Journey Mexico’s CEO and Groups Director recently accompanied Trafalgar and 30 travel partners on a journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. The three day journey started off in Cancun and led them through Merida, Izamal, and Celestun; it was a FAM trip to experience Trafalgar’s unique Treasures of the Yucatan tour and a chance for Journey Mexico to meet and receive feedback from those who sell the product.
Below is an overview/testimonial of day one from Trafalgar
I’ve started another adventure having just attended the Flight Centre Global gathering in Cancun. We had the opportunity to run a post Global fam for 30 of our agent partners and we left Cancun yesterday bound for the beautiful white city of Merida in the capable hands of our Travel Director, Fernando. Fernando is part Mayan (the indigenous people of the Yucatan) and is also fully certified for all the archaeological sites and treks in the region – a true insider!
The group was in excellent form and really excited about the insider experiences that lay ahead. Our first stop was lunch in Valladolid – a very traditional Mexican village and we enjoyed an authentic lunch of local Mayan inspired delicacies followed by a walk in the square. The markets were in full swing and we mixed with the locals as they strolled the square enjoying the sunshine. After the group swept through the shops like locusts, we headed for Izamal.
I have never been to Mexico before and have to say that already this country, the friendliness of the locals and their genuine hospitality has made a significant impression. The food is amazing (will talk about tequila later) and there is no doubt that the insider experiences we offer our guests coupled with the relaxed pace is the best way to explore this beautiful part of the world.
Fernando (now affectionately called “can you hear the drums” by the group), walked us through the beautiful monastery of Saint Antonio Padua. This incredible site was built in 1554 and is the second largest catholic courtyard in the world….and the largest enclosed catholic courtyard in the world! Fernando talked us through the history of the Mayan people and subsequent Spanish occupation of the area. The Spanish wanted to convert the Mayan’s to Catholicism due to the Mayan practice of sacrificing people to their various gods – they had one for everything! The Mayans challenged the Spanish based on seeing the Catholic deity also sacrificed on a cross and it was these negotiations at this very convent that changed how Jesus was depicted throughout Mexico as the statues were removed and replaced with images of his face. This is the kind of history you would miss if travelling on your own.
Go to Day 2 >>
All photos have been provided by Trafalgar.
