Moving on...Valladolid

Moving on

After a couple of days in Merida we moved to Valladolid, the perfect base for an exploration of the Mayan region. The pyramids of Uxmal and Chichen Itza are within striking distance. So are the more intimate ruins of Ek Balam.

Ek Balam Mayan ruins near Valladolid

Having seen some of my portfolio on youtube, Maria Loret de Mola arranged a comission for at a local boutique-hotel in Valladolid. 

 (Here's a video of some of my paintings)

In what had once been the great Mayan city of Chouac-há, Valladolid was founded in 1543 by Francisco De Montejo. what was the Mayan. Today Valladolid is recognized by Mexico as a Pueblo Magico: A magic pueblo that retains its authenticity and traditions despite the march of globalisation. 

Valladolid is truly one of the most beautiful places in Mexico for the charm of its streets and the warmth of its people. It is gradually becoming a must for Europeans visiting the ruins of Chichen Itza or travelers who want to escape the tourist trap of Cancun for a charming Mexican pueblo.

Valladolid is sometimes called the "Paris" of the Mayan region for its colonial architecture as seen in the ancient Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, its Palacio Municipal, the temple of San Servacio, and the old textile factory "la Aurora." 

Main Church in Valladolid: Iglesia de San Servacio

Valladolid is a picturesque town where tall leafy trees offer shade against the Mayan sun. with cool plazas and colonial churches. 

The main square and park exudes as quiet and laid-back charm where mayan women in embroidered huipils sell tortillas from gourds and romantics enjoy sitting on the stone love-seats under the tall shade trees.

People walk and ride bicycles. No one is in a hurry to get things down. It is perhaps the most beautiful of cities in Yucatan, with antique charm, stately old homes, and artisan markets with authentic hand-crafts. Hammocks, carved gourds, hand-embroidered dresses and baskets are part of the local repertoire of crafts that one finds on street corners and in the local market.

Hammock vendors relaxing in the shade.

Selling hammocks in Valladolid

The Hotel "Maria" on the main square

A relaxed Yucatan restaurant.

Relaxing in Valladolid

Local Market with bicycle vendors selling fruit.

Making tortillas by hand. They're kept warm in a gourd covered with a napkin.