THE CITY
Merida is located in the state of Yucatan and it is the largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula, a region comprised of 3 states. Quintana Roo, Campeche, and of course Yucatan itself.
Merida is also labelled as one of the safest cities in all of Americas. Yup, all of Americas meaning not just Latin America but the North as well. For many years now, it's been known to be a safe city for both locals and tourists due to the low crime and high arrest rates. The city invested a lot in security such as surveillance and well trained police officers that are constantly patrolling the streets to keep the city safe. In fact there are 24/7 checkpoints before entering and leaving the city.
Aside from safety, the city itself is rich with history, a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and more! If you're looking for the Merida travel guide well you've come to the right place!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
In all fairness, for me it's warm throughout the year in Mexico especially comparing it to where I live, Canada.
March to May are your months of hot and dry season.
June through September is what many would call the wet season. It may rain heavily here or there but you do still get the sunny breaks.
October through February are your "cooler" months. It's warm but not as hot as when March rolls around. This is actually my ideal time to visit as the weather is bearable to be in shorts and all still especially if you get hot way too easily. You may want to travel during this time instead of March through May.
WHY VISIT
Merida has been voted the Cultural Capital of Latin America twice. It was the first ever cultural capital (year 2000), and the only city to be awarded the title twice both in 2000 and 2017. If you're a culture buff, this city is filled with many unique cultural events.
Merida is also a good base to visit well known sites such as Chichen Itza or if you want to check out hidden gems or cenotes near the area, you have that option too!
Unlike the tourist hotspots of Cancun & Playa del Carmen, Merida's service is very different as it's not as "rundown yet". Tourism is growing fast here though so it's better to come sooner than later.
To add on to that, since Merida is not overrun by tourists just yet meaning there's not that many big chain hotels or resorts here like in say Cancun or Tulum, instead you have these chic boutiques which are popular accommodations around here for tourists. These colonial style, picturesque accommodation will make your stay that much more unique in the city. Not to worry, there are boutique options for every budget!
Gastronomy is another big reason to visit the city. There are many dishes unique to the city of Merida that you can't get anywhere else in Mexico.
The nightlife here is also amazing, and not to mention it's safe if you're a night owl finding yourself having to walk later in the evening. It is safe. Unfortunately, I can't get deeper about the nightlife because I came here during the pandemic so there were curfews and such but I hope when you go, the restrictions would be lifted!
TRANSPORTATION
Merida has an airport so you could fly here directly if you like but if you would like to go by land from another city in Mexico, I highly suggest ADO. Many tourists use this transportation to get one from city to another in Mexico. It's affordable, safe, and just overall makes your trip easier.
Once you're in the city, you could either rent a car, taxi, or get an Uber. If you are staying around the downtown area, everything is going to be within walking distance. If you don't want to walk, you could also rent a bike for the day!
BREAKDOWN OF THE DAILY BUDGET
Do keep in mind that costs everywhere fluctuates and/or that it goes up due to inflation. This breakdown is just giving you a rough guesstimate of how things are.
Accommodation:
Hostels - around $8 CAD or $6-7 USD
Hotels - usually $30+ CAD or $23+ USD and anything higher end than that is obviously higher.
Food - 3 meals a day on an average will cost you $25 CAD or $19 USD
For entertainment and misc. I would tack on at least another $20 or $15 USD.
If you are on a budget then you could get by with around $55 CAD or $43 USD per day.
THINGS TO DO
See a Jarana - a cultural dance straight from Merida. Catch one in Downtown, Merida. Theres a couple of them so here's the lineup:
Thursday's: The Yucatecan Serenade is held in Parque Santa Lucia that starts a 9 pm. It gets very busy and getting there around 8ish pm to get a good seat is ideal. The event has run for over 40 years consistently every week.
Sunday's: Plaza Grande at 1 pm, a longer version of the traditional dances with a massive band. There will also be a lot of street food surrounding the square, perfect to grab a snack while watching the show.
Monday's: Plaza Grande, Vaqueria Night starts at 9pm. Watch the Ballet Folkloric perform to the sounds of the Jaranera orchestra.
Tuesday's: Parque Santiago hosts Musical Memories that starts at 8.30pm. This is not a dance performance, its local people from the older generation coming to dance to the big band. The audience is welcome to join them!
Saturday's: “Remate de Paseo Montejo”, Noche Mexicana. Scheduled from 7pm.
Join a Free Walking Tour (tips are welcome) - Plaza Grande. For all the history buffs, this is for you. Or if you're just keen about learning more about the history of the city because it really is interesting, this is a must.
Take a stroll around the city centre to admire the architecture or get that photo for your social media. Make sure you don't miss out on these sites:
- Arco de Sa Juan
- Catedral de Merida
- Parque Santa Lucia
- Casas Gemelas
- Casa Azul
- Quinta Montes Molina
- Paseo de Montejo
- El Pinar
- Moumento a La Patria
- Mercado 60
Visit museums and theatres:
- Museum of the City of Merida
- Jose Peon Contreras Theater
Try a cochinita. Food unique to the Yucatan area.
Things to do AROUND or NEAR Merida:
- Dzibichaltún (about 27 km away from Merida or a 30 min drive)
- Dzibichaltún Ruins
- Progreso (about 43 km away from Merida or a 40 min drive)
- Progreso Beach
- Oxkintok (about 72 km away from Merida or a 1 hr 10 min drive)
- Oxkintok Archaeological Zone
- Izamal (about 68 km away from Merida or a 60 min drive)
- Convento de San Antonio de Padua
- Valladolid (about 159 km away from Merida or a 2hr 10 min drive)
- Rio Lagartos (233 km away from Merida or a 3 hr drive)
- Las Coloradas
- Cenotes (within or over 44 km away from Merida or a 60 min drive)
IS MERIDA WORTH IT?
If you're still on the fence after this, you shouldn't be! This city offers a unique experience like not other in Mexico. If you are already in the Yucatan area or travelling around it, I highly suggest you check out Merida! Thank me later!
As always, safe travels, thank you for taking in my insights and be sure to connect with me on my socials! I'll catch you on the next one!
