The capital of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida has been quietly flying under the radar until recently.
Although Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, only a fraction of tourists landing in the region make it to Merida.
But things are changing quickly: Merida is becoming popular as more tourists are starting to discover to this city.
Nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Merida boasts delicious Yucatec cuisine, rich colonial history many Mayan ruins in the area, and beautiful cenotes – caverns filled with crystal-clear blue water.
PRO TIP: Merida is also a great base for your adventure in the Yucatan Peninsula. For example, you can visit the famous Chichen Itza on a tour from Merida as well as many other cultural and historic landmarks in the region.
Want to learn more about best things to do in Merida? Keep reading!
In this article, I will cover some of the best things to do in Merida, the best day trips as well as tips for your trip to one of the best destinations in Mexico.
Where is Merida Mexico located?
Merida is located in the northwestern part of the Yucatan State about three hours away from Cancun. The capital of Yucatan is the largest city in the region with a population of nearly 1 million people.
Here’s a quick snapshot of distances to Merida:
- Cancun to Merida – 192 miles (317 kilometers) – 4 hours
- Valladolid to Merida – 94 miles (151 kilometers) – 1,5 hours
- Tulum to Merida – 163 miles (264 kilometers) – 3 hours
What’s the closest airport to Merida?
The closest airport to Merida is Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport (MID) that is formerly known as Merida Rejon Airport. There are several flights to Merida from the United States from cities like Miami and Houston, as well as daily flights from Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Although Merida has an airport, the majority of international travelers come to Merida after landing in Cancun, the second busiest airport in the country, after Mexico City.
How to get to Merida?
Merida is one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and there are a few ways to get here.
ADO bus
If you are going to travel to Merida on a budget, take an ADO bus.
ADO is the main bus company in Yucatan Mexico, that provides transportation in the region at affordable rates. ADO buses are modern, clean and come with enough space for your luggage, so if you are going to take a longer ride, you can take a nap and relax.
You can buy bus tickets on the ADO website or a third party platform Busbud.com
PRO TIP: Whether you are going to travel by car or bus, check my Mexico travel tips to stay safe.
Rental car
Renting a car for your trip to Merida is a great option because it will allow you to skip public transportation and travel at your own pace. On top of it, you will also be able to take some of the best day trips from Merida and visit places off the beaten track like cenotes, Mayan ruins, and small pueblos where a few other tourists stop.
Whether you want to rent a car before or after you arrive in Merida, there are a few options. City Car Rental is a great local company that has reasonable prices and many locations around Mexico. Another option is Discover Cars that has a great inventory and affordable rates.
Private transportation
If you don’t want to endure the lengthy drive to Merida, book a private transportation from Cancun to Merida. You will get picked up at the airport and transported straight to your hotel in Merida instead of having to rely on public transportation or driving a car.
How to get around Merida
Although Merida is the largest city in Yucatan, its historic center is very compact, and if you plan to spend time in the city and visit some of the major historic landmarks, you can easily get around on foot.
If you need to get from place to place within the city, take a taxi or Uber to save time. Public transportation in Merida is not the best, as colectivos (small shared vans) are not the most modern and have no app where you can check their schedule, unlike with ADO buses.
Renting a car in Merida makes sense you want to get outside the city, and visit some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, swim in cenotes, and visit charming Pueblos Magicos in the region instead of relying on a guided tour or colectivos, small shared vans that transport passengers around town.
Hotels in Merida Mexico
Similar to other places in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is very affordable. You can easily find a hotel that costs between $20-30 a night, and even less, however, if you go too low, the quality tends to be on the lower side in cheaper hotels.
Still, Merida has a good variety of accommodations from modest budget stays to colorful luxury hotels. So, whatever your fancy, you will find it in the beautiful Merida!
Budget: Hotel Plaza Mirador
Hotel Plaza Mirador is a simple hotel located a few minutes away from the city center. The main advantage of this hotel is that it is just a few blocks away from Merida’s ADO bus station which is super convenient for hopping around to places like Uxmal ruins, Mayapan, and others.
Mid-range: Ibis Merida
Ibis Merida is a great mid-range hotel a short distance away from the center of Merida. It offers breakfast, restaurant, and bar, and gets great reviews from guests on many booking platforms. It is a great stay if you are looking for classic amenities at a great price.
Luxury: Rosas y Xocolate
Rosas y Xocolate is perhaps one of the most famous luxury hotels in Merida. This colorful boutique hotel is an excellent place to take photos and relax amid the colonial-style decor. It’s an excellent place if you have extra money to spend.
Another great high-end hotel in Merida is Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel. This quiet property features a gorgeous colonial style and lush gardens and is located only 0.6 miles away from Merida’s charming old town.
Best things to do in Merida Mexico
1. Explore Merida Plaza Grande (Plaza De La Independencia)
Your visit to the Yucatan capital should begin with a walk around the Merida Plaza Granda, the heart of the city. In the middle of the plaza, you will find Zocalo, the green park with a huge Mexican flag and the colorful Merida sign.
The square is surrounded by many historical landmarks such as Casa De Montejo, the Governor’s Palace and Merida Cathedral.
Best tours of Merida
Flanked by trees and pastel-colored historic buildings, this is a great place to relax and people watch. There are many street vendors around Plaza Grande, so you can grab a snack and take a quick break before continuing your tour of the city.
Set aside at least a couple of hours to enjoy this venue and visit some of the historic buildings where you can learn more about Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula.
2. Take a tour of the Palacio Municipal
When you walk around the Grand Plaza of Merida, you will find the pink Palacio Municipal (or City Hall). Inside the building, you can take a free guided tour of the building that starts at 9:30 a.m. every day and is an excellent way to learn more about Merida’s history and culture.
3. Admire impressive wall art in Palacio Gobierno
Another prominent building along Merida’s main square, the 19th century Palacio Gobierno is a light green building that is home to many wonderful murals showcasing the history of Merida.
Here you can learn about the invasion of the region by the Spanish conquistadors and the ordeals and struggles of the Native Mayan people, as they were trying to preserve their culture and identity. It’s a great place to visit and one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Capital, if you want to learn more about the history of the region without having to spend hours in a museum.
The Palacio Del Gobierno is open 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
4. Visit Merida Cathedral
Also known as Cathedral San Ildefonso, Merida Cathedral is one of the best free things to do in Merida. Located along the Grand Plaza, this 16th center was built by Spanish conquistadors on top of the remains of the ancient Mayan city. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Mexico and in the Americas.
Another interesting fact about this building is that it was built with the stones that were taken from the Mayan structures in the city that once stood here. This is not the only example of how the Spanish conquistadors have reshaped the identity of this region: for more history head to Izamal, or the Yellow Town, not far from Merida where you will find a huge convent built on top of the Mayan pyramid.
5. Watch Pok Ta Tok
If you happen to be in Merida on Saturday, head to Plaza Grande to watch an incredible spectacle that reenacts Pok Ta Pok, the ancient Mayan game in front of the Merida Cathedral. During the game, players try to hit the ball with their hips and try to hit the post.
Po Ta Tok was popular across many parts of Mesoamerica, and you can find the remains of the fields that were used for this game in many ancient Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
The game begins at 8:30 p.m., however, make sure to come early to get good seats. This incredible show is free and does tend to attract a big crowd!
6. Take a FREE walking tour of Merida
If you are visiting Merida for the first time, it’s a good idea to take a FREE walking tour of Merida. To do that, you need to register here ahead of your visit. The tour is a great way to get a crash course in Merida’s fascinating history, culture, and traditions.
While this tour is free, don’t forget to tip your guide! A gratuity is expected 😊
7. Walk along El Paseo De Montejo
A 6 kilometer (or 3,7 miles-long) Paseo Montejo is Merida’s main thoroughfare that is home to some of the most impressive mansions in this city. The entire street is lined with streets and has several roundabouts and is often called the Yucatan’s version of Champs-Elysees in Paris.
One of the most prominent buildings along El Paseo De Montejo is Palacio Cancion, a gorgeous mansion that got its name after Francisco Canton Rosado, a prominent politician who built it.
Other buildings that are worth your attention are privately-owned Casas Gemelas, and Quinta Montes Molina. Walking along El Paseo De Montejo is one of the best free things to do in Merida.
8. Admire Monumento a La Patria
One of the most beautiful monuments in Merida is Monumento a La Patria (Monument to the Fatherland), located in the middle of the busy roundabout of the Paseo De Montejo.
Created by the Colombian artist Romulo Rozo, this monument features many intricate carvings woven together. This complex ornament tells the history of Mexico from the establishment of the country in Tenochtitlan through the middle of the 20th century.
The monument which also features some elements from the Yucatan culture has become an important part of the city and is beloved by both tourists and locals.
It’s a popular place to take photos, so make sure to arrive early!
9. Visit Museo Palacio Canton
If you are taking a stroll along Paseo Montejo, you will see many beautiful colonial mansions built in a European style. One of them is Palacio Canton. This street is named after Francisco de Montejo, a Spanish conquistador who established Merida and has the aristocratic feel to it thanks to many luxurious mansions and homes that line this street.
10. Ride a bike along La Bici Ruta
OK, Merida is not the most bicycle-friendly city, due to its busy streets with cars zipping by at high speeds. But every Sunday many major streets in Merida are closed to traffic which creates some of the best conditions for bicyclists.
If you want to join hundreds of locals, hop on a bike and pedal along the bike route (or La Bici Ruta) on a Sunday afternoon. You can rent a bicycle from several stores along Paseo Montejo for several hours if you want to enjoy one of the best things to do in Merida.
11. Take a day trip from Merida
Merida boasts a strategic location near some of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.
And while there are plenty of things to do in Merida, and you could spend days touring the city’s landmarks, savoring the Yucatec dishes in local restaurants, and touring the ruins, there are also many cool day trips from Merida that you should include on your itinerary.
Taking a day trip is by far one of the most fun things to do in Merida because it will allow you to get off the beaten path and see some of the most incredible places in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Best day trips from Merida
Ruta Puuc
Puuc Route is one of the best day trips from Merida if you want to explore a less touristy destination.
The route includes several Mayan ruin sites Uxmal, Labna, Xlapak, and Sayil in the serene jungle-covered terrain. When you visit these archeological areas, you will notice that many of them have extremely intricate ornate facades and masks of the Mayan God of rain Chaac.
It’s one of the best day trips from Merida, if you have rental car, because Ruta Puuc can be accessed by public bus only on Sundays. To learn more about Ruta Puuc and other Mayan ruins in Yucatan, check my complete guide.
Celestun
If you want to see beautiful pink flamingoes in the wild, you might want to know that Yucatan has several places where you can watch these birds in their natural habitat.
First place is called Celestun and is located on the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula about 30 minutes away from Merida. You can purchase a guided tour of Celestun that departs from Merida.
Another spot where you can see flamingoes is Rio Lagartos, a more remote site that can be accessed from El Cuyo, a small coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico.
To visit Rio Lagartos, you will need to purchase an organized tour either in El Cuyo or in Valladolid. Most tours allow you to see flamingoes and also take you to nearby mangroves where you can see crocodiles!
Valladolid
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valladolid is a colonial town famous for its pastel-colored architecture, gorgeous churches, and cenotes. Valladolid is also a designated Pueblo Magico, which means it is particularly important for Mexico’s cultural and historic heritage.
Although some travelers make a quick pit stop in Valladolid, I recommend spending at least one night here, because Valladolid is a real gem with many artisan stores, Mayan ruins like Ek Balam, and wonderful cenotes like Cenote Suytun, and Cenote Zaci, located right in the middle of the city.
Izamal
Nicknamed the Yellow City (la Ciudad Amarilla in Spanish), Izamal is a hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Yucatan Mexico because of its striking yellow architecture.
Designated by the Mexican government as Pueblo Magico, because of its cultural significance, Izamal became popular with travelers who are looking to see a more authentic side of Yucatan, get to know its people and try traditional Yucatec dishes.
Best tours of Izamal
The main landmark of Izamal is Convento de San Antonio de Padua that was built by Spanish conquistadors on top of the Mayan pyramid Pop-Hol-Chac in 1561 and was used to convert the native Mayan population to the Catholic religion.
Want to explore more Pueblos Magicos in Mexico? There are 132 of them and you can easily find them in popular states like Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Oaxaca. This article provides a complete guide to the best pueblos magicos in Mexico and provides helpful tips on how to visit them.
Las Coloradas
Mexico is home to many natural wonders, but a few of them as breathtaking as Las Coloradas, stunning pink lakes on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Located near the tiny fishing village of about 1,000 people, Las Coloradas is also part of the 150,000 acre Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – protected wetlands area where you can spot crocodiles, flamingoes and tons of other birds.
The easiest way to visit Las Coloradas is with a guided tour, which can be arranged from many parts of the Yucatan Peninsula including Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Valladolid.
Another option is to visit Las Coloradas with a rental car. In this case, you will have to catch a boat from a dock in Rio Lagartos. Tours cost about 13 USD and take about two hours.
Campeche
One of my favorite day trips from Merida is Campeche – a colorful UNESCO-listed town along the Gulf of Mexico. Campeche (or San Francisco De Campeche) is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and walled historic district that was built by Spanish conquistadors to fight off pirate attacks.
Click here to book a private day tour of Campeche from Merida!
If you have more time, I suggest spending at least a few days in Campeche to enjoy this city and take trips to some of the best Mayan ruins in Campeche like Edzna and Calakmul. One of the best things about Campeche is that it’s still relatively unknown to most travelers, so you will enjoy the experience and get the exclusive bragging rights when you visit this hidden gem.
👉 Check my complete guide to best things to do in Campeche
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Yucatan Mexico.
One of the Seven Wonders of The World, Chichen Itza is dominated by the big pyramid El Castillo, it also has a well-preserved market, Ball Court for the Mesoamerican game Pok a Tok, and a Temple of Warriors.
Best tours of Chichen Itza
El Caracol, one of the buildings in the complex was used to gauge the movements of the sun and planets.
Plan your trip to Chichen Itza for a weekday, and try to arrive by the time the site opens to avoid the crowds. You can also hire one of the guides on site for additional fee to get a tour of the area.
I also recommend skip the line ticket to Chichen Itza which can purchased online. This will save you a ton of time.
12. Take a dip in Merida cenotes
The Yucatan Capital is one most unique cities in Mexico, but it can get really hot here!
The good news is that you don’t need to go too far for a refresher. All you need to do is take a quick drive to one of the cenotes near Merida.
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to more than 6,000 cenotes – freshwater filled sinkholes that are popular for swimming and snorkeling.
Although Merida doesn’t have access to dozens of stunning cenotes like Tulum, there are a few cool cenotes in the area and you can easily take a quick trip from Merida to visit them. There are a few cenotes near Homun and Cuzama, two small towns near Merida, which make a perfect getaway, especially if you want to cool off and escape the crowds.
Cenote Santa Barbara near Homun is particularly popular with visitors. These are technically three cenotes that are often visited during the same trip, Cenote Cascabel, Cenote Chalksikin, and Cenote Xoch.
There are, however, many more cenotes near Merida, and the best way to visit them is by renting a car in Merida, as some of them are quite remote.
13. Visit Uxmal
Once one of the most powerful Mayan cities in Yucatan, Uxmal is located one hour from Merida.
During its height, Uxmal was one of the most powerful Mayan cities in Yucatan, and you can still see the remains of its old glory when you visit this site.
One of the coolest features of Uxmal is the Pyramid of the Magician, an impressive 35-meter tall structure with rounded corners.
Uxmal is part of Ruta Puuc (or Puuc Route) that also includes the sites of Sayil, Kabah, and Labna, wonderful and less-explored sites.
Best tours of Uxmal
Driving to Uxmal from Merida: A drive to Uxmal from Merida is a straightforward shot along several major roads. Parking at Uxmal is 30 Pesos.
Taking a colectivo from Merida to Uxmal: Colectivos from Merida to Uxmal depart from Terminal de Segunda Clase and cost about 65 pesos one way.
Guided tour of Uxmal from Merida: A guided tour of Uxmal is an excellent option because it can help you save a lot of time. Tours depart early and sometimes include several stops such as Choco-Story Museum/or Mayan Planetarium.
14. Try Yucatec cuisine
When it comes to Mexican food, mosttourists want to try delicious tacos, burritos, and other world-famous staples of Mexican cuisine. The Yucatan State, however, has its delicious staples like sopa de lemon, salbutes, panuchos and many other dishes.
And, if you are a vegan traveler like me, you will be happy to know that many of these dishes can be veganized upon request.
Merida has a great variety of restaurants for all tastes and price points, as a vegan, I enjoyed Merida’s plant-based eateries, because they had such a great variety of food, from traditional Yucatec staples to international dishes.
Whether you are a foodie or not, tasting Yucatan cuisine is one of the best cultural things to do in Merida.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best restaurants in Merida:
Lo Que Hay – Translated as What There Is from Spanish, this restaurant offers a good selection of plant-based dishes.
Hermana Republic – One of the best Mexican breweries (or cervecerias) in Merida
La Chaya Maya – one of the best restaurants in Merida, La Chaya Maya is the best place to try traditional Yucatec and Mayan dishes.
Maiz, Canela y Cilantro – If you are a vegan visiting Merida, you HAVE to visit this place because Maiz, Canela y Cilantro offers a great variety of veganized Yucatec dishes in a home-like like setting.
Chillakillers – A popular breakfast and brunch spot that serves predominantly Mexican/Yucatec dishes
Pola – A must-visit in Merida, Pola is a gelato shop where you can try dozens of gelato flavors, including delicious vegan options! Some of the best flavors in my opinion are the ones with fruits like orange, papaya, and strawberry. Drop by and get a few gelato scoops in a nice crunchy cone.
El Barrio – Another great breakfast place in Merida that is popular with tourists and locals
Mercado 60 – If you are staying in Merida for more than just a few days, and even if you are staying there for just a few days, you should stop by Mercado 60, an upscale food market where you can buy good local produce.
15. Visit The Great Museum of Mayan World
One of the coolest facts about Merida is that nearly 60 percent of its population are of Mayan descent!
The Mayan culture is alive and well in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and Merida is one of the best places to see it. You can find many artisan stores selling traditional Mayan clothing and souvenirs, as well as restaurants with Mayan dishes.
To learn more about the Mayan culture, visit The Great Museum of Mayan World where you can admire a big collection of Mayan artifacts. Unfortunately, the museum is a bit of a distance from the city center, and you can get here either by colectivo, Uber or taxi.
PRO TIP: Many museums in Mexico are closed on Mondays, something that I didn’t know during one of my first visits. Make sure to check open hours before you plan your trip.
The Great Museum of The Mayan World is located at Calle 60, 299 E. The entrance costs 150 pesos.
16. Shop in La Casa De Las Artesanias
After you visited Merida’s famous Mercado, it’s time to get some authentic Yucatec presents for your friends and family. One of the best places to do that is La Casa De Las Artesanias, a big store where you can buy handcrafted home goods, cnlothing ad souvenirs made by Mayan artisans.
Shopping here is a great way to support local fair trade, however, unlike in a typical artisan market where you can negotiate the price with vendors, prices here are fixed because La Casa De Las Artesanias is one by the government.
17. Snap a photo in the giant white chairs
When you travel around Yucatan, you might notice that many cities in this part of Mexico have huge white chairs (also known as love seats) along streets and main plazas. Merida is no exception. Go to Parque de Santa Lucia where you can find huge giant chairs that have become so popular for taking photos and selfies among tourists and locals.
18. Take a Mexican cooking class
Taking a cooking class is one of the most fun things to do in Merida. This city is a melting pot of cultures and home to the highest percentage of residents of Mayan descent which is well reflected in its identity and cuisine.
Taking a cooking class will allow you to connect with locals and better understand their culture. And, when everything is ready, you will be able to eat your dish and take home some incredible Yucatec recipes.
19. Walk through Parque Hidalgo
Just a block away from Merida Plaza Grande sits Parque Hidalgo, a quiet space with plenty of greenery and benches.
Here you will find the Iglesia de Jesus, a prominent church that was built in the 17th century by Jesuits. One of the most interesting, and perhaps sad facts about this piece of architecture is that it was built from the rocks of the destroyed Maya temple that used to occupy the spot where the church now stands.
20. Museo Casa Montejo
Located on the south side of Plaza Grande, Museo Casa Montejo dates back to 1549. Built by the Don Francisco de Montejo, who conquered the Yucatan Peninsula, it was later purchased by the National Bank of Mexico in 1981.
Unfortunately, there’s very little remaining from the original construction, since the building was renovated several times, however, this museum is still a nice place to visit for a quick tour.
Inside the museum, you will find rooms where you will find several rooms with colonial artifacts as well as furniture that belonged to the Montejo family. It also offers rotating exhibits, so make sure to check ahead of your schedule.
Museo Casa De Montejo is free to the public.
21. Take a break in Parque Santa Lucia
One of the most popular venues in Merida, Parque Santa Lucia hosts concerts, shows, and various performances regularly, so it’s a great stop for your Merida itinerary. It’s also a popular meeting point for tourists and locals alike thanks to nice seating areas and several cafes and restaurants.
22. Shop in Mercado Lucas De Galvez
Mercado Lucas De Galvez is one of the most colorful markets in Merida where you can buy food, crafts, and fresh veggies and fruits. Here you can grab some inexpensive food, chat with vendors, and get a taste of the Yucatan gastronomy. A must-visit for anybody who comes to Merida!
23. Visit Dzibilchatun
Dzibilchaltun is a small, under-the-radar Mayan ruin site near Merida. It makes for a nice getaway from the Yucatan Capital as it’s just under 30 minutes away.
Dzibilchaltun was an important center for Mayan trade, however, it declined quickly when Chichen Itza came to power. The main feature of this site, Temple of the Seven Dolls (El Tiemplo De Las Siete Munecas) got its name after archeologists found seven effigies here during excavation works.
If you decide to visit Dxibilchaltun while staying in Merida, make sure to bring your swimsuit: There’s also a Cenote Xlakah on site where you can cool off after exploring this archeological area.
PRO TIP: If you visit Merida during the equinox which takes place on March 21 and September 22, make your way to Dzibilchaltun at sunrise to see El Tiemplo De Las Siete Munecas light up in colors, because the doors of the temple are aligned with the sun.
Taking a collectivo from Merida to Dzibilchatun: Colectivos to Dzibilchatun depart from Parque San Juan and cost 15 pesos (which has to be paid in cash).A colectivo drops you off about 1 km away from the site, and you have to walk (or take a Moto taxi).
Taking a taxi from Merida to Dzibilchatun: The fastest way to get from Merida to Dzibilchatun is by taxi if you don’t have a car rental. A taxi costs about 250-300 Pesos for a round trip.
Taking a guided tour of Dzibilchatun: It’s also possible to join a guided tour of Dzibilchatun from Merida. Tours of Dzibilchatun typically include other stops in the region such as Progreso Beach on the Gulf Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Entrance Fee: 152 pesos (for combined entrance to the ruins and Cenote Xlakah). If you travel by car rental, you also have to pay 20 pesos for parking.
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. but the cenote closes at 3:30 p.m.
Can you climb the ruins: No
24. Hit the beach in Progreso
Because of its location, visiting the beach is not one of the most obvious things to do in Merida.
The beachside town of Progreso is only 30 minutes north and makes for a perfect getaway from the Yucatan Capital if you want to relax. Unlike popular beaches in Cancun and Tulum, Progresso beaches are refreshingly uncrowded and for the most part, they are still under the radar.
Located along Mexico’s Gulf Coast, Progreso is particularly popular for water sports like paddleboarding and kite surfing. There are several kite surfing schools in Progreso, and, if you want to learn this water sport, you can take a lesson in one of them.
You can visit Progreso from Merida by Colectivo or by rental car.
25. Attend Merida Festival
If you happen to visit Merida in January, you will have an incredible opportunity to attend one of the most important cultural events in Yucatan – the Merida fest that commemorates the anniversary of the city’s founding in 1542.
During the festival, you will have a chance to watch fireworks above the Plaza Grande, as well as enjoy live performances, typical Yucatec food and mingle among locals.
26. Explore little known ruins of Mayapan
By now you probably have figured out that visiting Mayan ruins is one of the best things to do in Merida 😊
If you are looking for Mayan ruins off the beaten track, visit Mayapan, an archeological area 35 miles (55 kilometers) southeast of Merida near the town of Telchaquillo.
While Chichen Itza and Uxmal enjoy far greater popularity than Mayapan, this under-appreciated archeological area can help you to better understand the history of the Mayan civilization.
Translated as the “flag of Mayans,” Mayapan was the last Mayan town before the arrival of the Spanish. It was the last standing city during the final years of the Mayan civilization, becoming a powerful economic center when other Mayan cities were collapsing.
Best tours of Mayapan from Merida
Driving to Mayapan from Merida: If you are traveling by rental car, take State route 184 south of Merida that will bring you to Mayapan. Once you pass the town of Telchaquillo, you will see signs along the road directing you to the ruins.
Taking a bus from Merida to Mayapan: To catch a bus from Merida to Mayapan, head to Noreste bus terminal at Calle 67 and Calle 50. Don’t confuse Mayapan Archaeological area with the town of Mayapan, because they are two different places.
When buying a ticket, specify that you are going to Ruinas Mayas de Mayapan. The bus departs about every couple of hours, so make sure to check the schedule, as there could be changes. The bus makes stops in villages along the way and takes about 1,5 hours on average. Ticket is 25 pesos one way.
- A guided tour of Merida to Mayapan: Although not one of the most popular day trips from Merida, a guided tour of Mayan is a great option, if you want to enjoy less visited Mayan ruins.
How many days do I need in Merida?
I recommend no less than 3 days in Merida. And, if you want to take a couple of day trips from Merida, relax in cenotes and tour the city’s museums, plan between 5-7 days in Yucatan capital.
Is Merida Mexico safe to visit?
Yes, Merida, Mexico is perfectly safe to visit. It’s often ranked as one of the safest destinations in Mexico due to its low crime level. However, no place is complteley safe, which means YOU are the only person responsible for your safety.
If you want to stay safe while traveling in Mexico, take a look at my Mexico travel tips and consider buying insurance for your trip. I recommend World Nomads.
What’s the best time to visit Merida Mexico?
As with the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, the best time to visit Merida is from November through April, when the weather is dry and sunny. November is still considered somewhat a shoulder season when visitation is not too high, and December through March is the busiest time when many visitors come here.
June through October is the hurricane season in the Yucatan Peninsula when the region has frequent rains and thunderstorms.
Final thoughts on visiting Merida Mexico
Merida is a cultural and historic hub of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and, if you are planning to visit this region, you absolutely have to stop in this city! From spectacular colonial architecture to crystal clear cenotes and ancient Mayan ruins, Merida is a true paradise for history buffs, foodies, and those travelers who just want to relax and enjoy the historic city.
You will never run out of things to do in Merida as this city is located strategically around some of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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