Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán peninsula and is known for being the safest city in the country. This positive reputation attracts ex-pats and travelers alike to spend some time in the colorful city streets sampling the local cuisine and learning about the culture in this region of the country. Find out why it’s worth ditching the resorts in Cancun to spend a week or two in Mexico’s safest city instead. These 10 things simply scratch the surface of the adventures travelers can have in this gorgeous area of Mexico.
10 Walk The Paseo De Montejo
The Paseo de Montejo is a prominent street in Mérida that is a great spot to start a trip through the city. Along the avenue, travelers can find some of the city’s most iconic structures and monuments. The street is lined with beautiful colonial architecture, mansions, and greenery. It was modeled after Paris' Champs-Élysées, giving it a touch of French influence.
9 Eat The Local Cuisine
While in Mérida, travelers should make it a priority to sample the local cuisine. Of course, there are plenty of the options you’d expect to find in Mexico here, like al pastor and asada tacos, but there are some dishes that are unique to the Yucatán that are sure to please your taste buds. Sopa de Lima is a chicken tortilla soup with lime that is packed with flavor and Huevos Motuleños is a local popular breakfast dish. Cochinita Pibil is another Yucatán Mayan dish to try, made with pork slowly roasted in citrus juices.
8 Take A Day Trip To Izamal
Izamal is the Yellow City of Yucatán and is a photographer’s dream destination. Certainly, worth a day trip, Izamal is just 72 km east of Mérida, making it easy to visit. There are many theories about why the town is painted yellow, one of which is that the yellow is meant to honor Kinich Kakmó, the Mayan Sun God. While in Izamal, travelers can also visit Pirámide Kinich Kakmó for free. This limestone pyramid is one of the most important historical landmarks in the region.
7 Swim In The Cenotes
Mexico is famous for its cenotes, and there are some that cannot be missed when visiting Mérida. These water-filled caves or sinkholes are formed over time when the limestone erodes and collapses underground, deep enough to hit an aquifer that fills the sinkhole with fresh water. Cenote X’Batun is easy to visit from Mérida, taking only 55 minutes by car. Cenote Ucil is another excellent option for swimming in these freshwater caves, but it’s located closer to 2 hours outside of Mérida.
6 Take A Free Walking Tour From Parque De Santa Lucía
Travelers can get more insight into the local culture and history by joining one of the free walking tours of Mérida that are offered daily. The tours leave from Parque de Santa Lucía every morning at 10:00 am and tours take approximately 2 hours. They are available in English and Spanish and there is no reservation required. Travelers can simply join a tour group when it’s convenient for them.
5 Take A Day Trip To Celestún
Celestún is another destination worth a day trip from Mérida, especially if travelers are staying in the area for more than just a week. Celestún is a fishing village located on the coast and takes around 2 hours to reach from Mérida by bus. Celestún town is the gateway to the Biosphere Reserve, which offers an incredible look at the area’s local wildlife. Take a boat tour and observe herons, pelicans, and flamingos in their natural habitat. Celestún also has a gorgeous beach for relaxing and swimming after exploring the nature reserve.
4 Enjoy Cultural Performances At Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande is a central park and cultural hub for the city of Mérida, so it’s a must-visit spot for travelers who want to experience the local arts and traditions. There are dances and theatrical performances here that are free for the public to watch. This is also the spot to observe a traditional flag-raising ceremony.
Sometimes, in the evenings at Plaza Grande, travelers can witness a local Mayan ball game called Pok-Ta-Pok (or Pok-A-Tok). This game was traditionally part of a sacred ceremony played with a solid rubber ball that players could hit with any part of the body except for their hands.
3 See The Uxmal Ruins
Uxmal was an important Mayan city that was inhabited between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. Today, the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal are an incredible look at the region’s history and were named a World Heritage Site in 1996. It’s an excellent display of Terminal Classic architecture and remains one of the best-preserved Mayan structures in Yucatán.
2 Head To The Beach
No trip to Mexico is complete without spending some time on a white sand beach and swimming in turquoise waters. While Mérida is an inland city, it’s easy to spend some time on the water by driving to Progreso, a port city, which is just 45 minutes away from Mérida by car or bus. Playa Progreso offers a change of pace and scenery from the city of life of Mérida and allows travelers a chance to explore another side of the Yucatán peninsula.
1 Shop At The Local Markets
Every Saturday, travelers visiting Mérida can explore the local slow food market. This market is similar to a North American farmer’s market with options to buy local produce, handmade honey, baked goods, flowers, and plenty of delicious hot food stalls. On Saturdays and Sundays, travelers can shop at the Mercado Maya, which runs until 4:00 pm. This is a spot for buying artisanal goods, crafts, and various types of food.