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Markets, Maya monuments and more Mérida must-dos

Jan 10, 2022 • 9 min read

Mérida is steeped in 400 years of history, with architecture and leafy plazas to match © DouglasDepies / Shutterstock

Mérida is one of Mexico’s finest cities.

Steeped in some 400 years of history – with architecture and leafy plazas to match – the city is the cultural hub of the Yucatán Peninsula . Mérida is home to the region’s best museums and restaurants, bustling markets and vibrant nightlife. Every day of the week, visitors and locals enjoy free events – from regional dance and spoken word performances to live concerts and light and sound shows. And the bustling capital makes a good base for exploring some of the region’s most iconic sights, too – think Maya ruins, hidden cenotes and even pink flamingos.

Here are the best things to do in and around Mérida.

Walk (or bike) the streets on a Sunday

If you can swing it, plan on spending a Sunday here. For the weekly Domingo en Mérida event, downtown streets close to vehicles and avenues fill with pedestrians, folk art vendors, street performers and food carts selling steaming elote (corn on the cob), marquesitas (stuffed crepes) and other mouthwatering antojitos (treats). The sounds of live dance and music performances, and the applause and laughter of audiences, fill the plazas throughout the day. Come early to join locals on the Bici-Ruta, a 3-mile (5km) bike route through the historic center – bike rentals are cheap and easily found on the main plaza.

Take a city tour with an expert

A great way to learn about the complex history of Mérida – one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the Americas – is to join a tour. The city tourist office runs free 1.5-hour walking tours that depart daily from the Palacio Municipal ; guides focus on key colonial-era buildings and plazas in the historic center. Keep an eye out for the carved stones integrated into many buildings, remnants of the Maya temples and palaces that once stood here. 

Soak up the Plaza Grande’s charm

Plaza Grande is the heart of Mérida and one of Mexico’s most charming plazas, lined with towering laurel trees and iron benches, with views of the city’s historic buildings all around. All over the square, S-shaped “ tú y yo ”   chairs are favored by women in colorful huipiles and teens texting with friends, while children in too-big sneakers run past. On weekends and evenings, food carts and artisan stands fill the plaza. Time your visit to watch the folk-dance performance called vaquerías , complete with live music, poetry and dancers spinning in traditional dress.

Admire Yucatecan art

Take in some of the region’s most gifted painters and sculptors at Museo Macay , Mérida’s modern art museum. Housed in the ornate 16th-century Palacio Arzobispal, the museum has an impressive collection of works by such well-known artists as Fernando Castro Pacheco and Fernando García Ponce. For folk art, head to the Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán , a renovated casona (mansion) showcasing magnificent textiles, ceramics and woodwork created by master artisans near and far.

Hit up a cantina

Sip on an artisanal mezcal or throw back a local beer at one of Mérida’s old-school cantinas, today transformed into atmospheric hotspots with fading Talavera tile floors, crumbling stone walls and breezy courtyards. Live music fills the air most nights, and each round brings bigger and better botanas (appetizers). Popular locales include La Negrita , Pipiripau Bar and La Fundación Mezcalería . 

Get serenaded by street musicians

Once a stagecoach stop, the pretty  Parque Santa Lucía  is surrounded by arcades that today are home to some of the finest restaurants in Mérida, their tables spilling out onto the leafy plaza. On Thursday evenings, treat yourself to a gourmet Yucatecan meal and a creative cocktail while Serenatas Yucatecas, a city-sponsored concert of trova (troubadour-type folk music) is presented on an outdoor stage. The event has been presented since 1965 and draws hundreds each week, so be sure to come early for a good table.

Learn about the ancient Maya

Located in the heart of the Maya world, Mérida unsurprisingly is home to outstanding archaeological museums – must-sees for anyone with even a passing interest in the region’s history. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is the heavy-hitter – a world-class museum with multi-media exhibits on the ancient and modern-day Maya plus over 1,100 well-preserved artifacts, including ornately painted ceramic pieces, ceremonial items and intricate sculptures. Don’t let its tree-like shape bemuse you: the building was designed to look like a ceiba, a tree sacred to the Maya. On weekend evenings, a Maya-themed light-and-sound show is projected onto the exterior walls for passersby to enjoy.

Explore Maya ruins

Just 50 miles (80km) south of Mérida lies the Ruta Puuc , a driving itinerary connecting five unique Maya ruins: Labná , Xlapak , Sayil , Kabah and Uxmal . Comprising a popular (if fast-paced!) day trip, the sites can be accessed by accessed by rental car, bus or organized tour; staying overnight in the village of Santa Elena allows you to linger and explore a bit more of each. Every one of these ancient sites is notable for unique Puuc-style architecture and scale – though the crown jewel is Uxmal, one of the great Maya cities, complete with towering temples and astonishing facades carved with animal-form deities. In the evening, a light-and-sound show is projected onto Uxmal’s most prominent structures.

Watch a flaming ball game

There aren’t many places in the world you can watch pok ta pok , the Maya ball game. Every Wednesday evening in front of Mérida’s Catedral de San Ildefonso , the city hosts a re-enactment of the ancient sport – sans human sacrifice. Players are barefoot and decked out in body paint and loin cloths, using only their hips to launch a solid rubber ball – weighing as much as 9lbs – through an elevated stone hoop. If that weren’t enough, the ball is lit on fire as the crowd cheers at each pass. It’s a spectacle, yes, but one well-worth seeing. Players often linger afterwards for photos with fans.

Dance under the stars

On Tuesday evenings, follow the sounds of big-band music to Parque Santiago, just west of the historic center. You’ll find yourself at Rembranzas Musicales, a free outdoor dance party, when the park fills with locals twirling to the Cuban-inspired sounds of danzón and salsa. When the musicians take a break, grab a seat at one of the park-side restaurants, mostly simple eateries specializing in local favorites like panuchos (stuffed fried tortillas), salbutes (deep fried tortillas with loads of toppings) and aguas frescas (fruit-based drinks).

Cool off in a cenote (or three)

Set aside a full morning to visit the Cenotes de Cuzumá, arguably the most striking of the many cenotes in the Mérida region. A series of three limestone sinkholes, the cenotes are freshwater pools found deep underground, complete with stalactites hanging from the stone roofs and rope-like tree roots reaching toward the cool, impossibly clear waters. At mid-day, ethereal shafts of light only add to the drama. Arriving at the site, located on an old henequen plantation, visitors are carried by horse-drawn trukes (rail carts) to the cenote entrances – a fun, tooth-jarring ride through overgrown fields. Be sure to wear your swimsuit and take care descending the ladders, which can often be slippery.

Float among flamingos

Even if you’re not into birding, the sight of thousands of pink flamingos eating, strutting and curling their long necks will amaze you. Reserva de la Biósfera Ría Celestún , 60 miles (96km) west of Mérida, is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of American flamingos – the largest and pinkest of the flamingo species. While boat tours are offered year-round, flamingo numbers spike to over 35,000 from November to March, when mating season is in full gear. If you’re on a budget, it’s easy to arrange a boat share with fellow visitors.

Wander through the market

For a slice of local life, wander Mérida’s main market – Mercado Municipal Lucas de Gálvez – a mammoth, warehouse-like building bursting with colors and aromas; neat piles of tropical fruits and buckets of flowers; hanging animal parts; and stalls filled with religious icons. For cheap eats, head to the second floor, where traditional comidas corridas (two-course lunches, served with a drink) are served at mom-and-pop eateries.

Buy folk art

As the region’s largest city, Mérida is a hub for the finest of Yucatecan crafts, from linen guayaberas and colorful hammocks to handcrafted jewelry and jars of artisanal honey. For those who like to browse, upscale boutiques and sidewalk markets dot almost every block in the historic center. For one-stop shopping, head to the state-run Casa de las Artesanías , a brick-and-mortar shop showcasing the work of some of the best local artisans; prices are fixed and fair.

Stroll along Mérida’s most elegant boulevard

The grande dame of Mérida’s avenues, Paseo de Montejo is a wide, tree-lined boulevard designed to emulate Paris’s Champs-Élysées. The stretch is dotted with 19th-century mansions that showcase the strong architectural and social influence of Europe on the city (and the spectacular wealth of Mérida’s former henequen barons). Today, many of these homes have been repurposed as fine restaurants, boutique hotels, high-end shops and even museums. Join Meridanos for a late-afternoon stroll along the avenue – stopping into the Casa Museo Montes Molina or Palacio Cantón  and finishing up with a meal at Ku’uk  – and feel what upper-class life might have been like during Mérida’s most refined era.

Lie out on the beach

If you’re aching for a beach fix, do like locals do and head straight to Progreso , a quick 21-mile (33km) bus ride north. There, you’ll find a laid-back beach town with a wide expanse of soft, tawny sand dotted with palapa shade next to an undulating malecón (boardwalk). Calm days bring emerald waters and sweet ocean breezes; in the winter nortes (strong northerly winds) cloud the water but bring visions of kiteboarders flipping and flying in the distance. For a party-like feel, come on a summer weekend, when the beachfront restaurants and bars are bustling with sun- (and party-)seeking Meridianos.

Merida   is on our 2022 Best of Travel list. For more stories from some of the world’s most exciting destinations  click here .

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

You might also like: Day trips from Mérida: haciendas, history and holes in the ground Guide to sustainable shopping on the Yucatán Peninsula Where to find cenotes - Mexico's amazing natural swimming holes

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Merida Yucatan Mexico: Ultimate Locals’ Travel Guide [2024]

Making your Merida, Mexico travel plan?

How exciting! If you’ve never visited Merida (or even Mexico), the thought of Merida travel planning might be overwhelming — but by the end of this article, you will be a Merida Yucatan Mexico travel expert.

How do I know? I live in Merida , and in fact, I have a whole other website dedicated to Merida — TravelToMerida.com — with even more information about visiting Merida, Mexico.

I have been in Merida since 2019, and know the city quite well — but by the end of this article, so will you.

You’re about to learn everything from how to get to Merida, where to stay in Merida, the best hotels in Merida , best restaurants in Merida, best Merida day trips , best Merida beaches , and more!

There’s so many things to do in Merida , and it’s easy to see why everyone wants to travel to Merida. This colorful colonial city, known as the Mayan Culture Capital of the Yucatan, has something for everyone.

Ready to dive in and become a Merida travel expert? Let’s get started.

Merida Travel During Covid-19

Is merida open for travel right now.

Yes — Merida is open for travel right now. In truth, Merida (and Mexico) never really closed to travelers.

For a deep dive into this topic, head to Is Merida Open for Travel Right Now? [Updated Monthly] .

However, were measures in place since March 2020, like mandatory masks indoors and outdoors, temperature checks, mandatory hand sanitizer use, capacity restrictions — though most restrictions are now lifted.

Does Mexico make you quarantine when you travel?

No — There’s no quarantine period upon arrival, and you do not have to show proof of vaccination to travel to Mexico. With so few restrictions, Mexico one of the easiest countries to visit, and the best countries for travel right now.

Merida Yucatan Mexico Travel Guide

Mexico’s traffic light system.

Mexico disperses travel health notice information via a stop light system — with a color “grade” given to each state.

Each state’s color is updated every two weeks depending on the number of Covid cases, so check the government’s website for the most current info on the state you’re visiting.

🤔 What state is Merida in? Merida is in Yucatan state ; it is the capital city and largest city in the state.

For those visiting neighboring Quintana Roo state , home to Tulum , Cancun and Playa del Carmen , know that Yucatan state is a bit more strict. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about traveling to Merida during Covid.

What’s open in Merida right now?

As of December 2021, pretty much everything is open in Merida — though rules and regulations change often.

For now, restaurants, Mayan ruins near Merida , art museums, Merida beaches , local markets and shops, cenotes near Mérida , etc., are all open! Beyond that, even outdoor festivals have begun to return to Merida.

Don’t miss Merida en Domingo (Merida On Sunday) in Plaza Grande, the Merida BiciRuta bike ride along Paseo Montejo, and the Friday night video mapping display at the Merida Cathedral (seen in this video ).

Do I need to wear a mask in Merida?

Yes — In Merida, Yucatán state and all of Mexico, masks are legally required in all businesses. You are allowed to remove them only when eating and drinking. As of May 12, 2022, you no longer have to wear masks while walking outdoors.

Will there be temperature checks in Merida?

Yes — When entering businesses, including cenotes , Mayan ruins sites, stores, bars, restaurants, etc., an employee will take your temperature. If you have an elevated temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C), you’ll likely be denied entry.

🤒 Note: Your temperature will not be taken at Merida International Airport .

Where can I get a Rapid Covid Test in Merida?

As of June 12, 20212, you are no longer required to have a negative Covid test to return to the U.S., according to the CDC .

For those travelers who do need to get a Merida rapid Covid test, head to one of the places listed below ⤵

• Merida International Airport : Authorities recommend using this only as a last resort.
• Salud Digna : A low-cost chain of medical centers that has the cheapest Covid tests in Merida.
• Farmacias del Ahorro : A chain of medical centers with locations throughout Merida.
• Biomedicos de Merida : A chain of medical centers with locations throughout Merida.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?

Yes — On November 8, 2021, the U.S. reopened all borders with Mexico.

While it was always legal to fly to Mexico, land borders were shut down for 20 months — however, all borders are now open for business and pleasure travel to Merida and all Mexico.

Additionally, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s global travel safety program,  Safe Travels , has certified Mexico travel destinations like Merida, Tulum , Playa del Carmen and  Puerto Vallarta , safe for travel.

To qualify for the program, countries must follow rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols.

You can also check the  U.S. State Department  and CDC websites for the most up-to-date information regarding travel to Mexico during Covid-19.

Is Merida, Mexico Safe?

Short answer: Yes — for the majority of visitors, Merida is safe for travel. For a ddeep dive into this topic, head to Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers? 20+ Tips from a Local .

Longer answer: This question is tricky, as no place is 100% safe. I do my best to address the Mexico safety question in this article,  Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now .

Merida has been ranked as not only the safest city in Mexico, but one of the safest in all of the Americas by CEOWorld magazine. In 2019, Conde Nast Traveler magazine named it the best small city in the world.

As a quick answer to the question, Is Merida safe? — Yes, Merida Mexico is safe for the vast majority of travelers.

Is Merida safe at night?

For the most part, yes; however there simply isn’t a definitive answer when it comes to safety.

Make your own safety a priority by following the 10 General Travel Safety Tips below, which should suffice for Merida, Mexico safety, and check out the Mexico podcast episode about travel safety.

Is there Uber in Merida?

Yes — There is Uber in Merida, and taking it at night versus walking home alone is a smart idea; in Merida and everywhere.

Also, Uber in Mexico is much cheaper than in the U.S. Prices will of course vary, but figure about $100-150 pesos ($5-8 USD) for a 30-minute ride.

• Safety Wing : Perfect for general travel coverage, and digital nomad who travel for extended periods of time.
• World Nomads : Perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling.
• Don’t walk home alone at night if you can help it; take an Uber.
• Always listen to your intuition because your intuition is always right.
• If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place immediately. If you feel you’re in danger, don’t worry about making a kind, nice, or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away ASAP.
• Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket.
• Learn some basic Spanish. If you can’t learn it, save this infographic as an image on your phone so you have something to use even if you’re off-WiFi.
• Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things.
• Speaking of bar neighbors, don’t ever accept drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended near someone you don’t know.
• Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.
• Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to make a small transaction like for street tacos 🌮

Make sure you enroll in the FREE   STEP Program  before your trip. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the U.S. Consulate in Merida can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home, in the event of an emergency while abroad.

How Do I Travel to Merida?

Where is merida, mexico.

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, one of three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula , located in southeastern Mexico. The other two states are Quintana Roo and Campeche.

For a visual, head to Merida Mexico Map: Where is Merida Located?

▶︎ Cancun to Merida: 6 Best Transportation Options

Merida is about 160 miles west of Tulum , 190 miles west of Cancun , and 180 miles west of Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

It’s also near other top Yucatán Peninsula destinations — like Bacalar Lagoon , the “Maldives of Mexico,” Valladolid , and Izamal , all Mexico pueblos mágicos.

Merida Mexico Map

Check out Cancun to Merida: 6 Best Transportation Options for a look at all your best Merida travel options!

If you aren’t flying to Merida International Airport, you can fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) and take the bus or drive your rental car over to Merida. There are also some small carriers that offer Cancun to Merida flights, like Magnicharters and MAYAir.

• Cancun to Merida Bus: You can easily take an ADO bus from the Cancun Airport, on what is about a five-hour drive. ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company and has a fleet of luxury class busses. You can buy your tickets online, or in person. Prices vary, but figure about $400 pesos ($20USD) for a one-way ticket.

• Cancun to Merida Drive: This Merida to Cancun drive takes about 3.5 hours by car and is known as a very safe drive. In general, the Yucatan Peninsula is known as one of the safest parts of Mexico , roads included.

Traveling to Merida from Tulum, Mexico ?

This trip will take about three hours by car, and closer to four by bus. From Tulum, you can easily take an ADO bus from the main bus terminal in Downtown Tulum, or rent a car and drive.

What’s the closest Merida, Mexico airport?

Wondering about Merida, Mexico flights? There’s actually a Merida airport just outside of downtown — Merida International Airport (code: MID).

There are currently direct flights to Merida, Mexico from only a handful of United States airports, like Miami and Houston International Airports; with hopefully more to come.

If you can’t get a flight from the U.S., there are daily connecting flights via the Mexico City Airport or Guadalajara Airport.

From the Merida Airport, take your rental car , Uber, taxi, or private transport service to your accommodation.

The airport is only about 25-35 minutes from downtown Merida, 35-45 minutes from North Merida, and 1.5 hours from Progreso , the closest beach to Merida.

Best Merida Airport transfers

Merida, mexico car rental.

For travelers mostly staying in the city limits, you might want to skip the rental, but if you’re planning to take some Merida day trips , you’ll want a car.

For a rental car in Merida, I recommend and use Discover Cars — 🚙💨 Book with them here .

▶︎ Merida Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know + 10 Driving Tips

If you want to rent a car in Merida, the airport is the best place because it has the most options. As Merida isn’t a big city, car rental options can be limited and you’ll want to book early.

For a complete guide to Mexico car rentals, head to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know .

Getting around in Merida

Merida is on the smaller side, especially if you’re just sticking to the main areas of Centro Historico and Paseo Montejo.

It is also very walkable, so as mentioned, if you’re just staying in the city itself, skip the rental car and just use Uber and taxis when needed.

▶︎ 2 Days In Merida: The Best 48 Hour Mexico Itinerary

Merida public transport

Mexico in general has a great public bus system that goes from city to city, and state to state. The biggest bus company is ADO , and you can take an ADO bus from Merida to pretty much anywhere else in the Yucatan, and the whole country.

Within the city itself, the public transportation in Merida is, well, lackluster.

It does exist, but the buses and colectivos (small, shared vans) aren’t well maintained, and they don’t use any kind of online schedule or app. For these reasons, walking, Uber and taxis work best in town.

Yes — There is Uber in Merida, and in general, Uber in Mexico is much cheaper than in the U.S.

Prices will of course vary, but figure about $100 pesos ($5USD) for a 30-minute ride. Besides Uber, there is DiDi and InDriver, but there’s no Lyft in Merida.

What’s the best time to visit Merida?

The best time of year to visit Merida, Mexico is from late-October to March , when the weather’s cooler and not so humid.

May is known as the hottest, most humid month; but really May to September can be rough, even for locals.

▶︎ Merida Mexico Weather: What’s the Best Time to Visit Merida?

Located in the tropics, it rains pretty much daily during the peak of the wet season, June-September, which is also Hurricane Season.

Though actual hurricanes are rare since Merida is about 25 miles inland, you can expect heavy rains during the season, which technically runs June 1-November 1.

Like much of Mexico, December is the busiest month for tourism in Merida.

However, December is also a fun time to visit with city-wide festivals, Mexican Christmas Posadas , and cultural events like Noche Blanca to enjoy, in addition to nice weather.

Weather in MERIDA, MEXICO

What do I pack for Merida?

Merida Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula, have a tropical climate.

As you can see by the average yearly Merida weather chart above, this part of Mexico is hot (and humid 😥) for most of the year, so definitely pack this Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle .

▶︎ Packing List for Mexico: Outfit Ideas & FREE Printable Download

As far as Merida Mexico outfits , think flowy, tropical, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing; bonus points for anything that doesn’t show sweat!

Besides all your summer-wear, you may use a light cardigan at night, but Merida is the place for sundresses, sun hats and sunglasses.

Where Do I Stay in Merida, Mexico?

As the saying goes:  Location, location, location! Your lodging’s location can often make — or break — a trip.

For first time visitors wondering where to stay in Merida, you can’t go wrong with Centro ( Downtown Merida ), or as close as you can get to Paseo de Montejo, the best neighborhoods in Merida, Mexico.

▶︎ 12 Stunning Airbnb Merida Mexico Options [Picked by a Local]

Best Airbnbs in Merida

Head to this article to discover the best Airbnbs in Merida , all located in the best neighborhoods in the city.

The list is further divided into three categories: Airbnbs for Groups with 3+ bedrooms, Mid-Budget Options at (approx.) $85-125USD, and Budget Options at (approx.) $35-75USD.

Best Hotels in Merida, Mexico

Prefer a Merida hotel, resort or hostel to an Airbnb? For a complete list of the best Merida hotels, head to this article, 10 Best Hotels in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local] .

Below is a shorter list of the best Merida, Mexico hotels. They are all located in the best Merida neighborhoods of Zona Paseo Montejo, Parque Santa Ana and Barrio de Santiago, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.

• Best hotel in Merida: The Diplomat Boutique Hotel Merida
• Best hacienda hotel in Merida: Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP
• Best splurge hotel in Merida: Rosas y Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Best boutique hotel in Merida: Hotel Casa Azul
• Best budget hotel in Merida: NH Collection Merida Paseo Montejo

Best Things to Do in Merida

Merida, mexico beaches.

As it’s located about 25 miles inland, there are no actual beaches in Merida, Mexico.

The closest beach to Merida is Puerto Progreso , located about 30 minutes away in your rental car . Many locals and visitors head from Merida to Progreso on the weekends, and the town is known to be a place to party.

▶︎ 15 Best Merida Mexico Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula

For those looking for a quieter beach, there are also plenty of those, like Sisal, which was recently named a Yucatan pueblo magico (magic town), Telchac Puerto, San Crisanto and more.

There’s also Celestun , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and beach town with thousands of flamingos. This is a great place to go with the family, and one of the best Merida things to do with kids .

Mayan Ruins near Merida, Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to about 100 public Mayan Ruins in Mexico . While most don’t make it to all of them, there are some noteworthy Merida sites you can get to in two hours or less by rental car , tour or bus.

🗿 For a complete list, check out 15 Amazing Mayan Ruins Near Merida Mexico .

Chichen Itza

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, many consider visiting Chichen Itza as a Mexico bucket list item.

Located about 1.5 hours from Merida, Chichen Itza makes a great day trip from Merida, and there are also plenty of Merida to Chichen Itza tours available.

Best Merida to Chichen Itza Tour : Mayan Food Experience with NETFLIX Chef & Chichén Itza Tour

As such an important historical site, consider a guided tour, like the Mayan Food Experience & Tour of Chichén Itza ⤴, to really understand the significance of Chichen Itza. The meal on this tour is cooked by Chef Rosalía Chay Chuc from the Netflix show, Chef’s Table: BBQ .

Uxmal Ruins

Though overshadowed in name by Chichen Itza in name recognition, Uxmal, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just as impressive. It is also much less crowded and touristy, seeing only about 10% the amount of annual visitors as Chichen Itza.

Dzibilchaltun Ruins

Dzibilchaltun (pronounced  zee-bee-shal-tune ) is the closest Mayan ruin site to Merida. Though small, there’s also an onsite museum with Mayan artifacts and a cenote to swim in, Cenote Xlacah .

💦 For a complete list of Merida cenotes, check out 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit .

Best Merida Tours to Mayan Ruins

The easiest way to see all of the Merida Mayan pyramids and archeological sites? On a group tour, of course. In fact, group tours provide an easy way for solo travelers to meet other travelers .

Check out your options below for the best Merida tours to see the pyramids and Mayan ruins near Merida.

Best Cenotes near Merida, Mexico

What is a cenote.

Cenotes are underwater sinkholes with freshwater. They are only found in a few places on Earth, with the largest concentration in the  Yucatan Peninsula , where there are about 6,000 cenotes.

As they are often quite remote, the best way to visit the Merida cenotes is in your rental car or on a tour.

▶︎ 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit + FREE Map to Find Them

Cenotes Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara cenotes are located in the pueblo (small town) of Homun. This is a group of three cenotes — Cenote Chaksikin, Cenote Cascabel and Cenote Xoch. The first two are in caves and the last one is a semi-open cenote.

Cenote Ik-Kil

As one of the most Instagram worthy cenotes in Mexico, combined with its proximity to Chichen Itza, puts Cenote Ik Kil on everyone’s radar.

Ik kil Cenote is one of the best cenotes in Yucatan because it has everything you’d need, including restrooms and an onsite restaurant.

Cenote Zaci

This cenote is located only a few blocks from Downtown Valladolid. This colorful pueblo magico (magic town) is a fun day trip from Merida, but the Valladolid cenotes are some of the best in the Yucatan.

Best Merida Cenotes Tours

Free merida walking tours.

Looking for free things to do in Merida?

You’re in luck because the FREE Merida Walking Tour is a great way to get to know this historic, colonial city. The  Merida Tourism Office hosts these tours, which last one-hour and take place everyday but Sunday.

▶︎ One Day In Merida Mexico: The Ultimate 24 Hour Itinerary

Guides are all bi- or multi-lingual, and do speak English. Tours start at 9:30am, but try to show up by 9:15am. Meet your guide on the first floor of the Palacio Municipal, the pretty pink building on the west side of Plaza Grande.

💡 Merida Travel Tip: It is customary to tip as payment for these types of city walking tours. Please consider tipping your guide at least $100-200 pesos ($5-10USD) per person, but more is always welcome as a thank you to the guide.

Take A Merida day trip

Merida is centrally located in the Yucatan, making it the perfect home-base for road tripping to all the surrounding places for day trips.

Jump in your rental car and head to the 25 Most Popular Day Trips from Merida Mexico, including these:

• Chichen Itza : One of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Uxmal : A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Mayan ruins
• Las Coloradas : Mexico’s famous pink lakes
• Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche : a beautiful hacienda with two cenotes
• Celestun Biosphere Reserve : home to the Yucatan’s wild flamingos
• Izamal : The “Yellow City,” and a pueblo magico (Mexico magic town)

Visit the sites in Merida

One of the most beautiful places in Mexico, and one of the country’s best colonial cities, there’s no shortage of things to see in Merida.

From historic monuments to colonial buildings, colorful streets to charming cafes, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Merida , like these top Merida sites:

• Plaza Grande : The main plaza, or Town Square, where you’ll find the Merida Cathedral
• Paseo de Montejo : Merida’s most famous, tree-lined street
• Monumento a la Patria : The most beautiful monument in Merida, located on Paseo de Montejo
• Mundo Maya Mayan World Museum : Merida’s largest collection of Mayan artifacts, and one of the best museums in Merida
• Museo Palacio Canton : A beautiful European-inspired mansion on Paseo Montejo
• Parque Santa Lucia: This park hosts cultural events and dance performances, and has nice outdoor dining at some of the best restaurants in Merida
• Palacio de Gobierno: The Merida and Yucatan government offices, where you can see the gorgeous murals painted by local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco

Best restaurants in Merida

Though Mexico and tacos go together like milk and cookies, tacos aren’t a traditional Yucatecan food .

Don’t worry though, you can get tacos in Merida everywhere, but do also make sure to try the local delicacies, like panuchos (tortillas stuffed with beans) and salbutes (puffy, fried tortillas).

▶︎ 31 Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico: A Locals’ Guide

Not many people know how different Yucatan food is from the rest of Mexico.

When in Merida, seek out these Yucatan cuisine favorites: cochinita pibil (slow cooked suckling pig), papadzules (egg enchiladas in pepita salsa), sopa de lima (lime soup) and marquesitas (crepes).

Merida has everything from upscale dining, to street food, so make sure to sample a bit of both on your trip. Below is a list with five of the best Merida restaurants for traditional Mexican food in Yucatan.

• Ku’uk : This foodie favorite features elevated, chef-driven Yucatan food, in a hip setting. ($$$$)
• La Chaya Maya : One of the go-to restaurants for solid Yucatan food, where every Merida visitor ends up dining at least once. ($$$)
• Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca : The second go-to restaurant for solid Yucatan food, but as this is a museum/restaurant, they do a really interesting 10 minute tour before your meal in their outdoor garden, explaining Yucatecan food. ($$$)
• Manjar Blanco : As seen on the Netflix show, Taco Chronicles in Season 2, Episode 2 “Cochinita Pibil,” this is a small restaurant and all the cooking is done by local abuelas , or grandmas. ($$)
• Taqueria La Lupita : As seen on the Netflix show, Salt Fat Acid Heat in Episode 3, “Acid,” this no-frills taqueria is located in Mercado Santiago. ($)

Mexico Travel FAQ

Do i need mexico travel insurance.

Legally, no, you don’t need to have travel insurance for Mexico .

However, most travelers will want the added level of security and peace of mind — especially in these strange travel times. Also, if there’s one certainty in travel, it’s that something will go wrong!

If Mexico travel safety is the thing holding you back from your Merida trip, get a FREE quote from the two companies listed below — two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

These travel insurance companies do have Covid coverage, but always double check your policy before purchasing.

Do I need to know Spanish for Mexico?

Merida is 50/50 — but most people who work in the service industry will speak English.

However, many local people don’t, especially if you’re heading outside of the city to the surrounding places on Merida day trips.

Either way, you should brush up on your basic Spanish before visiting Merida Mx (or any other country). This is seen as a sign of respect and courtesy that you’ve familiarized yourself with everyday niceties like please and thank you . 

For your convenience, this infographic has all the basic Spanish words and phrases you’ll need. Go ahead and save it to your phone as an image, so you can access it even off-WiFi.

You can also download the free Duolingo app and practice before your Merida vacation.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

No — Passport holders from the United States, Canada and the majority of Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico. In fact, visitors from most countries don’t need a Mexico travel visa, but you can check here to see if you need one.

FMM Tourist Visa in Mexico

When you arrive in Mexico and go through the Immigration line, you’ll receive a 180-day (6 month) FMM tourist card .

This is a small piece of paper that you need to have on you at all times, and also give back to Immigration at the airport when you leave the country.

There is no charge for the FMM, but if you lose it, there’s a $600 peso ($30USD) fine to replace it. Besides the fine, you’ll need to get to the airport an extra hour early to do the lost visa paperwork and pay the $30.

Bottom line: Don’t lose your FMM!

Final Thoughts: Merida Yucatan Mexico Travel

Is merida worth visiting.

As someone who lives in Merida, I’m admittedly biased. However, I will say that this is a very special city on a number of levels — it’s safe, beautiful, historic, walkable, and of course, the food 🤤

For more of my locals’ tips on Merida, check out my other site, Travel to Merida .

I have visited half the states in Mexico, and most of the places people have heard of and want to visit, and I chose Merida to make my home base.

With its proximity to so many other places in the Yucatan Peninsula , it makes for a great spot to vacation, or even buy real estate and live!

As it remains somewhat off the beaten path in Mexico, for now , you can still have an affordable Merida trip — though that won’t last forever!

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

Merida Mexico Things to Do + Yucatan Travel Guide

I first fell for Merida years ago, as a stop on a small group tour through Mexico and Guatemala.  Since then, I’ve returned several times to experience this vibrant city and its museums, history, and culture.  This guide includes all the tips you need to explore the cultural gem of Merida, Mexico!

Known as “The White City,” Merida is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the Americas.  It was founded as a colonial capital in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors, on the remains of the Maya city of Tho.  Today, it’s the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan, and has been named the American Capital of Culture twice, in 2000 and 2017.

Visiting Merida is a feast for the mind and senses with colorful architecture, fascinating history and museums, and a gastronomy scene recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage.  Merida is also at the center of exciting day trips in every direction: beaches, Mayan ruins , historic haciendas, refreshing cenotes, colonial cities like Valladolid , and even an ecological reserve with flamingos.

This Merida travel guide will give you all the inside details you need, from restaurants and tours to unique places to stay like boutique hotels and haciendas.  Plan to spend several days to a week here to explore the best things to do in Merida, Yucatan Mexico and the region!

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

In This Travel Guide to Merida, Yucatan

Best Things to Do | Plaza Grande | Catedral de Merida | Walking Tours | Paseo de Montejo | Museums | Shopping & Markets | Yucatecan Cuisine | Merida Restaurants | Cantinas | Cenotes | Mayan Ruins | Cementerio General | Day Trips | Haciendas | Where to Stay | Colonial Homes | How to Get to Merida | Best Time to Visit | Merida Festivals

The Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico

To plan your Merida itinerary, these are the must-see sights. I’ve included tour options as well to help you maximize your sightseeing time.

1. Visit the Plaza Grande of Merida, Mexico

Merida’s charming zocalo, or main square, is located in the center of town and is known as the Plaza Grande and Plaza de La Independencia.  This is a great place to start your Merida adventure.  You can get a feel for the town, grab a meal, do some shopping, visit museums, and watch street performers.  Especially on weekends, the entire city comes to live in the Merida Centro and its busy streets with cultural events.

The square is wide, with shade trees and park benches, and is surrounded on all sides by museums and historic buildings.  There is also free WiFi if you want to do any planning.

Catedral de Merida

Overlooking the central plaza is the Cathedral of Merida, also known as the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest church on the American continent.  It was completed in 1598 on the site of the Mayan city of Tho, using stones from the original city’s construction.  When you visit, look for traditional Maya markings and carvings on the stones of the cathedral.

Lovers’ Chairs: “Sillas Tu y Yo”

While in the Plaza Grande, be sure to get a photo in Merida’s famous “you and me” lovers’ chairs.  These are curved white conversation benches for two, where the occupants sit side by side but facing opposite directions.  Local lore says these were invented many years ago by an overprotective father when his daughter reached courting age. 😉

Merida’s main square also has one of the famous city name signs” so be sure to grab a photo there too! 

Pok Ta Pok Ballgame

Each Saturday night at 8:30 on Calle 60 in front of the Cathedral and Plaza Grande, there is a re-enactment of the ancient Maya ballgame known as Pok Ta Pok. During this cultural event you can watch the players engage in a fierce mock battle, accompanied by traditional live music.

Palacio De Gobierno

The Palacio De Gobierno (Government Palace) overlooks the Plaza Grande. Built in the late 1800s, the Palace also holds gorgeous murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco of scenes from the history of Mexico, from Mayan times to the colonial era and the republic.

The Haphazard Traveler Pro Tip: Photo Spot The Palacio De Gobierno is a great place to get photos of the cathedral from its 2nd floor gallery.

2. Take a Walking Tour to Explore Merida

Merida, like many cities and important cultural centers, has companies that offer free walking tours.   One of the top tours is hosted by the Merida Tourism Office, located in the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace).  The 1.5-hour tour departs from here Monday-Saturday mornings at 9:30 and explores the city’s historic center.

I always recommend a tour when you first arrive in a new destination.  You can get an idea of the city’s layout, and ask for inside tips from your leader and other travelers.  It’s also a great way for solo travelers to meet folks!

Alone or as part of a tour, Merida’s colorful streets are packed with colonial structures and fun to stroll.  Merida is one of the largest city centers in North America, so there is a lot to see and experience.

Merida, Mexico Walking Tour Details The free tour is offered every morning Monday – Saturday, and leaves from the Merida Tourism Office in the Palacio Municipal. More details here and find the tourism office here . If this tour doesn’t fit in your schedule, here is another free guided walking tour or the top-rated Merida walking tour with Mike and Duck .

3. Stroll the Paseo de Montejo

Paseo de Montejo is a historic boulevard lined with turn-of-the-century homes built in French and Italian Renaissance-inspired styles. These were the homes of Merida’s elite families, who prospered from an economic boom in the late 19th and early 20th century from the henequen trade. This plant has sisal-like fibers used to make twine, rope, and fabrics.

These colonial mansions were filled with Tiffany glass, European-style furnishings, and fine materials imported from all over the world.  Several of the homes can be toured as museums (see below), while others remain private residences.

Along Paseo Montejo, you’ll see cafes, mansions, and monuments. These include the Montejo Monument near Plaza Santa Ana and Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland). At the start of the route, look for Las Casas Gemelas: twin houses built by the same architect for different families, about 10 years apart. See if you can spot the differences in ornamentation added over the years!

On Sunday mornings, a Merida weekly tradition takes place when one lane of Paseo Montejo closes for bicyclists in an event called La Bici Ruta.  Along the way you’ll find live music and vendors, including bike rentals, and you can ride all the way to Plaza Santa Lucia park for lunch.

4. Explore Merida’s Museums, Historic Homes & Galleries

Yucatan’s capital and largest city of Merida offers a veritable buffet of museums!  Here are some of the best that you’ll want to experience.  The history museums in particular are a good compliment to visiting Maya ruins in the area and will give you a deeper understanding of the region’s history.  If you have time, I recommend choosing at least one history museum, an art museum, and one of the historic homes.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán MACAY

The Fernando Garcia Ponce Museum, also known by its acronym MACAY, is the only comtemporary art museum in Merida with art by national and international artists. Located in the Plaza Grande right next to the Merida Cathedral, the museum has a large collection ranging from the early 20th century to present day. There are permanent galleries, three permanent rooms with works by Gabriel Ramirez Aznar, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Fernando García Ponce, and 15 temporary exhibit rooms that change every few months.

Fernando Garcia Ponce Museum ( MACAY): Map location | Museum website

El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

Located north of the colonial center, this striking modern museum is dedicated to the history of the Mayan civilization. Its exhibits contain information and artifacts about daily life, culture, language, science, and people both before and after the arrival of the Spanish.  Signage is in both Spanish and English, and it offers many interactive exhibits. 

El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya: Map location | Museum website

The Anthropology and History Museum

Located inside the beautiful Palacio Canton on the Paseo de Montejo, this museum contains exhibits and artifacts from Maya, Aztec, and other civilizations.  There is considerable information on Mayan language, history and culture, including Maya language glyphs.  Signage is in Spanish.

Museo de Antropología e Historia / Palacio Cantón: Map location | Museum website

Museo del Arte Popular

This is one of my favorite museums in Merida, which showcases a variety of Mexican art including folk art, pottery, and textiles.  The collection here is from all over Mexico, with a permanent collection from the Yucatan. There is also a small gift shop.  Located near the Parque de La Mejorada, a few blocks from the Plaza Grande.

Museo del Arte Popular: Map location | Museum website

Museo Casa Montejo

Located in the Plaza Grande, this museum is located in The former home of Francisco de Montejo and his family, where were conquistadores and founders of the city of Merida.  The museum contains original furnishings dating to when it was built in 1549.  There is also a serene courtyard, as well as temporary art exhibits.

Museo Casa Montejo: Map location | Museum website

Nahualli Casa de los Artistas

This private home and gallery is owned by a family whose artistic works make up a large part of the collection.  Paintings, sculpture, and etchings are on display in a colonial home and garden.

Nahualli Casa de los Artistas: Map location | Gallery website

Quinta Montes Molina

This museum is still the home of a prominent Merida family and is located on the Paseo de Montejo. You can take guided tours to experience its architecture and history.

Quinta Montes Molina: Map location | Museum website

5. Shop Merida Markets, Boutiques & Galleries

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs and snacks or just want to experience local culture, Merida’s shops and markets offer all of this and more.  

What to buy in Merida, Mexico

Need a souvenir?  These are some of the best products to buy in Merida.

• Purses, hammocks, and other items made from henequin, a local plant similar to agave grown for its sisal-like fibers
• Jewelry and artisan goods
• Art from local galleries
• Artisanal Mexican chocolate (did you know Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate?)
• Pox (pronounced “posh”), a specialty liquor rooted in a traditional Mayan distilled drink from maize, sugar cane, and other flavors
• Xtabentun, an anise and honey rum liqueur produced by Casa D’Aristi at its distillery outside Merida

Local Handicrafts

Near the Plaza Grande, stop in Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Yucatan for an assortment of local artisan goods and handicrafts.

Map location: Casa de las Artesanías

Mercado Santa Ana and Santa Ana Parque

On Calle 60 around the cute yellow Santa Ana church and park, you can find art galleries SoHo and Terracotta, the silversmith Uxmal de Taxco, and other boutique shops.  The Mercado Santa Ana here has open air restaurants which are popular with locals, especially for breakfast.

Map locations: Parque de Santa Ana | Mercado Santa Ana

Mercado de Santiago

Next to the Parque de Santiago, the Mercado de Santiago is a local market for vegetables, fruit, tortillas, meats, and fresh flowers, as well as food stalls where you can try traditional Yucatecan foods.

Map location: Parque de Santiago

Mercado Lucas de Galvez

The main market in Merida, Lucas de Galvez, dates back more than 100 years, and sells everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats and fish, souvenirs, sandals, clothing, and much more.  There are food stalls here for an inexpensive meal, including aguas frescas (fruit blended with water and lime juice) and good tacos.

Map location: Mercado de Lucas de Galvez

Near the Parque Santa Lucia

Near the Parque Santa Lucia, find Ki’Xocolatl, a shop and restaurant serving hot and iced coffee drinks, Mexican chocolates, and desserts.  Also near here, Coqui Coqui Perfumeria & Spa is a boutique hotel, spa and perfumery.  Stop in to see its posh decor as well as shop for candles, perfumes and linen sprays.

Map location: Parque de Santa Lucia

Paseo de Montejo Shopping

Along the Paseo de Montejo, find Posheria , a quaint cafe offering traditional Mayan pox liqueur, coffee drinks and beans, and artisan goods. There are other boutique shops, coffeehouses, and more along the route.

Local Market Tour If you’d like to experience Merida’s market scene on a tour with a local expert, check out this guided culinary experience .

6. Dig Into the Merida Foodie Scene

Merida has an amazing gastronomy scene, with regional dishes from throughout the Yucatan as well as cultural influences from elsewhere in Mexico and worldwide.  From street carts and cafes to fine dining, you won’t go hungry in Merida!  Some of the traditional Yucatecan foods to try include:

• Marquesitas: warm, paper-thin crunchy wafers with your choice of fillings rolled up inside.  The most popular is a salty and sweet combo Nutella with Edam cheese.  I prefer just the Nutella, but recommend that adventurous eaters try both!  These can be found at food carts in the Plaza Grande and elsewhere in Merida.  
• Cochinita pibil: this must-try traditional Maya dish starts with preparing an entire pig in a sour orange citrus marinade and the local spice achiote (annatto seed), then cooking it underground in banana leaves. The high acid content of the marinade and the slow cooking time result in a very tender meat.  Cochinita pibil is served with tortillas, pickled onions, and other toppings.

• Poc Chuc: a Mayan/Yucatecan version of boiled or grilled pork.
• Papadzules: a version of this traditional Yucatecan dish might have even pre-dated the colonial era in Mexico.  These are corn tortillas dipped in a sauce made from pumpkin seeds and filled with hard-boiled eggs, then garnished with a cooked tomato-pepper sauce. 
• Sopa de lima: one of my favorites, this soup is made with turkey or chicken and a lime found in the region, topped with crunchy strips of fried tortilla.
• Panuchos and salbutes: panuchos are fried handmade corn tortillas stuffed with refried beans, then fried again and topped with chicken, cochinita pibil, relleno, ground meat, or seafood.  Salbutes are similar, but are less crispy and are made without the refried beans.  Both are served with lettuce, pickled onions, relleno negro, tomato, avocado and other toppings.  
• Queso relleno: a gourmet dish featuring ground pork inside of a carved Edam cheese ball served with tomato sauce.
• Huevos motuleños: a breakfast food which originated in the nearby town of Motul. The dish is made with eggs on tortillas with black beans and cheese, often with other ingredients such as ham, peas, plantains, and salsa picante.
• Elotes: grilled corn on the cob, smothered in butter and mayonnaise, then rolled in cotija cheese.  It’s finished off with a sprinkle of chilli powder and salt and a squeeze of lime.

Where to Eat in Merida, Mexico

Merida has an amazing restaurant scene, from street food and market stalls to fine dining.  In the Plaza Grande, you can find pop-up stalls in the late afternoon and evening for a quick local meal.  Be sure to also check out the markets above for more low-key options.

Throughout the city, you’ll find antojitos (“little cravings”).  These street snacks are usually small, savory bites intended as appetizers or as a late-night snack after a few drinks.

Merida Street Food Walking Tour Explore Merida’s street food scene with this top-rated walking tour led by a local expert.

Merida Restaurants

These are some of the top restaurants for your Merida itinerary.

• Wayan’e : classic Merida bistro (practically a local institution!) for tacos, breakfast, and castacan (fried pork belly).  Open just for breakfast and lunch.
• Kuuk: chic, fine dining experience in Merida with Yucatecan dishes prepared using molecular gastronomy and fresh ingredients, most of them grown on-site.  Reservations are needed.
• La Chaya Maya : traditional Yucatecan fare popular with both locals and tourists
• Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca : Hip restaurant featuring local classics and craft cocktails, with outdoor seating
• Catrin : artistic, colorful restaurant featuring inventive takes on Yucatecan favorites and expert mixology. Plus a great ambience: at night there is an outdoor light show and music.
• Mercado 60 : food “market hall” located near Santa Lucia featuring 18 different restaurants serving Italian, French, Thai, Asian, Yucatecan, Lebanese food, and more.  There are also local bands, artists, handicrafts, and special events on weekends.
• Hermana Republica : Yucatecan favorites, craft beers, and cocktails in a hip setting
• ChilaKillez : breakfast and lunch spot for chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast made with tortilla chips simmered in sauce
• Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon : founded in 1907, this ice cream parlor located on the Paseo Montejo offers 14 flavors of ice cream and sorbets plus handmade cakes.

Where to Grab a Drink in Merida

Merida has lots of bars and cantinas, many of which offer 2-for-1 happy hours in the afternoon and early evening!  Whether you’re looking for cervezas, margaritas, mixed drinks, or even craft beers, you’ll find have an easy time find a place for a cool and refreshing drink in Merida.

• La Negrita Merida: Bohemian cantina that’s been a hangout for Merida locals for more than 100 years.
• Eladio’s: Mexican cantina popular for its botanas – a round of snacks brought with each order or drinks.
• Malahat Speakeasy: secret bar in Parque Santa Lucia with a sophisticated ambience and elegant cocktails .

More Merida Tours for Foodies Want to delve deeper into Merida’s gastro scene? Check out this cooking class and market visit or a private Yucatecan cooking class in a local home. Or visit three local bars with this fun cantina walking tour !

7. Cool Off in a Cenote

Dotted across the landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find thousands of cenotes, which are pools that form when limestone bedrock collapses.  In ancient times, they were revered by the Maya as portals to the underworld and a precious source of freshwater. Today, they serve both locals and tourists alike as swimming holes!  Some cenotes are located in underwater caverns, while others are open to the sky, and some have both open and cavernous sections.

Some of the best cenotes to visit near Merida are the Homun cenotes, Cuzama cenotes, Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche, and Cenote Kankirixche. 

Cenote Tours from Merida Ready for an adventure? Don’t miss these guided tours including transportation and lunch to the Homun Cenotes and Cuzama Cenotes .

8. Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins Near Merida

In addition to cenotes, the remains of Mayan cities are also spread across the Yucatan Peninsula, down into Guatemala and Central America.  The most famous ruins in Mexico, Chichen Itza, are about an hour and a half away. Seeing ancient ruins is one of the top things to do in Merida: check out these nearby sites.

Dzibilchaltun

Located about 10 miles north of Merida, Dzibilchaltun is a small Maya site.  Dzibilchaltun is notable for its accompanying museum, beautiful cenote Xlacah, and its Temple of the Seven Dolls, named for small effigies discovered during excavation. You can take a colectivo or taxi from Merida, or book a tour like this option that includes the beach town of Progreso.

Chichen Itza 

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  It’s also one of the most-visited tourist sites in Mexico. Surviving monuments at Chichen Itza include the main temple, the Pyramid of Kukulkan (also known as El Castillo); the Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica; El Caracol, an astronomical observatory; and the Temple of Warriors, an enormous temple with hundreds of stone columns.

Chichen Itza Ruins Tours from Merida Beat the crowds with an early Chichen Itza access plus cenotes or take a private Chichen Itza tour . Or see Chichen Izta with Izamal and cenotes .

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Uxmal (pronounced “oosh mahl”) is one of the most important Maya archaeological sites.  It is built in the “Puuc” architectural style of the region, with building facades made of plain blocks on the lower part of structures, and intricate mosaics on the upper sections. 

Uxmal is about an hour south of Merida, and there are three other smaller ruins sites in the same area: Kabah, Labná and Sayil.  These sites share the UNESCO designation with Uxmal.  If you want to see a less crowded ruin that looks like a smaller version of Chichen Itza, Mayapan is also within an hour drive from Merida.

Uxmal Ruins Tours from Merida Check out this tour to Uxmal and Kabah , Uxmal with Hacienda Yaxcopoil , or this Uxmal itinerary with the Loltun caves, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna . Chocoholics can visit Uxmal with a chocolate experience .

Ultimate Mexico Ruins Guide: 20+ Best Mayan & Aztec Ruins

Love history and ruins? Don’t miss my guide to the best ruins in Mexico for your bucket list, including top day trip tours to visit each!

9. Visit the Colorful and Peaceful Cementerio General

While it might seem odd to some, I often visit cemeteries during my trips in Latin America.  I like to see how different cultures remember departed loved ones.  Mexico especially has a unique perspective on death as evidenced in their Dia de Los Muertos festival (check out my vi rtual field trip here to learn more).  Even separate from this holiday, many families visit cemeteries on weekends to spruce up graves of loved ones.

The main cemetery of Merida, Panteon General, has colorful graves dating to colonial times.  There are even stately mausoleums, crypts, and many statues.  

Map location: Cementerio General

10. Best Day Trips from Merida, Mexico

In addition to the ruins and cenotes, there are several interesting cities and sights that can be seen on day trips from Merida.

Valladolid | Charming Colonial City

The charming city of Valladolid, Yucatan is another great day trip from Merida.  If has a colorful colonial center with a cathedral and Cenote Zaci, as well as a 16th-century convent.  There are underground cenotes nearby including Samula, one of the most Instagrammable cenotes.  Valladolid is only about 45 minutes from Chichen Itza.

• Find all my tips for visiting Valladolid on a day trip or stopover.

Celestun | Biosphere Reserve with Flamingos

Celestun is a sleepy fishing village which is home to secluded beaches and the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún, a wildlife sanctuary with flamingos the star attraction. I haven’t yet been to Celestun, having opted to see flamingos in Rio Lagartos on a day trip when I stayed in Valladolid. 

Izamal | The Yellow City

Nicknamed “La Ciudad Amarilla” (“The Yellow City”), Izamal is a small town in the state of Yucatan. Izamal is famous because all of its buildings are painted the same sunny yellow!   Visit the convent here, shop for souvenirs, and have a traditional Yucatecan lunch.  You can also explore the Mayan ruins of Kinich Kakmó in the city center.

Hit the Beach in Progreso

Puerto Progreso is the closest beach to Merida, just 45 minutes outside of town.  This is a popular port for cruise ships and there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy for the day.  Get to Progreso easily via car if you decide to rent one, use the luxury bus Auto Progreso , or take a tour like below.

Best Day Trip Tours from Merida See the best of the region with a private tour to Izamal or tour to Chichen Itza with Izamal . See Progreso with a stop at the Dzibilchaltun ruins and cenote . Or travel further afield with a full-day trip to Campeche and Becal .

Haciendas Near Merida, Yucatan

Near Merida, there are several options to visit traditional colonial haciendas or plantations that date to the 18th century.  You can stay in several of them overnight, or just visit for the day for a meal and to imagine daily life here centuries ago.  All of them were built thanks to the henequen trade boom.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL) is a Yucatan plantation dating back to the 17th century. The Hacienda is well-preserved but unrestored. It’s open daily for tours and offers a private guest house, museum of Mayan artifacts, gift shop, and snack bar.  This hacienda is on the way to Uxmal and can be combined on a tour for a day trip.

Hacienda Sotuta de Peon

Sotuta de Peon is a restored, working hacienda in Merida.  Here you can see what henequen farming and production entails, as well as cool off in a cenote.  Stay for lunch at the onsite restaurant.

Hacienda Xcanatun

This hacienda is just a 20-minute drive from Merida’s center. After years in disrepair, Xcanatun was recently restored by new owners. You can now stay overnight or visit its restaurant and gardens. 

Hacienda Santa Cruz

Located just a few miles outside Merida, Hacienda Santa Cruz is a former Franciscan monastery built in 1640. Today it’s a boutique hotel where you can stay overnight , enjoy lunch, and indulge with a spa day.  

Hacienda Tours from Merida Want to experience Merida’s haciendas with the ease of a tour including transportation? Visit Uxmal with a stop for haciendas and cenotes, or step back in history to experience the working Hacienda Sotuta de Peon .

Where to Stay in Merida | Best Hotels in Merida Yucatan Mexico

In addition to the haciendas above, Merida has many boutique hotels, budget stays, and hostels to fit any travel style and budget.  Check out these top hotels conveniently located to Merida’s sights and near the historic district.

$$$ The Diplomat Boutique Hotel | Merida Chic Upscale Gem

The Diplomat is a chic boutique hotel just a quick 15-minute walk from the Plaza Grande. With a gorgeous outdoor pool, secluded setting, and fantastic service, this is a top pick in Merida. Did I mention their amazing breakfast? The Diplomat has also been rated a “Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best” hotel by TripAdvisor for 2022.

See more photos & rates for The Diplomat

$$$ Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa | Stylish Merida Hotel with Great Service

Rosas & Xocolate is a sophisticated boutique hotel located in two historic French-style mansions on the Paseo de Montejo. Guests love Rosas & Xocolate for its artistic design, beautiful outdoor pool, rooftop bar, and delicious breakfast. They also rave about its helpful staff.

See more photos & rates for Rosas & Chocolate

$$ Hotel Hacienda Mérida | Historic Hotel in the Merida City Center

Hotel Hacienda Mérida is a historic building which dates to 1840. Its rooms are set around a characteristic central courtyard, filled with tropical plants. Hotel Hacienda Merida is one of the top-rated hotels in the historic district, and features a charming design, comfy beds, and sparkling pool.

See more photos & rates for Hotel Hacienda Mérida

$$ Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel | Stylish Merida Hotel Top Pick With Pool

Villa Orquídea is a centrally-located boutique hotel that gets rave reviews for its charming design, comfortable rooms, delicious brekkie, and gorgeous outdoor pool. This is a great pick for solo travelers because of its safe, friendly vibe and attentive staff.

See more photos & rates for Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel

$ Hotelito YUM KAAX | Hotel with Bright Budget Suites & Kitchenettes

Hotelito YUM KAAX is a friendly, budget hotel close to the bus station and a short walk away from the Plaza Grande. With large bright suites, a kitchenette, pool, and exceptional reviews, this is a budget best-bet in Merida.

See more photos & rates for Hotelito YUM KAAX

$ Hotel La Piazzetta | Fun, Artistic Stay in Central Location

Hotel La Piazzetta might be the friendliest hotel in Merida! They have tons of “perfect 10” reviews for their personalized service, great location, comfortable rooms, and fun design. If you want an artistic setting and lots of tips and assistance for things to do, this is a great pick for you in Merida.

See more photos & rates for Hotel La Piazzetta

Looking for hostels in Merida? Be sure to check out Nomadas Hostel and Guaya Hostel !

Airbnb & VRBO Merida Historic Colonial Homes

Traveling with a group, or want the experience or staying in a historic colonial Merida home? I’ve got handpicked favorites for your stay, all with private pools.

Casa 411 | Merida Vacation Rental for 10 Guests

Beautifully restored colonial home in Merida Centro that sleeps up to 10 guests in 4 bedrooms. With a pool, living space, and full kitchen.

Casa Escalera al Cielo | Merida Home for 6 Guests

Stunning restored colonial home which sleeps up to 6 in the main house and casita. With a pool, lush garden, full kitchen, and central location.

Casa La Ermita | Colonial Home for 3 Guests

Charming colonial casa centrally located nine blocks from Plaza Grande and steps away from lovely La Ermita Park. With pool, garden, and kitchen.

How to Get to Merida, Mexico

Merida is easily accessible from other major cities in Yucatan and Quintana Roo such as Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Campeche. It’s also easy to reach from Mexico City with a quick flight, or on a longer route by bus. Get tips below on the best ways to get to Merida.

How to Get to Merida By Plane

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) is a five miles south of the city center, and has flights from several cities in the US as well as many connecting flights from Cancun. From the airport, the easiest way to get into town is via a taxi or shuttle bus. ADO buses also run into the city from the airport.

• Check flights to Merida on Skyscanner

How to Get to Merida By Car

From Cancun, Merida is about a 4-hour drive, 190 miles or 300km. It’s an easy drive on toll roads from Merida to Cancun. If you’re considering renting a car, be sure to read my guide to renting a car and driving in Mexico .

• Search car rental companies: Merida | Cancun | Tulum | Playa del Carmen

How to Get to Merida By Bus

Merida has two major bus stations. The main station known as “CAME” is located on Calle 70. Served by ADO and OCC, CAME is where you’ll be dropped off if you are coming from distant cities like Mexico City, Campeche, or Veracruz. There’s also the “2nd Class Bus Station”, located on Calle 69, which serves regional routes within Yucatán state.

• Check bus routes on ADO or reserve tickets with the app Busbud .

The Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

Merida is a tropical destination, and is warm year-round. Winter is a great time to visit: from September to May, expect warm temperatures and low humidity, making for ideal sightseeing conditions. Summer is much more humid, and tropical storms are possible during the rainy season from June through October.

Visit Merida During a Festival

If you’d like to combine your trip to Merida with observing special festivals and holidays (or avoid them and the crowds they bring!), these are the major festivals and annual events in the capital of Yucatán state:

• Merida Fest: this festival occurs in January each year, and celebrates the founding of the city. Expect visual arts, theater, music and dance artists. In 2022, Merida will celebrate its 500th anniversary, so expect an extra-special Merida Fest celebration!
• Merida Carnaval in late Feb/early March : tracing its origins to the 19th century, this festival occurs jsut before lent and features parades, fireworks, music, and dancing.
• Semana Santa in March/April: the week leading up to Easter, known in English as Holy Week, is called “Semana Santa” in Latin American countries and is celebrated with processions, masses and other festivities.
• Mexico’s Independence Day September 16: usually celebrated the night before on the Plaza Grande, with music and fireworks,
• Hanal Pixán October 31, November 1 and 2: meaning “food for the souls” in the Mayan language, Hanal Pixán is how Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in the Yucatan Peninsula. A different ritual is observed each day. Departed children are remembered on Oct. 31, the known as the Day of the Little Angels, or Día de los Angelitos . Adults are remembered on Nov. 1, All Saints Day. November 2 is the day to commemmorate all departed with a mass on on All Souls Day, or Día de los Fieles Difuntos. (In Mayan, the days are called U Hanal Palal , U Hanal Nucuch Uinicoob , and U Hanal Pixanoob , respectively.)
• Christmas in Merida : throughout December, there are special events to celebrate Christmas beginning with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe on December 12 until Día de los Reyes Magos on January 6.

“Expat” Life in Merida

The city of Merida has a large popoulation of Canadian and American “expats” who have chosen to relocate or retire to Merida either full-time or during the winter months. They are drawn here due to its relatively low cost of living, safe reputation, warm temperatures, and cultural offerings paired with modern services and amenities.

Packing Tips for Merida, Yucatan

Get tips on what to pack for Merida with my ultimate Mexico packing list!

Packng List forMexico From Cabo to Cancun + Outfits Inspo!

Grab these packing tips for museum hopping in Mexico City, relaxing on beaches, or climbing ruins and swimming in cenotes. From Cabo to Cancun and everywhere in between, this ultimate packing list for Mexico will have you covered!

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I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

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Mérida Is Where Mexicans Go on Vacation — Here's How to Spend Three Perfect Days There

Now that Cancun and its neighboring cities are drawing an international party crowd, travelers are looking inland.

Mérida — the capital of Mexico's Yucatán state , a half-hour drive inland from the country's Gulf coast — has long been a destination for Mexican travelers. This safe, tranquil city has an intoxicating mix of cultures and a cuisine brimming with local produce. Add in a recent upswing in new restaurants, boutiques, and stylish hotels, and Mérida is quickly blooming into an international destination in its own right.

Mérida is the perfect size to absorb over a long weekend, and an excellent jumping-off point to access the treasures of the region: restored haciendas, underground cenotes, Mayan ruins, and more. With daily nonstop flights from Mexico City and beyond, it's easy to soak up the city's vibrant street culture, beautiful architecture, and the decidedly sloooow pace.

Arrive early to jump into the local cuisine at Taquería La Lupita , in the Mercado de Santiago, one of the city’s best purveyors of cochinita pibil. (Yucatecos like their breakfasts hearty, and things start to sell out by 1:00 PM.) Don't sleep on the lechon tortas, topped with crunchier-than-a-potato-chip chicharrones, and the agua de chaya, the region's ubiquitous green juice made with a wild, spinach-like green.

Stroll over to the Paseo de Montejo, the Mérida's central avenue. The wide, tree-flanked street features many important monuments, iconic buildings, and pastel-hued mansions that glow in the morning light. As you walk, grab an espresso at Márago Coffee and hop over to Casa T'hō , a concept store with pieces by edgy Mexican designers like Carla Fernandez.

No trip to Mérida is complete without a visit to Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón , just a few doors down. This storied ice cream parlor, founded in 1907, offers sorbets and ice creams regional tropical flavors: soursop, mamey, coconut, mango. Try a champola, a tall sundae glass filled with the sorbet of your choice and topped with cold milk.

Check into Rosas & Xocolate , a boutique hotel on Paseo de Montejo known for its wellness programming. Each of the high-ceilinged rooms has a private outdoor tub, and the spa offers massages and body scrubs with locally ground cacao.

For dinner, head downtown to the recently opened restaurant from Hacienda Teya . The main hacienda, located just outside the city, was founded in 1683; originally known for its production of henequen, an agave used for fiber, it eventually became known for its kitchen. Like the legendary original, the new urban outpost turns out pitch-perfect variations of traditional dishes like sopa de lima, a chicken consommé fragrant with the local bergamot of the region, and excellent cocktails.

Time to head into the rainforest to visit Uxmal , considered by many to be the secret best Mayan archaeological site on the peninsula. Uxmal is much less crowded, and arguably much more impressive, than Chitzén Itzá. Renting a car is the best way to get to there — you can also go by taxi, bus, or tour group, but it's just an hour drive and you'll want freedom to meander.

Take a few hours to marvel at the ornate friezes and steep pyramids of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built between 700 and 1,000 CE. Then, a dip is in order. The Yucatán is scattered with cenotes , the natural sinkholes connected by underground rivers that often manifest as otherworldly pools of fresh water. (There are literally hundreds. There is even one in the parking lot of Mérida’s Costco .) Each cenote is different: some are open-air, surrounded by sheer rock faces, while others are more like caves, requiring an underground descent and populated with bats and stalactites.

With a rental car, the intrepid can pull onto one of the many sideroads with hand-painted signs advertising a cenote. There are also options with a bit more infrastructure — life-jackets, sturdy platforms, and guides. Cenote Kankirixché in Abalá, just 30 minutes from Uxmal, is a semi-open cenote with a wooden staircase and platform to access the water. With a depth ranging from two to 50 meters, it's great for snorkeling. Cenote Yax-Há, just west of Abalá, is a multi-room, cave-like cenote with swinging ropes and ladders. Nearby Cenote X’Batun is popular with families: surrounded by jungle, it's relatively shallow and covered with floating lily pads.

Haciendas, like cenotes, are the other hidden treasures of the Yucatán. Historically funded by henequen production, many have preserved their gorgeous on site mansions and remnants of the region's agricultural past. Hacienda San Pedro Ochil is a highlight — call ahead to reserve lunch and a tour the elegant grounds. As dusk falls, make your way to the secret James Turrell installation on premise: an hour-long light-show projected onto a tree at the base of a cenote.

Finally, make the hour drive to Hacienda Santa Rosa , one of five haciendas around the peninsula that have been remodeled into boutique properties by the Luxury Collection. The 11-room Santa Rosa occupies a historic, bright blue manor that offers access to many Mayan sites. Enjoy a nightcap on the patio, then plush bedding and complete silence.

Wake up to a stunning view of the tropical forest, and the type of calm that comes only from being in the middle of nowhere (with good wifi, of course). Spend the morning on the porch with a coffee and a plate of fresh papaya, then walk the grounds. The garden is beyond lush and features plots of indigenous herbs that make their way into tinctures available on site. Further in, you'll find platform hives housing the region’s famously stingless Melipona bees, which produce a type of rare honey that is used locally as medicine. Pick up a jar to take home before you make the hour drive back to Mérida.

A leisurely lunch at the chic Te Extraño, a restaurant from Mexico City star chefs Joaquín Cardoso and Sofía Cortina. Dishes reflect the mix of old and new in the city: cold pea and mint soup, roasted octopus with sour orange, and even cocktail made from a mezcal-like distillate of henequen.

In early evening, head to the Parque Francisco Canton , where a 10-piece local band plays in the open square while older couples dance. There are food courts where you can grab a marquesita: a crispy, salty-sweet rolled crepe made with shredded gouda cheese. The local specialty is best eaten while soaking up the fading light — a sweet ending.

The Luxury Collection provided support for the reporting of this story.

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The Ultimate Guide to Mérida, Mexico (Things to Do 2023)

Ready to discover the best things to do in Mérida, Mexico? As the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State, the vibrant cultural city is a major travel hotspot.

I had seen photos of Mérida years ago where the colorful pastel streets caught my attention. Little did I know that this city with Mayan and colonial heritage is one of the top places to visit right now. After exploring the city, I can tell you that it’s with good reason that travelers are flocking here.

You have this wonderful blend of history that meets creativity. You’ll walk through century-old streets that tuck away eye-catching boutiques, intimate cafes and courtyards, and a long list of restaurants you don’t want to miss.

What makes Mérida even more unique is that the location is one of the best in Yucatán. You’re only an hour or so away from the beach, close to cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins, and “Pueblos Magicos.” So for those looking to experience this special region of Mexico, Mérida is really the best place to stay.

I dove deep into Mérida, experiencing its markets by morning and its watering holes by night. I tried many cafes, ate my weight in cochinita pibil, and found myself inspired by the architecture. This guide is all of those things and more — your guidebook to exploring Mérida. Read on to find the best things to do in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Mérida:

• CIGNO Hotel , for the best adults-only hotel
• Kuka y Naranja , for the best design-for-dollar hotel
• Casa Olivia , for the best romantic hotel
• Decu Downtown , for the best design hotel
• NH Collection Mérida , for the best budget hotel
• Casa Pantera , for the best vacation rental

Mérida has a vibrant selection of boutique hotels, design-worthy vacation rentals, and haciendas. I’ve rounded up a full list of my favorite hotels in Mérida.

Things to Do

• Street Food and Market Tour
• Tour to Uxmal, Cenote & Kabah
• Tour to Chichen Itza, Private Cenote and Izamal

The Ultimate Guide to Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

What to know about visiting mérida, mexico.

As the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, Mérida is a culturally vibrant city. Its central location near the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula makes it a gateway to the best things to do in the region.

The Yucatán capital blends both colonial and Mayan history in its architecture, food, and atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the colorful streets that house some of the most incredible museums and local gems.

I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Mérida for time to do a day trip or two and see the city.

How to Get to Mérida, Yucatan?

The best way to get to Mérida is by flying into Mérida International Airport (code: MID) . Located just a 15-minute drive outside of downtown, you can take easily transfer by car into town.

Mérida Airport services direct flights from airports like Houston International Airport (DFW most common) and Miami International Airport. If not, don’t hesitate to take a connection through airports like Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Getting into the city is most easily done by prepaying for a taxi on arrival (just go stand in the taxi line inside the arrival terminal once you clear customs and pick up baggage) or by pre-booking a transfer. I would recommend having a transfer arranged for arrival for ease .

The Best Mérida Airport Transfer Options:

What is the best time of year to visit mérida, yucatán.

The best time of year to visit Mérida for the coolest temperature is mid-October to March. Mérida runs generally hot year-round as it is inland. You’ll find heavy rains, heat, and humidity during the months of June to November, but in exchange much lower rates on accommodations.

How Do I Get Around Mérida?

If you’re centrally based like in Centro, you can reach most sights and places on foot. Uber is widely available in Mérida. You will pay nearly double to triple if you hop into a local taxi, which I learned the hard way. Be sure to have data access and use Uber to get around Mérida.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Mérida?

If you plan to do any day trips from Mérida (which you should!), you will absolutely need to rent a car . You could consider hopping on a private or group tour ( a few are recommended below ) which would be your alternative option to renting.

Renting a car in Mexico is very easy and often very affordable. I rented a car while in Mérida to go to Izamal for two nights. My number one tip is to rent a car and pre-purchase full insurance with Discover Cars. Mexico requires local, comprehensive insurance (i.e. your credit card coverage won’t cut it, trust me I’ve tried). Discover Cars makes it easy to find rentals at a cheap rate with reputable companies like Hertz and Avis and be able to select comprehensive insurance.

Is Mérida, Yucatán safe?

Ranked as the safest city in Mexico, one could generally say Mérida is safe for the majority of travelers. Should you practice common sense when traveling? Absolutely. Consider where you go, when, and whether or not it’s best to be solo or with a group when traveling anywhere in the world.

Currency, Language, and Health

The local currency is Mexican pesos, which you could pull out prior to arrival or on arrival at a local ATM. You will need cash for smaller stores, food stalls, and markets. Credit cards are widely accepted at large institutions.

The local language is Spanish, and I always recommend having a handful of useful, everyday phrases to refer to if need be.

Travel Tip: It is not safe to drink tap water in Mérida. Stick only to bottled water and reliable sources.

Where to Stay in Mérida, Mexico

For a first-time trip, any location near Centro (Downtown Mérida) and near Paseo Montejo will be perfect as a central option. There are several barrios like Barrio de Santiago and Parque Santa Ana which are equally amazing depending on what you prefer.

CIGNO Hotel (Adults-Only)

I stayed at CIGNO Hotel for this trip, which had incredible amenities, food, and service. The photos didn’t do it justice, it looked and felt much better in person. The location was just out of Centro but close enough to walk. I did a lot of research, and these are my favorite finds in Mérida. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels in Mérida to Consider

Mérida has a vibrant selection of boutique hotels, design-worthy vacation rentals, and haciendas. Check out my full list of my favorite hotels in Mérida for more.

Where to Eat in Mérida

You’ll find a vibrant range of dining options in Mérida from food stalls to formal dining. During the off-season, you can almost walk into any restaurant without a reservation, but come the high season, you do need to reserve.

SALÓN GALLOS

SALÓN GALLOS was the meal I talked about most. Set inside an old mill, this multi-functional space is insanely beautiful and inspiring. There is a restaurant, wine bar, small club, art room, cinema, and lounge all centered around an inner courtyard. I was there on a Monday so just dinner was open, and the food was amazingly good. Meditteranean-inspired take on Yucatán ingredients. If I was there on a weekend, I’d spend the entire night here.

Address: C. 63 459-B, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

San Judas Tadeo Antojitos

San Judas Tadeo Antojitos was an absolute find that came recommended by a local for cochinita pibil tacos. This was one of my favorite “food stall” meals as one could say. Super simple and just amazingly delicious.

Address: Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

Mercado 60 is one of the most unique Mérida dining experiences. Set up like a market, you have several vendors here with multiple food options to choose from! They often have DJs and music going, so come the weekends it’s quite the place to grab a casual bite and drinks. My favorite food here was the blue corn empanadas!

Address: C. 60 461, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

SOCO Mérida

SOCO Mérida totally lived up to the hype for the best pastries in town, and great coffee. I would recommend going by here first for a pastry, or consider trying their breakfast menu.

Address: C. 51 492C, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Ramiro Cocina

Wonderfully elevated yet traditional take on Mexican food. It’s small plates with local and seasonal ingredients, and don’t forget to order something from their cocktail menu!

Address: Calle 41 x 58 y 60, P.º de Montejo 386 D, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Manjar Blanco

An institution for dining in Mérida, Manjar Blanco came recommended. The breakfast was traditional, I think it is more of a lunch spot. Do ask to eat out on the terrace as it’s very idyllic.

Address: Calle 47 496, entre 58 y 60, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

The Restaurant at CIGNO Hotel

I had brunch one day at CIGNO Hotel and it was my favorite chilaquiles of the trip. The restaurant is open to the public, just call ahead. I’d come in for brunch here or even dinner.

Address: C. 66 593, Barrio de la Ermita, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Coffee Shops in Mérida

Everywhere you turn in Mérida there is a hip and very charming coffee shop. My favorites from the trip were:

• Maria & Montejo (stunning!)
• Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese
• Arista Barista

Other Restaurants on My List

While I can’t eat everywhere, I always have an ongoing list of places. Those included:

• Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy
• Pipiripau Bar
• El Lagarto de Oro (a bar)
• Pan & Køf.feé
• Oliva Enoteca
• La Chaya Maya

Things to Do in Mérida

Peruse the endless museums.

What stroke me about Mérida was just how many museums there were to experience. If you’re planning a trip, one tip that I can give is to know that Mondays, most museums are closed, so be sure to keep this in mind.

Some of the top museums to consider visiting are Museo Casa de Montejo and Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Mérida). The Mayan World Museum of Mérida is one of the best options for learning about Mayan history and seeing artifacts. It’s only $150 pesos ($8 USD) to enter.

You’ll likely walk by Museo Casa de Montejo and be in awe of the outside. The details are stunning, but what is inside is a house that displays colonial art and has rotating exhibits. This is one of the only free museums in Mérida.

For a comprehensive list of museums to visit, check out this guide to the best museums in Mérida .

Shop Local Designers

Mérida is home to a vibrant art and design community, many local to Yucatán. Most of the time, you’ll be walking and find these little boutiques hidden off the streets. So many are worth stopping into, my favorite shops that I found on this trip were:

• CASA T’HŌ Concept House , multiple designers set around an internal courtyard
• Vernaculo Studio , local designer with incredible jewelry, clothing, and pottery
• Coqui Coqui Merida L’Epicierie , worth a look inside their hotel store!
• Taller Maya Santa Ana , the best home store, could have taken everything home

Stroll Centro and Paseo Montejo

If you wake up early one morning, head to the iconic Paseo Montejo for a scenic walk down the lush, grand boulevard. The street cuts through the center of town, where historic, posh mansions line the street.

Centro has charming pockets to explore, so one of the best ways to explore is just simply walking through town. The pastel and bright-colored walls were amazing to soak in before the city got busy.

Experience the Local Markets

One morning in Mérida I made my way to the local produce and goods market of Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and Mercado San Benito . These two markets are side by side, so you can easily meander through both.

There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from vegetables to leather goods — it’s an incredibly local experience. Also, I’ll note, this was one of my favorite authentic markets I have been to in my travels.

In hindsight, I really wish I had booked a tour with a local guide as I could have spent an hour or two getting to understand more about these markets. I found a few highly-rated food and market tours that I would consider. The first is this Street Food and Market Tour , the second is this Walking Food Tour , and this Market Tasting Tour.

Visit Mérida’s Historical and Iconic Sites

You’ll likely walk right by these sites if you go for a walk through Centro. Some to keep an eye out for or go out of your way:

• Plaza Grande : This is the main town square for Mérida, and has a bustling area to sit down and see the cathedral.
• Parque Santa Ana : A quieter park during the week with open-air food stalls and often festivals take place here.
• Catedral de Mérida : Don’t hesitate to go in and see this historic cathedral, well worth a look.
• Parque Santa Lucia : A wonderful park downtown where restaurants line around.
• Palacio del Gobierno : Pop in to see this beautiful building to see stunning murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.
• El Monumento a la Patria : Arguably the most recognizable monument in Mérida, this is at the end of Paseo Montejo. The intricate details are amazing and honor the Mayan history.

Best Day Trips From Mérida

I cannot recommend renting a car more to head out on a day trip from Mérida. You can easily self-drive to any of the below destinations. Now if you’re limited on time, I am also listing out several highly-rated tours that you could consider if you don’t rent a car.

Uxmal Mayan Ruins

An often overlooked UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby is the Uxmal Pyramid ruins. The historic Mayan site in the Puuc area has the famous Pyramid of The Magician (El Adivino) and the Great Pyramid. The pyramids have impressive esthetic carvings that the Mayans were known for.

The Uxmal Pyramids are also a part of the Puuc Route which has five archaeological sites along the 36-mile drive, which is worth considering seeing as it’s more of a hidden gem. Both of these experiences can easily be seen if you have a rental car or consider a tour below.

The Best Uxmal Tours from Merida:

Izamal, the yellow city.

Declared a pueblos magicos (magic towns) by Mexico, Izamal is one of the best nearby towns to visit from Mérida. Known as the yellow city, I ended up booking just two nights to get to experience this and nearby things to do. You can easily visit for the day since it’s only about 1.5 hours from Mérida.

The town itself is rather small but the stunning yellow-painted streets are worth the trek. In Izamal, you don’t want to miss a visit to the Convent of San Antonio de Padua right in front of the town’s  Zocalo or main square.

One other big draw to Izamal is its very famous restaurant named Kinich . This was the best meal of the entire trip (truly) and I would make the drive for this restaurant alone. It serves traditional Yucatan food but is incredibly elevated.

Afterward, go for a stroll and take a look at Zona Arqueologica de Izamal and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid which are just outside of the center of town. If you don’t have a car, consider these tours to visit:

The Best Tours to Izamal from Mérida:

Dip in one of the many cenotes.

Cenotes in the Yucatán are a one-of-a-kind experience. If you haven’t taken a dip in the cool, ancient waters of these sinkholes, I’d recommend carving out time to do so. There are hundreds of cenotes in the area, depending on how far you want to drive and where you want to go.

If I were planning an excursion, I’d consider doing an archeological site and combining it with a cenote afterward (there’s always one nearby!). Some of the best cenotes near Mérida are the famous Cenotes Santa Barbara (1 hr away).

Other popular cenotes are Ik Kil Cenotes near Chichen Itza (1.5 hr away) and Xcajum Cenote which I did on this trip as a day trip from Izamal.

Best Cenote Tour Options from Mérida:

Visit the famous chichen itza.

While many people think to visit Chichen Itza from the Cancun to Tulum side of the peninsula, it’s actually very easy to get to from Mérida. It takes around 1.5-1.45 to get there by car, and I highly recommend getting there as close to open as possible. You’ll beat both the crowds and the heat.

Chichen Itza is now one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Largely declared the most important Mayan archeological sites in the world, I’d recommend making the visit if you haven’t been. You’ll enter, walk the grounds, and soak in the historic site.

If you’re making your way to Chichen Itza, consider combining it with a stop at one of the cenotes. Nearby is the famous Ik Kil or consider Xcajum as well. Most tours combine a cenote with Chichen Itza as it’s a great way to refresh from the heat.

Best Chichen Itza Tours with a Cenote from Mérida:

Celestun biosphere reserve (with flamingos).

While I didn’t have time on this trip to make the journey to Celestun, I had bookmarked this incredible nature reserve not far from Mérida. It’s mostly known for its wild flock of flamingos and stunning natural landscape.

The Ria Celetun Biosphere Reserve is in the small town of Celestun, and during the months of November to February, there are thousands of flamingos. To see them you can kayak through the mangroves on a tour.

Best Celestun Biosphere Tours from Mérida:

Looking to explore more of mexico.

See  why Sayulita is a fun-filled adventure Explore  Mexico’s most beautiful city: San Miguel de Allende Dive deep into  Mexico City’s design and food scene

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Mérida, Mexico Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: August 27, 2020  - Last updated: October 9, 2023

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A photographer, history buff, culture-seeker and foodie’s dream destination, Mérida is the next up and coming city to visit in Mexico. As our taxi driver put it in his endearingly broken but eloquent English, “Mérida is really growing up.” 

Upon visiting Mérida, Mexico for the first time, your initial impressions will include how much color surrounds you, how loud it is (in a good way), how clean and maintained the streets are and its old world charm and significant historical value. 

As soon as you enter the Centro (the city center), it embraces you with its proud vibrant heritage and you instantly fall in love. 

I loved visiting Mérida because it reminded me of wandering the streets of Paris or New Orleans .

Narrow cobblestone streets are encased by buildings, churches and facades of European-influence complete with adorable balconies. 

The heart of the city is full of energy, but just the right amount of busy. From street food to open air restaurants or the live music found in one of the many park squares, everyone is happy to be in Mérida. 

( This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust! )

If you’re visiting Merida for the first time, here are my top tips for visiting this fascinating city.

Is Mérida Mexico Worth Visiting? 

If you’re in search of somewhere in Mexico that’s authentic, full of history, safe, easy to get around, inexpensive and has an impressive amount of things to do within the city and dozens of more options for day trips in the area – then yes, Mérida is worth visiting. 

As a beautiful inland city, Mérida is not a beach destination. But if you do need your fill of the beach, Progesso can be reached within 40 minutes.

If you’re planning to be in the city for a week or more, Progresso would be a nice beach break. I wouldn’t recommend staying there though, as it’s a cruise ship port, so crowds will be plentiful and prices will be higher.

Is Mérida Safe?

Not only is it one of the safest cities in Mexico, Mérida is currently considered one of the safest places in the world. The municipal police who roam around town aren’t even armed!

And there are ‘tourist police’ who watch out for the tourists and even help you cross the street (there are a lot of traffic circles)!

One officer generously offered to help us cross a busy traffic circle so that we could go take photos of the Monumento a La Patria, a must see on Paseo Montejo.

Not only is the city safe, the locals are some of the most friendly, happy and outgoing that we’ve met on multiple trips to Mexico. 

Read Next: 26 Practical Tips for Visiting Mexico (I promise you will use at least several)!

What is Mérida, Mexico Known For?

Mérida is the oldest city in North America, since it was the most populous area during the Mayan civilization times.

It was one of the first cities to be conquered by the Spanish who discovered the Yucatan in the early 1500s.

There is evidence all over the city with year stamps over many of the churches in buildings dating back to the 1500s. 

Mérida is also nicknamed “the white city” due to many buildings originally built with the abundance of limestone in the area. 

Merida is also surrounded by the ‘cenote zone’, the largest concentration of Cenotes in Mexico.

This half-moon cenote zone actually follows the perimeter of the crater caused by the massive meteorite that crashed into the Yucatan Peninsula and is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. 

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Mérida? 

I would recommend staying in Mérida for at least 4 nights, but of course more if your travel itinerary allows. Try to overlap your visit on a weekend to experience the full energy of the city!

We stayed 4 nights in Mérida which was enough time to see and experience many attractions both in the city and a couple of half-day trips.

However, I would have loved to spend a couple weeks here. I think Mérida is the perfect destination for anyone who loves slow travel .

The heart of the city is the Plaza Grande, which is right in the middle of the downtown or ‘centro.’ The streets are easy to navigate, making it a perfect city to explore. And while the main plaza is always hopping, don’t miss other great parks and squares like Santa Ana (which has a great outdoor lunch market) or Santa Lucia.

Where to Stay in Mérida, Mexico

I recommend choosing a hotel or an Airbnb somewhere in the Centro of Mérida (city center). We stayed at Hotel Casa Carmita , which we loved!

It was less than $100 per night (in Canadian dollars, over Christmas holidays) and included a hot cooked breakfast each morning. There’s an adorable courtyard and it was only about a 7 minute walk to the Plaza Grande (central square). 

My other hotel choices about where to stay in Mérida would be: Piedra de Agua for the perfect central location, great prices and old world colonial charm.

] recommend using Booking.com for hotels as most places now allow free cancellation (no questions asked) up until a couple days before check-in. 

If you want to rent an Airbnb in Mérida , I highly recommend these three apartments. When we visited in the month of December, they were all priced around $100 per night (that’s in Canadian dollars) and each have their own pool and are rated 4.97 out of 5 stars. 

While we opted to stay in a boutique hotel, the next time we visit Merida, we are planning to stay longer and will be renting an Airbnb. If you’re new to Airbnb unsure about using this platform, check out my guide to finding the perfect Airbnb every time. 

If you’re visiting Merida for the first time, I suggest staying somewhere in the northern half of the Centro.

We found that it was a little quieter and closer to the Paseo 60 ADO Bus terminal, which is a much nicer and (and less hectic) bus station than centro. 

As long as you are staying anywhere within the Centro, it will be a close walk to anything and it will be safe. 

Transportation – How to Get to There and Getting Around Mérida

While you can catch a 2 hour flight from Houston, Texas, most people from North America find Mérida by flying to Cancún and taking the 4 hour ADO bus ride to the city. 

We took the ADO bus, and it was quite comfortable. The seats have plugins and little hangers for your purse/bag and there is a washroom on board. Plus, it was cheaper, about $30 per person for the trip.

You will be doing a lot of walking in Mérida (everything is reasonably close together in the downtown), so I would bring a comfortable pair of walking sandals or shoes.

The sidewalks get quite narrow on many of the streets, but be sure to stay on them as most of the streets are one-way and cars get very close to the curbs. 

As long as you’re in the Centro, it is a very easy city to navigate. It was built in a grid pattern and so the roads that run north-south are even numbers and the roads that run east-west are all odd numbers. 

That being said, there are taxis available everywhere, and Uber is readily available in Mérida and very cheap. You can use the same Uber app you have on your phone. 

What to Do in Mérida, Mexico 

From exploring the history, culture and architecture in the Centro to day-tripping to the surrounding region, Mérida has fascinating attractions to keep you busy. Here’s a sample of what you can do:

• Enjoy views of the massive Cathedral at Plaza Grande (and have fun finding epic spots to take photos of this beautiful park). 

• Share a moment in the kissing chairs.

• Find the pink barbie doll mansion.

• Explore the mansions on Paseo de Montejo.

• Shop at all the night markets.

• Mingle with the locals at a Cantina (enjoy free appies with your drinks).

• Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage through the old colonial neighborhoods .

• Try scrumptious Yucatean foods (Poc Chuc and Sopa de Lima).

• Go on a cenote safari .

• Explore Mayan ruins .

>> Read more about the 26 Best Things To Do in Merida Here <<

Travel Tips Before Visiting Mérida

It gets hot.

A few quick things to know about Mérida before you visit – Mérida is located inland, not on the coast, it will be about a 45 minute drive to get to the closest beach, Progesso.

Because of this, Mérida gets pretty hot and not as humid as other parts of Mexico, so we really enjoyed the weather here! 

Helps to Know a Little Spanish

While it’s an up and coming city, there is not as much English spoken here compared to more touristy areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Vallarta . We are not fluent, but we know a few phrases and key words in Spanish, which really helped. 

We also used the Google Translate app on our phones a lot and that helped! However, we did meet some fellow Americans on our trip who admitted they didn’t know any Spanish, and they’ve been getting by just fine! 

One of the best things about visiting Mérida right now is that it’s not an expensive city. We found food and drink prices, even hotels, were much lower than other places we’ve traveled to in Mexico. 

Your pesos will go a long way here compared to the more touristy places in Mexico.

Restaurants and What to Eat

If you stay away from restaurants that surround the Plaza Grande, you’ll find very reasonably priced meals for $10 or less (usd) per entree.

We ventured to Chaya Maya because of the hype, and I wouldn’t recommend it (too busy, overpriced and you find the same Yucatean food in most places).

The following night we just wandered around Centro and found Espacios Mayas and it was one of the best meals we had on the trip.

Don’t miss lunch or dinner at El Trapiche. And be sure to visit a Cantina – you can tell because it will have the saloon doors. La Negrita was a special experience!

Anywhere you go, be sure to try the region’s specialty dishes – we loved Sopa de Lima and Poc Chuc.

And many of the main squares have free WiFi, but it can be slow. We use a pocket WiFi device, like Skyroam , when we travel that we can easily navigate wherever we are and plan our days accordingly. 

Enjoy your time visiting Mérida! It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico – you will love it!

If you liked this post, be sure to subscribe to my email list to be notified when I publish new posts – Mexico is one of our most traveled destinations!

Looking for More to Do in The Yucatan?

Visit the Valladolid Area (half-way between Mérida and Cancun) for the ultimate off-the-beaten path itinerary

Or Try Holbox Island for the Ultimate Mexico Island Vacation

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico: Travel Guide & Tips

January 25, 2024 By John Widmer 79 Comments

Mérida, Mexico, has so much to offer visitors. We’ve been regularly traveling to Yucatan’s lovely capital city for nearly a decade and continue to discover so many awesome things to do in Merida each visit. It’s become one of our favorite travel destinations in Mexico. Hence, we’re always happy to share with fellow travelers this list of ideas of what to do in Merida.

If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan, we hope this detailed travel guide inspires many fun things to do in Merida, Mexico!

• Introduction to Merida, Mexico
• 15 Best Things to Do in Merida
• Where to Stay: Hotels in Merida
• More Merida Travel Tips + What To Pack 

A Brief Intro to Travel in Merida, Mexico

Merida truly is a beautiful travel destination, inside and out. Merida is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan and is the largest city in the region, with a population of over a million residents. Visitors are drawn to Merida for its culture, history, cuisine, safety, and quality of life, among other desirable attributes.

Nicknamed the  ciudad blanca (white city), you certainly do see some white structures while roaming around the charming colonial city. Yet the white buildings seem to be outnumbered by colorful pastel dwellings, adding much vibrancy throughout Merida’s colonial architecture throughout the tropical Mexican environment.

But it’s Merida’s culture that shines  even brighter. Perhaps that helps to explain why Merida is the only city that has been twice selected to serve as the American Capital of Culture (2000, 2017). You can find culture oozing all throughout Merida, whether admiring ancient Mayan artwork at a museum or simply soaking in the local culture that’s abundant within the swinging doors of Merida’s cantinas. The many cultural things to do in Merida, Mexico, and even the daily cultural events are a big appeal to Yucatan’s largest city.

Adding to the cultural allure, the people living in Mérida, many of Mayan descent, are such a friendly and welcoming bunch. Another aspect of Merida’s culture to enjoy is the unique Yucatan gastronomy. The local cuisine throughout Merida is delicious and distinctive to the region. After dinner, you’ll find that Merida’s nightlife is fun and active, particularly so on weekends. In fact, if planning a trip to Mérida, we recommend trying to stay over a weekend. That’s when the entire city tends to come out to play!

As this website often focuses on travel value around the world, we’d be remiss not to mention that Mérida offers fantastic value  to travelers. Your pesos can go far here, particularly so in comparison to popular travel destinations along the neighboring Riviera Maya to the east (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum). In Merida, prices in restaurants, tour excursions, and hotels are typically far less than what is found on the other side of the Yucatan peninsula.

So while roaming around Merida, don’t hold back on eating your weight in delicious 10-peso (~$0.50) tacos. Additionally, most of the top things to do in Mérida are free , from free walking tours to Merida’s many free museums. After dancing the night away at Merida’s free nightly cultural events, you can rest well at many great inexpensive places to stay in the center of town. A handful of fantastic 3-star hotels typically offer rates within the US$35-per-night range . (We’ll show you our top picks towards the end of this post).

Additionally, with daily car rental prices in Mérida usually hovering under US$15 and bus tickets for just a few pesos, travelers can afford to use Merida as a base for further explorations throughout Yucatan. It’s all this incredible value Merida delivers, which helps to make it a fantastic travel destination for all budgets.

Are you looking for ideas on what to do in Merida, Mexico? This detailed Merida travel guide dishes out what we’ve found to be the 15 best things to do in Merida that we now recommend to you!

Best Things to Do In Merida Mexico (2024)

There are so many great things to do in the city of Merida itself. Yet it can become a bit perplexing to figure out exactly where everything is and how best to plan out a day in Merida. Use the map below to help navigate your way around the city by pinpointing each of Mérida’s attractions suggested throughout this article.

After figuring out what things you may want to do in Merida, come back to this map to help plan out your itinerary. You can even access it on your phone with Google Maps to help navigate once you arrive in Merida.

15) Best Intro to Merida: Take the Free Walking Tour

Every morning there is a free walking tour of Merida’s historic center that departs from the centrally located Plaza Grande. A friendly guide offers a great lesson in Merida’s history while also providing you with bearings to know your way around town.

The free walking tour of Merida is a perfect introduction to many of the sites and attractions all around Merida centro . It’s a great way to learn a lot about the city itself. Merida’s walking tour is full of interesting facts that you likely have not read up on before you have arrived in town.

If staying in the city for a few days, we recommend starting your visit with this free walking tour as the very first thing to do in Merida. It provides such a nice overview of Merida to help new visitors get acquainted and oriented with the city.

During the Merida free walking tour, you’ll learn how this Catholic church was constructed from Mayan ruins. The guide also reveals the hidden locations of ancient Mayan symbols.

This free walking tour of Merida is put on by Merida’s Tourism Office. They ask participants to register there, in person, before the tour.

Alternatively, you may want to consider pre-booking a private walking tour of Merida .

We recommend the Merida Free Walking Tour as an inexpensive intro to the city. But if the Free Walking Tour is filled to capacity, the 9:30 am time doesn’t work for your schedule, or you simply prefer not to join a group of strangers, then you may want to consider booking a private walking tour of Merida.

This private walking tour can be scheduled at nearly any time, including Sundays. It’s 5-star rated and well-priced (currently only US$25 /person). Check the availability and price of this tour during your travel dates.

14) Discover the Mayan World at the Gran Museo de Mundo Maya Merida

If you want to learn more about the Mayan people, culture, and history, the Great Mayan World Museum is most definitely the place to do it! We don’t know of anywhere else in the world with more Mayan artifacts under the same roof. There are over 1,100 different pieces here !

This expansive museum will leave visitors with a deep understanding of the Mayan civilization. The Mayan World Museum takes guests on a journey that begins with natural history from the beginning of time. The exhibits slowly progress to the life of the modern Maya today.

It’s all a great primer before visiting the many ancient Mayan sites throughout the Yucatan. Most of those ruins lack information at the actual sites. So visiting the Maya Museum in Merida can be a smart idea to gain some knowledge before venturing out to the Mayan ruins, such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza.

In fact, some of the artifacts that have been dug up at Chichen Itza are now on display here in the museum. Those who are fascinated with history can likely spend several hours perusing the exhibits of the Mayan World Museum. There are lots of exhibits to peruse and information to read.

There is some signage in English throughout the museum. Yet if you’d like to have a full tour of the Great Mayan World Museum, be sure to come to the museum on Saturdays or Sundays for the 11:00 am English tour.

Since the museum is entirely indoors and you could spend a lot of time there, the Gran Museo de Mundo Maya would make for a great thing to do in Merida on a rainy day.

Alternatively to the Grand Maya World Museum, the Palacio Canton Museum of Anthropology houses a smaller number of Mayan artifacts and is currently open. More info is listed in #9 of this article.

13) Get Lost Amongst Chaos in the Lucas de Galvez Market Merida

Merida’s main market is a site not to be seen. The Lucas de Galvez market is something that should be experienced! You can find everything from fresh vegetables to homemade crafts, local clothing, and lots more in between. A visit to the market is one of the best things to do in Merida to get a good feel for local life in the city.

Merida’s bustling market dates back to the late 1800s when it was just a small shed. It sure has grown since then. Today Merida’s main market is a sprawling and delightfully chaotic place that’s now packed with local life. That’s all part of the fun. Weave your way through the hectic maze-like atmosphere and browse away at all the local goods!

You can even eat lunch at the Lucas de Galvez market. So you may want to plan to grab a bite from one of the many vendors hawking freshly made plates of food.

We’ve had good luck with both tacos and pork here, but we shy away from the grilled fish that has a very fishy smell. Agua frescas and horchatas near the entrance are also a good bet if you fancy something cool to sip on while strolling through the warm mercado .

If near Merida’s city center in the daytime, a visit to Lucas de Galvez market Merida is a must to get a taste of local life in Merida. Note: We recommend staying clear of the pet section towards the center of the market due to the poor conditions observed during our last visit.

12) Attend One of Merida’s Annual Festivals

Merida has some interesting and popular annual events to consider if your visit happens to coincide with the right time of year. There are so many things to do in Merida all year long!

January is Merida Fest

This is one of the largest celebrations of the city and spans the course of several weeks of nightly fiestas. The annual festival celebrates the founding of Merida. The 2024 celebration of Merida Fest commemorates the city’s 482nd anniversary!

Throughout Merida Fest, expect numerous concerts, cultural shows, artistic performances, and other events. Combine all of these events with milder temperatures and you’ll understand why January can be such an excellent time to visit Merida.

While Merida Fest brings an assortment of activities that span weeks, be sure not to miss the opening night trova stroll to Plaza Grande that precedes an awesome fireworks display.

📅 When : Usually begins January 5 and spans through most of January. In 2024 Merida Fest runs Jan 5-24. 📍 Location : Various venues throughout Merida. ℹ️ More info : Check back at the event’s official site, merida.gov , for more info.

February-March is the Carnaval of Merida

During Merida’s Carnaval season, events are held throughout the city, with celebrations, concerts, and several big parades held at Merida’s Ciudad Carnaval . Carnaval is a very fun and festive time to be in Merida!

Dates vary each year, based on the Lent/Easter calendar, usually falling in February although occasionally in March (e.g., 2025). The parades and biggest events of Merida’s Carnival season typically occur the Friday before Ash Wednesday and continue through Tuesday.

📅 When : In 2024, the main celebrations for Merida Carnaval run from Jan 27-Feb 13 with the main parades of Merida’s Carnaval occurring Feb 9-13, 2024. 📍 Location : Carnaval City, also known as the X’matkuil Fairgrounds, located here . Free shuttle buses provide transportation from the center of town to Carnaval City. ℹ️ More info : Official info about Merida Carnaval here: merida.gov .

March-April in Merida is Holy Week and Spring Equinox

If you happen to be in Merida on the Spring Equinox (March 19th in 2024), definitely consider venturing out to a nearby Mayan ruin to witness a spectacle! Go to Chichen Itza in the late afternoon to see the serpent appear in sunlight/shadow form on the side of the pyramid. Better yet, much closer to Merida are the Dzibilchaltún ruins, where the door of a temple is illuminated at sunrise. (More info about these ruins is later in this article.)

Just as in the rest of Mexico, here in Merida, you can expect to experience the culture of Semana Santa processions surrounding Easter. On Good Friday, consider going to the Merida Cathedral to see the stages of the cross acted out in traditional clothing.  In 2024, look for Holy Week events running March 24-31, 2024.

September Merida Celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day

During Mexico’s Independence Day, Merida has festive celebrations throughout the city. Head over to Plaza Grande on the evening of Sept 15th, 2024, for El Grito . That’s when the Cry of Dolores is reacted in Merida, along with bands and celebrations. The fiesta continues throughout the city on Sept 16th, 2024.

Also around this time is the Fall Equinox, when you again have an opportunity to see the sun interact with nearby ruins in spectacular fashion. In 2024, the Fall Equinox is September 22.

Late October and Early November is Hanal Pixán, Merida’s Day of the Dead

Early November ushers in traditional Day of the Dead displays and festivities that you can find throughout Centro. Día de Muertos in Merida is known locally as Hanal Pixán . It’s the Mayan tradition of Day of the Dead.

In Merida, the holiday is punctuated by Paseo de las Animas event in which a spirited stroll occurs from San Juan to the General Cemetery. Day of the Dead is Nov 2 and since this falls on a Saturday in 2024, expect the bulk Merida’s Hanal Pixán festivities happening throughout the entire week leading up to the Saturday’s celebrations.

Throughout November, Merida typically hosts Yucatan’s state fair , Feria de Xmatkuil . It’s a huge event, attracting millions, and includes rides, food stalls, concerts, agricultural exhibits, and more.

December Is Christmas in Merida

Finally, Navidad ( Christmas ) in Merida brings out decorations, a festive atmosphere, and other holiday traditions. It’s a fun time of year to spend in Merida, for a warm-weather holiday season.

Be sure to visit Plaza Grande to see Merida’s grand nativity scene, along with other seasonal decorations. Walk around the city center at night to enjoy the lights! Consider attending Christmas mass at the Cathedral. Also, know that Christmas Eve in Merida is not a ‘silent night,’ and is instead filled with celebration.

More : The suggestions listed above are only a smattering of Merida’s biggest annual events. There are many other happenings every year in Merida in addition to these. Expect to find sporting events, concerts, ballads, operas, races, craft fairs, cantoya (balloon) festivals, and so much more!

11) Have a Night at the Theatre in Merida

Even if you’re not actually going to have a night out at the theatre, curious visitors should at least pop into the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras during the day. It’s a worthwhile thing to do in Merida to simply have a look around the elegant century-old theatre, built between 1900-1908.

While stopping by, don’t hesitate to visit the small, free, air-conditioned art museum on-site. This little museum can simultaneously be used as a great excuse to cool off while viewing the funky exhibits.

After taking in the art, walk by the impressive marble staircase towards the box office to see if there may be any events during your visit. Typically, the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra performs at the theatre on most (not all) Fridays at 9:00 pm and Sundays at Noon.

🔥 Important note for 2024 : Sadly, this theatre caught fire a bit more than a year ago due to a short circuit on the third floor. Although significantly damaged, thankfully the theatre is not a complete loss since the damage was to the interior rather than the structure. Performances here have been relocated while restoration takes place. Much restoration work has been completed and officials expect the theatre to reopen in 2024.

So Teatro Jose Peon Contreras could still be worth checking out this year, particularly if you’re in Merida later in 2024 when events may be returning to the famed theatre. In the meantime, you can still catch the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra at their temporary new home , the nearby Palacio de la Musica. And it’s still worth taking a quick stroll by Teatro Jose Peon Contreras to admire the theatre from the outside and see how renovations are progressing.

10) Experience Pok Ta Pok: Representation of the Mayan Ball Game

The tradition of this ancient Mayan sport is kept alive during this weekly event that unfolds in front of the Cathedral. Each Wednesday, watch the players battle it out while traditional live music accompanies the spectacle. Although this game is played as a re-creation for demonstrative purposes, the players are very much into the game with a high level of competitive spirit.

Players of Pok Ta Pok slide onto Merida’s cobblestone street in an attempt to score by hitting the ball with their hips into the post. Once you witness the sport in action, the game will make more sense. The way they slide so hard onto the ground, it’s a miracle each player doesn’t leave the ball court scraped and bloody.

Scoring is quite rare. Doing so is extremely difficult, particularly during this abridged 30-minute version of this game. So if someone does manage to complete a goal, consider yourself lucky (we’ve never seen it), and be sure to cheer loudly!

The Pok Ta Pok event in Merida is a free event held every Saturday at 8:00 pm in 2024. But we strongly suggest arriving earlier than 8:00 pm. Seats do fill up and may not be available for late arrivals.

9) Roam Around Merida’s Famed Paseo de Montejo

You can’t come to Merida without seeing the grand Paseo de Montejo. This wide avenue built in Merida’s henequén heyday conjectures images of Paris’s Champs-Élysées. Historic mansions line the grand avenue, as do many quaint cafes.

There’s even an inviting Starbucks along the Paseo that blends right into the white cityscape. But with so many great local cafes, we suggest stopping into one of those instead. For example, we can personally recommend Márago Coffee as a fantastic place to break apart your morning stroll with an intricate cup of coffee.

Or go to Posheria , where they’ll add a shot of pox (local Mayan liquor) into your iced latte, upon request. To satiate your sweet tooth, try some cool local treats at Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón .

Continue walking along the boulevard past the mansions, cafes, and museums until reaching the ornate Monumento a la Patria (AKA the Flag Monument) that’s encircled by a busy roundabout. The intricate monument makes a good spot for a photo and a good turnaround point.

How you experience the Paseo de Montejo is entirely up to you. You can easily walk it. The sidewalks along the Paseo de Montejo are the widest and most pedestrian-friendly in all of Merida. Frequent trees offer shade to help protect you from Merida’s often intense sun. We suggest strolling the Paseo in the morning when it’s not as warm.

The most scenic stretch of Paseo de Montejo is from the Montejo Monument near Plaza Santa Ana to the Monumento a la Patria . This 1.6-kilometer section can take about 30 minutes to walk, each way if taking a leisurely stroll, without any prolonged stops. To beat the heat, consider a one-way walk and return to Centro using one of the frequent public buses that run down Paseo de Montejo. Or walk back along the opposite side of the boulevard if it’s comfortable outside.

You could easily spend a half-day along the Paseo if breaking apart your walk by entering museums, relaxing at cafes, gawking at mansions, taking photos at monuments, enjoying lunch or ice cream, and discovering other points of interest you may stumble across along the way.

While a slow stroll is recommended to really absorb this grand avenue, you may also consider experiencing the Paseo de Montejo more quickly by car or bicycle. More information on the latter can be found in a subsequent section of this Merida travel guide. However you tour this famous boulevard, just make sure that it’s on your list of things to do in Merida, Mexico!

8) Step Back in Time and into the Historic Mansions along the Paseo

You can find two notable museums while strolling the west side of the Paseo. While their exhibits are interesting, entering these museums simultaneously gives visitors a chance to waltz through Merida’s historic mansions that are otherwise only viewed from the outside.

Palacio Cantón

The Palacio Cantón , also known as the Museum of Anthropology and History, showcases Mayan archaeology across two levels of a big century-old Neoclassical mansion, pictured below.

If you don’t have a chance to make it to the Mayan World Museum (suggested earlier in this article), then the Palacio Canton provides a closer albeit smaller alternative to consider visiting to view Mayan artifacts.

Before you go, know that most signage is in Spanish here. So non-Spanish speakers won’t be able to absorb info from the exhibits. Even so, it can still be worth a visit to walk the mansion’s grand halls and see the rotating exhibits.

🕙 Hours : Tuesday-Saturdays, 8:00-5:00 💲 Price: $95 pesos 📍 Location : Here , along the Paseo between Calles 41 & 43.

Casa Museo Montes Molina

In the Casa Museo Montes Molina, visitors can tour the opulent period furnishings original to this Merida mansion.

Upon entering the museum, a 10-minute briefing (available in English) provides visitors with the details of how this historic mansion has served generations of Montejos, descendants of Merida’s founder. Then you’re free to explore the rooms that are filled with ornate antique furnishings.

🕙 Hours : Monday-Sunday 10:00-6:00 💲 Price: $85 pesos entrance, guided tour $100 pesos 📍 Location : Here , along the Paseo near Calle 35 ℹ️ More info: See the museum’s website

7) Drink Your Way Across Merida

There are many great cantinas and lively bars to enjoy throughout Merida. Happy hour runs late here, so you can often find great drink deals into the 8:00 pm hour and even beyond.

Whether you’re after cervezas, margaritas, palomas, tequila, mezcal, pox, or micheladas, there’s no shortage of local libations to taste throughout Merida. There are even some local craft beers made in Merida that you can find throughout centro.

If you enjoy drinking, you must visit some of Merida’s  cantinas , traditional drinking establishments in Mexico. La Negrita is a traveler’s favorite that’s a comfortable introduction to cantinas in Merida, given its friendly service, live music, complimentary botanas (snacks), and local cerveza artisanal (craft beer).

Speaking of craft beer , there are a few good breweries that have popped up in Merida during the past couple of years. While you can venture to the Northern fringes of Merida to Cerveza Patito , there are more local breweries now springing up in the Centro. Try one of the six beers on tap at Bacap Cervecería ($90 pesos). Or check out the new Cuerno de Toro taproom, which is recieving great reviews for its unique brews (pints $75-$95 pesos).

To try a local liquor, look for pox (pronounced: poshe) while drinking around Merida. Made from corn, pox is a regional specialty in Mexico’s Mayan areas. Those intrigued should stop into the Posheria store to sample the many different pox offerings ranging from traditional pox to ceremonial pox to flavored pox. Buy a few bottles to bring home to share this unique liquor with friends.

For something even stronger, try La Fundacion Mezcaleria to dabble in the mezcal, the famous agave liquor produced in Oaxaca, Mexico . The mezcal in this bar is served in traditional fashion – with sour orange slices and a salty powder made from ground-up worms. The sal de gusano (worm salt), as it’s called, tastes much better than it sounds!

Lastly, no overview of Merida’s unique drinking establishments would be complete without mentioning the secret speakeasy that popped up in town a few years ago. It boasts excellent cocktails in a fun atmosphere. So where is it? Half the fun is finding Merida’s hidden speakeasy, so we’ll just let you know that it’s somewhere in Centro to help keep it a secret. Good luck!

But really, we advocate for out-of-towners to check out Merida’s cantinas for a more local experience.

If you’re a bit intimidated to walk through the swinging doors of a questionable cantina, or if you’re just not sure where to begin your bar crawl of Merida, then try this Merida Cantina Walking Tour . The fun-filled tour will usher you to three of Merida’s best cantinas. During the cantina crawl, a guide explains all about Merida’s cantina culture and tells entertaining stories along the way. The price includes drinks and hearty local snacks at all three of the cantinas you visit.  Check availability and the latest reviews here .

6) Relax & Connect Among Mexico’s Most Pleasant Plazas

If you’re searching for what to do in Merida, don’t overlook just taking a break in the center of town to absorb all the beautiful ambiance. The Plaza Grande is the perfect place for that.

It’s a great central spot to simply unwind. Plaza Grande is where many Meridians and travelers alike congregate during the day, into the evening, and particularly on the weekends. Surrounded by architectural marvels, like the Cathedral and Government Palace, this central city square provides a beautiful 360-degree backdrop.

Find a bench shaded by a tree to get out of the heat and let the breeze drift by. Visit one of the many food vendors that set up along the edge of the plaza, particularly on Sundays, to indulge in a mid-afternoon snack. Watch children feeding the pigeons and buying balloons.

Enjoy the company you’re with or practice your Spanish by making some new friends. Merida’s Plaza Grande is the place to do so. Yucatan’s signature dual chairs scattered throughout the plaza make it easy to chat with one another. Plaza Grande is also the spot to snap a photo in front of the colorful Merida sign .

Alternatively, catch up on a few emails or post to your Instagram to show your friends back home how beautiful Merida is. Plaza Grande is connected! Complimentary Wi-Fi and numerous charging stations are found throughout this pleasant plaza right in the heart of Merida.

Plaza Grande may be the most central and well-known of Merida’s plazas. Yet there are several more that you should check out while strolling around town. So also consider other interesting plazas in Merida to stop at, relax, and enjoy local life:

• Parque Santa Lucia : Merida’s second-most popular plaza is lined with great restaurants, has the enormous novelty-sized “you-and-me” chair for fun photos (see below), and free concerts on Thursday nights.
• Parque Santa Ana : Sunny open plaza on the northern part of centro.
• Parque Santiago : Square with an adjacent market, food vendors with an abundance of turkey specialties, and a Tuesday night orchestra with dancing that attracts an older, local crowd.

5) Explore the Free Public Buildings Surrounding Plaza Grande

Within this one recommendation, there are another five things to do in Merida! There is so much to see and experience all around the Plaza Grande’s perimeter. So once you’re done relaxing in the plaza, be sure to check out each of these Plaza Grande attractions.

Perhaps best of all, each of the following museums and buildings lining the Plaza Grande are entirely free to enter . And many of them are air-conditioned too, providing some much-needed relief from the heat if roaming around town in the hot afternoon. Thank you, Mérida!

Some of these buildings are nondescript, with no signage. Security guards are stationed in front of the government buildings, leading unsuspecting visitors to believe they are off-limits. But these buildings are actually open to the public. Those of you who are now in the know can walk right past the security guards to enjoy fantastic balconies hidden in plain sight .

5.1) For Art – Museum of Contemporary Art, Merida

View the artwork found throughout the free Museo Fernando García Ponce-MACAY ( Museo de Arte Contempoáneo Ateneo de Yucatán ). You’ll walk through the contemporary art museum’s open courtyard and along the interior balcony, where curators periodically escort you into private rooms through old large doors. Once in these rooms, you’ll find beautiful and eccentric artwork, on both permanent and temporary display, and both from the Yucatan and further afield.

The museum building itself is also of interest. The building dates back to the early 1600s when it was built to be the Archbishop’s Palace. The building was later used as a seminary in the 1700s and a university in the 1800s, all before ultimately becoming an art museum in 1993. So as you admire the art, be sure to also appreciate this historic structure itself. Note the short opening times (below).

5.2) For a Glimpse into Merida’s Wealthy Past – Casa de Montejo Museum

Want to know what wealthy Victorian Mexican life was like back in the hacienda days?  Then wander on into the free  Casa de Montejo on the Plaza’s south side to take a peek at the rooms, furniture, and fine china of this former Meridian mansion.

The Montejo House Museum is another very early structure to Merida. Built between 1542-1549 this building is nearly 500 years old! It is said to be the only example of a Renaissance-style civil house in Mexico.

5.3) For Merida’s Grand Cathedral – Catedral de San Ildefonso

Marvel at the architecture of the historic Catedral de San Ildefonso, also known as the Mérida Cathedral. The building of the Cathedral was completed in 1598, making it what is often touted as the oldest completed cathedral on the mainland of the Americas . Needless to say, this cathedral packs history!

Built on the former site of a Mayan temple, you can find some of the stone from that temple used in the construction of this 400+ year-old cathedral. Feel free to take a peek inside to see the huge Cristo de la Unidad (Christ of Unity) crucifix behind the altar. If you do enter, just make sure to be dressed respectfully and remain quiet, all while Meridians come in to pray periodically. Although there is no strict dress code, shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect if entering the Merida Cathedral.

5.4) For Views & Architecture – Palacio Municipal, Merida

Merida’s Municipal Palace can be easily identified from Plaza Grande by looking for the beautiful pink building with a clock tower. Located on the plaza’s west side, head upstairs onto the long shaded balcony of the municipal building to capture a nice panoramic view of Merida’s Plaza Grande.

After Merida’s Palacio Municipal was closed to public access for the last few years , in 2024 visitors can again enjoy the building’s balcony views. This can be a great spot for taking photos of Plaza Grande. Also be sure to view it at night too, when it’s all lit up!

Also, note that there is a convenient and helpful tourism office on the ground floor here.

5.5) For Open-Air Strolls and Magnificent Murals – Palacio de Gobierno, Merida

Our favorite building in this area to roam around is the roomy halls and courtyard of the Palacio de Gobierno. Built during the late 1800s, the lovely “government palace” now houses some large and impressive murals depicting the history between the Mayans and Spaniards, by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.

When approaching Merida’s Government Palace, you may encounter a guard. Just ask him if you can enter and he’ll let you in to roam around. It’s one of the few buildings surrounding Plaza Grande that is open fairly late (9:30 pm). As a result, the open-air building makes for an enchanting evening stroll through its corridors as the Cathedral lights up at night.

📍 Location : North side of Plaza Grande, along Calle 61, right here .

4) Dance in the Streets of Merida During Its Weekly Fiestas!

There’s always something going on every night of the week in Merida. You simply have to know when and where to look. Merida loves to dance. The city’s streets and plazas come to life at night with weekly cultural performances, concerts, and dances open to the public that you can join. So pack your dancin’ shoes!

So here is what to do in Merida every night of the week, which often involves dancing the night away:

• Monday’s in Merida :  Vaqueria Night is the beautiful Folkloric Ballet of Merida shows regional music, dance, and clothes, accompanied by the Jaranera Orchestra. 📍 Calle 62 in front of the Municipal Palace. 🕘 9:00-10:00 pm Mondays. 💲   Free
• Trova kicks off Tuesday nights with a regional Trova performance of romantic music, regional to Yucatan. 📍 Cultural Center . 🕗 8:00 pm Tuesdays. 💲   Free
• Musical Memories allows the romance to continue by finding a partner to dance the night away, as Big Band sounds are played under the stars by a live orchestra. 📍 Parque Santiago . 🕗 8:30-10:00 pm Tuesdays. 💲   Free
• Wednesdays in Merida : Take a break from the dancing to see the Dialogues of the Conqueror show every Wednesday. Outside of his home, a representation of Francisco de Montejo portrays historic events along with video mapping. 📍 In front of the Casa de Montejo Museum  🕗 8:00 pm Wednesdays. 💲   Free
• Thursdays in Merida : Yucatecan Serenade is one of the longest-standing weekly events in the city, having been going on for over 40 years. Watching this folkloric show is a must for things to do in Merida on a Thursday night. 📍 Parque Santa Lucia 🕘 9:00 pm Thursdays. 💲   Free.
• Video mapping of the Cathedral is the main cultural event of the Friday evenings in Merida. During this event known as “Sacred Stones,” the Cathedral of Merida is lit up with colorful images and impressive animation. 📍 Cathedral 🕘 9:00 pm Thursdays. 💲   Free.
• Corazón de Mérida : Yet for something more lively on Fridays, stroll along the two blocks of Calle 60 which become closed to vehicles on Fridays (and Saturdays) as the restaurants, cafes, and bars spill onto the street. 📍 Calle 60 between Calles 57-61 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 pm Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays. 💲   Free.
• Noche Mexicana  boasts a night of Mexican culture with traditional music and dance performances spanning from the Yucatan and other regions across the country. 📍 Remate Paseo Montejo 🕗  8:00 – 10:00 pm. 💲   Free
• Pok Ta Pok. Reminder: the Mayan ball game, already highlighted in this guide, is Saturdays. 📍 Cathedral 🕗 8 :00 pm Saturdays. 💲   Free.
• Sundays in Merida :  Merida en Domingo is an all-day event in which food stalls and pop-up restaurants congregate in the plaza with more marquesita stands than you can count. As night approaches, bands begin to play and people start to dance. It’s a beautiful Sunday tradition in Merida that compliments the Sunday bike route (see Merida Thing to Do #3). 📍 Plaza Grande 🕗 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Sundays 💲   Free.

3) Go for a Bike Ride on Sunday Morning: BiciRuta Merida

We sure do love a good bike-friendly city. Unfortunately, Mérida is not one. There are no bike lanes or paths throughout Merida centro. Instead, you’ll find hectic narrow streets and skinny sidewalks which are for pedestrians only.

But this all changes each Sunday morning.

Every Sunday, some of Merida’s most beautiful and popular streets are shut down for La Biciruta (Bike Route). This allows cyclists a chance to ride around town. Much of the city comes out on Sunday morning to partake in this weekly Sunday bike ride tradition.

There’s no need to worry about traffic or cars at all on Sunday mornings. It’s only then that vehicles are blocked from the Biciruta route that cuts right through the heart of Merida.

Cruise on up the beautiful wide streets of Paseo de Montejo which were modeled to be like the Champs-Élysées. Pedal on past the lovely town squares. Have a friendly race with a child. If you’re here on a Sunday morning, the Bici-Ruta is THE thing to do in Mérida. Don’t miss it.

You don’t have to look far to find a bike rental. Simply walk up the Paseo, where you should find stands that are renting bikes.

Check near the Flag Monument. Or closer to Centro there’s typically a bike rental place located right here .

2) Discover Local Yucatan Cuisine in Merida

Merida is home to some of the best cuisine in Mexico. Sure, you can find Mexican favorites such as great tacos and elote (corn) in Merida. But the Yucatan holds its own regional specialties. Any visitor to Merida absolutely must try the local Yucatan cuisine. There are many regional dishes found in Merida that are unique, distinctive, and quite different from elsewhere in Mexico.

Much of this Yucatan cuisine has roots in traditional Mayan cooking, yet with heavy influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and other Mexican regions. The culmination of cooking cultures makes for some interesting local cuisine to try in Merida. That’s what makes eating one of the best things to do in Merida!

Below are some notable Yucatan dishes you will find on local menus. Try these delicious local foods in Merida :

• Cochinita pibil: This is arguably the most notable Yucatecan dish (and our personal favorite). Cochinita pibil is tender slow-cooked pork marinated in sour orange, achiote, and other spices. There’s also a tasty chicken version, pollo pibil .
• Sopa de lima : (Lime soup) A hearty soup loaded with shredded turkey in a deliciously tangy broth thanks to the namesake lime juice.
• Poc-chuc : Thinly sliced pork that has been marinated in sour orange juice and grilled to perfection.
• Queso relleno : A hollowed-out ball of Edam cheese is stuffed with ground pork and cooked until it becomes gooey before being smothered with gravy.
• Pavo relleno negro : Turkey covered in a rich dark chili sauce.
• Papadzules : A great local vegetarian dish of hard-boiled eggs, wrapped in tortillas and topped with a pumpkin seed sauce.
• Huevos M otuleños : A Yucatan breakfast dish, named after the nearby town of Motul where it originated. It’s composed of tortillas with eggs, beans, and cheese that’s covered in a salsa and topped with chopped ham and peas.

Also, be sure to try Heather’s absolute favorite Yucatan snack, marquesitas. (You can thank us later, after biting into this unique sweet and savory street food in Merida.) Marquesita stands are easily found everywhere throughout Merida.

What is a marquesita? See our video demonstration below:

So where do you find all this yummy Yucatan food in Merida? We wrote a separate post that details what we suggest are some of our favorite places for local eats. Read: Best Restaurants in Merida for Local Cuisine and Value. (Note, we need to update that article for 2024, but it should still give you some solid places to try.)

Yet to really get to know the food scene in Merida, we recommend this highly-rated Street Food walking tour (Monday-Saturday). Some reviewers even rate this 3-hour tour as the best thing they did while visiting Merida. It’s a perfect introduction to Yucatan cuisine throughout Merida, allowing visitors to sample all of Yucatan’s best cuisine with a local guide who knows all the best spots. Check availability and all the recent 5-star reviews .

The #1 Thing to Do in Merida, Mexico: Day Trips!

Mérida itself is a fantastic place to explore for a few days. Yet perhaps one of the best things about Merida is its central location within the Yucatan. This allows for so many amazing day trips for endless adventures around the peninsula.

Merida is surrounded by countless ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful blue cenotes (natural underground pools), fascinating haciendas, quiet strands of Gulf beaches, and intriguing Mayan villages dotting the land in between. This is why day trips top our list of best things to do in Merida. There is always a new Yucatan adventure to embark on from Merida.

Merida is such a perfect hub city as it connects so many of these sites within a short hour or two jaunt from the city center. We love using Merida as a charming base to explore the Yucatan to the fullest during the day, then retreat back to Merida for more comfort, food, and fun in the evening.

• Catch a boat to see the wild flamingos in Celestun ,
• Visit nearby cenotes such as our favorite: the  three cenotes of Cuzuma , connected by horse cart,
• Take this well-rated Chichen Itza Day Trip from Merida ,
• Tour an old hacienda outside of town,
• Have an extreme caving adventure in Grutas Calcehtok   or Grutas Tzabnah,
• Journey to the nearby yellow Mayan town of Izamal ,
• Explore the lesser-visited Mayapan Ruins or the closest Mayan ruins to Merida – Dzibilchaltún ,
• Take a road trip across the Ruta Puuc for a driving adventure connecting many ruin sites,
• Simply have a relaxing day at a beach near Merida , or
• Try this awesome tour of Uxmal , to see the Yucatan’s other famous ruins and our favorite (see video below).

The possibilities of how to explore the Yucatan from Merida are virtually endless. Take a second-class bus out of the city for the day, rent a car to explore entirely on your own, or join one of the many tours in Merida you can find on offer. Search Viator for a good selection of well-priced day tours .

Mérida is the perfect base to go out and explore the Yucatan during the day. Have some amazing adventures, then return to Merida in the evening for the excellent restaurants, the culture, and the festive nightlife. For us, that is truly what Mérida’s appeal is all about! And that is what continues to draw us back to this magical city, again and again, as we keep discovering so many awesome adventures all throughout the state of Yucatan.

We have published an accompanying article with all of our recommendations for the: Best Day Trips from Merida .  This additional Merida travel guide details all of the best excursions from Merida, reviews the best ruins to visit, the best beaches to go to, the best cenotes to explore, and the best cultural towns that are all within a two-hour drive from Merida.

• Read next: Best Day Trips from Merida, Mexico

Where to Stay in Merida Mexico

If you’re trying to determine where to stay in Merida, you’re in luck because great Merida hotels are abundant at bargain prices. Book early though, as some of the best accommodations and prices do tend to get reserved in advance.

There are two main hotel districts in Merida where many visitors stay:

• the Centro around Plaza Grande, or
• Plaza Fiesta Americana near the intersection of Colon and Paseo Montejo.

Of the two, we recommend staying close to Centro Merida within easy walking distance of Plaza Grande. That way you’ll be close to most of Merida’s main attractions, many restaurants & bars, and where the fiestas take place. But if you do opt to stay around Plaza Americana instead, you’re really not far from all the action either. It’s just a 30-minute walk or a very quick Uber/taxi/bus ride to Centro and Plaza Grande.

We’ve listed some of our Merida hotel and accommodation recommendations below. For ease of searching and to obtain pricing for your exact dates, we’ve included affiliate links to HotelsCombined.com, which then scours through all the main booking sites (Expedia, Orbitz, Agoda, Travelocity, Booking, etc.) to determine which site gives you the very best rate.

Hostels in Merida Are Best for Solo Travelers

If you’re a solo traveler in Merida, hostels are a great choice. But if you’re traveling as a couple or a group, you’ll find much better value at the city’s very reasonably priced hotels instead.

Hostel beds in shared dorms start around $10 USD per night in Merida. Meanwhile, private rooms at hostels start closer to $35 USD, making hotels a better option for those who want a private room, since 3-star rooms can be had for about the same price.

The consistently top-rated and recommended hostel in Merida is:

• Nomadas is centrally located, has a big pool, and free breakfast. But book early, as Nomadas regularly sells out, particularly during high season (winter months). Check availability for Nomadas on HostelWorld now .

Great Midrange Hotels in Merida for Only US$35 per Night!

There are some great 3-star+ properties right in the heart of Merida Centro for US$30-40, making for excellent value! We’ve stayed at many of them ourselves, including each of these three steals below.

• Hotel Maria Jose has large-sized rooms, a nice pool, a great location in Centro, and the strongest wifi of any hotel we’ve stayed at in Merida.
• Hotel Doloralba Merida is difficult to beat in terms of value. The centrally located 3-star hotel has an outdoor pool and nice clean rooms. But their rack rate is nearly $100 USD (not worth it). However, they regularly run online deals for under $50 USD, which even includes a decent hot breakfast buffet for two! That’s an absolute bargain in Merida that we couldn’t refuse. We now wholeheartedly recommend it. Just check current rates .

And for just a bit more, also consider one of the best in Merida:

• Luz en Yucatan : There’s a reason why this 15-room boutique hotel has been consistently listed as a #1 accommodation in Merida by popular travel guidebooks and Tripadvisor alike. Perhaps it’s the excellent location right next to Parque Santa Lucia. Maybe it’s the well-appointed rooms that are all different from one another. Perhaps it’s the relaxed atmosphere, the inviting pool, the communal kitchen, and the dining area. Nah, we think it’s because Luz is owned by travelers who have mastered what travelers are looking for in a place to stay. Oh, and the freebies go well beyond coffee at Luz. You’ll find complimentary cervezas in the mini-fridges and there’s a mythical hospitality bar if you fancy a shot of tequila! (I know where we’re staying next visit!) Note: Luz tends to book up solid during the high season, so reserve early. Check availability now .

Home Rentals and Boutique Offers in Merida

Rental apartments and small boutique hotels have exploded throughout Merida in the past years. As a result, many beautiful rental options abound. Here’s a rental we scored during our last stay in Merida, which included this beautiful enclosed pool!

Rental sites like Airbnb can work well in Merida, as they have some fantastic apartment and home listings, many located right in Merida’s centro. Just beware that the best rental units tend to get booked up well in advance. Those who are booking last minute may be met with high prices and/or undesirable offerings.

If using short-term rentals, like Airbnb, in Merida, we strongly recommend booking early and vetting reviews.

For Those Who Want Luxury in Merida

If you’re looking for a little more luxury, consider staying about a kilometer North of the center of Merida. Near the intersection of Colon and Paseo Montejo is where you’ll find reliable upscale hotel chains in Merida that still offer some pretty generous rates. Here you find  Intercontinental Presidente Merida and the Hyatt Regency Merida .

Two other fantastic local luxury hotels within the $100 range to consider are Hotel Hacienda Merida and Hotel Hacienda VIP .

Merida Travel Tips: Plan Before Your Trip

Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind as you plan to roam around the streets of Merida:

⌛ How many days to spend during a trip to Merida, Mexico?

Most of the Merida city highlights mentioned in this travel guide can be experienced within about two days or so, not including any day trips. For those pressed for time, 2-3 days in Merida can suffice. But if time allows, spending 5-7 days in Merida would be far more ideal to pursue the abundance of awesome day trips that surround the city.

Having a full week in Merida will allow time to get out to Merida’s nearby ruins, cenotes, eco-attractions, villages, and beaches. A one-week stay in Merida will further allow you to experience each of Merida’s nightly cultural events. Staying for a week in Merida also allows trying many of the great restaurants in town and simply get to know this city on a deeper level.

So if you have the time and interest, try to stay for a week.

✈️ Getting to Merida, Mexico

Merida has its own airport with regular domestic flights throughout Mexico. International flights to Merida are limited to Miami, Houston, Dallas/Ft Worth (seasonal), Atlanta (resumes March 2024), Orlando (begins July 2024), Toronto (seasonal), Havana, and Guatemala City. If flying to Merida from elsewhere internationally, a layover will be necessary.

Two Ways to save flying to Merida :

• Fly to Cancun + transfer : With a far greater abundance of international direct flights into Cancun, it can often prove more economical and convenient to fly into Cancun, then transfer to Merida using bus or the new train. There are regularly departing ADO buses direct from the Cancun airport to Merida. The comfortable 4-hour bus ride from CUN to Merida can save time and money compared to dealing with an airport layover and a more expensive flight route. New for 2024, catch the Maya Train directly from the Cancun Airport into Merida.
• Stopover in MEX : If flying to Merida from outside Mexico, consider flying into Mexico City first. There are many economical flights into Mexico City from the US and all over the world. Then book a separate subsequent flight to Merida using one of Mexico’s domestic budget airlines. VivaAerobus and Volaris have daily cheap flights from MEX for under $1,500 pesos (less than $75 USD).

🚂 Take the Maya Train to Merida, Mexico

In December of last year, the inaugural section of the Tren Maya (Maya Train) finally began running. This connects the Merida by rail to locations such as Cancun, Campeche, and Palenque. This new train offers an interesting transportation option when traveling to/from Merida throughout this region.

Although the Maya Train has officially begun operating, services have been suspended at the time of updating this article (Jan 2024). Check the official Tren Maya website for updates and the potential for purchasing train tickets when service resumes (expected soon).

💵 Money matters in Merida, Mexico

This is Mexico, so Mexican pesos are the currency, of course. Rarely, if ever, is USD or other currencies accepted.

ATMs abound throughout Merida, accept foreign cards, and provide good rates. (Just check with your bank before departing to inquire about international fees your bank may charge.)

Credit cards are also accepted around Merida. But smaller businesses will likely only take pesos in cash. Currency exchange places can be easily found in Merida centro and at the Merida airport. Rates vary.

🚕 Getting around Merida, Mexico

Centro Merida is easily walkable.

But to go further afield or even a short distance during a particularly hot afternoon, consider taking an Uber . It’s a safe way to get around Merida and they’re frequent. Ubers can be particularly convenient if your Spanish isn’t good enough to explain directions since you input the destination in the app. You can use the same Uber app in Merida that works for you at home. Just ensure you have a local or international data plan on your phone. Most rides around Centro come out to $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD).

Taxis are also available in Merida.

 ☔  Rainy Season in Merida, Mexico

June-October is when rain chances become higher in Merida. Note, that it doesn’t rain all day, every day in Merida during those months. So don’t let Merida’s rainy season be a reason to halt travel plans. But there is a likely chance of rain at some point during a summer visit. Just be prepared for occasional showers during this time of year. Pack a good rain jacket or a compact travel umbrella like this .

June through November is also hurricane season for the Yucatan peninsula. Again, we wouldn’t hesitate to take a trip to Merida during this time and have many times. But it’s still worth monitoring any disturbances brewing in the tropics as a summer or fall trip to Merida approaches.

☀️ Beware of Merida’s afternoon heat

Merida can be very hot, year-round. The most pleasant temperatures tend to come between November and February, but visitors will still likely find warm afternoons during that time. April-August ushers in the intense heat into Merida. Yet it’s the month of May tends to be the hottest when it’s not unusual for temps to exceed 100° F (38° C). Those high temps come with sticky humidity that can make it seem even hotter.

Mid-afternoons bring upon the hottest temperatures. So at any time of year, consider reserving outdoor activities for the mornings, unless it’s a water-bound activity. Visit nearby Mayan ruins early in the morning and save the cenotes for the afternoon.

Also, make sure you come to Merida armed with sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock. Check Merida’s monthly weather averages to have an idea of the temperatures to expect during your trip.

💦 Stay hydrated

You’ll likely sweat a lot more in Merida than you’re accustomed to in your hometown. Make it a point to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Bottled water can be easily found all over the city.

🚰  Don’t drink Merida’s tap water

The tap water in Merida is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water only. Also, consider traveling with this compact LifeStraw . We have one and it’s come in handy a few times during our travels when water wasn’t drinkable and stores were closed.

💬 Learn Some Basic Spanish

There is some limited English spoken throughout Merida in places where tourists and expats tend to go. But most people throughout Merida speak Spanish, in addition to Mayan dialects. It can be a great idea to learn some basics before a trip to Merida. If you don’t speak any Spanish at all, it’s still possible to get by, albeit with some difficulties. Yet knowing even a tiny amount of Spanish and some simple pleasantries can really go a long way to enhance a visit to Merida.

We like to use Babbel as an easy, fun, and inexpensive way to learn Spanish. With each lesson just 10-15 minutes, it’s something we can always work into the day. The associated app even lets us learn Spanish on the go. It’s a great way to brush up before visiting Merida. Right now you can use this discount link to save up to 60% off a subscription.

☠️ Stay Safe in Merida

Mexico’s Yucatan state is regularly touted as being the safest state in all of Mexico. Yucatan’s capital, Merida, is a shining example of this accolade. Data aggregator Numbeo reports Merida’s crime rate as: low . For perspective, Numbeo’s crime index for Merida is even lower than many US and European cities of the same size.

We never feel any sense of danger in this welcoming city. We feel completely comfortable walking around day and night. That said, it can always be a wise idea to take modest precautions to stay safe in Merida, as you would in any city around the world. Look before crossing Merida’s busy streets. Keep belongings close in crowded places. Don’t get drunk and look for trouble. Follow local laws and regulations. Simply put, just use common sense.

⚠️ Have You Purchased Travel Insurance Yet?

While Merida is largely a safe city, you never know what may happen during a trip to Mexico. Things can and do go wrong. Possibilities include getting sick, a flight getting canceled, hurricanes (June-Nov), car accidents, lost baggage, electronics becoming lost or stolen, rental car damage, a sudden injury, etc.

Travel insurance will help protect you, cover the costs, keep you safe, and/or get you back home if these unfortunate possibilities were to occur in Merida. We never roam around Mexico without travel insurance. We use and have been happy with   World Nomads , with what we’ve found to have the best price and coverage combination.  Enter the dates for your trip   to get a quick estimate and see coverage.

💡 The Best Mexico Travel Tips to Know – All in One Place

While those aforementioned travel tips are specific to Merida, we recently published an in-depth article full of travel tips relevant to those traveling to Merida and beyond throughout Mexico.

This detailed travel guide discusses cultural etiquette to follow in Mexico, provides tipping guidelines for who to tip (and how much), shows you how to use your mobile phone in Mexico, suggests money-saving tips for getting pesos, advice to stay safe and so much more.

Be sure to read (or bookmark): 75+ Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Your Trip

What to Pack for Merida

Before you depart on your trip to Merida, Mexico, here are a few final preparations to consider:

What to Pack for Your Trip To Merida? We recommend packing for Merida just as you would for any warm weather climate. You already know the essentials you require like clothes, toiletries, and a camera. So here are some items specifically for Merida, that you may want to consider adding to your regular travel luggage:

• Biodegradable sunscreen is very important to bring if you plan to go into the area’s cenotes. Regular sunscreen can cause damage to the cenotes, kill the fish, and add chemicals to the freshwater. So please use biodegradable sunscreen, which can be difficult to find in Merida. This Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45 is a great choice on Amazon , has consistently great reviews, and is inexpensive too.

• Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses . Keep that sun off your face and out of your eyes.

• Men’s ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxers
• Women’s ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs
• A Travel Guide Book : For more background information about Mexico and further travel advice, you may want to grab a guidebook. We like the  Lonely Planet Mexico Travel Guide .
• To ensure you haven’t forgotten anything important, check out all of our specific suggestions in this post: Ultimate Packing Checklist , which is full of packing tips and recommendations for any trip!

More Free Online Travel Guides to Merida Mexico

Here you can find additional detailed travel guides for the Merida area and beyond:

• Best Day Trips From Merida to plan out your Yucatan adventures to the area’s best ruins, beaches, cenotes, and more.
• How to Visit the Ruta Puuc from Merida details how to pursue the Yucatan’s ultimate road trip across the ancient Mayan World.
• 75+ Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Your Trip reveals how to save money, avoid hassle, stay safe, respect cultural etiquette, and have fun all throughout this wonderful country.
• Where to Next?  Consider heading south to cool off in the mountains of Cristobal de las Casas . Or head over to the Palenque ruins along the way. Both are accessible by bus from Merida.

Enjoy Your Visit and All the Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico!

We hope this provided some good ideas and travel inspiration for what to do in Merida, Yucatan. Enjoy the food, the culture, the people, the fiestas, and all the fun things to do in Merida that make it such a great place in Mexico to visit!

We hope this Merida travel guide is helpful to your planning and it has given you a few ideas for fun things to do in Merida. Let us know in the comments section below. Or feel free to ask any questions.

Bookmark this page or pin the image on the right to your travel Pinterest boards so you can easily come back to review all the things to do in Merida.

Publishing note: this travel guide about The Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico was originally written in January 2014 and is regularly updated after subsequent visits, in an attempt to keep current. Most recently updated January 2024.

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October 22, 2022 at 10:59 PM

Thank you so much for such an informative, organized and well laid out post. This was absolutely amazing, I feel like this was all I needed to read to plan for my first trip to Merida this December. I have a feeling we will be coming back to this city. I truly appreciate you sharing your experiences and advice. I stumbled upon this post when searching for best things to do in Merida, and will for sure now be following you for future adventures!

January 6, 2022 at 11:54 PM

This is so helpful! Thanks for all the incredible tips. We’re planning our trip to Merida now!

August 1, 2020 at 3:32 PM

Thanks for all the tips! I’m looking forward to going to Merida and appreciate those who can recommend house museums. There are some good gems on this list!

December 3, 2019 at 4:34 PM

An update on the taxi from the airport to Centro: there are booths outside the airport where you can buy a ticket. Mine cost 220MXP. Taxi takes your ticket so no haggling required. My driver spoke excellent English and the cab was clean. No cookies or water however. Feel hyped now. LOL.

November 19, 2019 at 12:53 AM

John! Thanks for this wealth of knowledge on this beautiful country. I am living here for 9 months and this will come in so handy! Again, THANK YOU! I like your vibe and the activities you value are in line with my own!

August 17, 2019 at 10:54 PM

‘Quite helpful! And informative. Well-written, too. I met a woman from Merida and I live in Morelia. Soooo, you know–I have to learn a bit about things before I go.

Sooooo … thank you! I KNOW how long composing, editing, and posting photos, etc. can take. I appreciate your efforts. And the tip on “better underwear” was eye-opening. I’d thought about the heat in many, many ways–but not THAT way. LOL ‘Great tip.

Again, thanks!

August 20, 2019 at 11:59 AM

Hope you have a great trip to Merida! It’ll be a bit warmer down there compared to Morelia. (We’re currently nearby enjoying Patzcuaro’s cool weather.) Having that dry-wicking underwear is such a funny little tip, but it’s really proven so useful for us in hot, sticky climates like Merida. I’ve just ordered a few more pairs for our next trip, lol. Buen viaje!

July 5, 2019 at 8:36 AM

Thank you for all this information about Merida. This town has a lot of history and beauty must be a place to visit to discover the real Mexico. Not only the city is important but eating is too. I was so glad that you talk a lot about this. My personal favorites are papadzules, cochinita, Chaya and ice cream at “Colon” in the Paseo Montejo. If people want to learn about Merida and Yucatan from a Novel I recommend Xtabentum: A Novel of Yucatan. Enjoy the city. Better to gon in winter!

July 7, 2019 at 3:55 PM

Yes, it’s such a beautiful city with an equally beautiful culinary offerings to match! 🙂 Thanks for the book recommendation – hope to try and read it before our next visit.

April 27, 2019 at 5:44 AM

How do I join this webpage and blog. Great, we will be in Merida next week and this webpage is so helpful. Thanks so much. Ron

May 4, 2019 at 4:33 PM

So glad to hear it was helpful and hope you’re enjoying Merida! 🙂 We don’t currently have an email newsletter but it’s a consideration for the future. You can find all the different ways to stay connected to our blog on the “Contact Us” page, here: https://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/contact/ Happy travels! 🙂

January 17, 2019 at 4:45 PM

Amazing Merida post with tons of info I am going to bookmark it and refer to it for when I next visit Yucatan.

December 11, 2018 at 8:48 AM

I just wanted to thank you for your blog post. SO HELPFUL!

November 8, 2018 at 8:55 PM

Many, many thanks for your blog post! After struggling to navigate Merida on our own, we are just following in your foot steps and things are looking up! 🙂

We are only staying here 4 days, so we don’t have a lot of time for trial and error.

PS: Indeed Las Vigas is awesome!

November 10, 2018 at 12:18 PM

Awesome, so glad you’re finding the guide helpful! Hope it helps you to continue to enjoy all that Merida has to offer. Four days is still a nice amount of time to pack in lots of activities in and around the city. Enjoy! And have some ribs or a burrito at Las Vigas for us! 😉

October 31, 2018 at 12:01 PM

Thank you very much for the very useful information!! We will spend Christmas in Merida, December 21-January 1st, and your information is very helpful. We will spend a night in Celestun at Hotel San Julio as you recommend in your blog. I think we will need to come back to do all the very interesting things you talk about.

October 31, 2018 at 3:33 PM

So glad this to hear this was helpful to your planning. Hope you have a fantastic trip to Merida and the Yucatan! That should be a very nice time to go, with mild temps and holiday festivities. ¡Buen viaje!

September 22, 2018 at 7:49 PM

Hey! I just wanted to thank you for your insights into Merida. We just returned from a 6-day stay there, and did almost everything you recommended – and more! What a delightful area. Many of your suggestions were for places we would have missed had I not read your post before we left. Thanks again.

September 25, 2018 at 2:47 PM

Thanks so much for stopping back by our blog with the positive feedback. Always puts a smile on our faces to hear we may have helped others to discover some of the interesting places this city has to offer. So glad you enjoyed Merida! 🙂

July 22, 2018 at 7:00 AM

Will be headed to Merida in August for something new and R&R, (have done the Caribbean side extensively). Will also be looking at potential second home around the nearby beach communities. Any recommendations on realtors to show us around or X-Pat communities to visit? all the architectures are awesome. if any one want to make a 3d architecture deign then visit

July 25, 2018 at 5:19 PM

There are many great realtors around Merida and on the beach in Progreso that particularly cater to expats looking for second homes. We don’t personally have any experience with them since we’ve just sought out short-term apartment rentals and hotels during our travels. So can’t recommend any from our personal experience.

April 20, 2018 at 11:57 AM

Here it is 2 years later and your post is still super helpful. Thanks so much!

May 9, 2018 at 11:37 AM

So glad it’s still helpful! And we’re actually very excited to be traveling back to Merida yet again in next month (June 2018) so we can continue to explore this awesome city and further update this post with even more great things to do in Merida! 🙂

December 30, 2017 at 12:50 PM

Update to the Mayan ball game in Merida. A little bit of commentary is now in English. P.S. We saw 3 goals!

December 30, 2017 at 9:06 PM

That’s great to hear about the added commentary in English – thanks so much for letting us know. And 3 goals? Wow! We’ve been about 5 times and have never seen a single goal. Congrats! 🙂

December 25, 2017 at 2:33 PM

Thank you for the great information regarding the Merida area. I will be spending the first week of 2018 there and this website has been very helpful in planning my time there.

December 29, 2017 at 9:10 PM

That’s always nice to hear! Thanks for stopping by to comment! 🙂 We hope you have an awesome trip to the Yucatan – January is a great time to visit. ¡Buen viaje¡

August 12, 2017 at 5:56 PM

My wife and I will be spending a couple of months in Merida in Feb/Mar 2018. We thoroughly enjoyed every line of your website and expect that we will have a great time in the city and surrounds. One thing that we have learned in traveling to many different lands and cultures is that our expectations are usually met. If you expect to be disappointed and “taken advantage of” will will probably be successful. We love meeting different people, experiencing different things and mostly learning.

Thanks you for your thoughtful words and kindness in encouraging people to experience Merida. I thought that your responses to Meg were right on the mark. Sometimes in order to really communicate with someone you have to (unfortunately) go to their level so that they can understand you. Nicely done and still professional.

We will experience many of the things that you suggest and will look forward to finding some others on our own. Muchas Gracias!

Tim and Karen

August 16, 2017 at 9:06 PM

Thank you. We really hope you enjoy your time in Merida – Feb is such a great time to visit too. Cooler weather! 🙂 And thank you for the kind words and weighing in on this silly little debate. We had only intended this post to provide travel suggestions for the things to do in Merida that we enjoyed, to pass on to other travelers. We really hope you enjoy your time there and some of those suggestions ultimately prove helpful as you explore Merida on your own next year. Bien viaje! 🙂

January 4, 2018 at 9:18 AM

I appreciate you sharing all this information. I found it to be very helpful. We are leaving in a couple weeks and my sister and her husband were in Merida last year based on a recommendation I received from a person who goes every year and stays for a month. My sister was not disappointed and wished they’d had more time. I have had trouble finding specific information on the boat tours out of Celestun – you suggest going early but I don’t know how early the boats go out. Do you know? Thanks.

January 5, 2018 at 7:52 PM

So glad to hear your sister had a great visit and hope you do too! 🙂 Regarding Celestun, I don’t recall exactly what time the begin, but we arrived shortly after sunrise and there were boat guys there ready to get out on the water. If you go shortly after sunrise, I’d imagine you will either be able to organize a boat or shouldn’t have to wait long. And there will likely be boat tours available for the remainder of the day but it’s just a matter of timing if you want to share the boat costs with other passengers. Have a great trip to the Yucatan!

August 2, 2017 at 9:30 PM

I know, people keep talking about how much they love it and we just don’t see it at all! We went to almost every place this article suggested and we found it so underwhelming (the cathedral has been looted of all art…it’s empty, for example), and we still have yet to find any good food for a reasonable price. It’s like we’re in the wrong merida or something. Or maybe people like it better than the city because people speak English here and they think the run-down parts are “authentic.” Or they don’t realize that all the tour offers are three times the price of going alone and they think it’s a good deal. Anyhow, we’re trying really hard, but we just don’t get the love people have for this place. All I’m left with is the small of the diesel busses in our face! Also, we talked to some people who live here (a self proclaimed “welcome committee”) and they said there wasn’t really any good street food in the city and the thing to do really is just drink all the time and take day trips out of here. I can understand why people like the day trips, but honestly, I would recommend people just staying in one of the smaller less touristy towns instead…they can get to the same places from there. Mexico has so many great places and art to see, all I was saying is that merida is not what it was cracked up to be and they should reconsider visiting. Sorry if that doesn’t fit into your conception of the place!

August 3, 2017 at 7:53 PM

To each their own. One thing I think we can both agree upon is that Merida and Mexico City are very different from one another. The DF is great. But Merida is NOT Mexico City. And that is something we’ve enjoyed about Merida.

We also didn’t find it to be this English-speaking touristic destination that you paint Merida as. Sure, there are certainly some touristic restaurants and shops that cater to that crowd, as there are in many cities throughout Mexico, including Mexico City. I didn’t find that aspect to be overwhelming in Merida as you describe. And we’ve always enjoyed practicing our Spanish in Merida, only seldom coming across English speakers aside from the occasional expats.

And yes, also like everywhere in the world, tours tend to cost much more than doing day trips on your own. That is why we gave two different detailed directions in our day trips guide on how to do it on your own and compared that to tours, to let readers decide which best suits them. Some people enjoy the convenience of a tour, desire more information a guide can provide, don’t feel comfortable driving, and/or perhaps don’t speak Spanish; so tours can be great options for some people, even if they do cost more.

Another point I’ll agree with you on is that the smaller towns throughout the Yucatan are very nice to stay in, as we’ve stayed in many. It’s a great experience for a night. But for more than a night, I definitely prefer to base myself in Merida for day trips, given there is so much more eating/drinking/doing options in Merida for when we’re not out exploring the Yucatan.

Also, you claim that you can get to the same places from the smaller towns as you can from Merida. But from our experience, that is completely untrue. Merida is the most centrally located hub in the region with all roads leading to/from there. If traveling around by bus, you would almost certainly have to go back to Merida to transfer to get to anywhere else, adding hours of travel time and hassle. It’s also the most convenient location for rental car and tour options too. But I digress.

“All I was saying is that merida is not what it was cracked up to be.” So Merida was underwhelming to you. That’s fine. I get that. But actually that’s not all you were saying. You also said, “I wouldn’t recommend anyone visit Merida.” And that’s wrong. Merida certainly isn’t for everyone, but most people do enjoy it. We like to encourage others to explore a destination and decide for themselves. But that’s still not all you were saying. You also attacked our “traveling” articles as untrustworthy. But just because your opinion of a place differs from ours, it doesn’t invalidate all the information we’ve put a lot of effort into providing here for free, and the trust we’ve built with our readers.

August 2, 2017 at 3:58 PM

I wouldn’t recommend anyone visiting Merida. I honestly have no idea what this article is talking about. You could walk for a mile before finding any street food, which may be possible if the sidewalks weren’t too small (a fact that also limits any kind of meaningful street life). The traffic is loud, the prices insane for Mexico, and everything is a tourist trap. If one of the top ten things to do anywhere is sitting in a tiny plaza, I would reconsider visiting. You can get to all the ruins from far more pleasant places. I would recommend spending more time in Mexico City. The museums and street scene there are fantastic, the food is much better and EVERYTHING is cheaper. It’s also far more beautiful and actually less polluted and hectic than merida. Plus all the people in the plazas, restaurants and coffee shops don’t endlessly bother you with tourist traps and recommendations to bad restaurants. Frankly, I wouldn’t even trust these “traveling” articles anymore for even suggesting merida as a good place to visit.

August 2, 2017 at 8:03 PM

Wow, that’s pretty harsh. Am sadden by the hatred you have for what we found to be such a lovely city. The way you describe it, it almost sounds like you visited an entirely different place. We found loads of street food, never had problems with sidewalks or traffic, never got caught in any tourist traps, never had any touts hassling us, loved the different Yucatecan cuisine, and found everything to be very reasonably priced. Actually, probably cheaper than your beloved Mexico City. But that’s just our experience. We loved Merida and you’re the first person we’ve ever heard from who has not enjoyed their time there.

I find travel to be like food or music. People have different tastes. It’s clear you did not have a taste for Merida and that’s okay. You didn’t appreciate all of its charms that we found there and that’s fine. But to recommend “anyone” against visiting Merida just because you were one person who didn’t like it, is pretty one-sided and closed-minded. We hope you continue to enjoy Mexico City!

May 25, 2018 at 2:19 PM

I appreciate your Blog,, I am traveling to Merida to visit my tanta who bought a hacienda You helped me feel comfortable about going there. I will miss my pistol Feel sad for Meg, some folks can’t find the positive in anything,, poor miserable thing! Will contact when I return!

March 3, 2021 at 6:35 PM

Thank you for writing such a kick-ass, thorough article! Wow, so well done! Saludos, Los O’Gradys in Mexico

July 26, 2017 at 12:57 AM

Can you make a suggestion regarding transportation from Tulum to Merida and then Merida to Cancun Airport. There will be 5 of us, one who is 85 years of age. Private car? Rental car. ADO bus has been used, just not sure we want to do that when trying to get to Cancun airport.

July 27, 2017 at 1:11 PM

There are ADO buses that connect Tulum-Merida and from Merida to Cancun Airport. I’ve taken both routes many times. It’s inexpensive, comfortable enough, and air-conditioned. But for Merida to Cancun Airport, just be sure to get the one directly to the airport, as there are others that go to the downtown Cancun bus terminal instead. But depending on the 85-year-old’s mobility and depending on your budget, you may want to consider a rental car or private driver instead. A private driver will be expensive though. I’ve seen them listed for about ~$250-$300 USD, each way. Rental car could work well. But it may be difficult to do a one-way rental that begins in Tulum and ends Merida. Instead, it would be better to start and end in Cancun. I’ve found the roads to be good and easily navigable, if staying on the main roads. Hope that may help!

July 23, 2017 at 11:24 PM

Will be headed to Merida in August for something new and R&R, (have done the Caribbean side extensively). Will also be looking at potential second home around the nearby beach communities. Any recommendations on realtors to show us around or X-Pat communities to visit?

July 27, 2017 at 1:25 PM

We’ve only visited Merida and Progreso as travelers (and monthlong temporary residents), so we can’t really recommend any realtors. (We used Airbnb for our monthlong rental.) There are a number of websites out there, like yucatanexpatlife.com, that have listings and recommendations, but I really can’t speak to how good they are. What I would recommend before buying a second home there is to live in the area for a month (if you have the time to do that) to really get a better feel for the areas, prices, and houses you may prefer. You’ll gain a much better understanding and will be able to connect with many expats living there who can offer their two-cents on realtors and housing. Best of luck on your search for a second home in this charming part of Mexico!

January 22, 2018 at 12:21 AM

Thanks….. if anyone reading this had bought in Merida , would like some perspective on their experience. (Regrets?)

August 31, 2018 at 5:14 PM

I moved from Illinois in 2015, it’s a very good State and city to live, and also it’s where you want to live, if you want to find a house let me know I can help you with it.

June 9, 2017 at 11:32 AM

Hey guys, great blog! It’s been very helpful to us as we explore Central America.

FYI – we did the free walking tour in Merida this week and it starts at 9:30, not 9 AM. We learned about it through your site but found conflicting information online about the start time.

June 12, 2017 at 11:38 AM

Thank you for letting us know about the updated walking tour times. It’s very important for us to try to keep this resource up-to-date, so thanks to you, I have edited this post to reflect the new 9:30 am start time.

March 14, 2017 at 4:21 PM

What an excellent article! This is one of the best write-ups I’ve ever seen on Mérida. As one of the vety fortunate residents of this magical city, I thank you for the time and effort you’ve spent in describing our town in such wonderful detail. Everything is factual, including the prices, and I’m writing this in March, 2017! We have been voted America’s Cultural Capital for 2017, and your article beautifully explains why. One of our most popular solicitors (lawyers), who is also a fantastic writer, says that “Mérida is where you come to learn how to love again,” and that is so very true. The people, the trees and flowers, the music, even our hot weather, exude love!

March 15, 2017 at 5:59 PM

Hi Patricia, thanks so much for the comment and kind words. You truly live in a magical city! How fantastic that Mérida was voted America’s Cultural Capital for 2017, a well deserved award for the city.

December 11, 2016 at 8:01 AM

Hi dd says Me and my family will be traveling for doctor appointment and thereafter to enjoy the ambiance of this city. What is the cost to get to uxmal and also what are the events happening their for the New Years of 2017..we should be arriving on the 28th December and leaving January 2nd 2017

December 12, 2016 at 3:13 PM

For costs of the different ways to get to Uxmal, please check out our other post on the Best Day Trips from Merida here, in which we provide the pricing a number of different ways to get to Uxmal: http://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/best-day-trips-yucatan-merida-mexico/

For New Years, there will likely be a big party in the historic center of Merida and many of the clubs and restaurants I’m sure will have festivities to attend. I’d recommend heading to the historic center on New Years Eve. Also, as Dec 31 gets closer check the event calendar.

November 6, 2016 at 8:49 PM

Excelente blog, gracias! Muy informativo e interesante! (I know you understand that) 🙂 You made my husband and I really excited about visitng Merida this January 2017! Gracias, gracias, gracias!

November 10, 2016 at 12:37 PM

De nada! Con gusto! 🙂 Merida is so much fun! We hope you enjoy it as much as we have. The weather in Merida is perfect in January too – that’s when we always tend to visit. Enjoy! 🙂

June 26, 2016 at 4:11 PM

We’re headed to the Yucatan in December 2016 — we love the ideas in your blog posts and will use them to plan our trip. We are interested in diving near Cancun and Cozumel. We have also heard about diving in the cenotes near Merida — would you please recommend dive shops where we can rent equipment? Thanx! Danita and Juan. from San Jose.

July 2, 2016 at 8:28 AM

So glad to hear you’ve found some of our blog posts helpful in planning your trip. I’ve dove in Cozumel once before but it’s been years, so unfortunately can’t recommend a dive shop there. Sorry! As for diving in cenotes around Merida, a friend of mine recommends Freedom Divers Mexico, but I personally have never dove with them. Hope you have an awesome trip to the Yucatan in December!

June 7, 2016 at 8:47 PM

While there is a lot of good information on this blog number 7, horse drawn carriage rides should be dropped. With a horse having collapsed and died on Paseo Montejo in April it’s the last thing people should be thinking of doing. There is so much wrong with it. Please consider not advertising it.

June 8, 2016 at 12:18 PM

What a horrible incident and thank you for bringing it to our attention. During the time we spent in Merida, we had only witnessed horses that appeared to be well cared for. I’m hoping that your comment will help to serve as a warning to other travelers to Merida so they can use discretion before pursuing this activity.

June 1, 2016 at 3:14 AM

Great Info!!! I am currently in Merida exploring some of the options that you mentioned as I am bringing a large group of Rotarians in January of next year to this city to do some social projects. We are contemplating one dinner at Progreso to look for a lovely sunset and a dinner and light show at the Uxmal Ruins.

June 8, 2016 at 12:46 PM

Thanks Arturo! I hope you and your Rotarian group enjoy Merida and the Yucatan as much as we did! 🙂 I think a Progreso sunset dinner and the Uxmal ruin light show both sound like a great idea! Have a great trip!

May 19, 2016 at 11:49 AM

Thanks!!!!!!!! Great post

April 29, 2016 at 10:54 AM

Awesome stuff! Very detailed and informative post. Looking forward to exploring some of Merida today!

May 2, 2016 at 12:19 PM

Thanks for the feedback and we’re so glad to hear you’ve found this to be helpful. Hope you have (or had) a great time exploring Merida! Enjoy it and happy travels!

April 8, 2016 at 6:25 PM

I just wanna say i was really excited about going to Mérida. There are some really nice recomendations mentioned here, that I try and I recommend a 100%!!

There is just one thing missing, I had an awesome massage in a spa called Boho Spa. There is one located in the center part of the city and is really beautiful! I really recommend to go!

April 9, 2016 at 1:41 PM

Thanks Emily! Glad to hear these recommendations were helpful. And thank you for commenting with your suggestion of the Boho Spa. Sounds like a perfect way to relax and wind down after a hot Merida day!

March 9, 2016 at 1:08 AM

Wow what a great read. My GF an I are coming to Merida in Sep. for a week an cant wait. We are staying at the Luz De Yucatan. This article has us so pumped up we wish it was sep. now. Thanks for this an im going to go back an read it again. Yours Truly Steven A Chambers.

March 11, 2016 at 10:08 AM

Hi Steven, Thanks for stopping by our site. We can sense your excitement and it puts a smile on our faces to know its getting you pumped. You’r going to love Merida! September can’t get here soon enough! We’re in the midst of writing a new post detailing all of our favorite day trips from Merida so stay tuned for that within the next few days to give you a handful of other activities to get excited about! 🙂

March 11, 2016 at 1:49 PM

Thanks for the reply. Done many AI hotels in MR an Cancun but this time we are going to travel around a bit to see the Yucatan. Holbox,Merida Campeche an maybe a few others. Love your blog an look forward to reading your new posts. Thanks an have a great day. Yours truly Steven A Chambers from B.C Canada

March 5, 2016 at 2:29 PM

Great Blog! We are a family of 4 with kids 8yo and 12yo. We’re staying in Cancun for 7 days but venturing out April 6-8th to the central Yucatan. We will have a rental car and originally we planned on going to Valladolid for 2 nights, but after reading your blog I’m thinking I should just go to Merida for all the actvities of this vibrant city. I want to take day trips to the Mayan ruins, but not too keen on a “tour” as i find too many hours are spent on the bus going from hotel to hotel. Question…are there locals that you can arrange to meet at the ruins for a personal “tour” or people for hire once you get to the ruins for a “tour”?

March 6, 2016 at 1:48 PM

Hi Matt! Glad you found our blog. If you have a car, you’ll be in good shape to simply drive to the ruin sites and won’t need to take a packaged bus tour. At Chitzen Itza there will be plenty of locals there eager to provide you with a tour of the ruins. Expect to pay about 600 pesos. Same for Uxmal, if you go there. At the Izamal temples, there are local horse and carriage drivers who can tour you around the area. Some of the smaller sites like Mayapan ruins, you likely won’t find any local guides there. The ruins are still easy to explore on your own, you just won’t get all the interesting facts to go along with them.

As for Valladolid vs Merida… that’s a tough call. Valladolid is a lovely town too. Much smaller. I’d decided based upon the sites you’re planning to see. If you are planning to see Chitzen Itza, Izamal, Coba, and the cenotes near Valladolid, it may be more convenient to just stay there. But if you’re taking day trips further afield, Merida might be the better option.

Hope that helps or at least gives you some ideas. Have a great trip to the Yucatan!

February 6, 2016 at 5:17 PM

Hi, there are some really nice recomendations mentioned here, which I’ll definetly gong to try 🙂 You wrote that on weekend evenings there is some “Fiesta”-atmosphere in Merida. I would arrive on a sunday afternoon. Are there also some special events going on sundays? I would have liked to ride a long on a bike in merida. But as you mentioned in your blog, I guess that I wont make it since I am arriving in the afternoon.

February 6, 2016 at 5:55 PM

Hi Sandy! Yes, there always seems to be something going in Merida every day and Sundays certainly aren’t excluded 🙂 In fact there’s a weekly event called “Merida en Domingo” (Merida on Sunday). Head to the centro and you’ll find many food vendors other booths set-up. They sometimes have bands playing too. I’m not sure when you’re arriving but if you are coming this Sunday (Feb 7) you may also want to go our to the fairgrounds because it is Carnaval, which will be happening there tomorrow and into the evening. Hope you have a great trip to Merida!

January 5, 2016 at 11:29 PM

Great article. We’ll have to add Merida to our to-do list. Is there any diving?

January 7, 2016 at 10:18 AM

Thanks! There is diving in some nearby cenotes, which sounds really interesting although we haven’t done it (yet!). I’ve heard about a place called Alacranes Reef, about 60 miles off the coast here, but it seems difficult to venture too. The closest accessible ocean diving is about 3-4 hours drive away, closer to the Caribbean side of the Yucatan, with Holbox possibly being nearest to Merida.

December 20, 2015 at 11:34 AM

I was in Merida last january with my girlfriend, we researched the area and of we went, we spent a week there and it was fabulous. We visited all the ruins big and small, and we loved them all, very impresive and we were the only visiters in most of the lesser known ruins, the feeling we had walking around all by ourselves was incredible and i recomend it to all, Ek-Balam, Uxmal, Mayapan and you can climb all the buildings. From the food, its culture, historical buildings, and most of all its people I recomend it to all. We are going back in late Jan.

December 30, 2015 at 11:07 AM

Isn’t that the best when you’re the only people at such incredible places like those ruins!? We’re also heading back to the Yucatan soon and hope to make it out to explore some of the ruins that you’ve mentioned. And we’ll second the notion about loving the food, culture, historic buildings, and the people! That’s why people like us return! 😉 Oh, I can’t wait to get back. Thanks for dropping by our blog and happy travels!

December 5, 2015 at 5:57 PM

Awesome Post John (and Heather),

We are heading to Merida Jan/Feb of 2016 for 2 weeks and so looking forward to doing as many of the items you described as possible! Are you aware if there is any Karaoke in town? What is the best way to get to our Hotel (Near Plaza de Independancia) from the airport?

December 5, 2015 at 10:58 PM

We hope you enjoy Merida and the surrounding area as much as we did! We never stumbled across any Karaoke while we were there but I would’t be surprised if there may be a Karaoke night somewhere in town. If not, there is plenty of live music on the weekends to enjoy. From the Merida Airport to Centro, I’ve actually never flown into the airport and have always arrived from elsewhere in Mexico by bus, so I can’t speak from experience. But I understand that the easiest way would be a taxi which should cost no more than 250 pesos (~$15 USD). You can catch an ADO bus for significantly less but it’ll take more time and you’ll need to walk a bit from the bus station where it drops you off, so I’d probably recommend a cab. Happy travels to the Yucatan!

January 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM

There is a kiosk at the front of the airport, you can book your cab there and when we did it they handed us each a small bottle of water and a package of cookies. The cost was about USD20 into the Centro Historico and we did give him a tip. The cab was clean and we had no qualms about using it..

September 10, 2015 at 10:50 PM

Thank you for writing such an informative post about Merida! I am visiting here in November and am starting my research of things to do while I am there. Your list was very helpful and I will be sure to do many of your suggestions!

September 11, 2015 at 2:13 AM

Glad to hear it was helpful! I hope you enjoy Merida and the surrounding area as much as we did!

November 6, 2015 at 9:04 PM

Thanks! I am sure I will. It definitely looks and sounds like my ideal type of city 🙂

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Merida   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Mehdi33300 | Getty Images

Why Go To Merida

Mérida may be known as the "white city" for its collection of white stone mansions, but its colorful culture and rich heritage tell another story. Stroll along the tree-lined Paseo de Montejo or peruse a vibrant Sunday market for a taste of old-world Mexico. Or, indulge in the Yucatan capital's more modern comforts: Plaza Grande , the main public square of Mérida, offers free Wi-Fi access, and you'll have your pick of luxurious boutique hotels and Instagram-worthy rental homes.

Museum and art enthusiasts will find their place here, too; the El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida is considered a must-see to understand the history of Mérida, while art galleries and local murals abound. When it's time to dine, savor traditional Mayan fare like cochinita pibil, the national dish of the Yucatan consisting of slow-cooked pork marinated in sour orange and a variety of spices. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you should expect to dress in light, airy clothes and leave with a golden tan, a full stomach and a deeper understanding of this one-of-a-kind Mayan destination.

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• # 1 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
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Best of Merida

Best hotels in merida.

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Best Things to Do in Merida

• # 1 in Paseo de Montejo
• # 2 in Plaza Grande
• # 3 in El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida

Popular Tours

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Merida Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Mérida is between December and March if you're looking for dry weather and lots of things to do. Opt for a January trip to experience Mérida Fest, a huge annual celebration that honors the founding of the city. Temperatures in April and May are some of the hottest of the year (around 100 degrees every day), but you'll still find many festivals and celebrations around the Easter holidays. June through November is humid and rainy, but you may want to brave the wet weather to experience Mexico's renowned Día de los Muertos festival at the beginning of November. Just be sure to purchase some travel insurance to keep hurricane season from raining on your parade.

Weather in Merida

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Don't drink the water Like elsewhere in Mexico, Mérida's tap water is not potable. Visitors can find bottled water across the city and at most hotels, but many accommodations have their own filtration systems or garrafones de agua (large jugs of water) throughout the property. Travelers should also be wary of fruits and vegetables purchased at markets or produce stands, as they may have been washed in tainted water.  
• Take note of weekend road closures Several main roads in Mérida are closed off to cars between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Take advantage of these closures by participating in La Bici Ruta, a recurring Sunday morning event that allows participants to bike down major thoroughfares in the city center. A number of rental bike shops will be open during this time.
• Prepare for the sun Mérida has two climates: hot and hotter. The city remains toasty year-round, even in peak tourist months like January and February. Be sure to bring your own sunscreen – environmentally friendly biodegradable lotion is best if you plan to swim in the cenotes – and come equipped with a sunhat and sunglasses for protection.

How to Save Money in Merida

• Stay in a vacation rental Mérida offers a number of beautiful rental homes on websites like Airbnb that can save you money compared to some of the most popular hotels . Many even feature private pools and stunning courtyards that give more expensive lodging options a run for their money.
• Bring a reusable bottle for water You will need to drink bottled water during your stay, but that doesn't mean you have to pay for it every time. Pack a reusable bottle in your bag to refill at your hotel or vacation rental (if it has a safe water source) before embarking on your adventures for the day. As a plus, you'll help the environment by cutting down on plastic waste.
• Take advantage of free daily events Mérida buzzes with free events nearly every day and night of the week, which is especially helpful if you're traveling on a tight budget. Arrive to Plaza Grande early on Saturday night to sit in the stands and watch Pok ta Pok (a Mayan ball game), or enjoy food, music and folklore at Noche Mexicana. You can also embark on a free walking tour put on by the city's tourism board. Be sure to check a current schedule online for accurate times and dates.

Culture & Customs

The primary language in Mérida is Spanish. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas of Mexico (like Cancun and Tulum ), you'll encounter a number of people across the service industry in Mérida who are not fluent in English. For this reason, you should make sure to study up on a few helpful Spanish words and phrases – especially those that will help you navigate from place to place via taxi. (Think: "derecho" for right, "izquierda" for left, "baño" for bathroom and the names of basic foods and drinks.) Many hotel concierges speak a good amount of English, so you should be able to rely on them for recommendations and reservations.

Additionally, most residents of Mérida practice Catholicism, so you can expect lots of crowds and events around major Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas. When it comes to money, the current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the peso is about $1 for every 20 pesos. So, while you may experience sticker shock at first when your dinner tab comes out to 400 pesos for two people, rest assured that the equivalent is just $20 – a steal by American standards.

What to Eat

When dining in Mérida, you'll find a mix of traditional Mayan dishes and sophisticated international cuisines. One of Mérida's most notable delicacies is cochinita pibil (the national dish of the Yucatan). It is made of tender, slow-cooked pork marinated in sour orange and a variety of spices. Another pork staple is poc chuc: thinly sliced and marinated meat soaked in the same juices, then grilled to perfection. Sopa de lima, which translates literally to lime soup, is a hearty broth loaded with shredded turkey or chicken and tangy lime juice. Queso relleno is yet another popular dish you should make time to try – it is a hollowed-out ball of edam cheese stuffed with ground pork and smothered in gravy.

Highly regarded restaurant options throughout Mérida include Ku'uk , which serves up gourmet, contemporary Yucatecan cuisine in a historic home on Paseo de Montejo. Inventive menu items include Creole suckling pig, Mayan octopus chicharrón and black ceviche. Wayan'e is an unassuming but popular pick for its mouthwatering tacos and delicious breakfast, consisting of staples like crispy pork belly and fresh juices. Even vegetarians will find tasty options here, like the huevo con xkatic tacos, which contain eggs and chili peppers.

Getting Around Merida

The best way to get around Mérida is either on foot or by car (whether that's your own car, an Uber or a taxi). English speakers will likely find it easiest to travel via Uber when they aren't walking, as they won't have to translate their destination to a taxi driver or figure out where they're going with Spanish road signs. Alternatively, visitors are welcome to use local buses, though they are mainly used by locals and therefore may be confusing for vacationers who haven't done some research ahead of time.

You can fly nonstop into Mérida International Airport (MID) from Miami International Airport (MIA) and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Meanwhile, flights with one connection are available from Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco. In contrast, some vacationers choose to fly into Cancun and then take a luxury bus into Mérida.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to Mexico. You'll receive a Mexico tourist card on your flight (or at the border, if you are driving), which allows you to stay in Mexico no more than 180 days. You'll also be given an exit ticket upon arrival – hang onto this slip during your visit, or you will have to pay a fee when you hop on your return flight. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's  website .

Stretching almost 4 miles long, Paseo de Montejo is lined with mansions dating back to Mérida's old aristocracy, as well as some restaurants and cafes.

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30 Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico 2024

• by Nellie Huang

From world-class museums to Netflix-featured taco stalls, there are SO many things to do in Merida you’ll need a lifetime to experience them all.

Steep in history and rich in heritage, Merida is the cultural hub of the Yucatán Peninsula , home to the region’s best museums, restaurants, and bustling markets. 60% of its population is Mayan, while the rest come from other parts of Mexico and the world – and it shows from the unique flavors of Yucatecan food.

An appealing mix of small-town feel and international vibes, Merida is a tourist town that actually feels surprisingly genuine. Every day of the week, the city runs free events for the public – from dance performances to live concerts. Merida has long been the go-to place for travelers seeking to explore beyond the resorts of Cancun and Tulum .

I have listed these things to do in Merida according to where they’re found, making it easy for you to locate them. You can basically follow this list as you explore Merida, starting from the historical center to the surrounding Mayan ruins and cenotes.

Table of Contents

1. See the Oldest Cathedral in Mexico

2. people watch at plaza grande, 3. visit the palacio municipal, 4. head inside palacio de gobierno, 5. wander around casa montejo, 6. admire contemporary art at macay, 7. join a free walking tour, practical resources for merida travel, 8. admire the merida theatre, 9. see the museo de la ciudad, 10. stroll along paseo montejo, 11. tour the palacio canton, 12. visit the casa t´hō concept store, 13. see the monumento a la patria, 14. cycle the biciruta on sundays, 15. explore the mayan world museum of merida, 16. learn about yucatan food at mugy, 17. get lost in mercado lucas galvez, best yucatecan foods to try, 18. eat cochinita at taqueria la lupita, 19. take a deep dive into merida’s dining scene, 20. book a food tour or cooking class, 21. catch pok ta pok, 22. join in the fiesta every night of the week, 23. hang out at the cantinas, 24. visit a spanish hacienda, 25. hit the beach in progreso, 26. explore the uxmal mayan ruins, 27. visit the chocostory museum, 28. experience a shaman ritual, 29. explore the yellow town of izamal, 30. visit celestun biosphere reserve, how to get to merida, mexico, mexico travel requirements, how to get around merida, mexico, best time to visit merida, how many days in merida, budget: hotel boutique casa garza, midrange: villa orquídea boutique hotel, luxury: casa azul monumento histórico , is merida safe to visit, is it worth visiting merida, best things to do in merida, mexico.

Start your Merida trip with a visit to the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest cathedral in Mexico . Completed at the end of the 16th century, the structure stands tall on the site of an ancient Maya temple and is constructed from some of the original building’s reclaimed stone. It overlooks the main square of Merida, which is the palpitating heart of the historic center.

The Cathedral de San Ildefonso offers an English tour at 10:00 am on Saturdays and conducts services in English at 9am on Sundays. If you wish to visit this active church, please dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees (even thou there’s no formal dress code).

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open daily 6am-12pm and 4.30-8pm.

Like many other colonial cities in Latin America, Merida is centered on a main square or Zocalo . For over three centuries, the Plaza Grande has remained the heart from which develops the political, ecclesiastical and civil authorities of the city.

Today, both Meridians and travelers come here to relax, enjoy live music and try delicious food. Yucatan’s signature dual “ tú y yo ”   chairs chairs scattered throughout the plaza make it easy to chat with one another. Gran Plaza is also the perfect spot to take a photo in front of the colorful Merida sign .

On the west side of the Plaza Grande stands the Palacio Municipal, the city hall of Merida, with its prominent rose pink facade and perfect arches. The building was constructed in 1542 and is one of the oldest colonial buildings in Mexico. It’s definitely worth a visit, if only to get a view from the long balcony on the second floor. Meanwhile, a convenient tourism office is on the ground floor.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open Monday-Friday from 8am -5pm.

You won’t miss this building as it has a striking mint colored exterior. Dating back to 1892, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) houses Yucatan state’s executive government offices and it’s open to the public. You’ll find murals and oil paintings by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting the Yucatan Peninsula’s history.

This is where the annual Grito de Dolores take place every year on Mexico’s Independence Day, one of the most important Mexican holidays. On September 16, 1810, a Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo rang his church bell and gave the call that started the Mexican War of Independence. Since then, every Independence Day, the mayor/governor of every city in Mexico re-enacts the call from the balcony of a government building and shouts “Viva Mexico!”.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open Monday-Friday from 9am -4pm.

Another interesting spot that flanks the Plaza Grande is Museo Casa Montejo . This 16th-century mansion was built for Francisco de Montejo “El Mozo” (The Younger), one of the Spanish conquistadors who arrived in 1542 to conquer and colonize the Yucatan Peninsula. The house, now a museum, is a prime example of Plateresque architecture and it has a lavish interior and beautiful patio with a well-preserved stone fountain.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Tuesday-Sunday, 11am – 6pm (closed on Mondays).

Across the road from the Plaza Grande, you’ll find a wide covered hallway with quirky, huge sculptures. Welcome to the Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay (MACAY)! The contemporary art museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building that used to be a convent. The museum has a small collection of Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Contemporary art from Mexico and abroad.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Monday and Saturday only, 10am-2pm.

I always recommend doing a free walking tour when you’re visiting new cities in Mexico, as it gives such a great overview of the city and helps you get oriented. The free walking tour in Merida leaves everyday at 10am and 5pm from Parque de Santa Lucia (next to the big chairs).

The guides are extremely friendly and knowledgable, and always provides interesting anecdotes and little fun facts that you wouldn’t learn from guidebooks. Tips are of course expected; the standard rate is US$5-10 per person.

✈️ Book affordable flights to Merida on Skyscanner for $200+

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📷 Book your day tours from Merida on Viator or GetYourGuide

🏥 Insure your Merida trip with Safety Wing , a global travel insurance company.

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The elegant century-old Teatro Peón Contreras is one of Merida’s many architectural marvels. It was built between 1900 and 1908, during Mérida’s booming period for the production of  henequén (an agave plant).

There are usually symphonies playing on Fridays at 9:00 pm and Sundays at noon . Even if you don’t plan to catch a show here, poke inside to admire the interior. It features a main staircase of Carrara marble, a dome with now-faded frescoes by Italian artists, as well numerous paintings and murals throughout the building.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open daily 9am-9pm.

Housed in the old post office, the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) offers a respite from the chaos and noise of the market nearby. The exhibits span not just the city’s history back to prehistoric times but also include everything from Henequén brought wealth to the area in the belle-epoque period to its current day.

🎟️ Entry: 80 MXN (US$4) for adults and 40 MXN ($2) for kids under 12. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6pm (closed on Mondays).

A visit to Merida isn’t complete without seeing the wide boulevard, Paseo de Montejo. One of the best things to do in Merida is simply spend an afternoon strolling down the avenue. This road was built during Merida’s golden age to resemble Paris’ Champs-Élysées Avenue.

While it lacks some of the glitz and glam from its heydays, you’ll still find many gorgeous colonial-era mansions built by wealthy hacienda owners and some of the city’s best cafés dotted along this avenue. Be sure to drop by Cafeteria Impala , an institution of sorts that has been serving sweet treats since 1958.

Along Paseo Montejo stands the elegant and striking Palacio Canton, also known as the Museum of Anthropology and History. The two-storey Neoclassical mansion was constructed between 1909 and 1911. Its owner, General Francisco Cantón Rosado, lived in the estate for six years before passing away.

The Porfiriato – the era from 1876 to 1911 where President Porfirio Díaz tyrannically ruled Mexico – came to an end shortly after the construction of this palace started. Nowadays, it serves as a venue for temporary exhibition.

🎟️ Entry: 65 MXN (US$3.25) per person. Open Tuesday-Saturdays 10am to 5pm. Signs are only in Spanish.

Also located along the Paseo Montejo is Casa T´HŌ , a stylish and elegant concept store that’s ridiculously photogenic. It’s housed in an eclectic 19th century mansion, considered to be a heritage monument.

The space not only showcases the artwork of Mexican talents, but also incorporates indie boutiques and a cafe under one roof. The cafe in the courtyard is particularly pretty; take a seat here and enjoy some mimosas and macaroon, amidst palm trees and pastel colored walls.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open daily 10am-9pm.

At the end of Paseo Montejo stands one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the  Monumento a la Patria  (Monument to the Fatherland) designed by Colombian sculptor, Romulo Rozo. Construction of the monument took more than 11 years to complete with the collaboration of architect Manuel Amábilis Domínguez and his son Max Amábilis.

Carved out of stone by Rozo himself, the Monumento a la Patria depicts scenes from Mexican history including the declaration of independence, the revolution, and the battle for Puebla.  It chronicles about 700 years of Mexican history and features more than 300 hand-carved figures.

On Sundays, some of the roads in Merida are closed off for traffic for La Biciruta (Bike Route), which allows cyclists to take over the city. This weekly Sunday bike ride custom is hugely popular amongst locals and it’s a great opportunity to explore the city without worrying about traffic.

Don’t have a bike? Just rent a bike from one of the stands along Paseo Montejo. There are even bikes with baby seats (for those traveling Merida with kids ). Bike rental prices vary from 15-40 MXN (US$0.7 – $2) per hour. Remember to bring an ID. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, don’t miss the Bici-Ruta.

The  Gran Museo del Mundo Maya  (Mayan World Museum) may be 20 minutes outside the historical center, but it’s well worth the trek to get there. The newly opened museum houses the largest collection of Mayan art and artifacts in the Yucatan Peninsula. This is one of the best things to do in Merida especially if you’re curious about the Mayan culture.

The museum is divided into five galleries, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Mayan culture. You’ll learn about the Maya’s cosmovision, see how they lived and worked, and get a glimpse into their spiritual beliefs. One of the highlights of the museum is the Tomb of the Red Queen, which contains the well-preserved remains of a Maya noblewoman who lived in the city of Palenque in the seventh century.

🎟️ Entry: 150 MXN (US$7.5) for adults, 25 MXN ($1.25) for kids under 14. Open Wednesday-Monday 9am-5pm (closed on Tuesdays). English tour at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Things to Do in Merida for Foodies

In recent years, Merida has gained considerably fame around the world for its food. If you’re interested in learning more about traditional Yucatecan gastronomy, make sure to visit Museo de Gastronomia Maya (Mayan Gastronomy Museum). The museum is located inside a beautiful colonial-style building and it teaches visitors about the history, ingredients and preparation of Yucatecan dishes.

It’s a small museum, but you’ll get to learn more about Yucatecan flavors with a knowledgable guide. After the tour, head to its restaurant to taste regional dishes like queso relleno (cheese with stuffings), lechon al horno (roasted pork belly), and mukbil pollo enterrado (underground oven baked chicken). Book a table in advance to ensure availability!

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open Monday-Friday 11am-11pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-11pm.

For a truly authentic experience, take a deep dive into the Lucas de Galvez Market, the biggest of all the markets in Merida (and there are many!). The market can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s definitely worth getting lost in for a while.

This is also the best place in Merida to try Mexican street food unique to Yucatan, such as salbutes and panuchos. The market is a feast for all your senses with brightly colored exotic fruits and fresh vegetables and the heady aroma of local food in the air.

If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, this is also the place to find it. You’ll find all sorts of local handicrafts, including textiles, pottery and wooden masks. Bargaining is expected so make sure to brush up on your haggling skills before you go.

🎟️ Entry: Free. Open daily 7am-4pm.

• Huevos Motuleños – A Mexican breakfast dish originally from Yucatan named after the town of Motul; tortillas topped with fried eggs, beans and cheese are covered in salsa.
• Cochinita pibil – This is the most well-known Yucatecan dish (and my absolute favorite!); Pork wrapped in banana leaves and marinated in sour orange, axiote, and other spices slowly cooked in an underground oven.
• Salbutes – You'll see this on every menu in Merida; Plain tortilla deep-fried to a crispy puffy texture and topped with avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and meat.
• Panuchos – Similar to salbutes but the tortilla is filled with frijoles or refried beans.
• Papadzules – Hard boil eggs, wrapped in tortillas and topped with a pumpkin seed sauce.
• Sopa de lima –  A tangy, flavorful soup with lime juice and shredded turkey.
• Poc-chuc –  Pork chops marinated in sour orange juice and cooked on the grill.
• Pavo relleno negro – Turkey covered in a rich dark chili sauce.
• Queso relleno – An Edam cheese ball hollowed out and filled with ground pork, covered with gravy.

Foodies alert! If you’re looking for something cheap, local, and authentic, you definitely need to check out the tacos at Taqueria la Lupita . This humble taco store in Mercardo Santiago was featured in the “Acid” episode of the show “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” hosted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Samin Nosrat.

La Lupita Taquería is most famous for traditional Mexican antojitos like  panuchos  (tortillas stuffed with refried beans paste),  salbutes (fried puffy tortillas topped with meat) , and of course Yucatan’s pride and joy, cochinita pibil (suckling pig cooked in underground oven). This is a great place for cheap eats in Merida, as you can have three tacos and a drink for only about $5-7USD.

Open daily 6.30am-1.30pm. Get there early if you want a table!

Merida’s thriving culinary scene is one of the city’s biggest draws. Brimming with both local and international restaurants, you can find anything from gourmet Yucatecan cuisine to hip Mexican gastrobars and French fine dining. It’s no wonder Merida is quickly becoming the gastronomic capital of the South . I’m seriously impressed by the standards of restaurants here and cannot believe how affordable yet outstanding the quality of food is!

Some of our favorite restaurants in Merida include: (click on the links to read reviews)

• La Chaya Maya – one of the top restaurants for traditional Yucatan fare, slightly touristy.
• Manjar Blanco – a Merida institution helmed by Chef Miriam Peraza, appeared in Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles”. Best cochinita pibil I’ve ever tried!
• Ch’e’en Cocina Yucateca – another local’s favorite for Yucatecan dishes like huevos motuleños and frijol con puerco .
• El Catrin Merida – my personal favorite restaurant is a funky Mexican gastrobar with colorful interiors, a contemporary menu, and even a light show in its gorgeous backyard.
• Micaela Mar y Leña  – best seafood spot in town, with a hip interior and creative dishes prepared with fresh catch from the beach 30 minutes away.
• Mercado 60 – a modern gourmet food hall (pictured) with slightly overpriced but delicious international food from pizzas to sushi.
• Restaurante Ya-axká – best gourmet restaurant for a contemporary Mexican dining experience. Prepare to splurge!

And if all that food is still not enough to satisfy your hunger for knowledge on Yucatecan culinary culture, book yourself in for a street food tour. We did this walking tour that brought us to many of the spots I mentioned above, including the Mercado Lucas de Galvez where we learned the process of making tortillas and got to taste local fruits, spices, and antojitos (street snacks).

My friend took  this cooking class and raved all about it (we regret not taking it!). Her host first took her for a wander around one of the busiest markets in Merida, showing her the typical ingredients used in Yucatecan cooking, including the axiote spice and chaya (a type of vegetable). Then she spent the morning learning how to whip up some classic local dishes before sitting down to enjoy her fruit of labor.

Things to Do in Merida At Night

Pok Ta Pok is an ancient Mayan game that was played thousands of years ago. The ball game was part of a sacred, sacrificial ceremony, pitting good against evil. The winner (yes, winner!) of the game was sacrificed, which was then the highest honor bestowed on a Mayan player.

On Saturday nights at 8-9pm, the ancient sport is reenacted in front of Merida Cathedral – luckily though, without any human sacrifice. It’s fun to watch and it gets pretty crazy towards the end, when the ball is literally on fire! Although this game is played as a display of their culture, the players are very much into the game with a high level of competitive spirit.

🎟️ This Pok Ta Pok event is free, but you need to book a ticket to see it (it didn’t use to be the case). Reserve a ticket in advance at the  Cultural Center  Tues-Fri, 10am – 8pm. I strongly recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early to get a good spot. Seats do fill up.

What I love most about Merida is that there’s always something happening every night of the week. From traditional dances to cultural performances, the city organizes these weekly events to showcase the rich Yuctecan culture in Merida. The city’s streets and plazas truly come alive at night.

These events are all free and open to the public, but you’ll need to get your free tickets in advance from the  Olimpo Cultural Center  Tuesdays-Friday 10:00 am -8:00 pm. Here’s a calendar of the weekly events:

• Monday:   Vaqueria – traditional Yucatecan dance performed by the Folkloric Ballet of Merida in front of the Palacio Municipal at 9pm.
• Tuesday : Trova  – a performance of Yucatecan romantic music at the Auditorio Olimpo at 8pm. Then Rembranzas Musicales, a free outdoor dance party, takes place in Parque Santiago at 8.30pm.
• Wednesday: Pok Ta Pok – a reenactment of the Mayan ball game in front of the Cathedral at 8pm.
• Thursday: Serenatas Yucatecas – outdoor dance performance that takes place on Parque Santa Lucía (since 1965) at 9pm.
• Friday: Video Mapping – the Cathedral is lit up with lights and animation at 9pm. After that walk along Calle 60 as it turns into a makeshift outdoor market.
• Saturday: Noche Mexicana  – a night of traditional Mexican and Yucatecan music and dance performances on stage at Remate Paseo Montejo from 8 to 10pm.
• Sunday: Merida en Domingo – an all-day event with taco stands and marquesita stalls at Plaza Grande. Great Sunday tradition to compliment the Bicicruta, Sunday bike route.

If you’re looking to check out Merida’s nightlife, you’ll need to experience the cantinas , traditional drinking holes that serve up tequila and a whole lot of character. Traditionally, cantinas were visited only by men (a couple of them in Merida still don’t allow women). La Negrita is a popular choice as it’s both affordable and pleasant, with live music, complimentary botanas (snacks), and local cerveza artisanal (craft beer).

For an even more local and cheaper night out, check out the pulquerias in town. Pulquerias were social establishments where locals hung out and mingled over pulques (a traditional alcoholic drink made with the agave plant). La Pulquerida is perhaps the most well known, with live music and cheap drinks.

For those seeking somewhere more mellow and upscale, Picheta’s rooftop bar is the place to go for the best view in town. The upscale venue not only offers great views of the Merida Cathedral, it also serves up reinvented Yucatecan food and creative cocktails.

Things to Do Near Merida

In the countryside surrounding Merida, you’ll find many sprawling haciendas (plantation) that date back to the Spanish colonial days. One of the most famous is perhaps Hacienda Teya , established in 1683 as a livestock ranch and later turned into a henequén plantation in the 1800s. During the seventeenth century it was one of the largest and most profitable ranches in Yucatán.

The massive estate is now a hotel and restaurant serving delicious Yucatecan cuisine and it’s garnered a loyal following amongst Meridian locals. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there are live trova performances. Its patio and lush garden are great for kids to run free. Book a table here.

You’ll be surprised to know that the nearest beach to Merida is just a 30-minute drive away! This comes in handy on sizzling hot days when you really need a respite from the heat. The main beach town on this stretch of coastline is the port city of Progreso. It’s a common stop for Caribbean cruises .

The oceanfront promenade, the Malecón, is lined with beaches and thatch-roofed restaurants. The main attraction here is the food – fresh seafood caught daily and served up in family-run restaurants. Make sure to try the ceviche!

🚌 To get there, take the Autoprogreso bus from the terminal in downtown Merida. Alternatively, book this day tour that will also bring you to Progreso and el Corchito Ecological Reserve.

A 1-hour drive from Merida is   Uxmal , a UNESCO-listed Mayan ruin celebrated for its impressive construction and ornate stone carvings. It is considered one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites , alongside Chichen Itza, and Tikal in Guatemala.

The name Uxmal means ‘thrice-built’ in Mayan. It refers to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician which was built on top of existing pyramids. This archaeological complex has much less crowds than Chichen Itza. It is massive and there are very few signs, I highly recommend booking a guided tour .

We didn’t hire a guide, but definitely regretted not having one to learn all about the various carvings and the meaning behind them. Most Uxmal tours include visits to nearby cenotes and haciendas.

🚗 Uxmal forms part of the Ruta Puuc , a driving itinerary connecting five unique Maya ruins: Labná, Xlapak, Sayil, Kabah and Uxmal. 

🎟️ Entry: 494 MXN (US$24.5) per person. Open daily, 8am-5pm.

After visiting the Uxmal ruins, make sure to stop at this museum that’s right by the entrance of Uxmal ruins. The ChocoStory Museum tells the story of cocoa and chocolate from its origins to its spread throughout the world.

The museum has interactive exhibits that allow you to learn how to make chocolate, try different flavors and even create your own chocolate treat. The highlight of ChocoStory is definitely the reenactment of a Mayan ceremony where you’ll get to see and hear Mayan locals chanting and offering cacao to the gods.

🎟️ Entry: 165 MXN (US$8) for adults, free for kids under 6. Open daily 9am-7pm.

On your drive back to Merida, make a stop at Cenote Sacamucuy, where local shamans still perform traditional rituals. The shaman performs a wellness ceremony to fill one’s soul with powerful positive energy.

The ritual involves giving a beautiful offering of colorful flowers, medicinal plants, cocoa beans and candles to the gods via fragrant  copal  (tree resin) incense. You can book a traditional Mayan purification ritual here through  Hacienda Temozon .

One of my personal favorite things to do in Merida is a side-trip to Izamal, a small but ridiculously cute town just 1 hour from Merida. It’s known as the yellow town because of the many buildings that have been painted in various shades of yellow and orange.

The main attraction in Izamal is the Convento de San Antonio, a Franciscan convent built in 1561 . The convent is one of the largest religious structures in Mexico and has a historic museum attached to it, which tells the story of Izamal’s conversion from Mayan to Catholic worship.

⚠️  From Izamal, you can easily continue on to Valladolid, an underrated city with many iconic Mayan ruins and cenotes nearby. Check out my list of things to do in Valladolid . The best way to get there is to rent a car in Merida . Alternatively, book a day tour that will bring you to Valladolid as well.

If you’re seeking out some nature near Merida, Celestun Biosphere Reserve is a great option. The reserve is located around 90 minutes drive from Merida and is home to some amazing wildlife , including pink flamingos, pelicans and other aquatic birds.

The best way to explore the reserve is by boat and the boat trip usually takes 1-2 hours; if you don’t have a car, I recommend booking a day tour from Merida. Tours usually last around 7 hours and include a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Book your day tour here.

My Travel Guide to Merida

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula , Merida is lodged in the eastern corner of Mexico. It has a small airport, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID), just 20 minutes from the city centre. There are direct flights from Miami, Houston, Mexico City and many other parts of Mexico. Check for flights to Merida here.

You can also fly into nearby Cancun Airport, which serves many more cities around the world). From there, it’s a 4-hour bus journey to Merida. You can easily turn that journey into a Yucatan road trip; check out my 10-day Yucatan itinerary .

• Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
• However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
• Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

Merida’s historical center is relatively compact, so if you’re staying in the old town, you can easily walk everywhere. Otherwise, it’s also easy to catch a colectivo (shared taxi). Just flag it down when you see one. It costs around 10 MXN ($0.5) for a ride.

Another way to get around Merida is by Uber or taxi. Unfortunately, Uber drivers in Mérida are known to cancel their rides frequently. Read about using Uber in Merida here . All taxis are metered, but you do need to speak some Spanish. The journey from the airport to the city centre costs around 180 – 220 MXN ($11 USD) each way.

Renting a car is the best way to explore outside Merida; it’s convenient, flexible, and relatively affordable;  the average price ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day , including insurance and taxes .  I always use  DiscoverCars.com  for car rentals worldwide, as they’ve consistently given me the cheaper rates and best services. 

Search for car rentals in Merida here !

Merida is notorious for its extremely hot climate; and it does get CRAZY hot in summer (the only flaw Merida has in my opinion!). The best time to visit Merida is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather averages 30-35 degrees Celsius / 86-95 Fahrenheit, but it cools down at night, making for pleasant evenings.

May to November is the hurricane/rainy season in Merida. The rains usually come in short bursts and don’t tend to last all day. We traveled Merida in the wet season and it was actually pleasantly cool. Just be sure to purchase  travel insurance  to keep hurricane season from raining on your parade.

Temperatures in April and May are some of the hottest of the year (around 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit every day), but you’ll find many festivals and celebrations of Mexican holidays here. January is also a good time to visit as you’ll get to experience the Mérida Fest , a huge annual celebration that honors the founding of the city.

The capital of Yucatan isn’t a huge city, but there are plenty of things to do in Merida. I recommend spending at least three days here, but you could easily spend a week if you’re looking to delve deep and explore further afield (plenty of places you can see on day trips from Merida).

With one week in Merida , you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s historical ruins, cenotes, eco-attractions, villages, and beaches. Plus you’ll get to attend each of Merida’s nightlife activities and do some day trips.

Where to Stay in Merida

A beautiful budget option for solo travelers, this centrally-located hotel (pictured) has beautiful rooms with a garden, terrace and small pool. We paid just $30/night and had a comfortable stay here with our daughter. Check rates here.

Also housed in a beautifully-restored colonial building, this boutique hotel features an all-white exterior and slick, elegant interiors. The avant-garde pool is to die for!  Check rates here.

Set in a 19th-century listed building, this heritage hotel is said to be the best in Merida. The extravagant hotel has luxurious suites with high ceilings, antique furniture, artwork and mosaic tiled floor.  Check rates here.

Merida is well known for being one of the safest cities in Mexico . In 2019, CEOWorld Magazine named Merida the #1 safest city in Mexico and the second safest city on the Americas Continent . The city holds the 21st spot on the worldwide list, ranking higher than cities such as The Hague in the Netherlands.

Whilst Merida is generally safe, it’s always important to take precautions like avoid walking alone at night in a dark alley. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you at all times.

There’s a reason why Merida won the title of cultural and gastronomic capital of Yucatan. Brimming with culture and history, the city is a highlight of any Yucatan itinerary . I hope this list of things to do in Merida has helped you to explore the city underneath its surface.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

• 30 Fun Things to Do in Tulum
• 30 Top Things to Do in Cancun
• 15 Things to Do in Cozumel
• 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
• 20 Things to Do in Valladolid
• Cenote Suytun: My Complete Guide
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
• 20 Safest Cities in Mexico

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2 thoughts on “30 Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico 2024”

What a treasure trove of great information on Mérida! Bookmarking this, since I’m headed back there in a few months, after a wonderful week there this past summer.

Thanks for dropping by! Merida is such a great cultural spot, enjoy your time there and let me know how it goes!

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Travel to Merida Mexico

A locals’ guide to the cultural capital of yucatan.

Welcome, I’m Shelley …

I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and visited 19 out of 32 states so far (many as a solo female traveler). At this point, you might say I’m a bit of a Mexpert!

Today, I use my knowledge and insider tips to help travelers just like you plan the Merida trip of your dreams, travel to Merida confidently and safely, and finally cross Merida off your bucket list.

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36 Hours in Mérida, Mexico

By Freda Moon Updated Feb. 22, 2024

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Even as tourism to the Yucatán Peninsula skyrockets, many visitors never travel beyond the so-called Riviera Maya, the heavily developed and wildly crowded coastline between Cancún and Tulum. For travelers drawn to Mexican culture and history, Mérida — founded by the Spanish in the 1500s and constructed using the stones from Maya ruins — is an antidote to the coast’s wall-to-wall all-inclusive resorts. Beyond colonial architecture and centuries-old traditions, Mérida is a young, artsy place best experienced with a free-spirited sensibility. While not a late-night city, it is very safe and comes alive after dark, when there are a few hours of cooler evening air, music calling from seemingly every corner and a general sense that if you wander a few blocks in any direction, you’ll stumble upon something really special.

Recommendations

• Linger among the locals in Mérida’s plazas and parks , from its lively central square, Plaza Grande , and the sprawling new Parque La Plancha to neighborhood focal points, like Parque de San Sebastián .
• Micaela Mar y Leña serves sophisticated Yucatecan dishes, nearly all wood-fired, in a celebratory, reservation-worthy 19th-century mansion.
• Take a day trip to Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Celestún Beach for flocks of flamingos and other wildlife, followed by seafood and a swim.
• Pola Gelato Shop has a changing menu inspired by seasonal and regional flavors.
• Salón Gallos , in a former grain factory, includes a wine bar, an art-house cinema, a Lebanese-inspired restaurant and a gallery.
• Patio Petanca is the place for a game of pétanque (a bocce-like sport) and a round of Mexican beer with a fun playlist and a young crowd.
• Autogiro de la Ermita serves mezcal and botanas (pub snacks) in a homey neighborhood cantina.
• Soco offers beautiful pastries, including Mexican classics and babka, and rich, saucy, bread-centric breakfasts.
• Ramiro Cocina is a shady patio restaurant with a changing chalkboard menu of lovingly presented Mexican classics.
• Taquería de la Unión is a small, steamy taco spot that also serves tortas (sandwiches) and more with classic Yucatecan fillings, like cochinita pibil, a roasted pork dish.
• Ki'Xocolatl is a shop for all things chocolate, gifts and a Mérida-favorite frappé on one of the city’s most bustling plazas.
• La Botillería sells an impressive selection of Mexican wine and spirits, including from many small producers, and also offers tastings.
• Caracol Púrpura and Taller Maya specialize in non-mass-produced, quality handicrafts.
• Mercado Lucas de Gálvez , the city’s main municipal market, sells everything from regionally specific spice blends to toys to street food.
• Cigno , in the La Ermita neighborhood, is an elegant, adults-only bed-and-breakfast in a historic mansion blocks from the Plaza Grande. Guests can enjoy a nightly cocktail reception, and several rooms (starting at about 3,100 pesos, or $180) have plunge pools and balconies.
• Casona Origen , in the Mejorada neighborhood, stands out as a tranquil respite. Seven rooms (from about 2,100 pesos) are laid out around an expansive backyard and two swimming pools.
• Hostal Barrio Vivo , across the street from La Ermita’s tiny plaza, is a notably clean and comfortable hostel with shared dorms starting at 300 pesos.
• For short-term rentals , look to the neighborhoods surrounding the Plaza Grande, including Santa Lucía, Santa Ana, La Ermita and Mejorada.
• Mérida is compact and walkable, so it’s entirely possible to spend several days exploring by foot . For rides around town, Uber is easy and affordable. Major international rental car companies, located downtown, are a good option for day trips, though hotels and tour companies can also arrange a driver .
• Travel in the region, including the 188-mile trip from Cancún to Mérida, may soon be radically transformed when the Tren Maya , a new rail route through hundreds of miles of the Yucatán, begins regular service (it partly started in December). The project has been heavily criticized for displacing communities and for environmental and archaeological damage caused by construction.

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15 Awesome Things to Do in Merida, Mexico That you Cannot Miss

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Wondering what are the awesome things to do in Merida ? You’re in the right place!

Merida, also called the white city, is the colorful capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan.

I lived in Merida for four months, and traveled to the white city quite a few times before. So in this post I will talk about the majestic Paseo de Montejo, and its historical buildings, the pretty plaza mayor that comes to live on weekends, the various archeological sites and cenotes that you can visit in the surroundings.

You will also be happy to know that although Merida is not on the coast, there are many amazing beaches around Merida that you can enjoy.

Even if it’s not the Caribbean Sea, you will find pretty awesome beach spots. I have checked them all and I writing a detailed post to share with you.

So without further ado, let’s talk about all the amazing things to do in Merida.

A Brief (very brief) History of Merida

Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo junior (or handsome) on the remaining of the ancient Mayan city, called T’hó, which means 5 in the Mayan language.  

When Francisco de Montejo arrived he found 5 Mayan temples surrounding a huge plaza resembling the Roman ruins of the city of Merida in Extremadura, Spain, and therefore he adopted the same name, Merida of Yucatan.

The white stones of the old city have been used to build the new one and you will find some bas-relief mounted on the walls of the new Catholic churches and several other buildings. 

You will see the remaining old wall that surrounded the city, built by the criollos to protect themselves from the sporadic revolts of the indigenous Mayans.

In recent times Merida had a huge expansion beyond that wall and you can see the difference in architecture between the old colonial style and its European influences and the modern buildings.

Unmissable Things to Do in Merida

1. Walk Around the Grand Plaza 

In the pre-Hispanic era the main square was the center of the Mayan ceremonies, then of the traditional Spanish bullfights, from which the name Gran Plaza and then called “Plaza de la Independencia”.   

This is where I would start my visit to Merida. 

If you are there during the weekend you will be able to appreciate the local folklore with traditional dance, music, and the popular Yucatan street food .

Among the most important buildings is the home of Francisco de Montejo, the church, the municipal building with stunning murals, and the Museum of Contemporary art ( MACAY ), a spectacular example of colonial architecture right beside the church.

2. Watch Friday Night pok-ta-pok Game in Plaza Grande

Pok-Ta–Pok, also called Juego de la pelota or ball game, belongs to the ancient Mayan tradition and it was a way of worshipping their gods.

You will see the ball game structure in every archeological site you will be visiting (make sure you include one in your Yucatan Itinerary ).

The ball game consisted of throwing a ball through a hole that is built in stone on the side of the wall.

The ball was a heavy one, made of kauchuk and it was just the size of the hole.

Besides, it couldn’t be touched by hand, just tossed by the hips and feet. So, winning was very difficult and at the same time an honor.

In fact, for the Mayan civilization, the ball game was not just entertainment, it was a ritual and a ceremony and the most shocking part is that the winner of the game was the one who was sacrificed as an offering to the gods which was then the highest honor bestowed on a Mayan player.

On some special occasions or for entertaining tourists, the Pok ta Pok is replicated by locals dressed (or undressed) in original Mayan costumes, luckily this time without sacrifice.

And that’s what happens in Merida’s main plaza every Friday night when you can watch the replica of the Pok ta Pok played right in front of the Catedral de Ildefonso.

It’s better if you get there ahead of time to grab the front seat and stay close to the action. It will make you go back in time for a while.

3. Take a Free Walking Tour of Merida

The free walking tour in Merida is the best way to learn about the most important part of Merida’s history.

A local guide will take you around the plaza and the government palace and will also share useful tips on what to visit next.

I find it a great starting point for your visit to Merida. You don’t need to book. Just show up at the tourist office, located in the municipal building, at 9.30 every day except Sunday.

It only lasts 1 hour but it’s worth it.

The tour is free, therefore a small tip is appreciated. (I would suggest anything from 100 pesos).  

4. Hang Out on the Central Plaza on a Sunday Morning

On Sundays, the roads are closed to traffic and the plaza becomes a colorful feast, where young and elderly performers get together and celebrate the day with dances and local music and any kind of local food is displayed in colorful banquets. 

Around the plaza, you will see different interesting buildings, open to the public, and worth a visit as they are all part of the history of the city and the region.

Starting from The Ayuntamiento , previously a one-floor building that served as a slaughterhouse and from 1736 became the palace of “Ayuntamiento” and the second floor was built.

You can also have a beautiful view of the plaza and the Catedral de San Ildefonso.

The stairs were made with limestones that contain fossils of shells, and on the first floor, you can see graffiti representing the first “mestizo”.

Looking at the cathedral on the right you will see the opulent entrance of Casa de Montejo , which was the residence of the founder of the city and his family and was sold in 1978 to the National Bank of Mexico becoming an art gallery.

5. Visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso

The Cathedral of San Ildefonso is considered the oldest cathedral built in Latin America, with a simplistic style typical of the Franciscan order, its walls conserve part of the ancient Mayan stones from the original Mayan temples.

6. Enjoy the Beautiful Murals in the Palacio de Gobierno

The Palacio de Gobierno ( Governor palace) is an important piece of history as its wall is painted by the local artist Fernando Pacheco whose art is mainly based on representing Mayan history.

Also from the terrace, you can enjoy great views of the Grand Plaza and the San Ildefonso Cathedral.

7. Walk Along Calle 60

If you continue to walk along Calle 60 right in front of the Cathedral, you will bump into other interesting historical buildings and little squares, just like the Parque de los Hidalgo , the local name of what is officially called Parque Manuel Cepeda from one of the past republican governors.

Here you will see a beautiful luxury boutique hotel, Mansion Merida , which was before the first club of the Yucatan aristocracy, another example of neoclassical architecture.

The restaurant of this hotel is particularly popular for selling “chile (spicy)” ice cream something that doesn’t surprise me as Mexicans put “chile” in every kind of meal, even fruit, so why not on ice cream?

Right after, just across the street, you will see the Jesuit Church –   El Jesus , also worth a visit, and, if you are passionate about art, at the corner is the Pinacoteca del Estado – Juan Gamboa Guzman.

8. Enjoy a Walk in the Elegant Paseo de Montejo

Paseo Montejo is one of the landmarks in Merida and is named after Francisco de Montejo, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city in 1542.

The boulevard was built right after the booming henequen period, to mimic the Champs Elysees in Paris and is flanked by trees and several opulent mansions owned by the wealthy Yucatan of the 19th century, some of them now turned into museums and art galleries or offices.

Some houses are on sale, in case you were thinking of moving to the fancy and aristocratic   Merida. 🙂

But where all this French fever is coming from? And what provokes such sudden wealth and opulence?

In the 19th century, the Henequen industry had a huge boost from the increasing demand for the precious and unique natural fiber which caused one side the increasing wealth of the owners of the haciendas where the product was made and on the other side the increasing exploitation of the Mayan peasants treated like slaves, underpaid and subjected to extremely poor living conditions and hard work.

The usual practice, unfortunately… You can check out the full history of the haciendas here .

The new wealthy sent their kids to study in Europe, especially France, and when they returned they brought back with them a new taste and ideas on architecture and style in general.

That’s where the French influence came from.

Also, the French tiles were bought in exchange for the “ Palo de Tinte ” a local plant that was widely found growing wildly in the nearby jungle and used as a natural dye for fabrics

Those same patrons wouldn’t live in the haciendas, which would be managed by somebody else, while they stayed in their opulent houses newly built in the new stylish Merida, living the life.

I would suggest you should have a walk along the Paseo de Montejo, visit the Anthropology museum and maybe have dinner in one of the fancy restaurants or bars.

I also recommend one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Merida right in the heart of the boulevard,  Rosas y Xocholate .

That would be the perfect place for your luxury experience in colonial Merida.   If you don’t want to stay there, it would be worth a visit and a lunch or dinner venue.

On Saturday night at the end of Paseo Montejo close to the city center, you will find a lot of stalls selling local art and food and playing music, from 8 pm. It’s a lovely traditional event.

9. Visit the Local Market Lucas Galvez  

You won’t get to know a Mexican city if you haven’t visited the market, the heart, and the soul of a culture. 

In Merida, there is a great choice of markets for you to enjoy and experience the local life. Lucas Galvez is one of the biggest markets in Merida.

Located just a few blocks from the main plaza, here you can shop for fresh fruit and vegetables but also just observe the local life going by. T

The market has everything you need, from clothing to barbershop, householding tools, handicrafts, and flowers, and of course, the “ comedor ” cannot be amiss. 

That’s an area dedicated completely to street food, where you can find the local authentic Yucatecan food, including the unmissable cochinita pibil .

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you might want to avoid that part as the local cuisine is mainly meat-based.

But worry not because nowadays there are more and more vegan options in the city for you and will tell you more about it in a different post.

The market opens early in the morning before 7 and closes around 4 PM.

🏛Things to do in Merida: The Best Museums

10. museum of contemporary art macay.

On the same grand plaza, close to the Cathedral you will find the Museum of Modern Art MACAY – The interesting building has been constructed to become the archbishop’s palace upon the request of Fray Diego de Landa, at the time Archbishop of Yucatan.

During this time the beautiful palace underwent different refurbishing and changes.

In 1824 was used as the University of Secondary Teachings and in 1867 it became the College of San Idelfonso.

In 1916 the newly appointed governor Salvador Alvarado demanded the separation from the cathedral and any religious relationship and had it transformed into a neoclassical building with military symbols and European influences .  

He was a supporter of liberal ideas and a promoter of arts and literature that was accessible to the entire community although he didn’t manage to accomplish his noble purpose and the place went through years of misuse and decadence.

Eventually, the INHA , National Institute of Anthropology and History, took the lead, and finally, with cooperation with private initiatives, it was transformed into a museum of modern art.

Each year, the MACAY Museum in Mérida mounts a new sculpture installation, featuring works from Mexico and one other chosen country. Each exhibit remains for ten months of the year.

11. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

If you are interested in the Mayan culture you can’t miss the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. It takes you on an incredible journey through the Mayan civilization, its history, and culture through an interactive digital system of audiovisual and projections.

Location – Calle 60 Norte No. 299 E Unidad Revolución

Entrance fee – 150 MXN / Nationals 100 MXN / Kids 25 MXN

12. Museo de la ciudad de Mérida

Located in a spectacular historical building the 5 rooms accommodate different pieces related to Merida’s history, culture, and art. It’s an interesting site worth visiting not only for the exposition itself but also for the beautiful architecture of the building.

Calle 56 núm. 529 A Centro Histórico

Free entrance

13. Las Casas Gemelas

It is also called Montejo 495, which is the actual address of these spectacular homes.

Built by a plus awarded French architect Gustave Umbdenstock, they have just opened its doors after 110 from their inauguration. You can admire the original building and the elegant architecture and decor.

Open from Thursday through Sunda from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance fee 250 MXN / Kids 25 MXN

14. Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca

A museum but most of all a restaurant where to try the most authentic dishes of the Ancestral Yucatecan cuisine.

Calle 62 # 466 x 55 y 57 colonia centro 97000 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

15. Take a day trip from Merida

There is so much to see around Merida that one 2 week vacation is not enough. From Archeological sites to the refreshing cenotes , luxury haciendas, and much more.

Here below are a few suggestions on the places to see around Merida that would make a great day trip if you want to explore further.

👉🏽 Visit the archaeological site of Uxmal Mayan Ruins , the prettiest archeological site of the Mayan civilization.

👉🏽 Tour around the Ruta Puuc, with its amazing pre-hispanic sites of the Mayan civilization of the Puuc civilization.

👉🏽 Drive around the Anillo de los Cenotes (cenote ring) and visit those amazing natural caves and crystalline water lakes in Homun .

👉🏽 Visit the archaeological site of AKE’ and stop at the Hacienda Ticum for lunch.

👉🏽 Visit Izamal, the yellow magic town, one of the small towns around Merida that you should visit.

👉🏽 Spend a day on the beach. Progreso is the closest beach town to Merida at only 1-hour drive. It’s a pretty town with a huge beach and emerald sea. If it’s not too windy it’s ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. If you prefer a more off-the-beaten-path place, you should check out Sisal a newly appointed Pueblo Magico in Yucatan.

Tours from Merida

If you are like me you love doing things by yourself. However, some tours are more valuable than a DYI experience simply because you would need a guide to explain what’s going on and where to go, such as walking tours or cooking classes.

Other times you just don’t want to be bothered and let somebody else do the work. You just sit back and enjoy the ride.

That’s why I have selected some of the tours that are highly rated by the previous guests. So that you can have a great experience as well.

👍🏼 Join a walking food tour around Merida – Read more 👍🏼 Visit the most popular archeological site of Chichen-Itza – Read more 👍🏼 Combine Chichen Itza, a cenote, and the yellow town of Izamal – Read more 👍🏼 Enjoy A cooking class and a market visit with a local guide – Read more 👍🏼 Cuzama Cenote Adventures – Read more

Where to Stay in Merida

The city of Merida is brimming with exquisite boutique hotels , hosted in beautiful old colonial homes and offering great options for any budget. Here are some recommendations.

🛏 Kuka Y Naranjo

(Mid-range option) – this cute hotel is indeed a cute little gem in the heart of Merida offering great value for money with its nicely decorated modern room in an old colonial building.

The staff is lovely and the location is excellent. I stayed there for a couple of nights and I recommend choosing the upstairs suites which are larger and get more light.

Great place! Nice room and terrace. Very polite and helpful staff. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ marcin , december 2023

🛏 La Mission de Fray Diego

(Affordable Hotel) – La Mission de Fray Diego is a classic in Merida, one of the oldest hotels in a colonial home with high ceilings and vintage furniture. The rooms are situated around a courtyard like the very original mission.

Great location, very clean, nice pool and room. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rachel , november 2023

🛏 Casa Azul Monumento Historico

If you are willing to splurge why not exaggerate and live in a historical monument? Casa Azul is a luxury hotel a few steps from Paseo Montejo, with spacious opulent rooms decorated in the real colonial style. It may look a little kitsch but it’s a way to revive the old colonial times.

If you are anything like me and you’d rather stay in a home you can check out this list of gorgeous VRBO and Airbnb in Merida , selected for their colonial feel and modern amenities.

The hotel is magnificent. The service is very qualitative. Nothing to say, we really enjoyed our stay. Special mention to the breakfast which was excellent and in good quantity. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thomas , august 2023

Where to Eat in Merida

You can find a great variety of culinary options in Merida, and although you may want to try the delicious Yucatan cuisine, if you stay a few days, you will want to change a little and switch to some healthy options or try some international cuisine.

You will find everything in the white city for every taste and diet. Here are some of the best restaurants.

🍽 Michaela Mar y Leña – delicious seafood in a cool modern setting. I loved this restaurant!

🍽 El Olivo – delicious Italian restaurant

🍽 Hacienda Teya – Traditional Mexican cuisine in a beautiful old hacienda

🍽 Lo Que Hay cafe- Great healthy food (including vegan options) in the heart of Merida. It has been closed for a while but it’s supposed to open at the end of November 2021.

(more options soon)

How to Get to Merida

Getting to Merida is very easy from wherever you are. Being the capital city of the Yucatan state you can get there from any major city and town in the Yucatan Peninsula .

Although I always recommend renting a car in Mexico, especially to explore the Yucatan Peninsula, you can easily get to Merida by bus. ADO connects you either from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, or Valladolid, directly to Merida.

How to Move Around in Merida

If you decided not to rent a car, or even if you did, the best way to move around in Merida is by Uber.

Uber drivers are cheaper than taxis and usually kinder and more reliable. Besides, you don’t have to worry about finding a car park which is sometimes time-consuming.

If you decide to drive around Merida, make sure you keep your Google map open on your phone and get a local sim card to be able to navigate easily and find your way around.

Also to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space, use one of the parking lots that you find along the way there are a lot, and although they may cost you they spare you the trouble of driving in circles or risking a ticket.

When is the Best Time to Visit Merida?

The best time to visit Merida is winter from December through April when the temperatures are still relatively mild.

You can definitely enjoy Merida at any time of the year, but keep in mind that during the summer the heat can be unbearable.

Is Merida Safe?

Merida is indeed one of the safest cities in Mexico if not the safest. twice nominated the Latin American Cultural Capital is also one of the most friendly cities to travel to, either for solo travelers or families alike. You will also find outstanding Yucatecan hospitality and kindness.

Things to do in Merida: Final Thoughts

Whether you are planning a road trip around Yucatan or are you visiting directly from Cancun I would suggest you stop for at least a couple of days to enjoy Merida to the fullest.

Of course, you could stay a month and never get bored, but if you have a limited time, you can still have a taste of the most important landmarks of Merida in a couple of days.

Either way, you should check out some of the best Airbnb in Merida that I have selected for their gorgeous colonial decor and modern amenities.

Before diving into the best things to do in Merida, you should know that the city, just like the entire Yucatan, has been proclaimed the safest place in Mexico.

Therefore, whether you are a solo traveler or you are traveling with your kids , you can rest assured that you can relax and enjoy the city with little safety concerns.

Usually, common sense and the main Mexico safety tips apply when traveling to avoid unpleasant situations.

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mérida, Mexico

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger visits Mexico regularly, traveling around the country to visit towns, cities, and up-and-coming destinations.

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán , is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Before it was settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, it was a thriving capital city for the Maya people. It's a city rooted in tradition, steeped in history, and decorated with architecture that has stood for hundreds of years. Many of the things to do in Mérida revolve around its history.

Mérida's historic downtown — where some of the city's top attractions can be found — is laid out with streets that run at right angles to one another, making it much easier to navigate than most other Mexican towns.

It's also a great place from which to embark on a day trip exploring Yucatán's many Mayan sites, in particular those of Uxmal and Chichén Itzá , each an easy drive away.

Learn more about the top places to visit with our list of the best things to do in Mérida.

See also: Where to Stay in Mérida

1. Wander around the Historic Plaza Mayor (Plaza Grande)

2. mayan world museum of mérida, 3. mérida cathedral, 4. parque cepeda peraza and the church of jesús, 5. macay: the museo de arte contemporáneo de yucatán, 6. the natural history museum and palacio canton, 7. museo casa montejo, 8. the governor's palace and museo fernando garcía ponce, 9. the city of mérida museum, 10. art galleries, museums, and studio tours, 11. take a day trip to the ancient ruins of uxmal, 12. enjoy the beaches and biospheres in celestun, where to stay in mérida for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to mérida, merida, mexico - climate chart, map of merida, mexico - attractions & things to do.

Plaza Mayor - also known as Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande - is both the commercial and cultural hub of Mérida, and is a good place to start a walking tour of the old city center. In addition to being surrounded by some of Mérida's most important buildings, it's also a very pleasant space to simply hang out, thanks to its shady palm trees, beautiful flower gardens, and fountains.

Covering an entire city block, it's as popular among locals as it is tourists due to its regular markets, where vendors sell everything from food to crafts and souvenirs. It's also lined with a number of good restaurants offering traditional Mexican fare.

Also of interest is the Municipal Market , just a short walk south of Plaza Mayor and worth visiting for its many products made from locally produced sisal, such as hammocks and panama hats, huipiles (Mayan-style dresses with brightly colored embroidery around the neck), and guayabera shirts for men - all of them easy to take home with you. A must for Latin dance enthusiasts is the weekly Yucatecan Serenade , a fun outdoor dance event accompanied by live music, which has been a fixture of nearby Park Sta Lucia since 1965.

Address: Calle 62 SN, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC

One of Mexico's most important museums, the ultra-modern Mayan World Museum of Mérida (Gran Museo del Mundo Maya) is dedicated to a fascinating culture, which is evident everywhere in Yucatán. The museum comprises four large permanent exhibitions housing more than 1,100 relics.

Highlights of this impressive collection include ancient engravings and sculptures, historic documents, and textiles dating from the pre-Spanish period, as well as fascinating displays covering the colonial period.

Of particular interest is the section dealing with the Mayan culture as it exists today, as well as a superb hi-tech audio-visual show exploring the long history of the local people, which can also be seen at night as it's projected onto the building's exterior.

Address: Calle 60 299-E, Revolucion, 97180 Mérida, YUC

On the east side of the Plaza Mayor , occupying the site of an earlier Maya temple, stands Mérida Cathedral. Built between 1561 and 1598, this impressive building is the largest church in Yucatán.

Despite its rather plain façade, the building's interior boasts a rich décor, notable for its many references to the town's Mayan and colonial histories. One of the first you'll see is a painting above a doorway of the Maya ruler, Titul-Kiú, shown visiting conquistador Francisco Montejo in Tihó.

Other notable features include the Chapel of the Christ of the Blisters (Capilla del Cristo de las Ampollas), with its 16th-century Indian wood carvings, famous for the blisters left after the wood was charred during a fire. Part of the cathedral since 1645, the relics here are the subject of special celebrations held each October. (Visitors are welcome to attend regular mass.)

Address: Calle de la Revolución No. 62, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC

In the picturesque Parque Cepeda Peraza (or Parque Hidalgo) stands the quaint Church of Jesús, or the Church of the Third Order (Iglesia de la Tercera Orden), a favorite spot for weddings.

After enjoying the park and the church's superb 17th-century exterior - it was built as part of a convent that later served as a Jesuit seminary - be sure to pop inside for a look at the fine high altar with its exquisite altarpiece of carved and gilded wood made in the Plateresque style, a tradition common to communities with talented silversmiths.

Afterwards, take a ride on one of the fun "calesas," horse-drawn coaches in Parque Cepeda Peraza, which will take you past some of the town's most interesting colonial architecture.

Address: Por 59 y 57, Calle 60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC

The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay), known locally as MACAY, is one of the state's most important museums. This superb gallery is a joy to explore for its many excellent permanent and temporary exhibits of both modern and contemporary art.

Highlights of its permanent collection include works by leading Mexican artists including Gabriel Ramirez Aznar, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Fernando García. The facility also serves as an important cultural establishment offering numerous workshops and programs, and boasts a library, café, and shop. English language guided tours are available, as well as audio guides.

Also of interest is the Museum of Popular Art (Museo Regional de Arte Popular) with its fine collections of textiles and costumes, pottery, jewelry, toys, and musical instruments.

Address: Pasaje de la Revolución 58-60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC

Mérida's superb Natural History Museum (Museo de Arqueología e Historía) lies in the beautifully restored former government building known as the Palacio Cantón. The collection in this imposing 19th-century building consists mostly of material associated with the Maya civilization's heyday, although other advanced cultures from pre-Columbian Mexico are also well represented.

Collection highlights are the sacrificial gifts retrieved from the cenotes at Chichén Itzá, as well as reproductions of the sketches of the Maya sites drawn by archeologist Frederick Catherwood and photographs taken by Teobert Maler at the turn of the century.

Address: Paseo de Montejo 485, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

The south side of Plaza Mayor is dominated by Casa Montejo, one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Mexico. Built in 1549 as the residence of the wealthy Montejo family, who owned the building until 1978, the palace's magnificent Plateresque façade once extended along the whole of the south side of the square (although somewhat smaller today, it remains impressive).

Inside, its large and handsome rooms house Museo Casa Montejo, an interesting museum set around two courtyards, which is furnished with antique pieces imported from Europe. Of particular interest is the coat of arms of the Montejo family, as well as the stone sculptures of a conquistador standing with one foot on the bowed head of a conquered Maya.

If fine old architecture is of interest, be sure to include Quinta Montes Molina on your itinerary. This attractive colonial mansion includes a superb collection of European furniture along with a pleasant garden.

Address: Calle 63 506, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

A must-visit in Mérida is the sumptuous Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno). Built in 1892 and decorated with 31 interesting murals painted by the Campeche artist Fernando Castro Pacheco between 1971-74, the building and its beautiful central courtyard is considered something of a masterpiece.

In addition to its fine murals, it also houses Museo Fernando García Ponce, a museum with a rich collection of paintings by other leading Mexican artists, the best of which can be seen in the History Room. They cover topics from the Spanish invasion and their often harsh treatment of the Maya.

After enjoying these historically significant murals, spend a little time exploring this splendid old building, in particular the balcony for its fine views over the cathedral and Plaza Mayor.

Address: Calle 60 s/n X calle 61 y 59, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

In the city's historic old post office building, the City of Mérida Museum deals specifically with the community's development through the centuries. Of special interest are exhibits dealing with locally produced textiles, in particular henequen, once referred to as "green gold" for the prosperity it brought to the city. Also of interest are exhibits dealing with the years prior to colonization by the Spanish.

For those traveling with kids, there are two zoo parks to explore: Parque Zoológico del Centenario , popular for its tiger compound, and Parque Zoológico Animaya , which has a good-sized reptile collection, as well as some Mayan-themed rides.

Thanks in large part to the influx of tourists — as well as residents who have moved here from abroad — Mérida, which in 2000 was selected as the Cultural Capital of the Americas, has come to play an important role in the promotion of Mexican arts. The city boasts many fine private galleries selling works by local artists in contemporary and traditional styles, along with traditional pottery and other art forms.

Many of the better-known artists open their studios for tours, with some areas designated as art districts, such as that along Calle 60. Both the state and municipal governments also have their own dedicated art galleries, some of the most notable being the Folk Art Museum of Yucatan (Museo de Arte Popular) and Teatro Peon Contreras with its displays of contemporary art from across the country.

The famous Maya site of Uxmal makes an easy day trip from Mérida. Located just 80 kilometers south of the city, it's widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Pre-Columbian sites in Mexico .

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Uxmal dates back to the sixth century and, in contrast to Chichén Itzá, shows little Toltec influences. In addition to the many fine examples of the dominating Puuc styles — seen in the thin limestone cladding in square or lattice patterns on top of smooth walls — are its many panels of Chac masks (the rain god), with their long curved noses and snakes with stiff bodies.

Particular buildings of note are the Pyramid of the Soothsayer , at 35 meters the highest building in Uxmal and notable for its oval base; and Temple I, the oldest building and of interest for its having a date chiseled into a door lintel revealing the building's age (it was built in 569 CE), as well as the famous sculpture known as the Queen of Uxmal on its façade.

There's also an on-site museum, which houses the four stone heads of the rain-god Chac and hieroglyphic panels. Also worth seeing, and easy to include with a visit to Uxmal as it's located just a few minutes' drive outside the city center, the ancient site of Dzibilchaltún is popular for its cenote, a great place for a refreshing swim after a day of exploration.

While the spotlight may be pointed at Cancun and Riviera Maya for its beaches, Merida has a few beaches of its own with considerable bragging rights. Celestun, for example, is a sleepy, laid-back beach destination just 30 minutes from Merida. It sits perched right where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Celestun's beaches are powder soft and sugary white, backed by calm, deliciously warm turquoise water. The beach is lined with palapa-topped restaurants, where locals and tourists-in-the-know kick back for an al fresco lunch with stellar views.

For those who prefer a little more action, rent a kayak or a stand up paddleboard, or hire a local tour guide who will take you into the 146,000-acre Reserve de la Biosfera Ria Celestun . The biosphere is absolutely humming with wildlife, from one of the largest colonies of flamingos in North America to more than 365 other species of birds. Turtles also come to the banks of the biosphere to make their home. Other species include ocelot, jaguars, and spider monkeys.

The coastline near Merida has a few other gems, as well. Sisal, for example, is one of Mexico's Magical Towns . These small communities are known for their distinct heritage and either natural or historic beauty. Just an hour from Merida, Sisal is known for its shockingly white sand, mangrove forests, and sparkling blue-green water. Residents and visitors can agree that El Cuyo is its most beautiful beach.

And then Yucatan has Progreso, a still-thriving port city and growing cruise destination for the Mexican Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Progreso is the largest of Yucatan's beachfront towns and has a thriving Malecon lined with restaurants and shops. Two of the beaches in Progreso have earned Blue Flag certification, as well.

We recommend these centrally located hotels in Mérida with easy access to the top sites:

• The Diplomat Boutique Hotel : Enjoy boutique luxury, amazing hosts, private yoga classes, large rooms, delicious hot breakfast, and a courtyard pool at this hotel.
• Hotel Hacienda Merida : This affordable boutique hotel features colonial architecture, colorful rooms, and an outdoor pool.
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Merida : For mid-range pricing, contemporary rooms, a free shuttle, and complimentary breakfast, it's hard to beat this property.
• Mision Merida Panamericana : For budget-minded travelers, this is a good choice, with a central location, modern rooms, and lovely outdoor pool area.

Letting someone do the heavy lifting for you is never a bad idea - and never more so when it comes to planning and executing your vacation itinerary. To help you get the most from your precious vacation time, consider using the services of a professional tour company to handle the details of fun day trips from Mérida, including the following top-rated favorites.

Explore Yucatan's Historic Sights :

• A superb excursion for history buffs wanting to explore more than one of the region's archeological sites is the Uxmal and Kabah Day Trip from Merida . Along the way, this fun full-day tour provides an informative introduction to Mayan culture and its impact on the area. Highlights include all admissions and a traditional lunch at a luxury hotel.

Chichén Itzá :

• Perhaps the most famous - and possibly the most visited - of Mexico's many Mayan sites, Chichén Itzá can be enjoyed on the full-day Chichén Itzá day trip tour from Mérida . This tour includes access to the site through an entrance not used by the general public (yeah, no line-ups!), an expert guide, plus lunch. Highlights include visiting the 30-meter-tall El Castillo pyramid, the majestic Temple of the Warriors with its columned halls, and the Wall of Skulls, a large square platform believed to have been used to hold the stakes on which the heads of those executed for human sacrifices were impaled.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit near Mérida: The attractions of Cancún make a superb side trip for those staying in Mérida. If you visit, you'll be treated to endless white-sand beaches, superb weather, and numerous things to see and do. You're also within day trip distance of Cozumel , a large resort island popular for its lush vegetation and great diving.

Explore the Yucatán Peninsula : Other potential destinations to visit within easy striking distance of Mérida include ancient Tulum , the only Mayan settlement to ever be built on the coast. And, of course, you should certainly consider visiting Chichén Itzá, perhaps the most famous of all Mayan ruins.

Mexican Vacation Ideas: Mexico is blessed with so many great reasons to vacation here that it's hard to whittle down your choice. A few of our favorites include visiting the diverse cultural attractions of Mexico City ; exploring the fine colonial architecture of Guadalajara ; or spending time visiting the museums and galleries of modern Monterrey .

More on Mexico

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7 of the best Maya ruins to visit in Mexico

Remnants of ancient civilisations still stand across Central America — and well-preserved temples and jungle-cloaked pyramids are open to visitors across southern Mexico.

Before the Spanish colonised Central America in the 16th century, the ancient Maya were one of the most sophisticated civilisations in the Western Hemisphere. They developed a complex calendar system through their knowledge of astrology and mathematics, used intricate hieroglyphics to record their history and built large, lavishly decorated cities, complete with pyramids, temples, and plazas.

At its height, the ancient Maya civilisation comprised 40 cities across Central America, spanning southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador and Nicaragua. In the southern Mexican states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Chiapas, many of these settlements — the largest housed up to 50,000 people — still stand today, offering visitors a unique insight into the social, cultural and religious lives of the ancient Maya.

From carefully reconstructed sites like Chichen Itza to the wild, jungle-clad pyramids and ceremonial temples of Calakmul, these are the ancient Maya ruins not to miss in southern Mexico.

1. Chichen Itza

Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the beautifully preserved Chichen Itza in Yucatán is Mexico’s most famous Maya ruin. Despite the crowds, few are disappointed with El Castillo — a carefully restored pyramid that rises up 80ft and has 365 steps — or the city’s tlachtli , the largest Maya ball court in the Americas.

Occupied until the 16th century, Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya and the only one built by the coast. The pyramids here aren’t as large as other Maya ruins in Mexico, but the setting, on 40ft-high cliffs above turquoise Caribbean waters south of Cancun, more than makes up for it.

Home to the tallest pyramid in the state of Quintana Roo, Cobá was once one of the most important Maya cities in Yucatán. Located around 30 miles west of Tulum ruins, the city was built in around 600 CE and it eventually grew to 50,000 inhabitants. Though much of Cobá has yet to be excavated, travellers can climb the 138ft-high Nohoch Mul — a pyramid that offers sweeping views over the Yucatán jungle. Cobá is also known for its sophisticated sacbe,   or ‘white road’2,   network —   limestone pathways that connect the city to neighbouring settlements.

4. Palenque

Deep in the jungles of northeastern Chiapas state in southern Mexico lies Palenque , a Late Classic Maya city known for its detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions and sculpted reliefs. These highly sophisticated designs have helped archaeologists understand more of the ancient Maya's history, mythology and calendar systems.

5. Calakmul

Cloaked by the second-largest expanse of tropical forests in the Americas, in Campeche’s Calakmul Biosphere Reserve near the border with Guatemala, Calakmul is one of Mexico’s wildest Maya ruins. It has the largest and tallest pyramid in Yucatán and more than 6,000 structures, many of them covered by jungle. The site is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when the surrounding jungle comes alive with birdsong, howler monkeys and, if you’re lucky, the roar of a jaguar.

6. Ek Balam

Around 25 miles north of the Yucatán city of Valladolid is Ek Balam , which means ‘black jaguar’ or ‘jaguar star’ in the Yucatec Maya language. The city reached its height in the eight century, when more than 20,000 people lived here. Its largest pyramid is 160 metres long and 105ft high, and contains the tomb of Ukit Kan Le´t Tok, the king of Ek Balam between 770 CE and around 797 CE. Archaeologists found the ruler buried with more than 7,000 pieces of jade, bone, ceramic, shell and precious metal, and the outside walls decorated with stone jaguars, winged creatures and human skulls.

A one-hour drive from the Yucatán capital of Merida is this seventh-century Maya city, once large enough to house 25,000 inhabitants. The Uxmal ruins are part of the Ruta Puuc, a 25-mile road network that connects Uxmal with the archaeological sites of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, Oxkintok, Grutas de Calcehtok and Grutas de Loltún.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• HISTORIC SITES
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• PREHISTORIC CULTURES
• ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

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México » Estados »  Yucatán »Mérida

Turismo en MERIDA: Ciudad Capital de YUCATÁN

Mérida es una de las ciudades coloniales más importantes de México, una joya arquitectónica conocida tradicionalmente como "La Ciudad Blanca" (La Ciudad Blanca). El Mundo Maya con la generosa hospitalidad de su gente lo rodea. Cuenta con barrios tradicionales, avenidas señoriales arboladas, servicios de clase mundial, variada gastronomía, vida nocturna e instalaciones modernas que garantizan el éxito de su negocio, así como un recuerdo imborrable de una experiencia única.

Me? Rida se ha convertido en la? Capital Médica del Sureste de México? con una vasta red de hospitales, clínicas, laboratorios y consultorios médicos privados y públicos; la asistencia sanitaria en la ciudad es excelente y muy asequible. Muchos médicos hablan inglés y a menudo se han formado en los Estados Unidos; las instalaciones son de última generación pero cuestan menos.

Todos los domingos hay un festival de colores, olores y sonidos en la plaza principal y los Parques Hidalgo, Santa Lucía, de la Madre y Américas, donde varios músicos dan una serenata al público con una variedad de famosas canciones populares yucatecas.

Por las noches, Mé? Rida puede ser una experiencia fascinante montando en un carruaje de cuatro ruedas, cafés al aire libre, restaurantes, serenatas, conciertos y vida nocturna.

Atractivos Turísticos en MÉRIDA

Paseo montejo.

Diseñado para emular los Campos Elíseos, hará las delicias de los visitantes con sus mansiones de tres pisos con sus balcones, líneas armoniosas, colores vivos y torre puntiaguda. A lo largo de esta avenida se encuentran algunas de las construcciones más antiguas y hermosas de la ciudad como: Casas Gemelas, Casa Peón del Minarete, Casa Peón de Regil, Casa Vales y la Quinta Montes Molina. El último está abierto al público y exhibe lams, espejos, pinturas, muebles, limoges, lomos y esculturas, entre otras cosas.

Palacio Canto? N

Fue construido entre 1904 y 1911. Es uno de los edificios más hermosos de la ciudad, actualmente alberga el Museo de Antropología e Historia, con una exhibición de importantes piezas de la cultura maya. Abierto de martes a sábado de 9:00 a 20:00 hrs y domingos de 8:00 a 14:00 hrs .

Un monumento a Justo Sierra y Felipe Carrillo Puerto

La primera estatua en Paseo Montejo se colocó en honor al Dr. Justo Sierra O'Reilly en 1906. Dos décadas después, en 1926, se colocó otro monumento en honor a Felipe Carrillo Puerto, fundador del Partido Socialista Obrero de Yucatán y gobernador. del estado en 1922.

Monumento a la Patria (Monumento a la Patria).

Es el único monumento tallado directamente en la piedra en todo el mundo. La estatua de 14 metros de altura (45,93 pies) mira hacia el sur a lo largo del Paseo. Lo creó el artista colombiano Romulo Rozo. En este coloso están grabados numerosos símbolos que representan el pasado prehispánico. Las columnas representan los diferentes estados de México.

Plaza Principal (Plaza Principal)

Palacio de gobierno (edificio del gobierno estatal).

Es un buen ejemplo de principios del siglo XX con un estilo ecléctico que mezcla algunos elementos de la arquitectura clásica. En el interior destaca un gran patio. Este edificio neoclásico alberga 27 grandes murales del artista yucateco Fernando Castro Pacheco con escenas de la historia maya y mexicana. Abierto todos los días de 8:00 a 21:00 hrs. .

Catedral de Mérida

Es la catedral más antigua del continente americano. Fue construido 19 años después de la fundación de Me? Rida, en 1561. Diseñado en el sombrío estilo renacentista por un arquitecto que había trabajado en el Escorial de Madrid, su fachada es austera y sin adornos. Las torres tienen un estilo morisco. En el interior, el Cristo de las Ampollas (Cristo de las Ampollas) negro tiene 23 pies de altura, el Cristo más alto de México dentro de una iglesia. La Catedral exhibe retablos barrocos.

Casa de Montejo (Casa de Montejo)

Construido entre 1543 y 1549 por el fundador de la ciudad, Francisco de Montejo. Su fachada destaca por sus grabados en piedra de estilo arquitectónico plateresco español, una joya del estilo plateresco.

Plaza grande

La plaza es un lugar cómodo e informal para reunirse con amigos. El parque está lleno de árboles y bancos pintorescos. Los edificios más antiguos de Me? Rida, hermosos en su escala y composición, rodean la plaza.

Palacio Municipal (Ayuntamiento)

Construido en 1735, fue utilizado como granero y cárcel. Hay un abrigo decorando la pared de la escalera, este es el más antiguo de la ciudad. El muro alto en el patio trasero es un vestigio de la pirámide maya Chaam Baklum. Todos los lunes a las 21:00 hrs, un ballet folclórico realiza las típicas? Vaqueri? As? a lo largo de los portales.

Centro Cultural Olimpo

Un edificio grande y moderno que alberga exposiciones de arte, películas y conferencias. Alberga el planetario Arcadio Poveda Ricalde, donde los visitantes pueden disfrutar de fascinantes viajes al Cosmos. Abierto de martes a domingo.

Teatro Daniel Ayala (Teatro)

Construido en una casona construida durante el siglo XVII. En 1987 se restauró el inmueble y se incorporaron nuevos servicios e instalaciones. Desde entonces se utiliza como espacio artístico y cultural, presentando teatro, así como espectáculos de danza y música. Parque Hidalgo? Es el segundo parque más importante de la ciudad. Pequeños restaurantes al aire libre alineados frente al parque. Es un buen lugar para comprar artesanías y ver a los artesanos trabajar.

Teatro Me? Rida (Teatro)

Alberga tres lugares de vanguardia: la Sala Principal, que tiene capacidad para 1.200 espectadores; la Cineteca, con capacidad para 227 asientos; y la Sala de Arte, para 101 personas. Templo de Jesu? S de la Tercera Orden (la Iglesia de la Tercera Orden) - Una iglesia del siglo XVII, una verdadera joya de la arquitectura barroca. Tiene el interior más rico de cualquier iglesia en Me? Rida, hay hermosas pinturas al fresco que representan escenas bíblicas. Al otro lado de la iglesia se encuentra el Parque de la Madre, con una copia de la estatua de Renoir de la Virgen y el Niño.

Teatro Peo? N Contreras (Teatro)

Construido en 1908, con sus escaleras de mármol blanco y sus asientos decorados en estilo rococó. Hoy es el recinto cultural más importante del estado y es sede de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo? Neo, MACAY (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo)

Ubicado en un edificio del siglo XVII, el museo cuenta con más de 400 piezas de arte contemporáneo. Abierto de Lunes a Viernes de 10:00 a 18:00 hrs. y sábado y domingo de 10:00 a 20:00 hrs. .

Universidad Auto? Noma de Yucata? N

Aquí se fundó la? Real y Pontificia Universidad de San Javier? en 1624. Hoy alberga la sede de la Universidad, una biblioteca, un auditorio, salas de danza y música y la galería del Centro Cultural Universitario.

Mercado de Artesanías, Bazar García Rejoón (Mercado de Artesanías)

Muchos objetos y artesanías interesantes de la región están disponibles en este pintoresco mercado.

Museo Numisma? Tico (Museo Numismático)

Muestra más de 2 000 monedas que reflejan la historia de México. Abierto sábados y domingos de 9:00 a 13:30 y de 16:30 a 20:30 hrs.

Museo de la Indumentaria Mexicana (Museo de la vestimenta tradicional)

Una exhibición de atuendos regionales bellamente elaborados y vestidos prehispánicos. Además, los atuendos se pueden vender o alquilar. Abierto de lunes a sábado de 9:00 a 19:00 hrs. .

Museo Conmemorativo de la Inmigracio? N Coreana a Yucata? N (Museo Coreano)

El museo muestra la historia de los primeros coreanos en México, que trabajaron en los campos de henequén. Abierto de martes a domingo de 10:00 a 20:00 hrs.

Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto

El edificio de estilo Art Deco fue construido en 1958 con capacidad para 289 personas. Es el foro de conciertos y muchos eventos culturales. Hay un espacio de galería en el vestíbulo.

Teatro Armando Manzanero

Antiguamente era el Cine Mérida. Hoy cuenta con tres foros equipados con la última tecnología: el Salón Principal con capacidad para 1.450 espectadores, la Cinemateca Manuel Ponce Barbachano para 227 personas y el Cine de las Artes para 101 personas.

Iglesia de las Monjas (Iglesia de las Monjas)

Este edificio gótico fue construido en el siglo XVI. Desde lo alto del convento se puede disfrutar de una bonita vista panorámica de la ciudad. Los claustros han sido reconvertidos en un centro cultural, la Casa de Cultura del Mayab, que alberga la? Casa de las Artesanías? la tienda estatal de artesanías, donde se pueden admirar y adquirir artículos elaborados por artesanos de Yucatán y del resto del país.

Barrio San Cristobal

Museo de la Ciudad de Me? Rida (Museo de la Ciudad)

Ubicado en el gran edificio antiguo de Correos, muestra una interesante exposición sobre el desarrollo histórico de la ciudad de Me? Rida, desde la época prehispánica hasta nuestros días. Abierto de martes a viernes de 10:00 a 14:00 y de 16:00 a 20:00 hrs. .

Mercado Lucas de Ga? Lvez

Los visitantes pueden comprar todo tipo de alimentos, artesanías, joyas y otros objetos pintorescos.

Mercado de San Benito

Desde 1667 esta plaza fue la? Ciudadela de San Benito ?. Después de la independencia pasó a formar parte de una cárcel hasta 1895. Luego, en 2004, el espacio se transformó en un mercado, donde se pueden recoger los productos más frescos de temporada y algunas artesanías de la región.

Mercado de Artesanías, Bazar García Rejoño (Mercado de Artesanías)

Una visita a este mercado puede convertirse en un recorrido fascinante. Este es el lugar ideal para comprar diferentes artículos y artesanías de la región, como sandalias de cuero, ropa, joyas, hamacas, sombreros de fibra de palma, licores de elaboración local, entre otros.

Iglesia de San Cristo? Bal

Bonita iglesia construida entre 1756 y 1796. Fue la última construida durante la época colonial.

Parque de las Américas y Centro Cultural La Ibérica (Parque y Centro Cultural Las Américas)

Parque de las américas (parque de las américas).

Este hermoso parque está dividido en cuatro secciones. El primero es un parque infantil, donde se pueden alquilar patines y bicicletas para pasear por el parque. El segundo, hay una réplica de una cabaña maya, que alberga la Biblioteca José Martí con algunos murales que representan importantes hechos históricos latinoamericanos realizados por el artista Bolan? Os Gallardo. La tercera sección cuenta con un anfiteatro, donde se pueden ver los más variados espectáculos y actuaciones. El cuarto tiene una fuente de piedra monumental que representa a las deidades mayas como Kukulcan y Chaak.

Centro Cultural y Recreativo La Iberica

Durante muchos años este edificio fue un hospital, hasta principios de los años 60. Hoy es un Centro Cultural que ofrece talleres para personas mayores y la licenciatura en Música por la Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatán (ESAY).

Barrio Santiago

Parroquia de santiago apóstol.

Esta iglesia se encuentra donde los españoles encontraron el primer asentamiento nativo cuando llegaron a T? Ho. Los conquistadores lo llamaron Santiago. Este es el edificio donde tuvo lugar la primera misa en la ciudad.

Parque y Mercado de Santiago (Parque y Mercado)

Este barrio con un carácter único y especial crea un ambiente de reminiscencias especiales. Hay cines, un mercado tradicional (Santos Degollado) y algunas tiendas bonitas. Existe un programa cultural llamado? Remembranzas Musicales? (Recuerdos musicales), donde todos los martes vecinos y visitantes comparten lo antiguo.

Parque Zoológico del Centenario (Zoológico de Mérida)

El zoológico cuenta con un aviario, una casa de reptiles, una sección para primates y otra para mamíferos. También hay un parque infantil y una galería. Abierto de martes a domingo de 8:00 a 17:00 hrs. . Los patios de recreo están abiertos desde 6:00 a 18:00 hrs .

Museo de Historia Natural (Museo de Historia Natural)

Está ubicado en una mansión de principios del siglo XX. Las exposiciones del museo están relacionadas con el universo, la evolución de la tierra y las diferentes etapas de la vida. Este museo tiene fines educativos y recreativos.

Pinacoteca “Juan Gamboa Guzma? N” (Galería de imágenes)

Exhibe pintura de la época colonial y esculturas de bronce de Gottdiener, que retratan con precisión el Yucatán rural del siglo XIX. También alberga exposiciones temporales ocasionales. Abierto de martes a sábado de 9:00 a 17:00 hrs. y domingo de 10:00 a 17:00 hrs.

Barrios de Santa Ana y Santa Lucía

Iglesia y Parque de Santa Luci? A (Parque e Iglesia)

La construcción se inició a finales del siglo XVI y finalizó en 1620. La entrada rectangular está enmarcada en cantera. La iglesia cuenta con una bonita vidriera y un campanario. Rodeado por una galería en los lados norte y oeste, el parque alberga entretenimiento popular varias noches a la semana, incluida una actuación de canciones yucatecas a cargo de famosos trovadores y la Orquesta Yucalpeten los jueves por la noche (los espectáculos comienzan a las 9, pero ven temprano si quieres sentarse cerca de los artistas). El domingo, las parejas también vienen a bailar con una banda en vivo.

Iglesia de Santa Ana

Se completó en 1733 y se construyó, presumiblemente sobre los cimientos de una edificación maya precolombina.

Barrio San Sebastián

Iglesia y parque de san sebastián n.

La sección más antigua de la iglesia fue construida en 1796 y desde entonces ha sido renovada varias veces. San Sebastián es una de las zonas más antiguas y tradicionales de Mérida. Cada mes de agosto tiene lugar aquí la Feria de San Sebastián.

La Ermita de Santa Isabel (Ermita de Santa Isabel o Buen Viaje)

Fue construido en el siglo XVII. También era un lugar donde los viajeros cansados que venían en la otra dirección podían encontrar alojamiento y refrigerio antes de entrar a Meérida. Tiene un jardín botánico y una cascada artificial. Abierto todos los días desde las 9:00. a 18:00 hrs.

Barrio La Mejorada

Iglesia de la mejorada.

La construcción franciscana terminó en 1610. Hoy el convento alberga la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Estatal.

Museo de Arte Popular (Museo de Arte Popular)

El museo exhibe más de 1.800 piezas de arte popular regional y nacional. Abierto de martes a sábado de 10:00 a 17:00 hrs. y domingo de 10:00 a 15:00 hrs.

Museo de la Cancio? N Yucateca (Museo de la Canción Yucateca)

La música trova se considera parte del patrimonio cultural del pueblo yucateco. Este museo exhibe óleos, esculturas, instrumentos musicales, efectos personales y documentos que pertenecieron a los músicos más representativos. Abierto de martes a viernes de 9:00 a 17:00 hrs. Sábado y Domingo de 9:00 a 15:00 hrs. .

Arco de Dragones (Arco de Dragones)

El nombre se debe a que estaba ubicado junto al antiguo Barrio de los Dragones. En la parte superior del arco hay un nicho con una bonita escultura de San Francisco.

Arco de Puente (Arco de Puente)

Lleva el nombre de la calle donde se construyó.

Centro Cultural del Niño Yucateco

En 1821 el convento y hospital de La Mejorada se convirtió en el “Cuartel de los Dragones”. La propiedad permaneció en manos de los militares hasta 1983. En 1989, la propiedad se transformó en un Centro Cultural, ofreciendo clases y talleres durante todo el año para niños.

Museo del Ferrocarril (Museo del Ferrocarril)

Aquí los visitantes pueden admirar la historia y evolución de los ferrocarriles en Yucatán. Exhibe más de 40 vagones de ferrocarril antiguos y muchas fotos y documentos del pasado. Abierto de Lunes a Viernes de 13:00 a 18:00 hrs.

Barrio San Juan

Iglesia y parque de san juan.

La iglesia fue construida entre 1769 y 1770. Dentro de la iglesia hay una llamativa fuente llamada? La Negrita? que fue traída de París a principios del siglo XX.

Arco de San Juan

Los arcos fueron construidos alrededor de 1690, como muchos otros arcos en Me? Rida, fueron erigidos para establecer los límites de la ciudad. Este es uno de los más grandes de la ciudad.

Izama? Barrio

Iglesia de itzimna.

Pequeña capilla construida en 1572 y renovada en 1710. Está ubicada en uno de los rincones más bellos y tradicionales de Mérida. Este es uno de los lugares más bellos y tradicionales de la ciudad de Me? Rida.

Otras visitas turísticas

Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Gran Museo de los Mayas)

Espacio cultural moderno considerado uno de los más importantes de América Latina. El museo cuenta con cuatro galerías permanentes que exhiben más de 500 artefactos importantes de la cultura maya que cautivan la atención del visitante. También ofrece una sala multimedia para la presentación de documentales, un restaurante, una tienda y un estacionamiento.

El museo cuenta con un magnífico y original espectáculo de luz y sonido creado y diseñado específicamente para su arquitectura única. La muestra es una obra pictórica dividida en diferentes relatos: La creación del mundo, La aparición de la tierra y el mar, Hombres y dioses, Los antiguos mayas y La conquista y memoria del mundo maya. El espectáculo tiene lugar todas las noches en 21:30 y 22:30 hrs. Abierto de martes a domingo de 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.

Mapa de MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN

Más atractivos turísticos en YUCATAN

Chichén Itzá

Chichén ltzá (la ciudad al borde del pozo de Itzá), fue la capital regional más importante del área maya en los años 750 al 1200 d.C., puente entre el Clásico Mesoamericano y el Posclásico. Sus restos, aún bien conservados, confirman la fama que le asignan las crónicas y leyendas indígenas de Yucatán. Sus vestigios muestran que la civilización maya tradicional se enriqueció con otras corrientes culturales de Mesoamérica.… Leer más

Playas de Yucatán

Hay una gran variedad de playas en Yucatán, que van desde Progreso, que está a solo 20 minutos de Mérida, hasta playas más distantes como San Felipe. Todos ellos ofrecen un ambiente tranquilo donde relajarse, acampar y disfrutar de la naturaleza, o practicar diversos deportes como pesca, kayak, SUP y muchas otras actividades acuáticas. Entre las opciones que ofrece Yucatán, hay algunas que son verdaderos paraísos como Celestún y Río Lagartos donde el cielo se pinta de rosa porque son el hábitat de importantes colonias de flamencos rosados. La mayoría de ellas son amplias playas de arena blanca y en varias podrás saborear algunos de los deliciosos platos típicos de Yucatán.… Leer más

Pueblos Mágicos en Yucatán

Yucatán es una región del país que resguarda grandes tesoros naturales y culturales que son muy importantes para el país, dos lugares que ejemplifican perfectamente la importancia de Yucatán en la historia de México son sus pueblos mágicos, Izamal y Valladolid, dos destinos que en su calles protegen toda la magia de Yucatán.… Leer más

Gastronomía de Yucatán

La gastronomía de Yucatán tiene su origen en la cocina tradicional de los mayas con algunos ingredientes españoles. Sus platos son bien conocidos por su particular aroma y sabor, pues se preparan con condimentos como el orégano, la naranja agria, el cilantro y principalmente diferentes tipos de ají. Otros ingredientes son los famosos recados, que son una especie de pasta con la que se le da un sabor muy característico a las carnes, como los recados negros o los recados rojos, entre otros. Los recados son simplemente diversas especies de condimentos y chiles molidos y mixtos que forman una pasta, y que son la base principal de muchos platos yucatecos. Entonces, además de un viaje por los increíbles paisajes selváticos de Yucatán, los cenotes, los sitios arqueológicos, ciudades y pueblos, debes disfrutar de todo un viaje gastronómico por la hermosa tierra de los mayas.… Leer más

Tradiciones de Yucatán

Los yucatecos integran sus creencias, celebraciones y costumbres ancestrales en su vida cotidiana y crean un tipo de sincretismo mágico muy especial. La artesanía, la gastronomía, la música, el folclore y las tradiciones son prueba irrefutable de que Yucatán es una tierra mágica de ambiente abierto y cálido, donde los visitantes siempre se sienten bienvenidos.… Leer más

Visitas Guiadas en MERIDA

Vuelos y hoteles en yucatán, más atractivos turísticos en méxico.

• Estados de mexico

México posee una increíble diversidad de paisajes, donde destaca la belleza de sus playas, reconocidas internacionalmente. En su vasto territorio de costas, se encuentran playas de inigualable belleza y coloridos paisajes. Una amplia red de hoteles y servicios turísticos de primer nivel está a disposición de los visitantes de estas playas. México también es un lugar místico, salpicado de testimonios arqueológicos heredados de sus habitantes originales. Los monumentos hechos por los mayas, aztecas y toltecas se ubican en paisajes mágicos, como faros en un océano de belleza natural. Ofrecen a los visitantes edificios que cuentan su historia y museos que recogen su patrimonio cultural. Y que mantienen vivas tradiciones ancestrales, en ceremonias y festivales, donde se puede disfrutar de actividades culturales y de entretenimiento.… Leer más

• Pueblos Mágicos

Un Pueblo Mágico es un lugar con símbolos y leyendas, pueblos con historia que en muchos casos han sido escenario de hechos trascendentes para nuestro país, son lugares que muestran la identidad nacional en cada uno de sus rincones, con una magia que emana de sus atracciones; visitarlos es una oportunidad para descubrir el encanto de México. El Programa Pueblos Mágicos contribuye a revalorizar un conjunto de poblaciones del país que siempre han estado en el imaginario colectivo de la nación y que representan alternativas frescas y variadas para los visitantes nacionales y extranjeros. Un pueblo que a través del tiempo y de cara a la modernidad, ha conservado, valorado y defendido su patrimonio histórico, cultural y natural; y lo manifiesta en diversas expresiones a través de su patrimonio material e inmaterial. Un Pueblo Mágico es un pueblo que tiene atributos únicos, simbólicos, historias auténticas, hechos trascendentes, vida cotidiana, lo que significa una gran oportunidad para el aprovechamiento turístico, teniendo en cuenta las motivaciones y necesidades de los viajeros.… Leer más

• tradiciones en mexico

Es prácticamente imposible hacer una selección minuciosa y sobre todo certera de los lugares que visitar en México. Cada lugar que nuestras casas de campo es único y hermoso a su manera. México, con sus cerca de 2 millones de km², tiene una gran cantidad de escenarios que ofrecer, así como un sinfín de actividades para realizar. No te pierdas e ingresa a los lugares a visitar en México. En México, además de las playas y sus famosos sitios arqueológicos, existen muchos otros sitios y actividades realmente interesantes que debes conocer. En los alrededores de las principales ciudades encontrarás lugares llenos de cultura y tradición, donde pasar unas relajantes, interesantes y divertidas vacaciones. En tu viaje por México no puedes dejar de obtener souvenirs, las artesanías que aquí se elaboran son de la más alta calidad y reconocidas a nivel mundial. No se puede perder un recorrido de compras.… Leer más

• Gastronomía

La Gastronomía de México tiene una gran diversidad de platos típicos, razón por la cual fue reconocida por la UNESCO como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad. Los ingredientes básicos y representativos de los platos mexicanos son: maíz, cilantro, ají, frijoles, piloncillo, nopal y tomate. La cocina mexicana también se caracteriza por sus salsas, que sirven de acompañamiento a platos tradicionales, elaborados a base de especias.… Leer más

• Ciudades capitales

Folklore, gastronomía, cultura literaria, arte y exposiciones, es lo que encontrarás en las capitales de los estados de México. Al norte, el México colonial, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, el desierto de Sonora y la península de California. Al oriente Veracruz y al golfo. Al oeste Acapulco, Oaxaca y Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Y al sur la Riviera Maya y las pirámides de Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm y Cobá en Yucatán, Palenque en Chiapas, los cenotes y las selvas centroamericanas.… Leer más

• Ecoturismo y Aventura

México es uno de los mejores países para el Ecoturismo ya que posee una gran variedad de flora y fauna, así como una gran cantidad de refugios para especies extraordinarias. Se puede disfrutar de actividades recreativas de apreciación y conocimiento de la naturaleza a través del contacto con ella, tales como: observación de estrellas, observación de atractivos naturales, fauna y avistamiento de aves. A lo largo de México existen más de 176 áreas naturales protegidas, 5 de ellas consideradas por la UNESCO como Patrimonio Natural de la Humanidad. Solo por esto y mucho más, creemos que México es un paraíso para el ecoturismo.… Leer más

• Sitios arqueológicos

Las Zonas Arqueológicas son el pasado cultural de todo mexicano. Te sorprenderá el ambiente, la naturaleza y el entorno que los rodea. Subir a la cima o estar cerca nos hará retroceder en el tiempo para admirar cada detalle. México es un país de cultura y tradiciones, muchas de las cuales hemos heredado de los habitantes prehispánicos de este vasto territorio, si bien es cierto que hubo más asentamientos en la parte central y sur del país, también es posible encontrar algunos restos arqueológicos en el norte. ... Leer más

En las Playas de México puedes sumergirte en el océano azul intenso de las bahías del Pacífico, tomar el sol en la orilla de las cálidas y transparentes olas del Mar Caribe en Quintana Roo o incluso descansar en las hermosas costas del Golfo de México. Las playas mexicanas esconden maravillosos secretos para el viajero. Al visitarlos, además de disfrutar del excelente clima y las actividades acuáticas, puedes descubrir espléndidos sitios arqueológicos e interesantes ciudades coloniales sin viajar largas distancias.… Leer más

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Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is Best All-Inclusive Resort for Families

Mayan Experiences at the Ruins of Coba

Can the Mexican peso navigate between a firm economy and a presidential election? 

Mexico’s peso is set to navigate between a relatively firm economy on one side and some political doubts on the other, with a small depreciation expected in the medium term, a Reuters poll of foreign exchange experts showed.

The currency has lost 1% year-to-date, a minor drop given the negative factors it faces, such as the delayed start of monetary policy easing in the United States and higher global volatility due to elevated tensions in the Middle East.

In 12 months, the peso is forecast to shed 2.6% more to 17.59 per U.S. dollar from 17.13 on Tuesday, which would still leave it at a stronger rate than during most of the last eight years, according to the survey’s median estimate.

Among 16 respondents in the April 29-May 1 poll, the weakest forecast for the Mexican currency in one year was 18.70 per dollar and the strongest was 16.60.

“The MXN has underperformed amid a carry unwind, but fundamentals have not changed and Mexico should be the biggest beneficiary in emerging markets of U.S. exceptionalism,” said Erick Martinez, Latam FX and rates strategist at Barclays.

“Growth tailwinds from friend-shoring, close links to the United States in terms of the labor market and monetary policy should continue supporting the peso … we remain constructive near-term as it is too soon to trade U.S. election risks.”

As speculators cut “carry trade” positions, or bets on currencies of emerging market countries with high interest rates, the Mexican peso is notching up modest losses compared to other Latin American peers.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON INVESTING.COM

TYT Newsroom

Yucatan Times

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