Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico 2026

Pacific Bridge Club students had an unforgettable experience visiting the Mayan village of Santa Elena in the Yucatán Peninsula. Home to more than 500 Mayan families, the village offered our East Oakland students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a community that continues to preserve its traditions while adapting to a rapidly changing technological world.

We walked through the village, explored historic churches that were built on former Mayan temple sites during colonization, and listened to stories that brought centuries of history to life. Students gained a deeper understanding of the resilience, culture, and identity of the Mayan people.

One of the highlights was sharing a meal prepared with ingredients grown directly on the community’s farm. Nearly everything we ate came from the land around us, with the exception of the chicken, which came from a nearby local farm. The food was fresh, authentic, and a powerful reminder of the connection between people, culture, and the environment.

For many of our students, this experience felt like stepping back in time. Several remarked that it felt as if we had traveled back to the 1950s, where community, family, and tradition were at the center of daily life. Most importantly, they learned lessons that simply cannot be found in a textbook.

Experiences like these are why we travel. They challenge assumptions, build empathy, and help young people understand the world through the eyes of others. Santa Elena left a lasting impact on our students, and we are grateful to the Mayan community for welcoming us and sharing their way of life.

Sailing through the Mayan jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula was an experience our Pacific Bridge Club students will never forget!

During our adventure in Celestún, students explored the breathtaking natural beauty of Mexico while spotting alligators, flamingos, and countless species of birds in their natural habitat. Surrounded by lush mangroves and incredible wildlife, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the environment, conservation, and the rich history of the region.

Castlemont High School students left this part of the Yucatán Peninsula feeling inspired, enriched, and more connected to the world around them. These are the moments that remind us why cultural immersion, travel, and experiential learning are so powerful.