Explore the Mayan World in the Caribbean

Whether your child learns in a traditional classroom or through homeschooling at the kitchen table, learning can always be expanded when it’s time to take a vacation. Exploring the world we live in provides an incomparable education for growing children. And if your kids are water babies from their swimming lessons in infancy, they’re already in love with the water. So if an educational experience involves a sun and sand vacation in the Caribbean, so much the better!

A Fall Vacation in the World of the Maya

This fall, as the weather turns cooler, consider a vacation in the Caribbean. Yes, you’ll get to spend time in the warm azure waters and stroll along white sandy beaches, but you can also learn about the living history of the Mayan civilization. During your stay in Belize or Mexico, you’ll learn about the past but also meet the modern Mayan people today. This turns a family vacation into an exciting adventure and a living history experience. 

Belize and the Maya

For a fun adventure, Belize is a good place to start. This small country is a former British colony about the size of Pennsylvania. English is the official language, but you will also hear Kriol, which is a mix of English, Spanish and Maya. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, it is a special place that is truly a crossroad of cultures.

One of the most popular islands is Ambergris Caye, with its only town, San Pedro. Located offshore from Belize City, it gives you the opportunity to explore the nearby island of Caye Caulker, as well as the mainland. As you stand on the beach, you can see the world’s second largest reef system just off the coast. Explore this reef system with a knowledgeable guide to learn about reef sharks, rays, sea turtles and the myriad of colorful fish and corals. 

Take a day trip to the mainland where you can visit ancient Mayan cities in the jungle. Alta Hun is an archeological site that is close to Belize City. Journey a little further inland to Lamanai, a major Mayan city located in Orange Walk. The name means “submerged crocodile” and alludes to its close proximity to major waterways for trading. The site is very large giving you the opportunity to stroll the city, learn about how the Mayan operated here and even enjoy a lunch on typical Mayan foods. Getting to the remote location is part of the fun, meeting your guide for the journey along the New River, and learning about the exotic tropical birds and animals visiting the river’s edge. Climb the High Temple for a view above the jungle tree tops. Then explore the Jaguar Temple and learn about the games played in the ball pit. This is an immersive experience into the Mayan lifestyle of a city inhabited for five hundred years more than 2,000 years ago. By the afternoon, you’ll be back for some beach time at your island hotel.

Yucatan and the Maya

Continue your journey to Merida, Yucatan. This Spanish colonial city has its roots in the Mayan culture. From this energetic artful city, there are many options to explore. Begin your adventure at Plaza Grande in the center of the city. Visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso that dominates the square. Relax with a sorbet and soak up the vibrant city life. Then cross the square to visit the Casa de Montejos, the brothers who founded the city. Next, take a stroll down Paseo de Montejo, a grand boulevard designed after the French streets. The boulevard is lined with cafes, trees and grand homes, culminating in the Monument to the Fatherland. 

Beyond Merida

From Merida, head out to any of the many cenotes in the region. The Maya considered these underground water sources to be a pathway to the underworld. They provided valuable water resources for Maya communities throughout the region. Many of them are wonderful places to swim. You will also pass through Pueblos Magicos, small towns supported by the Mexican government and noted for their cultural importance. These are places where you can experience handicrafts, agriculture and foods from vibrant Maya communities where time seemingly has stood still. 

As you travel, be sure to experience traditional Yucatecan cuisine. Foods such as cochanita pibil, sopa de lima and huevos motlulenos may seem unfamiliar but they are an integral part of the modern Maya culture. Food in the Yucatan has absorbed influence from Europe and the rest of the Caribbean, and is delicious. 

Head west to explore Celestun and their large nesting colony of migratory flamingos. Along the way, stop in at a hacienda to learn about the cultivation of henequen, the fiber that made many families wealthy in the region. You’ll find that most people are very happy to share insights into their culture and language. Mayan is still spoken by many in the Yucatan. The ancient Maya culture is very much alive today. When you travel through Belize and the Yucatan, you’ll learn about their history, see places of religious significance and taste foods that have been a staple for generations. You’ll see how they relied on the many resources in the region to develop very sophisticated communities. 

Vacations don’t have to mean long hours touring museums to be educational. Sometimes, it just takes being inquisitive and a willingness to explore. Many Americans are traveling within the United States currently, but Mexico and Belize are very accessible with no restrictions (a Covid test from your local clinic or pharmacy before you get on the plane may be required). 

A vacation in the Caribbean can mean spending time on the beach but it can also provide a wealth of educational opportunities for the whole family. Plus, one of the best known Maya creations is chocolate. That’s a homework the whole family will enjoy! So, when you are planning your next vacation for your family, consider taking a journey through the world of the Maya!