Mérida
Paseo de Montejo
A grand boulevard lined with historic mansions, reminiscent of European architecture. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you can also visit the Palacio Cantón, museum of Mayan anthropology.
Plaza Grande (Plaza Principal)
The heart of Mérida, surrounded by important landmarks such as the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest cathedral on the American mainland, and the Palacio de Gobierno, known for its beautiful murals.
Catedral de San Ildefonso
The oldest cathedral in mainland America, built with stones from Mayan temples. Its stark and majestic architecture reflects the city’s rich history.
Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
A modern museum offering an in-depth look at the Mayan civilization, featuring artefacts, multimedia exhibits, and interactive displays.
Lucas de Gálvez Market
A bustling market where you can find local food, crafts, textiles, and more. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Mayapan Ruins
A smaller, less crowded Mayan site near Mérida, offering visitors the chance to explore ancient pyramids and learn about Mayan history.
Cenotes (Sinkholes)
The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Some of the most popular ones near Mérida include Cenote X’batun and Cenote San Ignacio.
Dzibilchaltún
An archaeological site near Mérida is famous for its Temple of the Seven Dolls. On the equinox, the sunrise aligns perfectly with the temple’s doors, a testament to the Mayans’ astronomical knowledge.
Parque Santa Lucía
A charming park known for its traditional Yucatecan serenades held every Thursday evening. The park is also surrounded by excellent restaurants.
Teatro Peón Contreras
The oldest theatre in Mérida hosts cultural performances, concerts, and events. The building itself is an architectural gem.
Casa de Montejo
A 16th-century mansion built by the Montejo family, who founded Mérida is now a museum, it showcases period furniture and art.
Progreso Beach
Just a short drive from Mérida, Progreso offers a relaxing beach experience with calm waters, seafood restaurants, and a long pier.
Izamal
Known as the “Yellow City” due to its uniformly painted yellow buildings, Izamal is a beautiful colonial town and a pilgrimage site, home to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua.
Haciendas
Explore the historical haciendas around Mérida, such as Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, where you can learn about the region’s henequen industry and experience a bit of Yucatecan history.
Calle 47
This picturesque street is lined with colourful colonial buildings. It’s perfect for a scenic walk and some great photos.
Cozumel
East of Merida is Cozumel, a beautiful island paradise offering white sandy beaches, coral reefs, ivory beaches, swaying palms and crystal clear waters, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Visit the ancient Mayan maritime port Costa Maya, Sun-kissed Costa Maya is a gateway to lush rain forests and blue lagoons where you can discover the ancient Mayan cities of Chacchoben and Kohunlich. Have an educational trip to the fantastic Tulum temples and discover the lost civilisation of the Mayans or explore on a thrilling all-terrain Vehicle.