We are not people who surprise easily, but Mexico never ceases to amaze. We have traveled throughout this large beautiful country visiting massive pyramids built by intelligent ancients, walked with our mouths open through churches painted in gold leaf…
A cathedral outside San Miguel de Allende.
We’ve been delighted by spontaneous parades who’s meaning was lost on us. We’ve attended colorful festivals, watched amazing dance performances and swum in crystal clear waterfalls. But nothing prepared us for the catacombs of Tizimín.
Sulfur mud baths in Rio Lagartos.
Agua Azul, near Palenque.
If you’ve been following along, you know that last week we took Lisa’s mom to the coast for a bit of a distraction to help her heal from a broken wrist (A Quiet Week In The Jungle
After a few days at the beach in sleepy Holbox, we checked in to a lovely vacation rental outside of Valladolid for some day-tripping. We headed to Tizimín to show Alice a 1563 Franciscan monastery Lisa and I visited three years ago on our Yucatan meander (The Yucatan Meander Continues.
We happened upon a video the night before featuring catacombs in Tizimín. Lisa was excited and with very little information, off we went.
We explored the church, asked directions to the catacombs and confidently headed in the direction we were given. After a half hour of asking more directions and driving in circles, “three blocks, turn left…”. We finally found it.
I’m not sure what we expected but this wasn’t it. Under a private home, handed down four generations, were caves. The area had been solid rock, and was carved out as a quarry of sorts to build local houses. Artists decorated the walls and wrote on the ceilings. It was big and it was not a burial site.
Down we went.
As often is the case, my limited Spanish left us with more questions than answers. With the difficulty in locating the area, it is certainly not a tourist hot spot, but definitely worth the effort.
There are animal stone carvings throughout.
So if you ever get tired of sparkling beaches, snow covered volcanoes and deep, cool Mayan swimming holes, head to Tizimín. Be prepared to ask directions and be patient because GPS will not help.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
How interesting! I have just started following your blog and it is helping me so much! You see, my husband and I are moving to MX from Austin TX. I’ve visited numerous times and just love the people, culture, history and food. However, this moving stuff is a big lift! And, at 53 años, there’s that fear of change. It’s so nice to see you three ladies embrace life in Mexico! It’s giving me more confidence in taking the plunge myself. Keep the great posts coming… I breathe a little deeper with each one. Gracias, señoras, por la inspiración!
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Hi Laurie, no fear! Btw, Lisa and I will be in Austin next week. Where in Austin do you live? We’re having a happy hour a week from Wed. In Sunset Valley.
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I’m there! We love off 1826 on the way to the Salt Lick. Sunset Valley is where I shop. Just let me know where ya’ll are going to be and me and my husband would LOVE to meet you!
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You’re living the life I seem to wish I was living.
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Probably the biggest barrier to international travel is a passport. They don’t make it easy.
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I’ve had a passport for Years! I’ve been to the Yucatan, Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru.
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Quite wild! I have never heard of these before.
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I know! It’s interesting that they call it catacombs. In January, the local festival is Three Kings. At that time, the caves are visited by the town’s residents. Probably a mass is held. Very unique place.
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OMG your travels sound amazing. So happy for y’all livin’ the dream and that I get to vicariously experience it with you!! See you in May.
💜💜Shirl
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Ok, so when you come visit us, we must go yo Valladolid.
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