MERIDA
Tourism in MERIDA: Capital City of YUCATAN
Merida is one of Mexico’s most important colonial cities, an architectural jewel traditionally known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City). The Mayan World with the generous hospitality of its people surrounds it. It features traditional neighborhoods, tree-lined stately avenues, world class services, varied cuisine, night life and modern installations which guarantee your business success as well as an indelible memory of a unique experience.
Mérida has become the “Medical Capital of the South-east Mexico” with a vast network of hospitals, clinics, laboratories as well as private and public doctor’s offices; the health care in the city is excellent and very affordable. Many doctors are English-speaking, often having done their training in the United States; the facilities are state of the art but cost less.
Every Sunday there is a festival of colors, smells and sounds in the main plaza and the Hidalgo, Santa Lucia, de la Madre and Americas Parks, where several musicians serenade the public with a variety of famous Yucatan folk songs.
At nights, Mérida can be a fascinating experience riding on a four-wheeled calash, open-air cafés, restaurants, serenades, concerts and nightlife.
Tourist Attractions in MERIDA
Paseo Montejo
Designed to emulate the Champs Elysees, it will delight the visitors with its three story mansions with their balconies, harmonious lines, vivid color and pointed tower. Along this avenue stand some of the oldest and most beautiful constructions in the city like: Casas Gemelas, Casa Peón del Minarete, Casa Peón de Regil, Casa Vales, and la Quinta Montes Molina. The last one is open to public and displays lams, mirrors, paintings, furniture, limoges, chine and sculptures, among other things.
Palacio Cantón
It was built from 1904 to 1911. Is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, presently houses the Museum of Anthropology and History, with an exhibition of important pieces of the Mayan culture. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00 hrs and Sunday from 8:00 to 14:00 hrs.
A monument to Justo Sierra and Felipe Carrillo Puerto
The first statue in Paseo Montejo was placed in honor of Dr. Justo Sierra O’Reilly in 1906. Two decades later, in 1926, another monument was placed honoring Felipe Carrillo Puerto, founder of the Socialist Workers’ Party of Yucatán and governor of the state in 1922.
Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland).
It is the only monument carved directly in the stone in the whole world. The 14-meter high (45.93 ft.) statue faces due south along the Paseo. The Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo created it. Numerous symbols representing the pre-Hispanic past are carved on this colossus. The columns represent the different states of Mexico.
Palacio de Gobierno (State Government Building)
It is a nice example of the early 20th century with an eclectic style blending some elements of classical architecture. Inside, the outstanding feature is a large courtyard. This neo-classical building houses 27 large murals by Yucatecan artist Fernando Castro Pacheco with scenes from Maya and Mexican history. Open daily from 8:00 to 21:00 hrs.
Cathedral of Merida
It is the oldest cathedral on the American continent. It was built 19 years after the founding of Mérida, in 1561. Designed in the somber Renaissance style by an architect who had worked on the Escorial in Madrid, its facade is stark and unadorned. The towers have a Moorish style. Inside, the black Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters) is 23 feet tall, the tallest Christ in Mexico inside a church. The Cathedral displays baroque altarpieces.
Casa de Montejo (House of Montejo)
Built between 1543 and 1549 by the founder of the city, Francisco de Montejo. Its façade stands out for its stone engravings in the Spanish plateresque architectural style, a jewel of the plateresque style.
Plaza Grande
The plaza is a comfortable and informal place to gather with friends. The park is full of trees and picturesque benches. Mérida’s oldest buildings, beautiful in their scale and composition, surround the square.
Palacio Municipal (City Hall)
Built in 1735, was used as granary and jail. There is a coat decorating the wall of the staircase, this is the oldest in the city. The high wall in the backyard is a vestige of the Mayan pyramid Chaam Baklum. Every Monday at 21:00 hrs, a folkloric ballet performs the typical “vaquerías” along the portals.
Centro Cultural Olimpo
A large, modern building that hosts art exhibits, films, and lectures. It houses the Arcadio Poveda Ricalde Planetarium, where visitors can enjoy fascinating journeys into the Cosmos. Open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Teatro Daniel Ayala (Theater)
Constructed in a big house built during the 17th century. In 1987 the property was restored and new services and facilities were included. Since then it is used as an artistic and cultural arena, presenting theater, as well as dance and music shows. Parque Hidalgo – It is the second most important park in the city. Small outdoor restaurants lined in front of the park. It is a nice place to buy some crafts and watch the craftspeople at work.
Teatro Mérida (Theater)
It houses three state of the art venues: the Sala Principal, which holds 1,200 spectators; the Cineteca, with a 227-seat capacity; and the Sala de Arte (Art room), for 101 people. Templo de Jesús de la Tercera Orden (the Third Order Church) – A 17th century church, a real jewel of the baroque architecture. It has the richest interior of any church in Mérida, there are beautiful fresco paintings depicting biblical scenes. On the other side of the church is the Parque de la Madre (Mother’s Park), with a copy of Renoir’s statue of the Madonna and Child.
Teatro Peón Contreras (Theater)
Built in 1908, with its white marble stairs, and its seats decorated in a Rococo-style. Today it is the most important cultural enclosure in the state and is home to the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, MACAY (Contemporary Art Museum)
Located in a building from the 17th Century, the museum has more than 400 contemporary art pieces. Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
Here it was founded the “Real y Pontificia Universidad de San Javier” in 1624. Today it houses the University’s head offices, a library, an auditorium, dance and music rooms, and the gallery for the University Cultural Center.
Mercado de Artesanías, Bazar García Rejón (Craft Market)
Many interesting objects and crafts from the region are available in this picturesque market.
Museo Numismático (Numismatic Museum)
Displays more than 2 000 coins reflecting México’s history. Open Saturday and Sundays 9:00 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 20:30 hrs.
Museo de la Indumentaria Mexicana (Traditional Attire Museum)
An exhibition of beautifully crafted regional outfits and pre-Hispanic dresses. Furthermore, outfits can be sold or rented. Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00 hrs.
Museo Conmemorativo de la Inmigración Coreana a Yucatán (Korean Museum)
The museum displays the history of the first Koreans in Mexico, who labored in the henequen fields. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto Theater
The Art Deco-style building was constructed in 1958 with a capacity of 289 people. It is the forum for concerts, and many cultural events. There is a gallery space in the lobby.
Armando Manzanero Theater
It was formerly the Merida Cinema. Today it has three forums equipped with the latest technology: the Main Hall with a capacity for 1,450 spectators, the Cinematheque Manuel Ponce Barbachano for 227 people, and the Arts Cinema for 101 people.
Iglesia de las Monjas (Church of the Nuns)
This Gothic building was built in the 16th century. From the top of the convent you can enjoy a nice panoramic view of the city. The cloisters have been converted into a cultural center, the Casa de Cultura del Mayab, which houses the “Casa de las Artesanías” the state handicrafts store, where you can admire and purchase items made by artisans of the Yucatan and the rest of the country.
San Cristóbal Neighborhood
Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida (City Museum)
Located in the grand old post office building, displays an interesting exhibition about the historical development of the city of Mérida, from the pre-Hispanic times until our times. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Mercado Lucas de Gálvez
Visitors can buy all sorts of food, crafts, jewelry, and other picturesque objects.
San Benito Market
Since 1667 this plaza used to be the “Ciudadela de San Benito”. After the independence, it became part of a jail until 1895. Then in 2004, the space was transformed into a market, where you can pick up the freshest seasonal produce and some crafts from the region.
Mercado de Artesanías, Bazar García Rejón (Handcraft Market)
A visit to this market can become a fascinating tour. This is the ideal place to buy different items and crafts of the region, such as leather sandals, clothing, jewelry, hammocks, palm-fiber hats, and locally made liqueurs, among others.
Iglesia de San Cristóbal
A nice church constructed from 1756 to 1796. It was the last one built during the colonial era.
Parque de las Américas y Centro Cultural La Ibérica (Las Americas Park and Cultural Center)
Parque de las Américas (Americas Park)
This beautiful park is divided into four sections. The first one is a playground, where you can rent rollerblades and bicycles to ride around the park. The second, there is a replica of a Mayan hut, housing the Library Jose Marti with some murals depicting important Latin American historic events made by the artist Bolaños Gallardo. The third section has an amphitheater, where you can watch the most varied shows and performances. The fourth has a monumental stone fountain representing the Mayan deities like Kukulcan and Chaak.
La Ibérica Cultural and Recreational Center
For many years this building was a hospital, until the early 60’s. Today is a Cultural Center offering workshops for seniors and the degree in Music by the Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatán (ESAY).
Santiago Neighborhood
Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol
This church is located where the Spaniards found the first native settlement when they came to T’ho. They conquerors named it Santiago. This is the building where the first mass took place in the city.
Parque y Mercado de Santiago (Park and Market)
This neighborhood with a unique and special character make an atmosphere of special reminiscence. There are cinemas, a traditional market (Santos Degollado), and some nice shops. There is a cultural program called “Remembranzas Musicales” (Musical Memories), where every Tuesday locals and visitors alike share old.
Parque Zoológico del Centenario (Merida’s Zoo)
The zoo has an aviary, a reptile house, a section for primates and one for mammals. There is also a playground and a gallery. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs. The playgrounds are open from 6:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Museo de Historia Natural (Natural History Museum)
It is located in an early-20th century mansion. The museum’s exhibitions are related with the universe, the earth evolution, and the different stages in life. This museum has educational and recreational purposes.
Pinacoteca “Juan Gamboa Guzmán” (Picture Gallery)
Exhibits Painting from colonial times and Gottdiener bronze sculptures, which portray accurately the Yucatan rural of the 19th Century. Also houses occasional temporary exhibits. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Santa Ana and Santa Lucía Neighborhoods
Iglesia y Parque de Santa Lucía (Park and Church)
The construction started at the end of the 16th Century, and ended in1620. The rectangular entrance is framed in quarry. The church features a nice stained-glass window and a belfry. Bordered by an arcade on the north and west sides, the park hosts popular entertainment several evenings a week, including a performance of Yucatecan songs by famous troubadours and the Yucalpeten Orchestra on Thursday nights (shows start at 9, but come early if you want to sit close to the performers). On Sunday, couples also come to dance to a live band.
Iglesia de Santa Ana
It was completed in 1733, and it was constructed-presumably over the foundation of a pre-Columbian Mayan edification.
San Sebastián Neighborhood
Iglesia y Parque de San Sebastián
The oldest section in the church was built in 1796, and since then it has been renovated several times. San Sebastián is one of the oldest and more traditional areas in Merida. Every August the San Sebastian Fair takes place in here.
La Ermita de Santa Isabel (Hermitage of St. Isabel or Good Travel)
It was built in the 17th Century. It was also a spot where tired travelers coming the other direction could find lodging and refreshment before entering Mérida. It has a botanical garden and an artificial waterfall. Open daily from 9:00. to 18:00 hrs.
La Mejorada Neighborhood
Iglesia de la Mejorada
Franciscan construction finished in 1610. Today the convent houses the State University’s school of Architecture.
Museo de Arte Popular (Popular Art Museum)
The museum displays more than 1,800 pieces of regional and national folk art. Open from Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 17.00 hrs. and Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs.
Museo de la Canción Yucateca (Museum of Yucatecan Song)
Trova music is considered part of the cultural heritage of the Yucatecan people. This museum exhibits oil paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, personal effects and documents that belonged to the most representative musicians. Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00 hrs.
Arco de Dragones (Arch of Dragons)
The name is because it was located next to the old Dragons Quarter. On the top of the arch there is a niche with a nice sculpture of Saint Francis.
Arco de Puente (Arch of Puente)
It was named after the street where it was built.
Centro Cultural del Niño Yucateco
In 1821 the convent and hospital of La Mejorada became the “Headquarter of Dragoons.” The property remained in the hands of the military until 1983. In 1989, the property was transformed into a Cultural Center, offering classes and workshops all year round for children.
Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum)
Here the visitors can admire the history and evolution of the railroads in Yucatán. It exhibits more than 40 old railroad cars and lots of photos and documents from the past. Open Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 18:00 hrs.
San Juan Neighborhood
Iglesia y Parque de San Juan
The church was built between 1769 and 1770. Inside the church there is a striking fountain called “La Negrita” which was brought from Paris at the beginning of the 20th century.
Arco de San Juan
The arches were built around 1690, like many other arches in Mérida, they were erected to establish the city limits. This is one of the largest one in the city.
Izamá Neighborhood
Iglesia de Itzimná
A small chapel built in 1572 and renovated in 1710. It is located in one of the most beautiful and traditional corners in Merida. This is one of the most beautiful and traditional places of the city of Mérida.
Other Sightseeing
Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya)
Modern cultural space considered one of the most important in Latin America. The museum features four permanent galleries that exhibit more than 500 important artifacts from the Mayan culture that captivates the attention of the visitor. It also offers a media room for the presentation of documentaries, a restaurant, a shop and a parking lot.
The museum has a magnificent and original light and sound show created and designed specifically for its unique architecture. The show is a pictorial work divided in different stories: The Creation of the World, The Appearance of the Land and the Sea, Men and Gods, The Ancient Mayas, and The Conquest and Memory of the Mayan World. The show takes place every night at 21:30, and 22:30 hrs. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Map of MERIDA, YUCATAN
More Tourist Attractions in YUCATAN
Chichen Itza
Chichen ltzá (the city on the edge of the well of the Itza), was the most important regional capital of the Mayan area in the years 750 to 1200 AD, a bridge between the Mesoamerican Classic and Postclassic periods. His remains, still well preserved, confirm the fame assigned to him by the chronicles and indigenous legends of Yucatan. Its vestiges show that the traditional Mayan civilization was enriched with other cultural currents of Mesoamerica.… Read More
Beaches in Yucatan
There is a wide variety of beaches in Yucatan, ranging from Progreso, which is only 20 minutes from Merida, to more distant beaches such as San Felipe. They all offer a peaceful environment where you can relax, camp and enjoy nature, or practice various sports such as fishing, kayaking, SUP and many other water activities. Among the options that Yucatan offers, there are some that are true paradises such as Celestún and Río Lagartos where the sky is painted pink because they are the habitat of important colonies of pink flamingos. Most of them are wide white sand beaches and in several you can savor some of the delicious typical dishes of Yucatan.… Read More
Magical Towns in Yucatan
Yucatán is a region of the country that protects great natural and cultural treasures that are very important to the country, two places that perfectly exemplify the importance of Yucatán in the history of Mexico are its magical towns, Izamal and Valladolid, two destinations that in its streets they protect all the magic of Yucatan.… Read More
Gastronomy of Yucatan
The gastronomy of Yucatan has its origins in the traditional cuisine of the Mayans with some Spanish ingredients. Its dishes are well known for their particular aroma and flavor, because they are prepared with condiments such as oregano, sour orange, coriander and mainly different types of chili. Other ingredients are the famous “recados”, which are a kind of pasta with which a very characteristic flavor is given to meats, such as the black “recados” or the red “recados”, among others. The “recados” are simply various species of condiments and ground and mixed chilies that form a paste, and that are the main base of many Yucatecan dishes. So in addition to a trip through the incredible jungle landscapes of Yucatan, the cenotes, the archaeological sites, cities and towns, you should enjoy a whole gastronomic trip through the beautiful land of the Mayans.… Read More
Traditions of Yucatan
The people from Yucatan integrate their beliefs, celebrations and ancient customs into their daily lives, and create a very special kind of magical syncretism. The handcrafts, the cuisine, the music, the folklore, and the traditions are irrefutable proof that Yucatan is a magic land with open, warm atmosphere, where visitors always feel welcome.… Read More
Guided Tours in MERIDA
Flights & Hotels in YUCATAN
More Tourist Attractions in MEXICO
Gastronomy
The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More
Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
… Read More
Capital Cities
Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More
Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure
Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More
Magical Towns
A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More
States Of Mexico
Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More
Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
