: Dzibilchaltún. In walking distance from an excellent anthropological museum, you can explore a beautiful set of Mayan temples. The principal building is the ‘House of the Seven Dolls’ where a celestial spectacle occurs on the days around equinox (March 19-21, and September 19-21): looking through the temple’s gateway at 5.45 a.m., you will see the sun rise right in the center of the gateway. On a hot day, you will also be pleased to find a cenote with crystal-clear water near by.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá (Mouth of the well of the Itzaes) (full day trip)
The grandeur of its monumental buildings well reflects the city had during its apogee. The oldest part, "Old Chichén", dates back to the 6th century of our era; the Puuc and Chenes styles dominate its architecture.
You will sense the genius of the Mayan culture as Chichén Itzá's unique architecture speaks through its keen sense of proportion and décor. The most important building of Old Chichén is, without doubt, the Caracol (the Conch), a circular structure from the 10th century that used to be an astronomical observatory.
The Castillo, also called the "Pyramid of Kukulkan", is one of the greatest architectural achievements in all of the Americas. Dedicated to Kukulkan, the "Plumed Serpent", its three hundred sixty five steps represent the days of the solar year. Chichén Itzá attracts a large number of visitors on the days of equinox (March 21 and September 21). Between 4 p.m. and sundown, the position of the sun on these days creates the illusion of a giant snake of light gliding down the pyramid’s main flight of stairs, thus symbolizing the return of the "Plumed Snake" to his people. If you want to avoid the large crowds of people present on these specific days, we recommend you go on the day before, or the day after equinox (20th or 22nd, respectively); the phenomenon is visible on these days as well.
Yet another attraction of this site is the New World’s largest ball court. The court is richly decorated with images in relief and is in excellent condition for its age. Most certainly, the majestic city of Chichén Itzá holds the richest legacy of the so-called Lowlands that the Mayan culture has left to science and art.
Rio Lagartos (full day trip)
Rio Lagartos, located 52 km from Tizimin, within an special Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, its an extraordinary natural refuge famous for its pink flamingoes, a large variety of other species and an exuberant vegetation.
Its also a picturesque fishing village with colorfully painted wooden and cement homes. Protected by the SEMARNAP to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of the area, and registered in 1986 by the United Nations as an area of important international wetlands.
Another attraction of this place is the Lagoon of Rio Lagartos, where you can visit the area by boat.
Xcambó (full day trip)
Amidst salt mines and beautiful vegetation, which serves the birds as their principal refuge, you find the ruins of Xcambó. Behind the recently built chapel, you can see pyramidal platforms mounted by ancient Mayan temples. On their sides, you can appreciate fragments of stucco masks and faces protected by a thatched roof.
What makes Xcambó unique is the combination of fully restored pyramids, areas under excavation, and mounds that, as of yet, are unexplored. This way, the Xcambó site offers you the opportunity to appreciate the effort it takes to accomplish the final goal of archeological excavation: a building restored. We invite you to discover for yourself ancient pottery fragments surfacing from the ground; they will remind you that during the post-classic period of Mayan history (1200-1450 A.D.), Xcambó was an important city.
Izamal (half day trip)
Izamal is considered the oldest city of the peninsula. Founded by groups of Itzaes, the city owes its name to Itzamna, or Zamna, a person of singular wisdom and mythical origin. "Heaven Dew", so his name in English, is considered both a tribal leader and a teacher of the Mayan people, a legendary founding father later deified.
According to tradition as well as archeological findings, five pyramids flanked the ceremonial center of the city. One of them is consecrated to "Heaven Dew". A second one is called Papacholchac, the "House of the Heads" or "House of Lightning"; it presently holds the sanctuary of the Virgin of Izamal. Yet another pyramid is dedicated to Kinich-Kakmò, or "Solar Face".
The pyramid Kabul, the "House of the Miraculous Hand", deserves special mentioning. It is home of a giant 2-meter face, modeled in stucco. This face is similar to the ones at Kohunlich in Quintana Roo, which are known only thanks to a 1862 drawing by Catherwood.
For more than a thousand years, Izamal was an important ceremonial center. The indigenous people considered the site, along with Chichen Itza, a center of pilgrimage. Called the City of the Hills, or the City of Three Cultures for combining in its center the pre-Hispanic past with the colonial and the present-day periods, the city preserves a strong religious tradition. Today, one of Izamal’s main attractions is the majestic Franciscan Convent. Its atrium, the largest in Latin America with an area of 200 square meters, was built over the base of a Mayan pyramid.
The Convent of San Antonio of Padua is dedicated to the service of the Immaculate Virgin. Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m..
Finally, there are workshops in Izamal which preserve unique arts and crafts traditions. The carriage drivers will take you to the house of the artists so you can discover the heart of one of the most authentic Yucatecan cities. Specifically, we recommend the cocoyol workshop which uses the seeds of cocoyol (a small type of coconut) for the making of necklaces and collars.
La Luz de los Mayas (The Light of the Mayas)
Sound & Light performance show in the San Antonio de Padua's Izamal Convent Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 20:30 hrs.
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