Recommend November 2013 - (Page 74)
mexico
MERIDA
CATHERWOOD TRAVELS
Gateway to the
Yucatan Experience
Known as The White City for its white
limestone architecture, Merida rose from
ground where the Maya city of T'ho once
stood and is considered the gateway to
all routes that lead to the Mayan World.
deserae del campo
For now, let's put aside the standard vacation bookings to allinclusive resorts in Cancun; let's step away from the whale-watching excursions and seaside resorts that dot the coast in Cabo
San Lucas; and let's turn our backs on Mexico City's colonial
charm-at least for a short while-because it's time to walk the
Mayan Route, visit a working hacienda, swim in a sacred cenote
(sinkholes once believed to be the entrances to the underworld),
and be immersed in the culture and allure that is Merida, located
in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.
"Near Merida you have archaeological sites, colonial cities,
convents, cenotes, ecological reserves, haciendas, and Mayan villages. It's a trip into history and culture," says Angelica Espinosa,
sales director for Catherwood Travels based in Merida. "Mayan
culture is alive here and there are even villages where only the
Maya language is spoken."
But it's not only Merida's history that takes center stage.
74 november 2013
74-77 MX MeridaYucatan.indd 74
Espinosa adds that, the city is boasting a new vibe thanks to its
budding arts scene. "There are many contemporary artists who are
moving to the city and opening studios, galleries or boutiques and
it's creating an incredible word of mouth."
So what is the Yucatan experience in Merida all about? It could
be a day or two strolling through Merida's downtown district to visit
museums, parks and churches; visiting art galleries and tasting
the local cuisine; and taking in the sights and sounds of Paseo
Montejo-a must-visit spot for sightseeing, shopping and dining.
Then it's off to the outskirts of the city to experience Mayan structures like Chichen Itza, whose pyramid is a New Seven Wonders of
the World, and connecting with nature at ecological reserves.
With its multilayered vacation experience, it's no wonder ASTA
chose Merida as the location for its 2014 ASTA Destination Expo
(March 27-30, 2014).
"I believe that having ASTA in Merida will help the local suppliers learn more about the needs of travel agents and will help
travel agents add a great product to their portfolio," says Santiago
Gonzalez Abreu, promotion director, Yucatan Tourism Board.
Abreu advises travel agents to attend the ASTA Destination Expo to
learn more about the destination, make business connections with
local tour operators "and envision Merida as a cultural and exotic
destination. Travel agents will be able to sell the Merida experience
alone or as a complement to a beach vacation."
Culture mixed with a beachside getaway makes sense for North
American clients who want the best of both Mexican worlds-Riviera Maya and Cancun are approximately 3.5 hours away. According to Espinosa, 60 to 65 percent of her clients are Mexicans, but
she is "happy to say that the percentage of North American clients
is growing."
what to do
"In Merida, there is amazing shopping, from guayaberas to filigree
silver, gold jewelry and hammocks. If you are a foodie, you will
discover new flavors at the markets, food carts, and in traditional
restaurants with our innovative chefs. If you are looking for natural
wonders, there are two biosphere reserves full of flamingos, all
kinds of birds and crocodiles," says Abreu. "If you are looking for
luxury and relaxation, the haciendas located near Merida offer
amazing accommodations, superb food and fabulous spas. For
travelers looking for culture, besides the archaeological sites,
Merida offers cultural activities every day, amazing museums and
recommend.com
10/23/13 8:59 AM
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2013
Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Generator
Tour Talk: Vistas by IsramWorld
Sailing the Danube With Viking (and a Teeneger in Tow)
AmaPrima
Bhutan: The Eternal Kingdom Beckons
The Greening of the Caribbean
The Saint Lucia Travel Agent Specialist Program
Merida: Gateway to the Yucatan Experience
Nicaragua Now
Las Vegas Embraces the Future
Tasmania: A Devilish Destination
Zimbabwe: Southern Africa's Comeback Kid
Georgia: Off the Radar
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