CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Culinary Arts & Culture in Merida

Simmer and stone-grind traditional ingredients in Mérida, where Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean, and Mexican flavors come together in every dish.

Set on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida is a colorful, historic city known for its vibrant food markets, beautiful colonial streets, and deep connection to Mayan culture. It’s the perfect place to explore new cooking skills while soaking up sunshine, history, and incredible flavors.

Step into the kitchen alongside new friends making fresh tortillas by hand, seasoning sizzling meats with tangy citrus and spices, and building the perfect taco. Cooking classes will have you mastering traditional recipes representative of the world-famous Mexican Gastronomy. Weekly culinary challenges add a fiery vibe of friendly competition. By the end of summer, you’ll debut a Yucatán-inspired menu of your own design.

When you’re not cooking, explore Mérida’s colorful streets and colonial landmarks. Swim in cenotes, join a Latin dance class, and visit ancient Mayan sites like Chichén Itzá. From cooking and sightseeing to making lifelong friends, this will be a summer full of flavor and adventure.