Colorful cities of Mexico

If you only listen to the US news reports, you would think that Mexico is Rikers Island, overrun with criminals, drug addicts and the cartel.  In fact Mexico is an extremely safe and vibrant country. Mexicans are proud of their heritage.  Music, dance, sport and traditions are alive in every city.  

Oaxaca

A mild climate and rich culture draw people to Oaxaca.  Corn and squash are plentiful in this rich fertile valley located just west of Yucatan.  We arrived in Oaxaca, checked into our hotel and did a walking tour of the Zocalo with its colonial style architecture dating back to the 16th century.  Oaxaca is also the birthplace of Mezcal. This smoky spirit comes from the agave that grows all over the state. We visited a mezcal distillery where we sampled different types of mezcal varieties. On the second day we drove out to Mitla archeological site and Hierve El Agua to see this natural petrified rock formations resemble cascading waterfalls and soak in thermal pools.

San Cristobal 

San Cristobal turned out to be my favorite Mexican city I visited on this tour. Its walkable colonial streets willed with restaurants and Mexicans busking their goods. We spent the day on a walking tour and the night eating out at a local restaurant. The following day we took a boat trip down the Sumidero Canyon, bird watching and spotting crocodiles.

Merida

The capital of the state of Yucatan has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is the Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortress like Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. Spent the first day wandering the streets and local markets.  On the second day we visited the Coco Museum to learn about the relationship between the Mayans and the Cacao plant.  Then off to swim in an underground cenote.  The last night I took an amazing cooking class where we prepared all sorts of Yucatan foods.  https://air.tl/Li0PlZxZ