In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our product executive Hannah Finch takes us on a tour of the mysterious Maya archaeological site of Uxmal, colonial city of Mérida, the charming pueblos mágicos of Izamal and Valladolid, and discusses the many culinary delights she sampled on her trip through the Yucatán Peninsula.
Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid.
I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow, via Mexico City to Mérida.
It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country!
I was based in Mérida, which I loved, but Izamal was also stunning. Izamal was designated a pueblo mágico (magical village) for preserving its original architecture, traditions, and history.
Seeing Uxmal Mayan pyramid. We went late in the afternoon and there was hardly anyone else there. We stood in front of the pyramid and clapped, the echo sounds like the call of a blue quetzal!
There are two – A traditional Maya house where we had a cookery lesson, including grinding spices for the recado blanco rub and slow-cooking chicken in a pib (a hole in the ground), and making a pumpkin seed and tomato dip called sikilpac. It was also really nice to interact with the family, too. And also, a leisurely stroll along Paseo Montejo (the main boulevard lined with grand houses) on a Sunday morning; the road was closed off to cars, so locals were out jogging, roller-blading and cycling, and local artists set up stalls selling paintings and handicrafts.
It can get very hot, so pack light and definitely take a sombrero (or a baseball cap will do).
Cochinita pibil – this is a traditional dish from the region and I had it several times. It’s pork marinated in spices and slow cooked in a pib, then covered over and left to roast for up to 16 hours. The meat just falls apart, it’s delicious, and served in tacos with pickled red onions.
This one is a street in Izamal; I love the colours.
Diverse, friendly and colourful.
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