Izamal The most important landmarks to see here is the Franciscan convent that was built over one of the Maya pyramids. This convent is also famous for the monk Fray Diego de Landa, its founder, who burned all the Indian scripts, and then, feeling remorse for what he had done, tried to rewrite all he…
Uxmal Hacienda & Yaxcopoil Uxmal is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site where students will appreciate Mayan culture, art, and architecture. After visiting Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum, we visit an authentic hacienda. Dating from the late 1600s to the early 1900s, haciendas are Mexico’s equivalent to American southern plantations or mid-western ranches. (Yucatan Today…
Mercado Lucas de Gálvez This marvelous local traditional market is the only place where you can buy all the ingredients for the delights of Yucatecan food. Mayan and mestizo people come to town to sell these goods, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. You can also find Yucatecan jewelry and affordable beautiful clothes,…
Playa Progreso Students can visit this beach by public bus. Playa Progreso is a well-known local beach and has long been a crucial link to the world. Its foundation came about due to necessity. During the height of the henequen (sisal) export era, the port town of Sisal (west of Progreso) was the main cargo departure point…
Mexico City Mexico City is a stunning cosmopolitan blend of traditional and modern, evident in its impressive architecture, artwork, food, music, and fashion. Despite Mexico City’s size and population, its distinct and lively neighborhoods lend the capital an intimate, almost homey feel. We explore the famous Zocalo, cutting-edge exhibits like those found at the National…
Valladolid We take a walking tour of this city situated in the region of Castilla y León. We will visit major landmarks, such as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Zorrilla, Plaza del Viejo Coso, Pasaje Gutiérrez, and Playa de las Moreras while learning about local history, culture, and art, as well as life in the city.
Toledo – World Heritage Site by UNESCO Toledo is known for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. We take a guided tour of the gothic/baroque cathedral, built from 1226 to 1449 to learn about the architecture and artwork, including many works by El Greco. We will…
Avila Avila, capital of the Spanish province of the same name, is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid, and is one of the few remaining intact walled cities in the world. We will be walking to the Roman Wall, begun in 1090, and walking along the tops of the walls to see…
Salamanca Known as Spain’s golden city because of the golden sandstone architectural wonders, Salamanca is one of Spain’s liveliest and historically important cities. We will take a guided tour of the most important sites such as the university, established in the thirteenth century; its two 15th and 16th century cathedrals and the Plaza Mayor, Spain’s…
Segovia Neighborhood Walk On arrival day evening, we will do a walking tour of old town Segovia landmarks. We will visit the Centro were KIIS classes are held to help the students become familiar with the neighborhood that will be their “home away from home” for two weeks.