Christine's Places to Explore in and around Mérida
Sightseeing
Stroll along Paseo de Montejo, admire the historic mansions, do some shopping or stop at one of the many coffee shops or restaurants. One of the places you will often find a line is Heladeria El Colón, famous for its ice cream. visit the Museum of Anthropology and History located inside the Palacio Canton.
You will also find Mérida's favorite Irish Pub "Hennessey's" on the Paseo Montejo.
43 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Paseo de Montejo
Paseo de MontejoStroll along Paseo de Montejo, admire the historic mansions, do some shopping or stop at one of the many coffee shops or restaurants. One of the places you will often find a line is Heladeria El Colón, famous for its ice cream. visit the Museum of Anthropology and History located inside the Palacio Canton.
You will also find Mérida's favorite Irish Pub "Hennessey's" on the Paseo Montejo.
A beautiful park with lots of shade, where you can relax and people watch on one of the benches, or take your tourist shot on the enormous kissing chairs. On Sunday afternoons you can find the locals dancing on the little stage. There are also some very nice restaurants around the park.
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Taman Santa Lucía
476A C. 60A beautiful park with lots of shade, where you can relax and people watch on one of the benches, or take your tourist shot on the enormous kissing chairs. On Sunday afternoons you can find the locals dancing on the little stage. There are also some very nice restaurants around the park.
Uxmal is an historical Mayan City, less touristy than Chichen Itza,and definitely worth visiting. You can spend an easy 3 hours to exploring the ruins. There is a snack bar, as well as gift shops, restaurant, and various local vendors They only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough for entry fees, food and drinks. The entrance fee is about $420 pesos/person, at least that's what it was in 2019. I also recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes.
There are buses leaving from the ADO Tame terminal a few times a day.
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Uxmal
Uxmal is an historical Mayan City, less touristy than Chichen Itza,and definitely worth visiting. You can spend an easy 3 hours to exploring the ruins. There is a snack bar, as well as gift shops, restaurant, and various local vendors They only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough for entry fees, food and drinks. The entrance fee is about $420 pesos/person, at least that's what it was in 2019. I also recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes.
There are buses leaving from the ADO Tame terminal a few times a day.
About an hour drive south of Merida you will find the amazing Cenote Yaal Utzil with its crystal clear, blue waters. Take a plunge from the platform! If you go early in the morning, you will most likely have it for yourself.
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Cenote Mucuyche atau Cenote Yaal Utzil
About an hour drive south of Merida you will find the amazing Cenote Yaal Utzil with its crystal clear, blue waters. Take a plunge from the platform! If you go early in the morning, you will most likely have it for yourself.
This is a cavern cenote and it's located about an hour drive south of Merida. You will be amazed by the crystal clear waters, the beauty of the stalactites and the reflection of sunlight shining in through little openings.
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Cenote Kankirixche
This is a cavern cenote and it's located about an hour drive south of Merida. You will be amazed by the crystal clear waters, the beauty of the stalactites and the reflection of sunlight shining in through little openings.
If you are already in Uxmal for the Mayan ruins, take some extra time to visit the cacao museum. It's right across the entrance to the archaeological site. You learn all about the history and importance of the cacao bean and how it's transformed into chocolate. You will also be able to taste all the delicious chocolates.
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Choco-Story Meksiko
Km. 78 Calle 10 Carretera Merida CampecheIf you are already in Uxmal for the Mayan ruins, take some extra time to visit the cacao museum. It's right across the entrance to the archaeological site. You learn all about the history and importance of the cacao bean and how it's transformed into chocolate. You will also be able to taste all the delicious chocolates.
The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, aka Plaza Grande. It is bordered by the fortresslike Cathedral of San Ildefonso and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
Every Saturday at 8 p.m., the Cathedral of Mérida is illuminated with lights and history during the video mapping presentation “Piedras Sagradas,” or “Sacred Stones.”
Plaza de la Independencia
The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, aka Plaza Grande. It is bordered by the fortresslike Cathedral of San Ildefonso and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
Every Saturday at 8 p.m., the Cathedral of Mérida is illuminated with lights and history during the video mapping presentation “Piedras Sagradas,” or “Sacred Stones.”
City/town information
Merida, the City of Peace, and the vibrant capital of the Yucatan state has to a lot to offer. It has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. My husband and I fell in love with Merida the minute we arrived. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, aka Plaza Grande. It is bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
Merida is a busy city of almost 1.5 million people with top restaurants, beautiful architecture, art galleries, symphonies, ballet and museums. The cultural activity of Yucatan is kept alive throughout the year by the local, national and international artistic communities.
My husband and I love to explore all the different areas by foot. We feel that there's so much to miss when you just Taxi or Uber to a place. This is how we discover new places. When we get too hot, we stop at a Cantina for a cold cerveza or two and continue on afterwards.
Daily excursions can take you to white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing villages, mangroves, flamingo reserves, Mayan ruins, including one of the new 7 wonders of the world Chichen Itza, cenotes (swimming holes) and caves, plus two excellent golf courses 20 minutes away.
Be adventurous! Enjoy everything Merida and its surrounding areas have to offer.
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Mérida
Merida, the City of Peace, and the vibrant capital of the Yucatan state has to a lot to offer. It has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. My husband and I fell in love with Merida the minute we arrived. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, aka Plaza Grande. It is bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
Merida is a busy city of almost 1.5 million people with top restaurants, beautiful architecture, art galleries, symphonies, ballet and museums. The cultural activity of Yucatan is kept alive throughout the year by the local, national and international artistic communities.
My husband and I love to explore all the different areas by foot. We feel that there's so much to miss when you just Taxi or Uber to a place. This is how we discover new places. When we get too hot, we stop at a Cantina for a cold cerveza or two and continue on afterwards.
Daily excursions can take you to white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing villages, mangroves, flamingo reserves, Mayan ruins, including one of the new 7 wonders of the world Chichen Itza, cenotes (swimming holes) and caves, plus two excellent golf courses 20 minutes away.
Be adventurous! Enjoy everything Merida and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Izamal known as the Yellow City, a town about an hour drive East of Merida. It yellow buildings, colonial architecture, and ancient Mayan ruins. It’s also home to a picturesque convent that was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1993. To prepare for his arrival, the town decided to paint everything yellow. From the stores to the houses to the monastery, they doused it all with a vibrant yellow color.
Stop at El Toro for delicious local food.
If you don't have a rental car, take a bus from the Noreste Terminal at Calle 67 and Calle 50. The public buses depart multiple times throughout the day.
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Izamal
Izamal known as the Yellow City, a town about an hour drive East of Merida. It yellow buildings, colonial architecture, and ancient Mayan ruins. It’s also home to a picturesque convent that was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1993. To prepare for his arrival, the town decided to paint everything yellow. From the stores to the houses to the monastery, they doused it all with a vibrant yellow color.
Stop at El Toro for delicious local food.
If you don't have a rental car, take a bus from the Noreste Terminal at Calle 67 and Calle 50. The public buses depart multiple times throughout the day.
Celestun means ‘painted stone’ in Mayan is a small fishing village with a small harbour, great seafood restaurants and a local beach. The main attraction are the flamingoes. When you arrive at Celestun you will find local guides to take you on the 2-hour boat ride to see the flamingos as well as a tour through the mangroves.
The current cost of the boat tour is MXN1800 approximately USD89.00. There are opportunities to reduce the cost of the boat by waiting for other passengers to turn up.
If you don't have a rental car you can take a bus from the Noreste Terminal at Calle 67 and Calle 50. Catch the early bus since it takes about 2 hours to get to Celestun.
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Celestún
Celestun means ‘painted stone’ in Mayan is a small fishing village with a small harbour, great seafood restaurants and a local beach. The main attraction are the flamingoes. When you arrive at Celestun you will find local guides to take you on the 2-hour boat ride to see the flamingos as well as a tour through the mangroves.
The current cost of the boat tour is MXN1800 approximately USD89.00. There are opportunities to reduce the cost of the boat by waiting for other passengers to turn up.
If you don't have a rental car you can take a bus from the Noreste Terminal at Calle 67 and Calle 50. Catch the early bus since it takes about 2 hours to get to Celestun.
Shopping
We met the owner of this store when we had breakfast at El Barrio. The store is just 4 houses down from the restaurant and they sell artisanal, fair-trade products from the region. The owner was super friendly and talkative. We followed him down to the store and I fell in love with the two items you see in the photos. I also purchased a very nice pottery bowl. These treasures can be found in the kitchen in our casita. They also sell honey and salsas, purses, clothing. I really recommend a visit when you are in the Paseo de Montejo area.
Colectivo Múul Meyaj
# 499 C. 45We met the owner of this store when we had breakfast at El Barrio. The store is just 4 houses down from the restaurant and they sell artisanal, fair-trade products from the region. The owner was super friendly and talkative. We followed him down to the store and I fell in love with the two items you see in the photos. I also purchased a very nice pottery bowl. These treasures can be found in the kitchen in our casita. They also sell honey and salsas, purses, clothing. I really recommend a visit when you are in the Paseo de Montejo area.
This is a great place to buy your hammocks. The owners are super friendly and let you try out all different styles. The prices are right as well.
Hamacas El Mayab
553 C. 58This is a great place to buy your hammocks. The owners are super friendly and let you try out all different styles. The prices are right as well.
This is a busy local market scene where you can buy basically anything from clothes, shoes, crafts, tools, supplies, to fruits and vegetables. It's an adventure on its own. You will also find taquerias there. Tip: ask for the pozol, the typical dish of the region.
18 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Pasar San Benito
s/n Calle 54This is a busy local market scene where you can buy basically anything from clothes, shoes, crafts, tools, supplies, to fruits and vegetables. It's an adventure on its own. You will also find taquerias there. Tip: ask for the pozol, the typical dish of the region.
Art and Culture
See something, anything, at this magnificent theater/opera house. The Yucatan Today magazine usually has information on the current events. Or you can stop by the theatre on your walk back from the Zocalo, to see what is showing. There are often free events put on by the city that are great to see too.
The interior of the theater features a central cupula with a magnificent fresco called “La Alegoría de las Artes y de las Ciencias” (the allegory of the arts and sciences) painted by Italian Nicolás Alegreti. It's a must see!
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Jose Peon Contreras Theater
See something, anything, at this magnificent theater/opera house. The Yucatan Today magazine usually has information on the current events. Or you can stop by the theatre on your walk back from the Zocalo, to see what is showing. There are often free events put on by the city that are great to see too.
The interior of the theater features a central cupula with a magnificent fresco called “La Alegoría de las Artes y de las Ciencias” (the allegory of the arts and sciences) painted by Italian Nicolás Alegreti. It's a must see!
Palacio Canton was built 100 years ago, as the residence for General Francisco Cantón Rosado. This mansion is a clear example of the economic boom experienced by some families in the state of Yucatan.
Palacio Canton currently hosts the Regional Museum of Anthropology, a dependent of INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History).
But the palace on it's own is a must see!
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Museum Istana Canton
481 P.º de MontejoPalacio Canton was built 100 years ago, as the residence for General Francisco Cantón Rosado. This mansion is a clear example of the economic boom experienced by some families in the state of Yucatan.
Palacio Canton currently hosts the Regional Museum of Anthropology, a dependent of INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History).
But the palace on it's own is a must see!
Visit Casa Museo Montes Molina while you are in Merida and admire beautiful art and history. The museum is a breathtaking mansion built around 1902 and purchased by the Montes Molina family 13 years later. It is furnished with the original furniture of that period, and the four generations of the family that have continued to occupy the house to the present, have kept it in optimum condition. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. You can enjoy a 40-minute guided visit with a bilingual guide and get to enjoy a great time here.
30 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
MUSEUM MONTES MOLINA
469 P.º de MontejoVisit Casa Museo Montes Molina while you are in Merida and admire beautiful art and history. The museum is a breathtaking mansion built around 1902 and purchased by the Montes Molina family 13 years later. It is furnished with the original furniture of that period, and the four generations of the family that have continued to occupy the house to the present, have kept it in optimum condition. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. You can enjoy a 40-minute guided visit with a bilingual guide and get to enjoy a great time here.
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The Magic Cenotes around Merida
A cenote is a deep, water-filled sinkhole in limestone that is created when the roof of an underground cavern collapses. There are so many cenotes in the surrounding areas of Merida.
If you have a rental car you can explore on your own. If you rather go with a guide, I recommend Miguel's "Magic Cenote Tour" on AirBnB. He will take you to two beautiful cenotes, and a delicious Mayan lunch at an amazing hacienda.
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Noche de Leyendas (if you understand Spanish)
This walking tour was recommended by a local and only Spanish is spoken. It happens on Fridays & Saturdays 9:00 p.m., meeting point is outside Theater Peón Contreras.
Night of Legends is the option for all those lovers of adventure, laughter, those who like to live different experiences. Relive the viceroyalty, the colonial era and the most emblematic events of the city in a unique way through an interactive theatrical tour full of fun, stories, knowledge, where you will interact with the historic characters, and enter some underground tunnels and a convent at night.
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Piedras Sagradas
Every Saturday at 8 p.m., the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, located at the Plaza Grande, is illuminated with lights and history during the video mapping presentation “Piedras Sagradas,” or “Sacred Stones.”
Jalan-jalan
Useful online resources
For local events info and recommendations, check out
https://yucatantoday.com
and
https://yucatanliving.com
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Biciruta
Sunday morning "biciruta". Bicycles are rented, the streets closed, and everyone cycles up and down the Paseo de Montejo. Meet at Santa Lucia park.
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Dancing at Parque de Santa Lucia
Every Sunday afternoon dancing in Santa Lucia park is a wonderful way to end the week.