![](images\sentinels_map_2011.jpg)
DAY ONE - Arrival Merida / Uxmal
Most flights arrive in the evening. Interact's Foreign Representative greets you in the airport lobby.
Enjoy your hour drive to your first sentinel of silence, Uxmal, the most famous Maya Puuc site. Since the Yucatan is relatively flat, this term
was extended to encompass the large hills in the southern portion of the state, hence, the terms Puuc region or Puuc hills.
DAY TWO - Uxmal / Palenque
Explore Uxmal in the coolness of the jungle morning. Visit the Temple of the Magician, the Nunnery, and what many consider to be the finest
example of Puuc architecture, the Governor's Palace. Learn about the fascinating chultunes, underground water storage systems.
Then, relax as you skirt the coastal highway on your drive to Palenque, your second sentinel of silence.
DAY THREE - Jungle Gems
Palenque's majestic rainforest setting will transport you back to a mysterious bygone era. Howler monkeys serenade as the early morning mist wraps itself around the pyramids.
Following your Palenque exploration, drive through lush jungle scenery on your way to the powerful waterfalls in Agua Azul National Park
DAY FOUR - Merida Hotel or Homestay
Stop for lunch in Campeche. At one time, it was protected from pirates by eight bastions. Drive along the seaside promenade and enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and city.
Merida has been a major colonial city ever since its founding by the Spaniards in the late 1500s.
Its people have a wonderfully relaxed attitude toward life.
|
HOMESTAY GROUPS:
Host families are interviewed, selected and monitored by the Institute of Modern Spanish, founded in 1995. The school serves as the central meeting point. On the initial excursion, a member of the host family accompanies the students to the meeting point. Most families are within walking distance while a few might prefer public transportation or safe, private taxis. Host families live in middle to upper middle-class northern suburbs of Merida.
DAY FIVE - Caminata & Compras
Guided walking tour of Merida's Centro Historico from Santa Lucia Park to the Plaza Grande. In lieu of the traditional guided tour, teachers can elect
Interact's original Caminata del Centro & Sabores : exclusive student maps -with bilingual historical explanations of each landmark- permit
each group to explore at their own pace and to purchase and sample popular regional snacks and refreshments during their exploration.
Later, return to the bargaining markets where you'll have fun practicing your Spanish and bargaining skills.
DAY SIX - SOMOS humanitarian
Start your day with your exclusive SOMOS humanitarian . After arrival, you'll receive a list of the most needed items and stop at a major mall, where you can purchase those items. Please budget a minimum of $15. Continue to a local orphanage or school to interact in your assigned volunteer project.
DAY SEVEN - Chichen & Cenotes / Isla Mujeres
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been designated as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Following your exploration in the coolness of the jungle morning, you'll stop for lunch and have an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a cenote, a pristine subterranean lake. Continue your journey to Isla Mujeres, located a short ferry ride from the Cancun coast. This picturesque island is seven kilometers long and less than one kilometer wide, with lagoons, rocky coastline and wide sandy beaches. It is surrounded by the many stunning hues of blue of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea.
DAY EIGHT & NINE - Isla Mujeres
Relax in your hotel pool, browse the souvenir markets or arrange an optional activity such as a snorkeling tour (approximately $50 with lunch), or Dolphin Discovery (book online and pay direct; fees vary).
DAY NINE - Return to United States
![](images\plane_logo.jpg) |
DEPARTURES
10 Days |
![](images\luggage_logo.jpg) |
NIGHTS
Uxmal
Palenque
Merida Hotel or Homestay
Isla Mujeres
|
1
2
3
3 |
![](images\fork&knife_logo.jpg) |
MEALS
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.
Homestay includes all meals.
|
|