It’s the sights, sounds and smells of Mexico that stay with you long after you leave-I fell in love with this this vibrant land ten years ago and was captivated by the ruins of Teotihuacán and the history of Mexico City.
Heading back a decade later to explore roads less travelled I head to the picturesque Yucatan Peninsula.
Travelling solo, I opt to fly from Mexico City directly into Merida- the cultural capital of the Yucatan. A short taxi ride from the airport and I arrive to the delicious smells of traditional street food, bustling textile markets and live music al la Mexico style.
As welcoming as it is safe, Merida is steeped in tradition and has become a popular tourist destination known for agri tourism, authentic artisans, historical buildings and world class museums. The city itself is like an open-air museum full of relics and age old haciendas with are over 16 Museums to explore in and around the town.
I stay at La Mision de Fray a charming boutique hotel, which was converted from a (400-year-old) convent and is located in the heart of the downtown. An art deco theatre house is just around the corner along with the central food markets where traditional Yucatan dancers perform.
Merida is a of place you can walk around and literally loose yourself in the vibe, the streets are alive day and night. Vibrant Mexican hues like pink, blue and orange feature on many of the building facades and ‘day of the dead’ like sculptures adorn street corners.
Stopping for lunch at a local favourite ‘La Chaya Maya’ (a tastefully restored hacienda) with traditional Mayan murals and open garden piazzas. The staff are dressed Frida Kahlo style and I’m tempted by a local dish Sopa de Lima, a tangy chicken, avocado, lime and crushed tortilla soup.
Take one of the many gastronomic food tours around the city, it’s a region rich in agricultural farming practises- agritourism is one of the towns major industries. I chooses an authentic street food tour, walking around the city taking in seafood markets, gelato bars and the central food markets
Here’s my pick for an authentic breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Yucatan….
Breakfast-The traditional Yucatan breakfast is the Huevos Motulenos, eggs baked on tortillas, with black beans, cheese, ham and peas topped off with salsa picante-so good I eat it every day.
Lunch-Codzitos- leftover tortillas, rolled and stuffed with shredded meats, fried and served with tomato salsa, affordable and delicious.
Dinner– Cochinita Pibil, slow roasted pork wrapped in banana leaf and marinated citrus juice and annatto seeds, a traditional Yucatan dish.
Viva Mexico……
If you’re looking for the best travel blog and podcast on Mexico- make sure to check out www.travellingsenorita.com. As a travel writer and podcast host, I’m dedicated to sharing the best travel experiences, tips, and insights. Join me on my adventures as I explore the wonders of this captivating region and beyond.