Iowa Chapter Immersion Trip to Yucatan, Mexico

Join the Iowa Chapter of Partners of the Americas for an unforgettable Immersion Program in the vibrant region of Yucatán, Mexico! This unique journey offers participants an immersive experience into Yucatán's rich culture, history, and traditions while promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering international friendships. This program is ideal for those interested in learning about Yucatán’s heritage, strengthening community partnerships, and connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about community and cultural engagement.

Program Highlights

• Explore ancient Mayan ruins, including Uxmal, to gain a deeper understanding of Mayan civilization and architectural ingenuity.
•  Engage in cultural exchanges with local communities of other cultures that have settled in Merida such as German and Lebanese, participating in workshops on traditional Yucatecan crafts, cooking, and dance.
•  Discover vibrant markets and cuisine as you sample regional and international dishes and explore the bustling markets of Mérida, Campeche, and surrounding towns.
• Participate in volunteer projects that support community development initiatives, fostering sustainability and local empowerment as well as donating food items to local non-profit organizations.
  

Sample Agenda

February 6

• Arrival in Mérida, Hotel: Casa del Balam

February 7

• Travel to Moltúl for breakfast of huevos moltuleños.   Visit to the Market (Me rcado de Moltúl). Then drive east to Chenché de Las Tor res to see this ar chitectural creation of the Golden Age of the sisal industry. On return to Merida, city tour including a visit to the Monumento a la Bandera. 8:00 Optional Attend Symphony Concert at the Palacio de la Música.

February 8

• Cooking with Minelia in the morning and in afternoon possibly visit Casa Molina, Casa Barbachano or the Museum Casa Canton.   In the evening meet with our Mérida Partners and enjoy eating what we cooked.  Alma Danza will entertain us with folk dancing of Yúcatan.

February 9

• Depart for Muna to visit Patricia and her pottery painting shop.   Visit Mayan ruins at Uxmal in the afternoon and stay in Santa Elena at the new version of Flycatcher Inn. Possible visit the Church and Mummy Museum. Possibly see the sound and light show at Uxmal.

February 10

• Drive to Campeche. On the way stop at the JipiJapa sombrero making business in Becal Campeche. Overnight in the Gamma Hotel near the Historic Center of Campeche.

February 11

• Explore Campeche and if interested drive to the Edzna Archeological site. Overnight in Campeche at Gamma Hotel.

February 12

• Early departure by train to return to Mérida. Experience the new “T ren Maya”.  Roughly a 2 hour ride. Pick up at the station and drives to Mani to visit the stingless Mayan bees, “Melipona,” tended by a retired priest in town.  Visit the XVI century church where thousands of Mayan manuscripts were burned in his “Auto de Fe” by Diego de Landa. Overnight at Hotel Casa del Balam.

February 13

• Drive to Sisal for a service project in that community.  if time permits, a tour of the mangroves to see flamingos. Depending on how late we return, we will eat at a German restaurant with a possible presentation of the expert on the German migration in Yucatán, Dr. Alma Merck. Possibly go to see folk dancing at Santa Lucia Plaza (9:00pm).

February 14

• Day tour to Yaxunah with local activities arranged by Partners member, Elias Alcocer.

February 15

• Learn about the Lebanese history and cuisine in Mérida. Lunch at the Biblos Restaurant inside the Club Libanes where they serve a delicious buffet of many Lebanese delicacies.

February 16

• Take food donations to Hogar de Los Angeles and Divina Providencia.
• Optional visit to Mundo Maya Museum. Free time to shop. Dinner at the “Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca”

February 17

• Free day to visit Merida, relax, shop, pack, etc.

February 18

• Return home.

Registration and Payment

To confirm your participation in this enriching Immersion Program, please make the first payment to the Iowa Chapter by December 10, 2024. Early payment ensures your spot and allows us to coordinate logistics for a seamless experience.

Costs:

• Approximately $1,800 per person (double occupancy), additional $400 for single occupancy
• Price includes (arranged by Eco-Turismo Yucatan): lodging, some lunches and dinners, land transport, English speaking guide, entrance fees.
• Airfare to Merida is additional.

Payment Instructions:

1. Deposit Deadline: $900 - December 10, 2024
2. Final Balance Due: January 1, 2025
3. Payee: Iowa Partners of the Americas
4. Send To: William Edwards (Treasurer), 2232 170th St., Boone, IA, 50036

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience Yucatán like never before! For more information or to register, please contact the Iowa Chapter representatives Janet Secor (secor.janet77@gmail.com) or Sara Huddleston (smonroy65@gmail.com).

📆 Does your Chapter have upcoming events open to the Partners network? Email our team with details at PartnersEvents@partners.net to add your event to the Events Calendar .