Native Trails MyTrails 2026 319 Yucatán 30 Tour of the Casa de los Venados Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Only few steps from Parque Francisco Cantón, the center of Valladolid, lies the Casa de los Venados, the dwelling of an American couple. Not just a dwelling, though – it is also a museum housing the largest collection of Mexican folk art worldwide, gathered by John and Dorianne in the course of many years. You will be astonished at the many different types of catrinas, the Mexican images of death, and amused at the chairs around a laid table whose backs show the portraits of Mexican personalities. And to listen to the history of the house is an experience all in itself. 31 Visit of the former convent de San Bernardino de Siena Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy The former convent of San Bernardino de Siena in Valladolid is one of the oldest buildings from the colonial period and one of the first churches to be built on American soil. Construction of the Franciscan monastery, located directly above the arched ceiling of one of the biggest cenotes in Yucatán, began in 1552. The architect Fray Juan de Mérida probably chose this location in order to guarantee an independent water supply; the exceptionally fertile fruit and vegetable garden within the solid walls speaks for itself. You will visit the small museum with artifacts from the local church history and the original oil paintings in the church building. 32 Visit of the Sound & Light Show Chichén Itzá Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy In the evening, you experience the impressive Sound & Light Show in the ruins of Chichén Itzá. Before a tremendous background, you set out on a virtual journey back into the world and time of the Maya: Serpent-like shadows are winding down the Pyramid of Kukulkán, Mayan warriors are playing ball games, and you can listen to narrations about the history of the Itzáe underlined by sound and light effects. 33 Excursion to the place of worship in Chichén Itzá Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Easy Visit to Chichén Itzá. To date, only about 30 of the many buildings buried and overgrown by the jungle have been uncovered and restored. “El Castillo,” the most impressive building (30 m [98 ft.] high), rises far beyond the site. “El Caracol” reminds us of a snail shell. The observatory was used by the Maya, among other things, for observing Venus and its orbit. 34 Visit of the Selva Maya Hacienda and the cenote Saamal Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Medium The Hacienda Selva Maya impresses the visitor with several dining areas and an open-air terrace – the buffet with specialties of the Mexican and Yucatán cuisine is a real delight and leaves no wish unfulfilled. Majestic old trees form a frame for the old ruins and the mystic cenote Saamal, where you can take a refreshing bath before and after your meal. 35 Aldea Xbatún – Cooking Class in a Maya Village Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Easy The cooking school Aldea Xbatún is set within a lush tropical garden in a small Maya village near Valladolid. Guided by local cooks, you learn the fundamentals of traditional Yucatecan cuisine—from shaping handmade corn tortillas to preparing classic dishes such as tamales colados, sikil pak, and fresh habanero salsas. Many ingredients come directly from the on-site garden, including chaya leaves, achiote, citrus fruits, and local herbs. The experience concludes with a shared meal enjoyed in the shade of surrounding trees.
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