Our Routes in Yucatán …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. Lets explore Our Routes in Yucatán.
Hannah in the colourful and charming IzamalWhat were your main destinations for your trip to the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico?
I visited Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid on this trip to Mexico.
Convento de San Bernardino de Siena built between 1552 & 1560 by Franciscan monks in ValladolidHow did you get to the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico?
I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow to via Mexico City and then travelled domestically to Mérida.
Was this your first trip to the Yucatán Peninsula or a repeat visit?
It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country!
What was your 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 YucatánWhat was the 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!
What was the best excursion or experience on your trip to the Yucatan?
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.
What would you most recommend packing or prepping before a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula?
It can get very hot, so pack light and definitely take a sombrero (or a baseball cap will do).
Paseo de Montejo with the backdrop of Casas Gemelas in MéridaWhat was your favourite food and drink on your trip?
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)What is your favourite photo you took on your trip?
This one is a street in Izamal; I love the colours.
Sum up your trip in just three words:
Diverse, friendly and colourful.
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