From colonial architecture and ancient ruins to beautiful beaches and cenotes, Merida offers all the treasures of the Mayan Riviera and more.
When traveling to the popular "Mayan Riviera" it is all to easy to stick to the glitzy all-inclusive resorts of Cancun. What if you could still have access to all the cultural attractions and natural wonders of the Yucatan peninsula, but in an authentically Mexican atmosphere? Welcome to Merida!
City of Culture
Nicknamed the "White City" due to its abundance of colonial buildings covered in white limestone and paint, Merida is a clean and friendly cultural centre full of museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres and shops. Lined with European-influenced architecture, strolling along the main streets and square, or "zocalo," is reminiscent of wandering through the cities of Spain or Italy. The famous avenue, Paseo de Montejo, is lined with original sculpture; every year, the MACAY Museum in Merida features a new installation with works from Mexico and one other country.
Natural and Manmade Wonders
From the gorgeous beaches of the laidback town of Progreso to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Uxmal and Chichen Itza (recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the options close to Merida are numerous. A unique choice are cenotes, over 3000 of which dot the Yucatan.
The only fresh water on the peninsula is in underground rivers; luckily, the land is porous limestone in which caverns and caves have formed where this fresh water collects, resulting in water sink holes, or cenotes. After the strong Yucatan sun, a swim in the cool, fresh water is a welcome follow-up, but what is most spectacular about cenotes is their atmosphere. It is truly magical to descend on a wooden stairway through the earth's surface and swim in the clear, turquoise water of these caves. The sun streams in from atop, and the interiors are gracefully decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Calm and beautiful, it is understandable that the Maya regarded them as sacred places.
A Hotel with History
To complete your cultural experience, a great economical option for accommodation is Hotel Trinidad, or its sister hotel, Hotel Trinidad Galeria. The former is a unique bed and breakfast in a renovated colonial mansion complete with high ceilings, tile floors, antique furniture and interior courtyards filled with lush tropical foliage. It also doubles as an art gallery, with an eclectic mix of contemporary works hung throughout the hotel. Just several blocks from the main plaza, the hotel is in an ideal location for exploring this beautiful city by foot.
