Visit Merida Right Now
Why you should visit Merida right now
The colonial town of Merida is a far cry from the tourist-raged beaches of Cancun. There are no midday body shots, reveling spring breakers, or sprawling mega-resorts here. Merida has a spirit all its own. For one, it’s the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, built over 500 years ago on top of a thriving Mayan civilization called Tho. It has been home to barons, the French upper crust, and Mayans struggling to find their way following the arrival of the Europeans.
Now, Merida is one of the safest cities in Mexico and was even voted the Cultural Capital of the Americas, thanks to its diverse art, architecture, and food. Sure, it’s four hours west of the powdery beaches in Cancun, but it’s worth a spot on your Mexico bucket list.
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. Either way, you will feel like you are in another place and time while strolling the streets which feature colorful buildings, sprawling squares, and Spanish-style churches. Merida feels more like authentic Mexico.
Merida is home to a variety of museums that focus on everything from art to ancient artifacts to architecture. If you love history, check out the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which is full of artifacts from ancient Mayan culture and even a fragment of the meteorite believed to have caused the great dinosaur extinction.
Martha Stewart once toured and ate in Merida, which gives you an idea of the quality of cuisine. You can nosh on deluxe tacos, sample traditional Yucatanean food or browse through the market where you can pick through brightly colored fruits and veggies. There is also no shortage of fun bars to visit in Merida. Whatever mood you are in, you will find a spot to enjoy the nightlife in Merida alongside locals.
The ruins of Uxmal, about an hour south of Merida, are an incredible sight to see. Take your time walking around to admire the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor’s Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. It is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayans. Just rent a car for the day and go!
Merida isn’t pushed right up next to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, but it’s only a short ride to the nearest beach at the Gulf of Mexico. Progreso is a laid-back beachside town, where you can set up a chair and read for the afternoon. A little farther south is the beachside community of Celestun, where you’ll spot bright pink flamingos.
After a great day of the beach or sightseeing, you want a cozy place to rest your head. Try staying a little boutique hotel or better yet, a beautiful bed and breakfast. Bed and breakfasts in Merida are a lovely way to experience all that this city has to offer. You will enjoy fine amenities as well as having all the comforts of home. One lovely bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown Merida is Vida Magica and its owners are ready to welcome you with open arms.