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    Chichen Itza, Yucatan.

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THE MAYA FOUNDATION
IN LAAKEECH
 

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to help us help the Maya People of Yucatan.

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       Chichen Itza, Yucatan
 

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    Eco-Cultural Vacation
   Packages to fully enjoy
    Chichen Itza, Yucatan.

 Things to do, places to visit while in
Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

On October 4th. 2008 - Tenor Placido Domingo Concert  will be held in Chichen Itza's Mayan Temples; a unique live-concert that will include International acclaimed Armando Manzanero, a Mayan songwriter born in Yucatan.  This concert is sponsored by Cultur to celebrate Chichen Itza's World Heritage 20th Anniversary, for further information and bookings please contact: Chichen Services

     MAYA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

    
Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone:  Best to visit this site early morning prior to noon when the day-trip tour busses over crowd the zone.  Maya Temples include the famous "Castillo" recently named as one of the seven wonders of the world; in addition to such fabulous architectonic design, the Ball-Court and the Thousand Columns Temple are truly magnificent examples of power and grace.  Don't miss the "Caracol" or observatory temple at the south section of the visited zone. 

Balankanche Caves: Maya Ceremonial Caves about 5 minutes east from Chichen Itza (on the free road to Valladolid).   These fabulous caves and underground waterways were part of the Initiation and Ceremonial Rites of ancient Maya, offerings and clay pots are still in place as you stroll through the narrow path leading to the main cave dome.

Ek Balam: Plan to visit this small archaeological zone only if you spend more than two days in Chichen area.  It is about 35 minutes drive north of Valladolid.  Restored in the 1990s, this archaeological site offers a fascinating encounter with the Maya stucco sculptures and motifs that normally ornate Maya temples and facades.

 WHERE TO SHOP: 

While in Chichen Itza, the best place to shop is at Toh Boutique at Hacienda Chichen, this small gift-shop & art gallery features the most exquisite examples of fine Mayan pottery, Maya ceramic replicas, Mayan jewelry and Maya Textiles that the Mayan craft traditions have to offer.  Profits benefit the Maya Foundation In Laakeech social work efforts and support the Nutrition Program for native elders and children in the communities nearby Chichen Itza. 
 

WHERE TO STAY: 

We highly recommend you stay at least two nights in Chichen Itza, where you will find many hotels of different price range, including our favorite Colonial Boutique Hotel: Hacienda Chichen Resort with its vast tropical lush gardens, incredible cultural legacy and outstanding gourmet Maya Cuisine.

WHAT NOT TO MISS: 

Any of the Maya Spa rituals and ceremonies offered at Yaxkin Spa, a Holistic Center certified by The Universidad Internacional de Ciencias y Tecnologia Maya. Here travelers can experience the mystical healing power of the Maya natural way of balancing soul, mind and body. Please read our articles about Maya healing traditions and Maya Spa.
 

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   RECOMMENDED CENOTES:

Dzinup Cenote (18 min by car from hotel free Hwy to Valladolid) A magical place to swim and enjoy the geological formations of the Yucatan, blue pristine underground "lake like" cenote, impressive rock formations and tree roots.

Yodzonot Cenote Please read our article about this incredible natural ecological wonder. Great swimming, local food palapa and low admission fee. This cenote is under the care and protection of a small group of Maya local females. Your visit to the site will encourage them, help their families' economy, and bring a well deserved sense of success. Food is prepared in a clean simple kitchen and the park offers eco-friendly bathroom facilities.
 

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     RECOMMENDED COLONIAL TOWNS:

Tabi: A 10 minute drive from Piste via Libre Union and Yaxcaba, this small village has an amazing Colonial masterpiece of the Ascension Virgin at its Church's altar. The elaborated artwork has been recently restored. The sacristy has a secret small chapel with fabulous colonial murals that are sure to enchant you.
       

Valladolid: Just a 30 minute drive from Chichen Itza, you will find Yucatan's Colonial capital: Valladolid, a city older than its current capital, Merida. The city's Historic Center has wonderful examples of Colonial architecture and flair.  The Main Square has a lovely central park and a Cathedral. Visit the San Bernardino de Siena Convent with its many original altarpieces and beautiful 18th Century designs.

Izamal  For those traveling to Merida from Chichen Itza, a two hour visit to this Colonial city may be worth adding to your trip.  It is a 45 minutes by car if driving on the Toll Hwy to Merida. The Convent San Antonio de Padua is the mayor attraction; the convent holds many Colonial murals and religious images. You can find "Mache butterflies", natural fiver hammock workshops and sisal goods made here and sold in the main market.

Merida This Colonial city is an hour and a half minutes away from Chichen Itza. The city offers many free cultural events each night in its many parks and plazas; it has two public Performing Arts Theatre that show many good plays, concerts, and ballet programs.  We recommend you visit public and private Art Galleries. This is a city where you can indulge in good eating, especially seafood restaurants abound, here but do remember they are opened only during lunch time. 

RECOMMENDED BEACHES:

Maya Riviera Coastline: Chichen Itza is just an hour and a half away from the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, from Cancun to Akumal, visitors may find all types of towns ambiances to meet their wants:

Cancun offers long sandy beaches, fabulous Caribbean Sea views, great turquoise blues clear water, waves and romantic sunrises.  This is a busy
tourist city, with all the international flair and choices of restaurant, malls,
night clubs, etc.  Ambiance is gear to please the American young crowds.

  

Playa del Carmen a more European style and ambiance, close shopping
streets, cafes, and large all-inclusive hotels are found near the beach. This
is the place to take the ferry to visit Cozumel Island for a day trip.

 

Akumal  a charming small beach front residential town with a few hotels,
perfect for travelers wishing to avoid crowds and busy tourist sites. Beach
front has many large rocky shores with truly interesting wave brake views.

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MAYA FOUNDATION IN LAKECH A.C. AND HACIENDA CHICHEN”S SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT LOCAL MAYA COMMUNITIES AND NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE:

The Maya Foundation In Lakech A.C.  Social Volunteer Work Program includes ongoing support to:

Xcalacoop Elementary School:  Ongoing support to the school needs.

Xcalacoop Health Center:  Weekly food supplies to the Nutrition Program held at the XHC, up keeping of the older building to continue the various community programs held at the XHC, while the new building donated by the hotel is under construction; the building will have boy and girls bathrooms, an eco-friendly septic system, kitchen and a multi-purpose room ample enough to gather the 140 malnutrition kids during their daily meal at the center.

Yodzonot Cenote Community Project:  Hacienda Chichen actively promotes this eco-park under the care of a local group of females with ongoing publicity and marketing strategies, including paid ads online, articles, etc.

Maya Jungle Reforestation and Nature Reserve:  Ongoing protection of flora and fauna programs which include a vast reforestation of hardwoods within the 300 hectares of private land dedicated to eco-friendly activities gear to educate and train local native people to care for the environment and preserve the safety of our water resources.

Education Programs:  As part of the commitment to help our staff broaden their opportunities and continue their education, our Maya Foundation Programs pay our staff enrollment in various training workshops and d programs such as Local Archaeologist Tour Guide and Local Bird-watching Certification among other education opportunities offered in Piste, Xcalacoop and Valladolid. Additional education opportunities, such as English classes, computer and job related workshops, are available to our staff in our in-house training programs.

If you wish to learn more about these education programs and help fund any of these social projects, please contact our Maya Foundation Board of Trustees via email  info@yucatanadventure.com.mx

For family vacation packages to Chichen Itza,
that include day tours to this and other cenotes visit
our sponsor’s website: www.chichenservices.com

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 Article exclusively written for Yucatan Adventure © 2007  

 November 2007

 Updated July 2008