OUR TOURS
Mérida is the ideal starting point to visit some of the most fascinating archaeological and natural attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula. The area is rich in ancient Mayan sites, colonial cities, haciendas and natural wonders. Casa Lecanda collaborates with Mérida Tours & Incentives, a local tour operator with more than 30 years of experience in the area to offer its guests a wide selection of tours and activities ranging from private excursions to group tours. Most can be offered with English, Spanish, Italian or German speaking guides. Below, you will find some of the activities that can be arranged directly at the hotel or by contacting us before your arrival.
Mérida City tour & Museum
A private tour of the city is the best way to start discovering all that Mérida has to offer and learn from its rich past. Tours begin at the hotel and are guided by your certified personal guide. We will start with a visit to the majestic Paseo Montejo where you can admire some of the most impressive mansions in the city, built during the era of the barons of Sisal at the end of the 19th century. Continue with the visit of the Homeland Monument and the Museum of Anthropology. Continue with a walk through the dowtown area of the city and the Plaza de Armas or Zócalo, where you will visit the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the House of Montejo and the Cathedral of San Ildefonso. After the visit, the guide will be at your service to explore the city center and visit authentic shops with some of the best crafts of the region such as traditional hammocks, guayaberas and local art.
Chichen Itza & Izamal
With more than 1,500 years, the famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén-Itzá are considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and the world. Located only 1.5 hours from the hotel, the tour is led by a certified private guide who will explain this mystical site, its history and the fascinating culture of the Mayan people. During your visit you will see the magnificent Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Warriors, the ball game court, the Monastery of the Nuns and the Astrological Observatory. Following Chichén-Itzá we continue with one of the Magical Towns of Mexico; Izamal This charming colonial city has all its buildings painted yellow with a white border and is known to be "the city of three cultures"; You can admire the pre-colonial past, remains of the colonial era and the modern city of today. Visit of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, built on top a Mayan pyramid, with the second largest atrium in the world, after the Vatican in Rome. At the end of the guided tour, we recommend eating at one of the local Yucatecan restaurants to enjoy the delicious regional dishes.
Celestún Biosphere Reserve
For those who wish to discover the wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Celestun Biosphere Reserve is a real pleasure. The park is 56 kilometers west of Merida and expands by 146,000 acres. It is a combination of coastal scrub, estuaries and mangroves, which together provide an excellent habitat for wildlife of many kinds. Probably best known for its flamingos, the reserve also houses more than 300 species of birds and a variety of reptiles such as crocodiles, iguanas and sea turtles. This fascinating reserve is visited by boat which allows visitors to be very close to nature and the majestic wildlife. After the excursion, a visit to the beach in the city is recommended to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the area.
Uxmal & Ruta Puuc
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uxmal, is the best achievement of the Mayans of the Puuc region and represents the second largest site in the area after Chichén-Itzá, however probably greater in its harmony, beauty and architectural unique style. During this excursion, guests will travel the Puuc Route to visit other smaller but equally important sites along the highway; Labna, Xlapak, Sayil and Kabah; To conclude in Uxmal where visitors can contemplate the Pyramid of the Magician, one of the most impressive in Yucatan, the House of the Governor, the Temple of the Turtles, and also climb the Great Pyramid. The tours start in the morning to return to Mérida in the middle of the afternoon, but for those who only want to visit particular sites, we have personalized tours. In the summer months we highly recommend the Light and Sound Show in Uxmal, which takes place every night.
Sinkholes
The Sinkholes, are one of the natural jewels of the Yucatan Peninsula. The porous limestone of the peninsula does not allow the formation of rivers and superficial lakes, so the accumulation of water in the underground causes the formation of impressive caves and lakes. These being at one time the only sources of fresh water in the area, the sinkholes were a sacred place for the Mayans and is considered the entrance of the underworld. With more than 5,000 of them in all of Yucatan, they captivate and mystify all those who visit them. There are several sinkholes that can be easily reached from Merida, where guests can swim and be enchanted by its impeccable beauty. Visits to these magical places can be easily planned as day trips and combined with other tours and activities for a more complete experience.