Leely2

We have a shorter amount of time in Oaxaca than you, but otherwise an identical itinerary. (What can I say, I'm not terribly original.) Even booked the same hotel in Puebla.

Weighing taking the bus from Puebla vs. going back to Mexico City and then flying to Oaxaca. Looks like the bus ride between Puebla & Oaxaca wasn't too long for you. I tend to get carsick...is this a bring-Dramamine ride?

How far in advance did you typically reserve restaurants?

My young cousin went to the DF last winter and raved about it. She loved it so much that she is returning with her boyfriend and early next year for an art festival.

ekscrunchy

The bus ride was very easy and was on straight highway as far as I can remember. When you book the tickets you can choose your seats; we got the two right behind the driver. I am not prone to car sickness but I did get nauseous on the ride (years and years ago) from Oaxaca city to the coast. but this ride from Puebla to Oaxaca city is nothing like that. If you can take the medicine it should protect you but really the ride was pretty easy.

I booked Pujol about a month in advance from home. A couple of others in DF (including Contramar which I had to cancel due to partner's queasy stomach) were booked a few days ahead by the hotel concierge. In Oaxaca I booked Casa Oaxaca Restaurant when I arrived, and La Teca also. I think apart from those two you could book the day of in Oaxaca city.

Leely2

Very helpful, thanks. Don't know if I want to commit to Pujol but I guess I'd better decide soon.

ekscrunchy

No worries about Pujol. My guess is that you will be able to book a week or so in advance. The jury is out on my opinion; my partner was not awed and I think that my hopes were just too high and led to some disappointment. I would not consider it a must. There is so much great food to be had without advance booking (see El Hidalguense, among many others).

Leely2

Thanks, ekscrunchy.

welltraveledbrit

Just to say we're heading to Df for just over a week and your report has been very helpful.

ekscrunchy

xx. for friend who is going to Mexico soon

yestravel

Hi! Rereading your great TR as we are going to Mexico this winter. Have you been back since this report? thanks
BTW Pujol is not $200USD pp + drinks. I htink we will pass given the mix reviews I keep reading about it.

mlgb

I would also pass on the restaurant El Mural de Los Poblanos. Puebla has such great food it would be a shame to waste a meal here, although the murals are quaint. Nearly everything was tasteless and the enchilada in the tasting menu had the driest tiny bits of shredded chicken I have ever seen. Service wasn't great either. I see a fair number of thumbs down/mediocre reviews for El Mural. If there is a way to pop in for a snack and drink, that would be all I would do.

I was also disappointed by the service at the patio restaurant at Casa de Oaxaca. The waitstaff focus on the big parties. Food was better but overall this was not a good fit for me. They did not do me any favor by seating me, although I'm sure they thought that they did, it might have been better to have been turned away. If you can assemble a large party (say 6 or more) then maybe you would get good attention. Or perhaps start by ordering some expensive drinks and snacks (I only had the 80 peso still water and a main course). Had to pour my own water and they never brought me any tostadas for the table side salsa until I asked, unlike the other tables. I guess I was supposed to eat it like soup.

yestravel

Mlgb, thanks for the info. What are your food recs for Puebla and Oaxaca?

ekscrunchy

Brief answer since that trip went only to Merida and adored it but HOT!!! Rented lovely air B&B. Dreamy. But the heat was a big deal even in January. Ut found an incredible restaurant out of town. PUEBLO PIBIL. Would go just to eat there and in mercado central of Merida!Nust go. Plan trip around PUEBLO PIBIL. TAKE UBER and take a collective bus back to Merida. This place is the realdeal!!

mlgb

My favorite in Oaxaca was El Quinque, Their Instagram says they are now at Hidalgo 218-A in Centro. Probably a good idea to message them via Instagram to be sure of open hours, or just walk by. I think Google Maps isn't necessarily correct.

I also like the La Cosecha organic market, especially the sorbet/ice cream options. (Oaxaca seems to do ices well). There are a bunch of them around the Cathedral Plaza.

https://www.instagram.com/elquinqueoaxaca/?hl=en

If you have a chance to go up to the Sierra Norte the Restaurante Colibri Sierra Norte has hummingbird feeders and sometimes the wild mushroom plate is on offer. It looks like their What's App number is 52 951 178 3145

In Puebla I found a local restaurant near the ex Convento Santa Ana, here is the 2020 Puebla trip report with discussion of various mole poblano options. (Note that this was just as the World was Shutting Down). Of course there is the famous Tacos Arabe and the Pasitas place.

Checking in from Puebla

yestravel

Hi! What time of year were you in Merida? also meant to ask -- the woman you did the tour with in Me City, are you by any chance still in touch with her? We did the market tour and really enjoyed it. I would love to touch base with her again if she is still around. Thanks!

mlgb

It's always hot in the Yucatan. Miserably hot. But there is a dry and a wet season. After a while you get a little bit used to it. Just a little bit.

yestravel

Whats miserably hot to you? I saw temps for February in Merida as the mid to high 80's. Was it hotter than that?

mlgb

Duplicate post...

mlgb

It's the humidity. I am not good with that. If you're accustomed it's easier. Even in the Amazon I recall it being in the upper 80s but you can't sweat enough to cool off without a breeze.

Cartagena, Singapore and lowland Borneo were worse. Puerto Vallarta can be that miserable in the afternoon too.

I like those Humidity Comfort Level graphs on weatherspark.com. Of course every year is different but best odds are January to March.

https://weatherspark.com/m/10032/5/A...gures-Humidity

ekscrunchy

HA..It was 114F in Mandalay when I went on a Pandaw cruise! Horrific!

And now going to Java this May!


Merida probably not over 80s..worth it in any case...

mlgb

As long as the boat is moving...

Indonesia even the change in elevations to upland vs coast makes it more tolerable , muggy vs oppressive.

Yes I do agree it's still worth going to the Yucatan.
Just take advantage of the mornings.

I wished our tour had stayed in Merida for a night at least. We stayed two in Uxmal and then Celestun.
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yestravel

Weather would rarely deter me! We are set for Mexico this winter with Merida in FEb. Living in the NE I am used to miserable hot & humid summer weather. We just got back from a a trip to blazing hot & humid Taiwan.