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 http://www.recommend.com

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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