Mérida, Yucatán, y Las Tierras del Mayab - Mérida, Yucatán, and the Lands of the Mayab

Learn Spanish and Go

Come along as we sit down with our friend and guide Susana to uncover the many treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula. We dive into the stories behind Mérida’s grand European-style mansions built during the henequén boom, and we share why this crop shaped the region’s fortunes. You’ll also hear about ancient Maya archaeological sites, hidden cenotes perfect for a refreshing swim, and the incredible local dishes you can only truly experience here. Whether you’re curious about Mexico’s cultural diversity or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode will inspire you to discover Yucatán for yourself.

Susana Ojeda Orranti, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has developed a distinguished career in tourism and environmental conservation across several regions, including Baja California Sur, Yucatán, and Guanajuato. She has served as a university professor, specializing in tourism studies and heritage interpretation. In the academic sphere, her research has focused on the traditional and festive culinary practices of Guanajuato.
For more than a decade, Susana has also worked as a cultural and nature tourism guide with Cacomixtle, her family’s business. Her expertise spans mining history, regional gastronomy, hiking, and mountain biking, reflecting her commitment to sharing Mexico’s rich cultural and natural heritage with visitors.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why Mérida’s architecture looks so European and what the henequén industry meant for the region.
• Learn about the most impressive archaeological sites beyond Chichén Itzá, including hidden gems you may not have heard of.
• Get a taste of Yucatán’s unique cuisine—from cochinita pibil to agua de chaya—and why it’s worth the trip alone.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• The Best Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen
• Visit Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico (YouTube Video)
• Follow Cacomixtle Guanajuato on Instagram
• Connect with Susana on Facebook
• Visit Susana's website and learn more about Guanajuato
• Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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Chapters

1. Mérida, Yucatán, y Las Tierras del Mayab - Mérida, Yucatán, and the Lands of the Mayab (00:00:00)

2. Bienvenida a Mérida (00:00:31)

3. Experiencias en Yucatán (00:03:55)

4. Historia del Enequén (00:11:46)

5. Arqueología en Yucatán (00:14:49)

6. La magia de los cenotes (00:18:53)

7. Gastronomía y tradiciones yucatecas (00:23:46)

8. Palabras y lenguajes de Yucatán (00:27:40)

9. Invitación a descubrir Yucatán (00:28:59)