Our Routes in Yucatán

July 10, 2024
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Latin America, Mexico, Our Routes

…with Product Executive, Hannah

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.

Hannah in the colourful and charming Izamal

YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? 

Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid.

Convento de San Bernardino de Siena built between 1552 & 1560 by Franciscan monks in Valladolid

HOW DID YOU GET THERE? 

I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow, via Mexico City to Mérida.

FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?

It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country!

Giant Mérida letters in the main square Plaza Grande

FAVOURITE LOCATION?

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.

Local presenting the variety of vegetables and spices found in Yucatán

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? 

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!

Hannah posing in front of the Grand Pyramid of Uxmal

BEST HOLIDAY EXCURSION/EXPERIENCE? 

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.

Hannah grinding spices for the recado blanco (left) and slow-cooking chicken in a pib (right)

WHAT DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND PACKING OR PREPPING FOR? 

It can get very hot, so pack light and definitely take a sombrero (or a baseball cap will do).

Locals cycling along Paseo de Montejo with the backdrop of Casas Gemelas in Mérida

FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK IN THIS DESTINATION?

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.

Mouthwatering Yucatecan dishes: cochinita pibil (left) and sopa de lima (right)

FAVOURITE PHOTO/VIDEO YOU TOOK? 

This one is a street in Izamal; I love the colours.

SUM UP YOUR TRIP IN THREE WORDS: 

Diverse, friendly and colourful.

Hannah watching a traditional Yucatecan dance show in Mérida

Ready to book your trip to Mexico? Get in touch with one of our specialists today on 020 3820 0885, or complete the enquiry form to get in touch.


 


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