Merida
Enjoy a colonial holiday in Merida and travel back in time at its surroundings. Make a tour inside the white city (ciudad blanca, as Merida is known because mostly the architecture in Merida is made with masonry). You can visit the famous Merida churches, palaces, museums and other historical places; a very unique and special way to do this is by a “Calesa” which is a horse driven carriage, which goes all the way of Paseo Montejo, Merida main avenue.
The City of Merida and capital of Yucatan State has a long history since the Spanish arrived. Merida is still a very important cultural and economic center of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Carnival of Merida is one of its main attractions, visit Merida in February and be part of the real Fiesta! Remember, the weather in Merida is mostly warm so always wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Take a tour around Merida and you will be amazed by the Ancient Mayan pyramids such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Kabah, The Puuc Route. The cenotes around Merida will offer a break to freshen yourself from the hot summer days. The Yucatan cenotes are among the most charming wells that contain water which in some cases run from underground rivers of fresh rain water that filters slowly through the ground. So if you are in Merida go out for an exciting and extreme cave diving adventure or just chill out in the crystal clear water after a temazcal sauna bath; a Yucatan cenote like the Dzibilchaltun, near Merida city, is there waiting for you.
From Merida hotels, the Swim with Whale Sharks tours can be a unique experience among nature lovers. If you are one of them and want to snorkel next to these enormous 10 meter long inoffensive creatures, then you should really reserve this activity that only occurs between the periods of May to September on the surroundigs of Isla Contoy, a beautiful Island where you can also admire dolphins, mantas and other types of aquatic animals in their natural habitat, an unforgetable experience not to be missed!
Another option when it comes to natural activities are the birdwatching tours. Once you are staying in any of the colonial Merida hotels, enthusiast of this eco-friendly activity, will have the opportunity to observe some of the local birds, which range more than 400 species, 230 of them residents of the Yucatan peninsula all over the year; pink flamingos, cormorants, pelicans are just some of the most common birds among the aquatic species you may find in Merida surroundings.
There is plenty more to do in your Merida trip, aquatic sports like scuba diving, fishing, surfing are always an alternative to the cultural and eco-touristic life of the Merida choices.
The wide culinary range of dishes makes the Yucatan cuisine one of the most exquisite in Mexico. In Merida you will find many places to try these delicious tastes.
When staying in Merida city and around, several options are presented, starting from typical types of accomodation, from the old colonial building transformed to a hotel, the sophisticated chains, to the solitude of a real Hacienda, in Merida you will find the perfect lodgment.
