Is Merida Mexico’s best travel destination?
It’s under the radar for the average person, who only knows “Mexico City,” “Cancun” and “Tulum” as Mexican travel destinations. Once in Merida, we found that the western Yucatan region is excellent for seeing culture, beaches, nature and villages.
Is Merida Mexico’s most secret city?
While Merida is not a secret at all, as the 12th-largest city in Mexico, it still doesn’t ring a bell for most travelers like the bigger-name destinations that get more hype. If you choose to travel to Merida, you’ll find an authentic Mexican city with friendly people, a relaxing vibe and a great place for traveling on a budget, or a splurge.
What to do in Merida Mexico?
Folkloric dancing in Merida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Mexico is known for its warm hospitality and faultless service, and the locals in Merida are as friendly and helpful as they come.
How to stay safe in Merida Mexico?
Stick to the safest areas only — Centro Historico, Paseo de Montejo and North Merida — by selecting on of these 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local]. 3. Keep some cash in your pocket, or even a side pocket in your anti-theft purse, so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you make a purchase.
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Is Merida too touristy?
It's less touristy than the Riviera Maya. While it does have a thriving expat community, Merida is still off the radar for many tourists visiting the Yucatan. Maybe it's the distance from the Cancun airport, or the fact that it's a city — not a land of resorts.
How many days should I spend in Merida Mexico?
There are so many things to do in Merida Mexico that it's quite hard to pack it all down into a couple of days. Three days in Merida is a good amount to cover the city's top sights and activities while getting some downtime to explore nearby towns, cenotes, or ruins.
Why should I visit Merida Mexico?
The Yucatán capital is seriously beautiful, steeped in history, and super steamy — all year round. Mérida may not be one of Mexico's better-known destinations, but it could be one of its best: with its beautiful architecture, storied past, and delicious food, the Yucatán capital is a must-see.
Why is Merida so popular?
International connection. The city itself it's already very popular for tourism because of its colonial architecture, and the archaeological and natural areas it offers. 20 minutes away from Puerto Progreso, a very important international connection.
Is Mérida Yucatan expensive?
The Yucatan has historically the lowest wages in the country making Merida is geoarbitrage heaven. Your cost of living in Merida will be staggeringly affordable. An $840 per month budget here buys you a very comfortable life. That monthly budget is worth over 16,000 Mexican Pesos.
Is there a beach in Mérida Mexico?
Merida is not a beachfront city — it's about 30 miles inland from the nearest beach in Progreso, Mexico. There are no City of Merida beaches, though there are miles of beaches near Merida, Mexico. With its central location, Merida makes a great home base to explore them all!
Is Merida Mexico Beautiful?
Many Mexicans agree on Mérida being one of the most beautiful cities in the Yucatán Peninsula. It's also one of the safest in the country, highly cultural, artsy and only 20 miles away from the beach. There's plenty of reasons to plan a visit.
What is the best month to visit Merida Mexico?
JanuaryThe 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.
Is Merida Mexico walkable?
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.
Do people speak English in Merida Mexico?
Being a non-Spanish speaker is NO problem in Merida or the state of Yucatan. You will find MANY locals speak some English.... they start English classes in kindergarden! A positve attitude, a smile and patience will get you real far. The Yucatan is a very safe place so have no fears.
Is Merida too hot?
No one is under any illusion who visits or lives here that it is not hot, and it can range from hot to extremely hot. With average temperatures of a high of 92.8 F and a low of 69.2 F throughout the year, it never reaches a temperature that someone visiting from a wintry area would define as cold.
Is Merida Safe To Visit?
Merida is listed as the safest city in Mexico, and on some sites as the safest city in the Americas.
Is Merida Open For Travel Right Now?
Yes, you can travel to Merida. Masks are required in the airport and all stores, but almost everything was open while we were there.
Do you Have To Quarantine In Merida?
We didn't have to quarantine when we got to Merida. This part of Mexico is open with almost no exclusions.
What Covid Safety Precautions Are In Place?
Wearing masks were required everywhere we went in Merida. Most businesses also required temperature checks before entering. People were giving out hand sanitizer in the streets, and upon entering any stores and restaurants.
What Is The History Of Merida Mexico?
Merida has a very Mayan-based history. The modern name Merida came when the Spanish came in 1542, but the city was actually built on an ancient Mayan city called T’hó.
What Is There To Do In Merida?
Mercado Lucas de Galvez was one of our favorite things to do in Merida. It is a market that sits in the middle of town. They had everything from meat, to fish, to clothing, to jewelry.
Where To Eat In Merida
Los Trompos. This was probably the best place we ate in Merida. It offers delicious authentic food, and you can see right into the back where the chefs are working. I recommend getting the tacos al pastor.
Why is Mérida called the white city?
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.
How long is the flight from Houston to 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.
Is Mérida 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.
Is Mérida on the coast?
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!
Is Uber available in Mérida?
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.
Is Mérida safe to travel to?
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)!
Where is Merida located?
Centrally located within the Yucatán Peninsula near the Gulf of Mexico, Merida serves as a convenient base for day trips to the region’s UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, nature reserves with diverse wildlife, and treasured villages designated Pueblos Mágicos (magic towns) like Valladolid and Izamal.
Who founded Merida?
and customs brought by Spanish conquistadors, who began colonizing the territory in the 16th century. The city of Merida itself was founded by Francisco de Montejo y León in 1542 on top ...
What was the Hacienda Temozon?
Hacienda Temozon, a hotel from The Luxury Collection in the Yucatan Peninsula. Hacienda Temozon. As a reward for their services during the conquest, triumphant Spaniards were given estancias to breed livestock and in-demand crops like tobacco, sugar and cotton.
Where is the dance capital of Mexico?
Folkloric dancing in Merida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Journey Mexico. Mexico is known for its warm hospitality and faultless service, and the locals in Merida are as friendly and helpful as they come.
Is Merida the American capital of culture?
This year, the Mexican city of Merida was named the American Capital of Culture for a second time, highlighting the Yucatán capital's abundant riches. For travelers looking to explore beyond Mexico’s world-class beaches this winter, here are 10 reasons to put the “White City” on your bucket list. Plaza Grande in Merida, Mexico.
Quick facts about Merida
To get you acquainted with Merida before you visit, here are some helpful facts that will paint a picture:
Why you should consider traveling to Merida, Mexico
Yes. Merida is great. It’s under the radar for the average person, who only knows “Mexico City,” “Cancun” and “Tulum” as Mexican travel destinations.
Things to do in Merida
There are so many things to do in Merida, and you can bet your bottom peso that I made a big list of them even before we landed.
The Merida food scene
There are so many cafes in Merida that we wrote this entire guide to the best coffeeshops in town.
Day trip ideas from Merida
One of the reasons I was so excited to be based in Merida for about a month was so that we could take day trips throughout the region.
Accommodation options
There is a wide assortment of awesome options for where to stay in Merida.
How to get to Merida
Merida is a major city in Mexico, even though this may be your first time hearing about it in depth. Nevertheless, there are many ways to get to Merida, so check this out.
2. Contemporary Yucatecan Art
The two-level Yucatan Museum of Contemporary Art, aka MACAY, is the only institution of its kind dedicated to showcasing the region’s freshest, cutting-edge, modern work.
3. Sundays in the Square
Every Sunday, the historic Plaza Grande area is closed off to traffic and morphs into a lively market and festival.
4. Amazing Boutique Retreats
Mérida brims with privacy-minded boutique properties offering distinctly Yucatán flavor and design, from budget-traveler-friendly to luxury-honeymooners-friendly.
5. This Sandwich
While plenty of delicious pork meat, cooked and otherwise, can be found at Mérida's market, the t orta de lechón al horno ( roasted suckling pig sandwich) at its Taqueira la Socorrito should be on the bucket list of porchetta-sandwich-lovers everywhere.
When is the best time to visit Merida, Mexico?
The best time of year to visit Merida, Mexico is from October-March, when the weather’s cooler and not so humid. May is known as the hottest, most humid month; but really May-August can be rough.
Where is the closest beach to Merida, Mexico?
1. 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 to Progreso on the weekend, and the town is known to be a place to party.
How long is the drive from Cancun to Merida?
Prices vary, but figure about $400 pesos ($20USD) for a one-way ticket. • Cancun to Merida Drive: This 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. Tulum to Merida.
What is the capital of Mexico?
Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, one of three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula, located in southeastern Mexico. The city is considered the Mayan cultural capital of Mexico.
How many Mayan sites are there in Mexico?
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to about 100 public Mayan archeological sites. While most people 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, bur, or tour.
Where are the Mayan ruins?
2. Mayan Ruins near Merida, Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to about 100 public Mayan archeological sites. While most people 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, bur, or tour.
Where is the Yellow City of Mexico?
It is also not far from other top Yucatan Peninsula destinations, like the pueblo magicos (magic towns) Bacalar Lagoon, the “Maldives of Mexico,” about 215 miles southeast, Valladolid, 95 miles east, and the “Yellow City” of Izamal, located just 40 miles east of Merida.
