Horseback Riding

A guided horseback tour from our stables is a unique way of experiencing the miles of private trails on Chalanté’s mix of open pasture and tropical forest. Explore a neighboring hacienda dating to 1735, or ride to a secluded Mayan ruin or sacred cenote (underground spring).

Sacred Mayan Steam Bath & Herbal Spa Treatment (Temazcal)

The Mayan word Temazcal refers to the ritual of a sacred steam bath with herbs collected in the forest. Enjoy a facial that utilizes a raw honey cleanser made in the nearby town of Izamal, or perhaps a relaxing massage.

With its many gardens and surrounding tropical countryside, Chalanté is a bird watcher’s "dream come true." A multitude of exotic species can be viewed from the veranda. Commonly seen are the iridescent turquoise mot mots, the Yucatan’s version of the oriole that outshines its North American counterpart with the intensity of its boldly-colored orange plumage. Along the trails, peregrine falcons, hummingbirds and bright cardinals abound.

Nearby is the famous colonial city of Izamal. Second only to Chichén Itzá as a place of pilgrimage, in prehistoric times Izamal was a major ceremonial center and ancient sacred site. In the mid-1500’s, Franciscan missionaries established Izamal as the grandest of the Yucatecan missions, dramatically sited at the apex of an enormous Maya temple. The view from the elevated atrium is unforgettable - across the colonnaded colonial plaza towards the looming bulk of Kinich-Kakmo stands the last of the ancient pyramids of Izamal.

Several interesting archaeological, historical and cultural locations are situated within easy driving distance of the Hacienda. Some of these and their driving distances include:

• The 16th-century Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua - 10 minutes

• Chichén Itzá, a fine Maya archaeological site - 1 hour

• The small fishing village of Dzilam de Bravo - 1 hour

• The White Colonial City of Merida - 1 hour

• Uxmal, a Mayan city containing numerous impressive ruins - 2 hours

Air-conditioned transportation to any of these locations can be obtained for a fee.