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Yucatan, Mexico
will transport you back to times when glorious Maya cities and majestic Spanish Colonial Haciendas riddled the peninsula. Join us on a journey through the Yucatan Peninsula that tourists never encounter; explore a private Maya excavation where archeologists are uncovering an ancient city; work and play with Maya families while helping them improve their homes and community facilities; eat a home-cooked Mexican meal; work alongside biologists to help sea turtles and pink flamingos at an Ecological Preserve!
Merida, Cuzama, Celestun, and Orientation (5 days) - A journey to the
Yucatan must always begin by purchasing a hammock! After arriving in the capital city of Merida, we will take a couple of days to get to know one another, explore the charming colonial city, and bargain for our
colorful, hand woven hammocks. The following day we are off for an unforgettable journey on an old Hacienda railway system to swim in the spectacular, clear blue waters of three underground cenotes. In the final
days of our orientation, we will travel to the Ecological Preserve in Celestun where we will work with local conservationists on projects to protect the flamingos and Leatherback turtles that inhabit and nest
in the area.
 Hacienda Tabi, Uxmal and Private Reserve Kiuic (5 days ) - Well equipped with hammocks in tow, we'll head south on a quick two
-hour journey to a 17th century Spanish hacienda, our picturesque home for the next four days. Day trips to the impressive Lol-tun caves and striking Uxmal ruins will introduce us to the Yucatan Peninsula in
a most spectacular way! In the friendly community of Xkobenhaltun we will work with individual families to improve their dwellings, or "naj."
The Kiuic Reserve, a private, significant excavation site that archeologists are uncovering and analyzing, is a fantastic addition to our orientation and experience of the Yucatan. We will receive
a quick education and rare, fascinating view into Maya history.
 Izamal and Homestays (11 days) - Families from the "yellow city"
of Izamal will eagerly greet us and take us into their homes for the next 10 days. With two students matched per homestay family, you will share in delicious Mexican food prepared by your new host-mom
or dad. During the day, the group will continue to come together for projects, such as assisting instructors at a summer camp for Mexican youth, working in a local soup kitchen for the elderly, and
helping to improve several homes. Trips to an underground pool, a "cenote," will provide a unique opportunity to cool off in the heat of the day - a big hit!
 Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum (4 days) - Despite the sadness of leaving our new "family" and friends, we'll look
forward to our new beachside accommodations for the final days. Puerto Morelos offers the last chance to hang a hammock under a palm tree and snorkel through the clear blue waters of Palancar Reef,
the second largest barrier reef in the world. An exciting day trip to Playa del Carmen's bustling Quinta Avenida makes for great people
watching, beach combing, and shopping. Lastly, the group will visit the remarkable Mayan ruins of Tulum set against the backdrop of the shimmering Caribbean Sea.
Merida (3 days) - The final leg of our journey takes us back to Merida where we'll enjoy a
farewell celebration before boarding a short flight home the next day. Content from your travels, it will be nice to return home to share your experiences and newfound knowledge with family and
friends. (If only you could find a place in your room to hang your hammock!)
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