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Ask any American which country he or she is going on vacation to, and… Chances are they will say Mexico:
Although that is of course subjective, and we still have to interview each US citizens regarding their travel preferences: It’s no secret that Mexico is a favorite destination among its northern neighbors… and the funny thing is: most of them don’t even know all so good.
Yes, Cancun’s luxury all-inclusives are amazing, there’s no doubt about that The beaches of Tulum are nothing short of heavenlybut have you ever wondered what lies? past the coast full of resorts?
It turns out that Mexico’s best-kept secret isn’t in the Caribbean.
In fact, it’s not a coastal location at all! Instead of fun in the sand, it offers an authentic Mexican experience, ancient ruins and more affordable prices then Riviera competitors are:
It’s time you stop sleeping on Merida
Located in the Yucatanese hinterland, miles away from the resort areas, Merida maybe not your first destination of choice when planning a trip to Mexico, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s on the radar of a growing number of travelers.
Although it does not have access to the Caribbean, it is seen a record increase in visitors as of late: José Luis Martínez Semerena, the local Director of Economic Development and Tourism, has confirmed that the share of international arrivals in Merida has increased from 8% to 15-16%.
In his own words, Merida is generating “greater interest” among visitors, and especially among US citizens, who make up a significant percentage of foreign guests, followed by the French and Canadians – and we wondered why.
Why are Americans, or even more intriguingly, Europeans fly all the way to Mexico visiting an inland city without a beach in sight?
It’s all in the culture
It turns out that a majority of travelers fly to Merida for the culture and unique experiences it offers.
Unlike Cancun, it was not built around tourism in the early 1970s: this is a city that is not just a few decades old, but centurieswhich included periods of Mayan dominance and Spanish control, and a historic center that has been largely preserved from long ago.
Essentially Merida’s Centro Historico has remained untouched since the Spanish took it from the ruins of dismantled Mayan buildings during their first raid into Mexico, which is dominated by a towering stone cathedral and host to beautiful colonial mansions and picturesque squares.
The cathedral is the most important landmark in the city and its essence the oldest in continental Americait attracts hundreds of curious onlookers every day, but it is not the only reason why tourists go out of their way to visit Merida:
The city is also known for its white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Ordenwhere you’ll find Christian shrines decorated with remains from ancient Mayan temples, Casa de Montejo, a perfectly preserved 16th-century home, and the popular Mayan World Museum.
Costs only 150 Mexican pesos, or about $7.52 to visitthe museum displays more than 1,100 Mayan artifacts collected from neighboring archaeological sites, and it is well worth a visit if you enjoy history.
The gateway to the Mayan world
Aside from its undeniable colonial charm, Merida is often considered the gateway to the lost but not forgotten Mayan world of the Yucatan:
Are a short 1hr-2hr drive of some of the most iconic Mayan sites of antiquity, including Chichen Itza, the most visited archaeological zone in all of Mexico, characterized by its imposing Temple of Kukulcan and large ball courts.
Book this $63 cultural tour from Merida you can visit not only Chichen Itza, but also the historically charged Cenote Ik Kil, where the Mayans made offerings, not to mention the Instagrammable, yellow-washed city of Izamal.
Chicen Itza is only the most famous, but if you look for it alternatives off the beaten track that are not as crowded and just as fascinating, we recommend stopping at Dzibilchaltún, a much shorter half-hour drive from the city, home to the mystical Temple of the Seven Dolls and a clear-water cenote.
Uxmal is nnot too busyAnd because it’s an hour’s drive from Merida, it’s easily doable as a day trip, with its elaborately carved Governor’s Palace, one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles from the Mayan period and of course the Temple of the Magician. :
This 90-step pyramid is distinguished by its rounded sides and is in fact about 5 meters higher than the Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, and certainly no less impressive.
Mecca for foodies
Food is as big a draw for tourists to Merida as the awe-inspiring culture, and how could it not be when it lays claim to some of the country’s greatest culinary triumphs?
By cochinita pibil––slowly cooked pork shoulder marinated in citrus fruits and other juices––the vegetarian equivalent of enchilada papadzulesthere is something in Merida that will satisfy even the most discerning palate, or rather, a wide range of different dining options from casual to upscale.
If you’re out and about in the city and looking for a relaxing place to sample traditional Mexican at affordable prices, you’ll definitely want to stop by Taqueria La Lupita in Mercado Santiago: the tacos are generously filled and incredibly tasty, and prices average between 20-25 MXN per article.
When you fancy a meal in a lively gastropub environment, it’s significantly more expensive, but still won’t break the bank, head to Emplumado, where they serve (arguably) the best steak in town.
For a romantic dinner, our best choice is the cozy La Dona Restaurante & Cantina: everything on their menu tastes deliciousbut we highly recommend you try their tuna tiradito with eggplant dip, truffle potatoes or their signature camarones ajillo.
As you will soon find out when you visit Merida, this is the case a foodie hotspot of the first orderand one of Mexico’s biggest offerings on the culinary front, so much so that an official Gourmet corridor has been launched in the heart of the city and takes you through some of the most renowned locations.
Merida is cheaper than the Riviera Maya
Aside from the culture and cuisine, Merida’s affordability is a major factor contributing to its rising popularity:
Since not everything is about tourism, and this is a thriving city where locals have still not been driven out of the historic center in favor of recreational areas and luxury hotels, prices largely continue to rise. reflect purchasing power of the local population.
To use Budget your trip As a comparator, mid-range travelers spend an average of $78 per day in Merida, compared to $132 in Cancun:
In the first case, you can eat easily (quite well). less than $26 per dayif you don’t like fancy restaurants with multiple courses and wine pairings, and hotels cost an average of $79 per night, although it starts from $26 at Hotel Cupules on Booking.com.
In the meantime I had a 4-star stay HIT Merida boutique hotel will cost you just $54 per night while staying in a Junior Suite Casa Italia Luxury guest houseis an adults only accommodation in the center of Merida listed from $135 and up.
Merida Is Terribly Safe
As low-risk as Mexico’s tourist destinations are, safety generally remains a major concern for Americans traveling south of the border, and we understand why.
With all the talk about organized crime, violent clashes between police and gangs, and even corruption in local authorities, it is normal to be apprehensive about vacationing in Mexico, especially on the Riviera Maya, where there is a large influx of tourist dollars and crime is therefore generally higher.
In Mérida, however The safety level is much higher.
Based on a recent report called the Mexico Peace Index published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, this is the case safest city across Mexico, with lower rates of urban violence and pickpocketing compared to other Mexican urban centers.
This means that Americans don’t have to worry too much about it their personal safety when exploring Merida; this doesn’t mean they should let their guard downas a petty crime can It happens occasionally, but there is absolutely no need to be tense and hold your bag tightly the entire time.
Like the US Department of State confirms, Merida is a Level 1 destinationmeaning it’s as safe as a Mexican city can be, and as long as you take the normal precautions like avoiding deserted areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings, you’ll be fine.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
