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 interACTion : 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

interACTions DAY ONE – Arrival Merida / Uxmal Participate in our exclusive SOMOS humanitarian total Most flights arrive in the evening. Interact’s Foreign experience. You'll receive a list of the most needed Representative greets you in the airport lobby. Enjoy items and visit a local 'super', where you'll have an your hour drive to your first sentinel of silence, Uxmal, opportunity to purchase those supplies (budget $15 the most famous Maya site. Since the Yucatan is each). Complete your SOMOS experience as you relatively flat, this term was extended to encompass the interact with the children while painting, gardening, etc. large hills in the southern portion of the state, hence, the Our cooking interACTion includes a special visit to the terms Puuc region or Puuc hills. private home of Familia Cardenas. This family has directed our Merida homestay for decades and now they DAY TWO – Uxmal / have opened their home to all Interact students, where Explore Uxmal in the coolness of the jungle morning. you will be sampling Yucatecan specialties. Visit the of the Magician, the Nunnery, and what many consider to be the finest example of Puuc DAY SEVEN - Chichen & Cenotes / Isla Mujeres architecture, the Governor's Palace. Learn about the Your final sentinel of silence exploration is , fascinating chultunes, underground water storage recently honored as one of the New Seven Wonders of systems. Then, relax as you skirt the coastal highway on the World. Later, you’ll have an opportunity for a your drive to Palenque, your second sentinel of silence. refreshing swim in a cenote - a pristine subterranean DAY THREE - Jungle Gems lake - on your way to Puerto Juarez and your rapid boat Palenque's majestic rainforest setting will transport you transfer to Isla Mujeres. This tiny tropical retreat is only back to a mysterious bygone era. Howler monkeys five miles long and one mile wide: idyllic beaches, quaint serenade as the early morning mist wraps itself around shops, affordable restaurants, and friendly natives. the pyramids. Following your Palenque exploration, drive through lush jungle scenery on your way to the powerful DAY EIGHT- ¡Viva Isla! waterfalls in Agua Azul National Park. Relax in your hotel pool, browse the souvenir markets or arrange an optional activity such as a snorkeling tour, or Dolphin Discovery. DAY FOUR – Merida Hotel or Homestay

Stop for lunch in . At one time, it was DAY NINE - Return to United States protected from pirates by eight bastions. Drive along the seaside promenade and enjoy spectacular views of the MIDWEEK DEPARTURES harbor and city. Merida has been a major colonial city 9 Days/8 nights ever since its founding by the Spaniards in the late NIGHTS 1500s. Its people have a wonderfully relaxed attitude Uxmal 1 toward life. Upon arrival in Merida, homestay groups will Palenque 2 Merida Hotel or Homestay 3 meet the homestay director and their host families. Isla Mujeres 2 MEALS Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner. Host families provide all meals.