Exploring and Eating in the Yucatan Peninsula, 19th Century

Abstract

During the 19th century, the Yucatan Peninsula began to acquire importance for its vestiges of the Mayacivilization. Travelers and explorers made its archaeological wealth visible to the World. Exploring this territory inevitably implies eating. What were the opinions, impressions and representations of travelers and explorers concerning the meals and food available at their table? What values did they extract regarding the population’s development and customs with reference to regional food? The article addresses, through its stories, the experience of eating in urban, rural and archaeological sites, as well as impressions from the consumption of foods and dishes prepared according to local customs and techniques.