Merida, Mexico

What to do in Merida, Mexico

Chichen Itza

About 75 miles southeast of Merida, this was the most important city in the 10th-century Yucatan. It is now cherished as one the most impressive Mayan ruins. The fabled pyramids and temples are open to the public.

Uxmal and Kabah

About 50 miles south of Merida, Uxmal is by far the most beautiful of the Maya ruins. The geometric stone facades were made by a society that thrived here between 700 and 1000 AD. The nearby site of Kabah was once the second largest city in the northern Yucatan. Its most impressive elements are the Codz Poop Temple, which is home to elaborate Chac masks, and the Kabah Arch, which marks the beginning of the ancient city.

Plaza Mayor

The city's beautiful town square began as a training field in the 1500s. Today, the park is shaded by laurel trees and adorned with manicured shrubs and lawns with iron benches.

Cathedral of Saint Idelfonso

Built in 1561, this is the oldest cathedral in Mexico. Several hundred Maya laborers built it over 36 years using stones from a ravaged Mayan temple. It's designed in Renaissance style with a stark façade and gunnery slits instead of windows. This is also a great place to find the city's high-wheeled horse-drawn carriages, known as coches de caleta.

Ermita de Santa Isabel

Possibly the most peaceful spot in Merida, this is a hermitage that's part of a Jesuit monastery. The restored chapel is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, and next door is a garden with several botanical species, a waterfall and footpaths.

Iglesia de la Tercera Orden de Jesus

The first Jesuit church in the Yucatan, built in 1618 of limestone from a Maya temple that previously stood on the site. Faint outlines of ancient carvings are still visible. The former convent rooms are now the State Repository of Paintings.

Museum of Anthropology and History

Located in the Palacio Cantón, this museum is dedicated to Mayan history and culture. Bilingual descriptions accompany the informative displays, and private guides are available for hire.

El Centenario Zoological Park

Great for kids, this large amusement complex has playgrounds, pony rides, a roller-skating rink, snack bars, and more than 300 native monkeys, birds, and reptiles. There are also picnic spots, wooded paths, and a lake with rowboats.

Museo de Artes Populares

Set in an old mansion, this museum displays Yucatecan arts and crafts, including weaving, straw baskets, filigree jewelry, carved wood, and shells.

Palacio de Gobierno

Built in 1885 on the site of the Royal House, this government house contains splendid murals that depict Yucatan history, and took 25 years to complete.

Parque Hidalgo

A cozy park lined with beautiful mansions and cafés. At night, marimba bands and street vendors create a lively atmosphere.

Paseo Montejo

This 8-block-long street shows off the Parisian stylings adapted by the city in the 19th century. The wide boulevard is lined with tamarinds and laurels. The impressive mansions are typically decorated in the styles of New Orleans and Paris, rather than those of Mexico City.

Teatro Peon Contreras

Built in 1908 in the grand style of turn-of-the-century European theaters. Today it houses performing arts shows, art exhibits, and a tourist information center. There is a café on the patio.

Dzibilchaltun

A national park about 10 miles north of Merida, this 10-square-mile Mayan city was established around 500 BC. Since its discovery in 1941, more than 8,000 buildings have been mapped.

Shopping

Merida has the best shopping in the Yucatan. At the Mercado Municipal, vendors sell chiles, herbs, trinkets, and fruit. A craft market sells pottery, embroidered clothes, guayabera dress shirts, hammocks, and straw bags. There is also some very nice, well-priced jewelry.