Mérida

Mérida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatán state, is known for its colonial-era buildings, rich culture, and Mayan history. You can explore the Plaza Grande, see the mansions on Paseo de Montejo, and eat local dishes like cochinita pibil. Mérida is also a good base for visiting ancient ruins, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and beaches on the Gulf Coast.

Exploring Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande is the center of Mérida's historic district. On weekends, this square becomes active with free cultural events, food stalls, and markets selling handmade goods. On the east side of the plaza, you'll see the Catedral de San Ildefonso from the 16th century. It's one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas and was built using stones from Mayan temples. On the south side, you can visit the Palacio de Gobierno to look at murals showing Yucatán's history, painted by Fernando Castro Pacheco, an artist from the area.

Strolling Paseo de Montejo

Walk down Paseo de Montejo, Mérida's main boulevard lined with trees, which was inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This street shows the wealth from the henequen industry in the late 19th century through its large mansions. You can look at the detailed fronts of Palacio Cantón and the "twin houses" called Casas Cámara. On Sundays, cars are not allowed on the boulevard, so you can rent a bike or walk with local residents.

Tasting Yucatecan Cuisine

Mérida's food reflects its history and culture. You can try cochinita pibil, a Mayan dish of pork cooked slowly after being marinated in citrus and achiote. Panuchos are another local food - corn tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with turkey or cochinita. For a light starter, order sopa de lima, a tangy soup made with lime, turkey, and strips of tortilla. You can visit Mercado Lucas de Gálvez to see local ingredients and eat authentic street food. For a higher-end meal, you can book a table at Kuuk, where chefs create innovative tasting menus using traditional Yucatecan ingredients.

Visiting Nearby Mayan Ruins

You can easily reach several important Mayan archaeological sites from Mérida. Uxmal, about an hour's drive south, has intricately carved facades and a large structure called the Pyramid of the Magician. For a less crowded option, you can go to Dzibilchaltún, just 30 minutes north of the city. This site has the Temple of the Seven Dolls, which lines up perfectly with the rising sun during the spring and fall equinoxes. After exploring the ruins, you can swim in the on-site cenote to cool off.

Practical Information

The best time to visit Mérida is from November to March when temperatures are milder. Summer months can be very hot and humid. In the city, you can get around by walking or using ride-hailing apps like Uber. For trips outside the city, you might want to rent a car or join organized tours. Mérida is considered one of the more secure cities in Mexico, but you should still take normal precautions as you would in any city. The local currency is the Mexican peso. While many places accept credit cards, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and at markets.