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Merida.

Tips for your trips. Tourist information. Official websites.

A short distance — yet seemingly a world away — from the rowdy, touristy beach resorts of Cancún and *Cozumel that make up the *Yucatán of cliché. Mérida (map) is the cultural center of southern Mexico, boasting a panoply of excellent museums and attractions, a vibrant street life, and a wealth of historic colonial-era architecture (centered on the Plaza de la Independencia, map) that’s second only to Mexico City on the national scene.

Mérida has one of the largest centro histórico districts in the Americas (surpassed only by Mexico City and Havana, Cuba). Colonial homes line the city streets to this day, in various states of disrepair and renovation.

One of the oldest developments in the city, home to the well-known Parque de las Américas (map). The place is a meeting point for neighbors and for afternoon walks.

From Mérida, it is easy to take day trips to a vast array of destinations: archaeological sites, ecological parks, typical villages, caves, beaches, colonial missions and more. Take your time and really explore the Maya sites, walk for miles along the Gulf of Mexico, attend a village festival, photograph the wildlife.

A range of street food is available, especially at Mercado Lucas De Galvéz (map), the central food market. This is also a good place to shop for local specialties, including queso mennonito, an unpasteurized cheese made in the nearby Mennonite community.

Several important archaeological sites are close to Mérida. Chichen Itza (map) is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, present-day Mexico.

*Cuzamá (map) is one of the interesting sites on the *Ruta de los Cenotes itinerary, with prominent cenotes (sinkholes leading to significant caves). Buses to Cuzamá depart from Terminal Noreste (map).

Mayapán (about 40km SE of Mérida and 100km W of Chichen Itza, map). A compact, well-preserved pre-Columbian site, Mayapán was the political capital of the Maya in the Yucatán Peninsula from about the late 1220s until 1440s. Unlike at other Mayan sites, climbing of pyramids is permitted, and worth the effort.

Catedral de San Idelfonso (map). This is the first cathedral built on the mainland of the Americas and the oldest in Mexico, built on the site of the Mayan temple Xbac-Luum-Chaan. The temple stones were incorporated into the new building, and a number of original Mayan carvings are still visible on the church walls.

Paseo de Montejo (map). A beautiful, tree-lined street, lined with houses developed by the henequen-industry barons. It’s a great place to walk in the evening. Have a dish of ice cream, look at the renovated mansions – an especially interesting villa is the Casa del Minarete (map).

Palacio Municipal (Ayuntamiento, Old City Hall, map). Mérida’s red city hall, easily spotted by its distinctive clock tower, was built in 1735. From this building in 1821 the Republic of Yucatán declared independence from Spain.

Palacio del Gobierno (Governor’s Palace, map). This lovely colonial palace was built in 1892 in the Neoclassical style, with a large couryard and impressive staircase. The main balcony upstairs has a good view of the Zócalo and the cathedral.

*Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida (the old post office building, 3 blocks east and 1 south of the Zócalo, map). The Museum of the City of Mérida provides more evidence of the city’s long history and rich culture.

Museo Regional de Antropología (Palacio Cantón, map). The regional archaeology museum is housed in one of the grandest mansions from Mérida’s boom time, showcasing ancient Maya artworks and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits.

Sunday afternoons at the Plaza Grande (map) are a particular treat, and perhaps the most charming time in Mérida. The streets around the square are closed to vehicles, and the locals dress up to go for strolls to see and be seen.

Mérida Fest. Entire month of January. Sponsored by the city, this annual festival commemorates the founding of Spanish Mérida in January 1542. All arts are included, with many performers coming from across Mexico to participate. Most events are staged in open spaces and free to the public.

Carnaval de Mérida. Date varies, ending at the eve of Ash Wednesday; mid-February through early March. An annual event with a week of celebrations leading to up to Fat Tuesday. Mérida has one of the five most important carnavals in Mexico.

About Mexico

Information for planning your trip around the country.

Mexico City

Tourist information to help you get to know the city.

Transport

Information about all types of public transport in the country.

Cities & Regions

Useful info about the regions and cities of the country.

#1 Visit Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. + vibrant and energetic nightlife scene.

#2 Guadalajara

The vibrant city of Guadalajara, located in the heart of Mexico. Indulge in the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine.

#3 Oaxaca City

Immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s vibrant celebrations and festivals, rich indigenous heritage, and colonial architecture.

Public transport.

Information about all types of public transport.

Autobuses México – A comprehensive website with information about long-distance bus services in Mexico, including routes, schedules, and ticket booking.

Also сheck оut мore info: Getting Around (thecity.mx)

BUS: mexicoautobuses.com • ClickBus. If traveling by bus, be sure to take the express (first class) buses (directo, sin escalas, primera clase), if available ⇒ ADO, Primera Plus, and ETN.

TRAIN: Amtrak (San Diego, Yuma, Del Rio и El Paso). The only available passenger train is the Chihuahua al Pacific Railway (CHEPE) operated by Ferromex between Los Mochis and the city of Chihuahua, through the Copper Canyon.

AIRPORT: aeropuertosgap.com.mx – operates 12 airports in the Pacific region of Mexico.

FERRY: Baja Ferries – Provides ferry services between Baja California and the mainland (La Paz ⇔ Topolobampo). Ultramar – Offers ferry services to popular destinations like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. Ferries Mexico – Offers information on ferry services in Mexico, including routes, schedules, and fares.

MERIDA, MEXICO (2022) | 8 Incredible Things To Do In & Around Mérida.

Mérida, Mexico is located in the northwest of the beautiful Yucatan State. It’s the state capital and widely known as the safest city in Mexico. But what attracts most visitors is its thriving food and cultural scene. With an interesting mix of Mayan and colonial culture, Mérida is encircled by ancient temples, sacred cenotes, and colorful streets with colonial mansions.

video source: World Wild Hearts / youtube.com /

Useful websites.

Links to additional resources with useful information for planning your trip.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION.

A foreign national wishing to enter Mexico must obtain a visa unless they are a citizen of one of the 68 eligible visa-exempt countries.

Chichen Itza.

Chichén Itzá is the largest of the archaeological cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

Day of the Dead.

The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died.

Mexico Desconocido is a popular website that covers various aspects of Mexican culture, including cultural events, traditions, history, and tourism. They feature articles, guides, and news about festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural happenings throughout the country.

AeroMexico is a major Mexican airline that offers domestic and international flights. Their website allows you to search for flights, manage bookings, and access important travel information.

Rentalcars.com – allows you to compare and book car rentals from various providers in Mexico. It offers a wide selection of vehicles and flexible options to suit your travel needs.

iVisa is an online platform that simplifies the visa application process. It provides information on visa requirements, allows you to apply for certain types of visas online, and offers support throughout the application process.

XE Currency Converter is a reliable tool for checking currency exchange rates. It can help you convert currencies and plan your budget while traveling in Mexico.