Merida is a safe, culturally rich colonial city with Mayan heritage, the Paseo de Montejo and the best Yucatecan food. It is also the base for Uxmal, Izamal and cenotes.
Good to know
- Summers are hot; schedule ruin visits early.
- Free Sunday event on Paseo de Montejo closes the street to cars.
- Hire a driver or take a tour for out-of-town sites.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Main square with the 16th-century cathedral and governor's palace.
Traditional market with Yucatecan food stalls.
Streets close to cars and fill with music and food.
Cochinita pibil and sopa de lima in a historic house.
Parisian-style boulevard of mansions and museums.
Puuc-style Mayan city with the Pyramid of the Magician.
Boat trip among flamingos in a biosphere reserve.
Ride horse-drawn carts along old railway tracks to three cenotes and swim in the cool water.
Colonial town painted yellow with a Franciscan convent.
Modern museum with a large collection on Mayan civilization, its calendar, art and daily life.
Gulf beach 30 minutes from Merida with long pier.