DAY ONE - Arrival Merida / Uxmal
Most flights arrive in the evening. Interact's Foreign Representative greets you in the airport lobby.
Enjoy your hour drive to your first sentinel of silence, Uxmal, the most famous Maya Puuc site. Since the Yucatan is relatively flat, this term
was extended to encompass the large hills in the southern portion of the state, hence, the terms Puuc region or Puuc hills.
DAY TWO - Uxmal / Palenque
Explore Uxmal in the coolness of the jungle morning. Visit the Temple of the Magician, the Nunnery, and what many consider to be the finest
example of Puuc architecture, the Governor's Palace. Learn about the fascinating chultunes, underground water storage systems.
Then, relax as you skirt the coastal highway on your drive to Palenque, your second sentinel of silence.
DAY THREE - Jungle Gems
Palenque's majestic rainforest setting will transport you back to a mysterious bygone era. Howler monkeys serenade as the early morning mist wraps itself around the pyramids.
Following your Palenque exploration, drive through lush jungle scenery on your way to the powerful waterfalls in Agua Azul National Park
DAY FOUR - Merida Hotel or Homestay
Stop for lunch in Campeche. At one time, it was protected from pirates by eight bastions. Drive along the seaside promenade and enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and city.
Merida has been a major colonial city ever since its founding by the Spaniards in the late 1500s.
Its people have a wonderfully relaxed attitude toward life. Upon arrival in Merida, homestay groups will meet the homestay director and their host families.
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Merida homestay groups
stay with middle class host families. Host families are relatives, neighbors, or long-time friends of our directors.
Regardless, all are monitored and continually evaluated. Everyone speaks Spanish in the home. Most student bedrooms are air-conditioned and all have ceiling fans.
Host families provide private car transfers for all scheduled activities. Our directors host a memorable final evening farewell fiesta for all students and families.
DAY FIVE - Caminata & Compras
Guided walking tour of Merida's Centro Historico from Santa Lucia Park to the Plaza Grande. In lieu of the traditional guided tour, teachers can elect
Interact's original Caminata del Centro & Sabores  : exclusive student maps -with bilingual historical explanations of each landmark- permit
each group to explore at their own pace and to purchase and sample popular regional snacks and refreshments during their exploration.
Later, return to the bargaining markets where you'll have fun practicing your Spanish and bargaining skills.
DAY SIX - SOMOS humanitarian/cooking 
Participate in our exclusive SOMOS humanitarian total experience. You'll receive a list of the most needed items and visit a local 'super', where you'll have an opportunity to
purchase those supplies (budget $15 each). Complete your SOMOS experience as you interact with the children while painting, gardening, etc.
Our cooking includes a special visit to the private home of Familia Cardenas. This family has
directed our Merida homestay for decades and now they have opened their home to all Interact students, where you will be sampling Yucatecan
specialties.
DAY SEVEN - Chichen & Cenotes / Isla Mujeres
Your final sentinel of silence exploration is Chichen Itza, recently honored as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Later, you�ll have
an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a cenote - a pristine subterranean lake - on your way to Puerto Juarez and your rapid boat transfer to Isla Mujeres.
This tiny tropical retreat is only five miles long and one mile wide: idyllic beaches, quaint shops, affordable restaurants, and friendly natives.
DAY EIGHT- Viva Isla!
Relax in your hotel pool, browse the souvenir markets or arrange an optional activity such as a snorkeling tour, or Dolphin Discovery.
DAY NINE - Return to United States
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DEPARTURES
9 Days/8 nights |
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NIGHTS
Uxmal
Palenque
Merida Hotel or Homestay
Isla Mujeres
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1
2
3
2 |
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MEALS
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.
Host families provide all meals.
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