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Eat, Sleep, Play - Mexico

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Below are some eating and activity suggestions when in the Yucatan. I was on Tucan Travel’s excellent Adventure Tour, so a lot of the activities were chosen out of numerous options presented to me. For the food, credit Tucan’s Val for the legwork! As I’ve stressed before, I’m no guidebook, but I personally did these things, ate in these places, and this is what I thought.

EAT

Cancun

La Parilla - How can you go wrong when a guy who looks like Mickey Rooney is serenading you as you tuck into perfectly cooked fajitas? This place is located in downtown Cancun (away from the main hotel strip) so is probably cheaper than the hotel restaurants - it’s also a lot more authentic. 14 of us ate here and everyone enjoyed their meal. Ask for (or demand) a 2-for-1 drink special! Located on the main road downtown, close to the plaza. Prolongacion Paseo de Montejo No.87 x 17. T: 944.39.79

Merida

Panchos - More high-end chain with a slight gourmet twist on the Mexican staples. The Mexican platter was great value, as are the tequila tasters. You won’t know where to start on the menu, but finishing with the coffee ceremony might be fun. Great decor too, and check out the patio if it’s not raining. Located right in the heart of the historical district, a block from the main plaza. Calle 59 No 509 entre 60, Centro Historico. T: 923-9042

Palenque

Tropi Tacos - Quick, cheap, clean and simple, but with the plenty of the four condiments provided - lime, guacamole, green chile tomato, mole - the tiny tacos are a two-bite sensation. Popular with locals and travellers, which is always a good sign. Definitely order the orchata - a kind of rice pudding soy milk drink with no soy or rice pudding - to calm those burning taste buds. A few blocks from the main plaza, just follow the shoe stores! Av Juarez Col Centro. T: 916.345.0204

St Cristobal

Mayambe - If you’re getting tired of the tacos, you can’t ask for more variety than at Mayambe. The menu offers, “Thai, Arabic, Indian and Sushi” with a few Greek dishes thrown in for good measure. Definitely order the Vietnemese (oh, them too) rice rolls to start, because the accompanying sauces (tamarind, coriander, yoghurt) are sensational. I went with the mango curry chicken, but every dish was sumptious, no matter what part of the world inspired it. A few blocks from the main square. Real de Guadolupe 66. T: 674.6278.
El Gato Gordo - Popular travellers joint with an in-house art gallery and funky decor. Solid Mexican (I found my guacamole fix), good value all round. Points for the anime posters! Located on the restaurant strip a block or two from the plaza. Calle Real de Guadolope 20. T: 678.8313
Naturalissimo - Vegetarian restaurant, although I didn’t actually eat here, I loved the frozen yoghurts. Choose three fruits (like mango, kiwi, strawberry), and watch the machine blend them into somethng healthy. Sprinkle Coca-Pops, coconut or chocolate on the top for good measure. Good for a mid-afternoon “tide-over” snack. Av 20 de Noviembre No.4. t: 611.0931
Miura - All you can eat meat grill with a small but decent salad bar. Don’t expect chunky steaks like in Argentina, but the value (90 pesos) is terrific and you can carnivore your heart out. Clean and well managed. Real de Guadolope 26. T: 674.6302.

PLAY

Merida

The Cenotes - Pop into see Canadian expat Denis Lafoy at Yucatan Trails Travel Agency. He’ll help you arrange transport and a guide for this MUST-DO activity. The cenotes are located about an hour’s drive from the city, and consist of limestone caves with sparkling blue spring water. The temperature is warm for swimming, and wooden platforms are great for diving, or, float with a lifejacket and snorkels to look at the catfish swim between your feet. Best of all, to get to the cenotes you get to take a narrow-gauge horse rail, which is a pretty cool experience in itself. Yucatan Travel Agency is located a few blocks from the main plaza in the historical district at Calle 62, 482 x 57 - 59. T: (999) 928.2582. E: yucatantrails@hotmail.com
Chichen Itza - On route from Cancun to Merida, the temples here are on the shortlist for the new Wonders of the World. Don’t really have to say more than that.

Palenque

Ruins and Waterfalls - The famous ruins of Palenque are as spectacular, if not more so, than Chichen Itza. Plus you get stunning waterfalls, and an excellent museum exhibiting Mayan artifacts found on the site. Enquire about the jungle walk if you’re feeling adventurous. Call the TTMM Travel Agency to arrange a ride to the two amazing waterfalls in the region: Misoha and Agua Azul. Both are something to behold, and swim in! TTMM are located at Ave Juarez no 148. T: 345.0911.

St Cristobal

Chamula and Zinacantan - Visit two Mayan villages, which might feel a little touristy - but give you a definite education into another culture, and plenty photo opps. A “culturally responsible” company is Alex Y Raul, who have daily tours leaving 9:30am from the front of the cathedral (you can just show up). Our guide Cesar was respectful and full of insights, a day trip well worth doing. T: 678.3741 E: alexyraultours@yahoo.com.mx
Sumidero Canyon - Speed boating between one kilometre-high cliffs amongst crocodiles, buzzards and pelicans sounds as good as it is. Admittedly, my expectations were low for another boat ride, but the views are breathtaking, the Christmas Tree falls is just bizarre and it’s definitely not something you see every day. Once again, I booked through Alex y Raul, although the driver/guide spoke only Spanish. T: 678.3741
Nightlife - With a steady Gringo population, St Cristobal has a pretty decent night life. We partied to Top 40 music at Blue, and checked out the house and electronica at the more eclectic-hippie Barfly a few doors down. Salsa dancing with a live band at Latino’s, although when the DJ played Shania Twain and Village People back to back, it sent me running back to my hotel.



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