Merida

Merida, Mexico is a vibrant city located in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is the capital of the state of Yucatan and is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Merida is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the Mayan ruins, experience the local culture, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural centers, making it a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Merida is a fairly easy city to get around. The city has a good public transportation system, with buses and taxis available. 

The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, and salbutes. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, making it a great place to sample the local flavors.

Merida is also a great place to shop, with plenty of markets and boutiques to explore. The city is also home to many festivals throughout the year, like the Mérida Fest that gathers  folk groups and artists of international stature

The top 10 things to do in Merida that we recommend:

1. Take a Free Walking Tour: Of course, what better way to begin the introduction of the city. They begin at 10 am in Parque de Santa Lucia and take you on a trip around the Zocalo, the cathedral, the palace of government, the university and every single important point in the city center. The local guides give good advice on where to eat, what might be open and in general good tips to enjoy the city. 

2. Go Museum Hopping: The city is home to a variety of museums, each offering a unique look into the city’s history and culture. Just to name a few, the Museum of Anthropology and History of Yucatan is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the region’s past, the Place of Music takes you varios interactive rooms where you can learn about music and cinema of Mexico and the world, the Great Mayan museum as the name suggest is a massive collection of mayan art and history. 

3. Stroll Paseo de Montejo:  A grand boulevard located in the city of Mérida, Mexico. It is one of the most important and iconic streets in the city, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
   
   
4. Parque de las Americas: This charming park spans 4 blocks and offers delightful spaces for children and locals alike to enjoy their afternoons. The beautiful Mayan-themed fountain adds a touch of cultural richness, while the totems representing every country in the Americas make it a unique attraction.

5. Experience Pok Ta Pok: A representation of the Mayan Ball Game. There is a large representation of this game in the form of a mural in the city’s main square, the Plaza Grande, but most importantly there is a live representation almost every weekend during the evenings in the same place. 

6. Enjoy Music & Dancing in Santa Lucia Park at Night. We mentioned this place before but now in a totally different light, also during the weekends at Parque de Santa Lucia there is folk and social dances and music, the public is totally free to take part or just watch. 

7. Eat Delicious Food. Yucatan is a state in Mexico with a very representative cuisine, and Merida being the capital city has fabulous restaurants to choose from, dishes like cochinita pibil or puerco con frijoles are a must if you visit.   

8. Take a Cooking Class. One of the best things to do in Merida for foodies. You can find classes that focus on traditional Yucatecan cuisine, as well as classes that focus on Mexican cuisine in general. Many of the classes are taught by local chefs and include a tour of the local markets, where you can learn about the ingredients used in the dishes. 

9. Experience Biciruta. Bici Ruta is a cycling tour that takes you through the city and its surrounding areas. You will be able to explore the city’s many attractions, including the historic center, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the Plaza Grande, and the Paseo de Montejo.

10. Go and shop at Mercado de Artesanias. Even if you are not a fan of shopping, crafts are a very important part of very culture and looking at them is free, but in the end if one of them catches your eye why not take it home. 

Merida is a great place to explore and experience the culture and history of the Yucatan Peninsula but if you made it all the way here maybe you don’t what to spend the whole time in only one city. There are plenty of activities to do in and around the city, from visiting ancient Mayan ruins to exploring the colonial architecture of the city.

Here are the top 10 things to do not far from Merida that we chose for you:

1. Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico and is located just a few hours from Merida. The site is home to the iconic El Castillo pyramid, as well as other impressive structures.
   
   
2. The Cenotes of Yucatan: The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. These natural sinkholes are filled with crystal clear water and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.
   
   
3. Haciendas of Yucatan: The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful haciendas in Mexico. These grand estates were once owned by wealthy families and are now open to the public for tours and visits.
   
   
4. Uxmal: Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located just a few hours from Merida. The site is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico, including the Pyramid of the Magician.
   
   
5. Valladolid: Known for its mix of colonial  architecture and tropical weather, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture. The city is home to many historical sites, including the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, the Church of San Servacio, and the Church of San Gervasio. The city is also known for its delicious ice cream, which can be found in many of the local shops.
   

6. Izamal: The unique town is known for its brightly colored buildings, which are painted in shades of yellow and white. A great place to explore the architecture of the region. The town is home to the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, a 16th century Franciscan monastery. The monastery is one of the largest in the Americas.
   

7. Celestun: A small fishing village located on the western coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its stunning beaches, mangrove forests, and wildlife. The area is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. It is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.The village of Celestun is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and is surrounded by a beautiful mangrove forest. The mangroves provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, iguanas, and turtles. The area is also home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl.
   
   
8. Tizimin: Tizimin is a beautiful colonial town and is also home to a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding nearby. Not far is also Laguna de Tizimin is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, and the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a great place to explore the region’s diverse wildlife.
   

9. Ria Lagartos. A stunning natural reserve located in the Mexican state of Yucatán. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other birds, as well as crocodiles, turtles, and other reptiles. The reserve is also home to a variety of plants, including mangroves, cacti, and palm trees.
   The best way to explore Ría Lagartos Yucatán is by boat. There are several tour companies that offer boat tours of the reserve, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife. 
   

10. Go camping: The unforgettable experience of a lifetime. As mentioned in many locations before Yucatan has a wide variety of wildlife, landscapes and outdoor activities to choose from so there is no need to comment all of them again and you wish to experience it directly we can only recommend you take all the necessary precautions or hire a professional team or company to make the best of this adventure.
    

Overall, Merida is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the Mayan ruins, experience the local culture, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of  eco-touristic options, we hope this article was of some help. Have a nice trip! 

Travel is enjoyed not only through your eyes but also through your stomach and in honor of your taste buds we present our recommendation for… 

The top 10 restaurants to try in Merida:

1. La Chaya Maya: A classic Yucatecan eatery, La Chaya Maya offers authentic dishes like cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and panuchos, all prepared with fresh, regional ingredients.

2. Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy: This restaurant combines the experience of savoring delicious local food with a unique cultural ambiance, as it is located in a restored historic building. It serves traditional Yucatecan dishes with a creative twist.

3. Taquería de la Unión: With over 50 years of history, this taquería is famous for its mouthwatering tacos of cochinita pibil, lechón, and other typical regional delights.

4. San Santiago Market: A traditional market where locals gather to enjoy authentic regional food, such as salbutes, panuchos, relleno negro, and more, all skillfully prepared by local cooks.

5. Teya santa lucia: Situated in a restored henequen hacienda, this restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with classic Yucatecan dishes served in a historic and charming setting.

6. Kinich: With rustic and cozy decor, Kinich stands out for its culinary delights such as papadzules, poc chuc, and cocido de res, providing a true taste of the local cuisine.

7. Los Almendros: Renowned for its high-quality cuisine, Los Almendros serves authentic Yucatecan dishes, including its acclaimed pavo en escabeche.

8. La Tradición: In a traditional and family-friendly atmosphere, La Tradición offers a wide variety of Yucatecan dishes, from lentil soup to pork with beans.

9. La Prospe del Xtup: This charming restaurant takes pride in preserving traditional Yucatecan recipes, offering diners authentic and delicious flavors.

10. El Trapiche: Located in a restored colonial house, El Trapiche offers a blend of Yucatecan and international cuisine, featuring specialties like cochinita pibil and shrimp ceviche.

These restaurants will allow you to experience authentic Yucatecan cuisine, indulging in unique and traditional flavors while enjoying a warm and historically rich atmosphere. 

We hope you had a wonderful experience in Merida and we hope you see you again soon!