Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
A Spanish language tour in Mérida combines cultural trips, tours to unique sites, homestay with a local family, and language classes at local universities. Trips to the biosphere at Celestun, the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun, Mayan ruins, and more make this one of our most popular language tours in Mexico.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Mérida
Please note: Tour must depart North America on Sundays.
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Begin homestay
Our home for the next six evenings will be with our homestay families in Merida, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily. Mérida was founded in 1542 by the Conquistador Francisco de Montejo y León and named after the town of Mérida in Extremadura, Spain. It was built on the site of the Maya city of T'hó, which was also called the City of Five Hills in reference to its pyramids. Today Mérida retains an abundance of beautiful colonial buildings and maintains its reputation as a cultural centre, featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres, and shops.
Overnight in homestay
Day 2
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Traditional dance class
Overnight in homestay
Day 3
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Mexican school visit
Visit a Mexican school to meet local students, practice Spanish, and experience how schools there compare to those at home. Please note: school visits may not be available on certain dates when schools are not in session.
Overnight in homestay
Day 4
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Mayan World Museum of Mérida visit
Dive into Mayan culture at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. Explore galleries on the ancient Maya, the impact of the Spanish Conquest, the natural Yucatán environment, and Maya life today.
Overnight in homestay
Day 5
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Uxmal guided excursion
What did this region look like before the Spaniards arrived? Journey to Uxmal, one of the largest and most powerful ancient Mayan cities, to find out. A licensed local guide will lead you through wooded valleys and wide, uncrowded plazas, showcasing some of the best-proportioned Mayan architecture. Visit the restored Magician’s Pyramid, a three-tiered structure built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the grand Governor’s Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle—four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, reminiscent of a monastery.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon visit
This restored agricultural estate shows how agave plants were grown and processed into fiber used for rope and textiles. Once a major economic driver in the region, this industry earned the nickname “Green Gold” for its impact on Yucatán in the mid-19th century.
Overnight in homestay
Day 6
Reserva Ecológica El Corchito visit
Explore a protected nature reserve with clear pools, natural cenotes, and winding mangrove swamps. Reserva Ecológica El Corchito offers a close look at the region’s coastal ecosystem.
Beach club day pass
Overnight in homestay
Day 7
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel or homestay accommodations as per itinerary
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Language-intensive classes (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Mexico
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.