Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
KIKINETWORK TRAVEL
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733
Price per person (Shared Room): USD $4550.00
Single Room Supplement: add USD $1350.00
Group size is 8 - 14 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Merida, Mexico, where vibrant culture meets stunning natural beauty. Your journey begins at the luxurious Mansion House, where you'll check in and enjoy a welcome dinner, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead. Optional activities include an art studio tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local creative scene before embarking on your explorations.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Yucatán Peninsula. On Monday, set off for Celestun, where a guided boat trip through mangroves will reveal flocks of flamingos in their natural habitat. After a refreshing swim at La Palapa, spend your evening at leisure, soaking in the charm of Merida. The next day, visit Izamal to explore its arts and crafts museum, the stunning convent, and the ancient pyramid, followed by a swim in the cenote Santa Barbara, a perfect blend of history and nature.
As the week unfolds, you’ll delve deeper into the rich heritage of the region. Guided tours of Uxmal and the Maya museum will offer insights into the ancient civilization, while local culinary experiences, including a cooking class and a posheria tasting, will tantalize your taste buds. Free evenings allow for personal exploration, whether you choose to relax or engage in local festivities like the Noche Mexicana. Join us for a journey that celebrates the art, culture, and natural wonders of Merida, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 0: Friday, February 13th – Arrival & Grand Welcome in Merida
Your Yucatán adventure begins! Arrive in Merida and check into the exquisite Mansion Merida on the Park. This breathtaking 5-star boutique retreat is nestled in the heart of historic Merida. It’s housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century French-style mansion that evokes an atmosphere of Belle Epoque splendor, and we will be here all week! Settle in and prepare for an evening of warm hospitality. Enjoy welcome drinks at the hotel as you mingle with fellow travelers, followed by a delightful welcome dinner at the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy, where we'll talk through the exciting activities for the days ahead.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Welcome Drink and Dinner
Day 1: Saturday, February 14th – Merida's Colonial Charms & Nightlife
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Merida with a walking tour from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. After our tour, we’ll head to a delicious lunch at Casa T’ho, in an elegant mansion situated on the iconic Paseo de Montejo. Next, we’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day with a tequila tasting at a nearby Posheria, followed by free time to explore museums and shops along the grand avenue. Dinner is at your leisure, and we’ll meet at the hotel at 7:30 PM for Noche Mexicana at 8:00 PM on Paseo de Montejo, a vibrant celebration of Mexican music and dance.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2: Sunday, February 15th – Celestun's Flamingos & Bliss
We’ll leave early this morning (at 7:30 AM) to be sure that we’ll see the gorgeous wildlife on our natural wonder adventure in Celestun. at 8:00 AM. Our nature guide will accompany us on a mesmerizing boat trip through the mangroves, where we'll witness the spectacular sight of flamingos, and other birds and animals, in their natural habitat. We’ll indulge in a fresh lunch on a white sandy beach, with the afternoon free for swimming in the refreshing waters. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at your own pace. Suggested dinner place with Jill and Kiki.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Monday, February 16th – Mayan Heritage with an Art Expert
Today we’ll begin our day with a fascinating talk by Tom Swope, an ancient art expert and Harvard graduate. Tom will show us his personal art collection and offer unique insights into the region's treasures. We’ll enjoy lunch near the gallery, before taking a captivating guided tour of the Maya Museum with Tom. After some free time, we’ll finish our day with a delicious dinner at La Picheta with a beautiful view overlooking the main Square.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Tuesday, February 17th – Ancient Uxmal & Artisanal Crafts
Journey back in time with an 8:00 AM departure for Uxmal, to explore the majestic ruins of Uxmal, one of the most impressive ancient Maya cities, known for its intricate Puuc-style architecture and the iconic Pyramid of the Magician. After wandering through temples and palaces steeped in history, we’ll head to the nearby Chocolate Museum to discover the sacred role of cacao in Maya culture. We’ll enjoy interactive exhibits, traditional chocolate-making demonstrations, and lush botanical gardens. We’ll follow this fun morning with a visit to a local family for a hands-on local cooking class. Travelers will learn to make tortillas from scratch, salsas, and we will prepare a whole meal using the Pib, the traditional firewood underground oven used in Yucatecan cuisine. After tasting your creation for lunch and enjoying some time with our hosts, we’ll head back to the hotel for some free time.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Wednesday, February 18th – Hacienda Life & Yucatán Hospitality
Experience the grandeur of a traditional Yucatán hacienda with a 9:30 AM departure for Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, where we'll enjoy a comprehensive visit to see how Hennequen (the gold of Yucatán) is processed, followed by lunch. We'll then head to the enchanting private Hacienda Subincancab, exquisitely restored and decorated by the top New York designers who live there, for a special tour, a refreshing dip in the pool, and a delightful BBQ dinner under the stars.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Thursday, February 19th – Izamal & Cenote
Today, our 8:00 AM departure will take us to the magical town of Izamal, a charming 16th-century colonial village located about an hour from Mérida. Known as the “Yellow City” and the "City of Three Cultures," Izamal captivates visitors with its unique blend of Maya heritage, colonial history, and modern-day life. Accompanied by your local guide, we’ll stroll through the town’s iconic yellow-painted streets, explore the impressive Convent of San Antonio de Padua—built atop an ancient Maya pyramid—and visit archaeological ruins that still coexist with the town’s daily rhythm. We’ll savor lunch at Kinich, a renowned local restaurant named after the Mayan sun god.
After lunch, we’ll head to the cenotes of Santa Barbara, the perfect spot to take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters and unwind in a peaceful natural setting. After this experience rich in history and nature, the evening is free. Or for a local experience, we can head out to enjoy the 9:00 PM Serenata Yucatán at Parque Santa Lucia, a captivating display of traditional music and dance.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Lunch
Day 7: Friday, February 20th – Artistic Encounters
Free morning to sleep in, explore, and shop. Starting at 4:00 PM, we’ll enjoy the privilege of visiting local artists in their homes /or studios as part of the annual and vibrant art tour. We’ll end our day in the home of textile artist Toni Brogan with cocktails and a light dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Mansion Merida On The Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Saturday, February 21st – Departures
Savor one last Merida breakfast before your departure, filled with cherished memories of your extraordinary journey through the heart of the Yucatán
Daily Summary:
Meals: Breakfast
Mansion Merida on the Park Hotel has a special historical story to tell; the opulence of the XIX century has been newly recreated with luxury comforts. The mansion has been restored, respecting the original style of the French architecture that greatly influenced the city during that period. Today, the Hotel has only 14 beautiful suites, each designed and decorated to provide you with the feeling of living in a Mansion. The Hotel boasts an outdoor pool. Fitting the location of this historic Hotel, is the quiet convenience of being a few minutes walk away from the main square, yet close enough to the most famous Street, Paseo de Montejo.
Price per person (Shared Room): $
Single Room Supplement: add $
Group size is 10-12 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Commitment
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring that you will enjoy your journey. We work hard to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours and plan itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget.
Responsible Travel
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
Inspiring Through Travel
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, architecture, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration, and adventure.
Trusted Support
In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.
Disclaimer
Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost when you register for the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 45 days before the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept ACH transfers (1% fee and .30) and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 2.9 processing fee for MC and Visa credit cards, and American Express incurs a 3.9% fee. If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.
Airfare/Visas/Special Permits: You are responsible for your flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend the best flights for you. Please email me at kiki@kikinetwork.com for more details.
I will inform you of any visa needs, and you must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through. Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Please make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months after the latest expected end date of your planned trip, as some countries will not allow entry if your passport expires sooner.
Insurance is required for any KikiNetwork Travel trip. KikiNetwork Travel requires an insurance plan with 100% of trip cost insured, $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation, and a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. I am happy to work with you to recommend one of my recommended insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
Health and Safety Matters: Please visit your local hospital Travel Clinic. Your doctor will let you know what, if any, vaccinations or other health or safety precautions are necessary or recommended for your destinations. We are not physicians, and nothing we say should be interpreted as professional medical advice. Government health advisories can be found on the internet at: http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int
Cancellations: In addition to any cancellation penalties related to trip components we are not responsible for (e.g. permits, airfare, travel insurance, etc.), the following fees will apply:
Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
Responsibility/Release and Assumption of Risk: By paying and signing up for a KikiNetwork Travel trip you are agreeing to the following statement; I understand and am aware that during the travel itinerary in which I will participate under the arrangements of KikiNetwork Travel and its agents or subcontractors, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in unsafe areas or under unsafe conditions, the dangers of civil disturbance and war, unplanned forces of nature, or disease. In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in such travel itineraries, I have and do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this Release and Assumption of Risk and I hereby agree to all its conditions, especially noting and agreeing to the portion of this provision that releases the Company and its agents, employees, officers, associates, and subcontractors, to the extent permitted by law, from liability for the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of the Company’s affiliated companies or subcontractors.
