A Leisurely Trip To Valladolid and Back (from Merida)

For those who have come to Merida before and have seen some or most of the attractions in the immediate area, and for those who want something a little more in-depth and immersive, the Merida to Valladolid and Back trip is perfect.

Day 1 consists of a relaxed, non-rushed drive from the capital city of Merida to the interior city of Valladolid, the most important point between Merida and Cancun. And while Valladolid is still the a very Mayan place in the Yucatan it is fast becoming a more cosmopolitan and urban center that is seeing tremendous growth and change. This trip is an opportunity to see some of what Valladolid is all about, before the Starbucks and the Costcos move in. It is not too late!

From Merida, we will take the regular highway (not the boring and unappealing toll version) to Valladolid, stopping at every opportunity for a photo, a conversation or a bite to eat. Plants, food, people… all valid topic to be discussed and enjoyed en route. We can visit a traditional bakery, try some street-side roast chicken, swim in an underground cenote… much to do and experience.

Arriving at our destination in the early afternoon, we will immediately head to the traditional Mayan cooking experience, where we will cook and eat the most delectable pollo pibil. This is a magical experience featuring wonderful hosts and hostesses and an extremely relaxed cooking experience that you will treasure for years to come. Not exaggerating either.

Once we have eaten we head into town and check in to our lodging for the night. The evening is free for walking on the main square, enjoying some delicate coconut ice cream or a marquesita and experiencing smallish city life. People watching is fantastic.

On Day 2, we can visit the nearby site of Ek Balam and it’s amazing Mayan structures, but first we will visit the Casa de los Venados, the country’s largest privately held Mexican folk art collection. John and Dorianne Venator’s house is stuffed to the rafters with the most colorful and representative art you can imagine. A real must. Near Ek Balam we can try the deservedly famous smoked meats of Temozon for lunch in tacos and then go explore a cenote in the area. On this day we could also visit the nearby village of Xocen, with its real Mayan church. This is not a traditional Catholic church by any means; but rather a church venerated by the Mayans who worship in a particular and syncretic way. Afternoon and evening free to explore and enjoy the city.

On Day 3, we start thinking about returning to Merida. This we do via Izamal, taking the alternative highway past the pretty Uayma church (photo op supreme) and a few small towns. Along with a look at the very photogenic “yellow city” there is the possibility of lunch at Miriam Azcorra’s famous Kinich restaurant which is a must, as is climbing the large pyramid in town - third largest in Mesoamerica - to work off some of those calories. Finally, sated and exhausted in a good way, we return to Merida.