Valladolid is indeed an escape from ‘Yucatán Disneyland’

A travel writer from the U.S. finds “authentic” Yucatán. Photo: Getty

Staying at an all-inclusive “margarita-infused Disneyland in the Yucatan” for a wedding, Rita Ireland and her husband knew they could do better once they checked out.

The EPIC Group Travel writer, a retiree in apparently no rush to head home, extended her trip at more “authentic” locales. She shares her adventure in My Edmunds News.

“I had been to Valladolid before and knew that it would be a good base — a hub to ‘return home’ each afternoon,” writes Ireland. “Ahh, those sweet naps, no re-packing, the same bed.”

Settling in at Valladolid’s “delightful central square,” they unpack at El Meson de Marquez where they were “ready for a romantic setting, which offers its own challenges after 43 years.”

Ireland makes a compelling case for a 1600s hotel over a Caribbean beach resort.

“Walking through their open-aired courtyard, palm trees and geckos dot the pool. No screaming, loud music or yelling for another margarita here. Our five nights in the junior suite (including breakfast) has views of the square and the jaw-dropping cathedral, yet it is only $88 a night through Trip Advisor (December 2017 price).”

They are perplexed by Casa de los Venados, a “quirky private home of an American couple. They have collected art from villages all over Mexico and turned it into the Casa de los Venados. Our tour guide explains that the home contains 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art. Although the couple is not there this day, this tour feels unusual — are we really allowed to walk through their intimate colonial home, bathrooms and all?”

Their adventure continues at Zaci Cenote, Chichén Itza, Ek Balam and Rio Lagartos, a two-hour drive north. Read the entire story here.

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