Share the article
Last updated
The Yucatán Peninsula is deservedly a year-round favorite among American travelers, especially in winter.
With vibrant and beautiful coastal towns to choose from, including Chetumal, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancún, this part of Mexico is hard to beat.
But beyond the sun-drenched coasts, there are some fascinating destinations in the interior of this region that are definitely worth exploring, and one of them is Mérida.
This picturesque destination, rich in colonial history, is an epicenter of culture in the region. Not only is it a great launching pad to explore the entire peninsula, but it’s also a fascinating place to see in its own right.
Here are six reasons why you shouldn’t miss Mérida on a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula:
Close to major attractions
Mérida is located in the northwestern corner of the state of Yucatán, close to the north coast of this peninsula.
Whether it’s pristine beaches or ancient ruins, Mérida’s location makes an ideal base from which to explore the wide range of attractions in this amazing region of Mexico.
Mérida is located approximately 120 kilometers east of the iconic Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and 80 kilometers north of the ancient city of Uxmal.
It is also very close to many different cenotes (natural sinkholes, many of which you can swim in) – one of the closest is Cenote Xlacah.
Learn more about history
There is no shortage of interesting historical sights in Mérida; even the central square – Plaza Grande – has features of both ancient and colonial history.
The Catedral de San Ildefonso is perhaps one of the most striking buildings; this cathedral was built on the site of a former Mayan temple and even used some of the temple stone in its construction.
Elsewhere, buildings such as the Palacio Cantón, Casa de Montejo and Teatro Peón Contreras provide further insight into the city’s history.
The main attraction not to be missed is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya – one of the best museums of Mayan culture in the world with more than 1,000 different artefacts. If you want to immerse yourself, this is the place.
Live like a local
Mérida is one of those cities where you can easily feel like a local just by being there for a few days.
Walk around the lively markets, enjoy the almost nightly free music and entertainment in the squares, or enjoy the buzz of the city center crowds on car-free Sunday mornings.
Despite its size and status as the capital of the Yucatán state, Mérida manages to retain a small-town atmosphere, with friendly people and a strong sense of community.
Fantastic for foodies
Mérida is one of the best places to sample the delicious food of the Yucatán, with plenty of restaurants and food vendors to suit every budget.
One of the most iconic dishes is cochinita pibil, a grilled pork dish with a deep and earthy flavor with varying degrees of spiciness.
Another highlight is sopa de lime (literally lime soup). It is somewhat what the name suggests, but it usually also contains some meat, such as chicken or turkey.
The refreshing citrus flavor of this one comes from the region’s Yucatecan limes.
More flights are being added
Although Cancun is the most obvious airport to fly to this part of Mexico, there is also an airport in Mérida, which is currently expanding its range of flights with the help of the local tourism association.
It was recently reported that the airport here will soon have direct flights from Miami, Orlando and Atlanta via the Mexican airline Viva Aerobus and the American airline Delta.
This expands the list of US cities from which you can fly direct to Mérida, which already includes Houston, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York (Newark).
Good transport connections
There are several reliable and affordable bus services connecting Mérida with Campeche in the west, and Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Chetumal in the east.
The city and the wider area are also easily accessible by taxis or other rented vehicles. You can even find ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ryde & Go in use.
If you’re planning to visit an attraction that’s a few hours’ drive from Mérida, a bus is usually a good option – or hiring a driver between a group.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
