Living in Mérida

Mérida is the capital city of the state of Yucatán, famous for its rich Mayan history and culture as well as some of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites. Mérida is a regional hub of activity and extremely well connected by land and air to other parts of the Yucatan region, to Mexico City and by air to the U.S.A.

Merida At-A-Glance:

Location Type

Colonial City

Population

734,000 (2005 Census)

Altitude

30 feet above sea-level

Time Zone

Central Time

High/Low Temperatures

105F/38C (Daytime, Summer);
64F/18C (Nocturnal, Winter) Year-Round Average 79F/24C.

Rainy Season?

Merida’s rainy season runs from late May to October each year, with heavy tropical downpours occurring in these months

Hurricanes?

Merida’s weather can be affected by hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Caribbean.

Local Economy:

Textiles, Tourism, Agriculture, Commerce, eCommerce

Expat Penetration

Moderate*

Cost of Living

Lower*

Travel Guide

Guide to Merida

*Relative to other foreign expat communities in Mexico

This city portrays a considerable charm and buzz about it brought about by its contrasts: Mérida is cosmopolitan and quaint; Mexican but with a strong Mayan influence everywhere you go.

For those wishing to retire in the Yucatán region of Mexico, the capital city of Mérida offers colonial-era charm, urban vibrancy, and ease of access to the best the region has to offer including art, cultural events, secluded beaches, nature reserves and archaeological treasures.

Removed from the glitzy sunshine boulevards of Cancun (although the two are connected by a super highway), Mérida offers residents a piece of authentic Mexico, while also keeping a unique flavor and style that is unmistakably Yucatecan.

Merida is distinct culturally and politically from the rest of Mexico. This is brought about, in part, through centuries of desire for political autonomy, driven by a Mayan inheritance which continues to influence the city, its inhabitants and environs.

You will find “Meridanos” are proud to show you their unique blends of culture which embrace food, art, and music and which are exclusive to this region. Unlike most other colonial cities in Mexico, Merida is a place that is brimming with a diverse variety of art galleries, cultural festivals, as well as cinema and theater.

The principal focal point at center of Merida is the Plaza Grande (the main plaza), that is surrounded by carefully laid out streets showcasing impressive colonial structures which today play their roles as government buildings, cultural centers, museums, and up-scale private residences.

Flanking this architecture you’ll also find peaceful, shady parks lined with laurel trees and color-laden flower beds which provide some respite from the direct heat of the sun. And although tranquil spaces may be easily sought here, Merida is not a sleepy town. Every night of the week you will find some kind of entertainment or event that may include concerts, festivals, art openings, or parades.

The pulse of daily life may be experienced everywhere on Merida’s streets, and particularly in the plazas and courtyards where locals congregate, engage with each socially, trade or watch the world go by. On weekends, cars are prohibited from entering the city center and the street is transformed into haven for strollers, market goers, street artists and tourists.

Tierra Caliente

Merida’s geographical location places it firmly inside the category of “tierra caliente” (hot lands) — and living here means that summer heat and humidity are as much as part of the landscape as the rich colonial architecture.

During the rainy season, that runs from May to October each year, Mérida combines its hot climate with thunderstorms and humidity ensues. The humidity wanes in the dry season, bringing a welcome change of climate to residents and visitors alike. Expatriates who can’t take the extreme heat but who adore the winter climate here, take their winters in Mérida, flock back home in the summer, and return when the season changes again.

Affordable and Appealing Colonial Lifestyle

Affordability and modern amenities are two key factors which call retirees’ attention to the city of Mérida. Expatriates accustomed to comfortable living arrangements and the availability of modern services and amenities around them find living in Mérida appealing because it delivers authentic colonial charm, a lower cost of living than the U.S., Canada and Western Europe, as well as commercial, cultural and medical amenities expatriates often wish to see around their living spaces. Mérida offers many modern-day conveniences and services which Mexican colonial towns and cities of a similar size and standing often lack.

Active Lifestyles

Those who fall in love with Mérida are oftentimes enamored with the whole Yucatan peninsula. Using Mérida as a base, you can explore historical destinations such as the colonial cities of Valladolid and Izamal; visit the vast wealth of the Mayan’s ancient cities — far beyond the tourist-heavy archaeological sites of Chichen Itzá, Tulum, and Uxmal. The region is dotted with dozens of Haciendas; some in ruins, some partly restored and others fully restored into beautiful hotels or fine restaurants. Within a day-trip you can visit white sand beaches and savor the azure-blue waters of the Mayan Riviera; or perhaps spend a night or two at one of the hospitable beach towns there. Yucatan’s natural environment provides an abundance of options for outdoor activities such as bird watching, scuba diving, caving, and hiking; fine nature reserves, including Ka’an Biosphere reserve, are in easy reach, too.

A City Back in Bloom

During the course of the last decade, Mérida has come to popular attention among foreigners seeking affordable and authentic Mexican living in a culturally-sophisticated environment.

Mérida today is a progressive city, indeed, a ‘poster-boy’ example of how a ‘colonial backwater’ can come to reinvent itself. After decades of economic decline following the Mexican revolution of 1910-1917, and subsequent collapse of the sisal plantations and haciendas which took an enormous economic and social toll on this region, Mérida is once again becoming transformed by its people and and adapting itself to the new economies of the twenty-first century.

For expatriate residents, and foreigners considering Mérida as a place for living and especially for retirement, Mérida and the Yucatán region offer an exciting, authentic and promising array of options and prospects.

Cost of Living in Merida

The cost of living in Mexico is typically lower in Mexico than it is the USA, Canada and Western Europe, although precise costs depend upon where you live and your lifestyle choices.

Cost of Living Report

To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, connect to the Mexico Cost of Living page on Mexperience.

Regional and geographical cost variations do exist, and this part of the guide shows you how some goods and services at Mérida vary from the average.

See Also:

Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico | Money in Mexico

Blog Articles:

Money, Banking and Finances

Real Estate in Merida

Information about the real estate market in Merida

Real Estate Market in Merida

Prices of land and property in Mérida, as elsewhere in Mexico, have risen over the last decade, although they still remain at very affordable levels when compared to properties in the popular resort cities in this region.

Foreign retirees have discovered that they can live among a piece of Mérida’s colonial past by purchasing colonial homes and refurbishing them to their former splendor. The central colonias (neighborhoods) of Santa Ana and Santiago contain the greatest concentration of expatriates, but there are plenty of other colonias which attract foreign investors. The further away from the historic center you look, the lower prices become.

While over the past decade the cost of colonial homes has risen steadily, foreign capital can still go a long way here, especially in comparison to prices in the U.S.A. and Western Europe. The recent influx of expatriates as well as wealthy Mexicans, particular those relocating away from Mexico City or seeking investments in Mexico’s provincial towns and cities, have driven the market in recent years.

Property prices continue to be relatively robust for desirable properties and especially those within the historic center of the city. Land development continues to take place here as Mérida’s economic prosperity — brought about through government initiatives as well as domestic and foreign capital inflows — continues to rise.

Most real estate is sold through local realty agents who know the area and the surrounding region, as well as directly through the developers marketing major realty projects, often on prime beachfront locations or on fine golf courses. However, you can also make deals directly with owners who advertise on the Internet or by means of a simple sign on the property reading “Se Vende.”

Property types in Mérida range from land parcels, to colonial ruins in need of restoration (inside or outside the city), restored colonial homes ready to move into, glamorous colonial-era mansion houses, casitas (little colonial style houses or cottages), modern suburban dwelling houses and even specialized properties like haciendas.

Rentals Market in Merida

The rental market in Mérida is quite buoyant. The best prices can be sought when you inquire locally; prices of properties advertised on the internet are usually aimed at foreign visitors on extended stays or vacations, not long term local residents; the prices reflect this.

Most rental properties in Mérida are offered through local realty agents or by individual property owners listing properties on the Internet or local newspapers and magazines as well as signs posted at the property for rent as well as restaurants, cafes and bars near the vicinity where the rentals are situated. Some property developers rent out their units or rent out units on behalf of owners: check with local developers or a local realty agent for details and further information.

See Also:

Guide to Real Estate in Mexico | Home Maintenance | Home Security

Healthcare in Merida

In addition to Mexico’s state sponsored healthcare provided via the country’s national health service IMSS, good quality healthcare services offered through private clinics with US -standard healthcare services exist in Mérida. The privately-run out patient clinics available locally are ideal for day-to-day ailments, sprains, broken bones and other health matters which would normally be diagnosed and treated by a General Practitioner of medicine.

In recent years, medical companies have invested millions of dollars in Mérida building and supplying first-world standard private medical facilities for Mérida’s insured and well-heeled classes. This has come about as a result of research showing that Mérida is becoming a top location for foreign expatriates as well as wealthy and well-off Mexicans, many of whom are abandoning Mexico City for certain provincial cities and towns: Mérida is on the list of popular alternatives.

See Also:

Health and Healthcare in Mexico | Travel Health in Mexico

Local Climate in Merida

Mérida’s climate is tropical; hot in the dry season and hot and humid in the rainy season. Prevailing easterly winds, which cool the air on the coasts, do reach the city, but due to its inland position and low elevation, their effect is not as noticeable as as it is at the nearby coasts.

Mérida has, in recent years, recorded an average temperature of 76F/21C, although the summers can and do get much hotter. Winter months can be cooler and nocturnal temperatures may drop to 64F/17C; summer months may reach highs in excess of 100F/37C in May through August especially, accompanied by drenching humidity and torrential downpours of rain in the afternoons or evenings.

Winter Climate:

November through January are the coolest months in Merida; January being the coolest with an average nocturnal low of 64F/17C). Average temperatures range from 74F/22C to 77F/25C during these months.

Spring Climate:

February through April the climate is a continuation of winter: dry and relatively mild. Temperatures begin to rise to the late 70’sF/26C towards the end of April.

Summer Climate:

May through October are the hottest months in Merida, with temperature ranging from 75F/21C overnight, to 95F/35C or hotter in the daytime. The rainy season begins in late May and torrential downpours are common during June, July and August; the high temperatures do moderate during the downpours, but as the rains pour the humidity levels soar. The hottest month is May and the highest humidity levels appear during September.

Autumn Climate:

Temperatures begin to moderate during the latter half of October, the humidity passes and the hot, humid, daytime temperatures climb down from their summer highs. Temperatures in the late autumn months reflect very similarly to those in the winter, ranging from 74F/22C to 77F/25C.

Rainy Season:

Merida’s rainy season runs from May to October, with most of the rain falling in June, July and August. Torrential afternoon rains may be experienced several days a week and, in the peak temperature months of July, August and September tropical storms may feature, too.

Hurricanes:

Hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean can affect Merida. Although the hurricane storms do not affect the city directly (as it is inland) tropical storms and hurricanes on the coasts can cause adverse weather conditions over Mérida and environs.

Sea Temperature in Progreso, near Merida

The average sea temperature in the water off Progreso, a beach side town less than an hours drive from Mérida, is 87F/30C.

See Also:

Weather and Climates in Mexico

Practical Information About Living in Merida

This section contains links to guides where you can learn more about living in Mérida.

Accessibility / Transport

Getting Around Merida

Getting Around

Transportation choices in Mexico

Communications

Staying in contact while living in Mexico

Money and Banking

Guide to Money in Mexico | Banks & Banking in Mexico

Practical Matters

Practical Information (Mérida Travel Guide)

Auto Insurance in Mexico

How to insure your foreign-plated car in Mexico

Safety in Mexico

Latest Safety Updates

Key Attractions

Travel Guide to Merida

Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover places to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

The most popular places to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have for a long time, or in recent times, garnered considerable popularity with foreign residents (retirees and others) and have active communities of interest established at the location.

Emerging locations to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have, in recent years, been catching the attention of foreign residents and have fledgling or developing communities of interest present there.

Underexplored locations to live in Mexico

Discover places that do not have significant numbers of foreign residents already established and are generally ‘off-the-beaten-path’ for most foreigners considering Mexico for living and retirement. These places can offer attractions that may be of interest to some potential foreign residents and retirees seeking someplace more traditional, unusual, and with a lower concentration of foreign residents living there.

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

Most (but not all) of Mexico’s colonial cities are situated at elevations of at least 5,000 feet above sea level and if the place you choose is situated in these high lands you can expect cooler and more temperate climates year-round than you’ll experience in colonial cities which are situated at lower elevation or nearer to the coasts where temperatures soar, particularly during the late spring and through the summer months.

During late fall and throughout the winter, early mornings, evenings, and nights are cooler in colonial cities—even chilly in some higher places that may also require the warmth of a fireplace or other heating system. The spring and fall climates are close to ideal in most of Mexico’s highland colonial cities, featuring a temperate ambiance with occasional rainfalls between otherwise undisturbed sunlight, shining across crisp and deep azure-blue skies.

The late spring and summer months in Mexico’s highland colonial cities are warm and can get quite hot.  Most regions experience seasonal rains between June and October each year; these often take the form of torrential afternoon or evening downpours which cool the high summer temperatures and make the local flora radiate with color and fragrance.

Which colonial cities are people moving to?  The two big ‘expat enclaves’ of San Miguel de Allende and Ajijic/Chapala have been popular with foreign residents for decades, and their lure and appeal is still attractive to many who visit and call these places their home, full or part-time.

Foreigners researching places to live in Mexico will usually come across popular colonial locations like San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic, and Cuernavaca. Other places that are less well-known but which have have been rising in popularity in recent years include: Mérida, Puebla, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Oaxaca. For places somewhat off-the-beaten-path, you might also consider researching San Cristobal de las Casas, and Morelia (with nearby Pátzcuaro).  If you’re seeking a colonial setting near the coast consider Mazatlán, Manzanillo, and Campeche.

With the exception of the most popular colonial towns, Mexico’s colonial settings offer (generally speaking) lower property purchase and rental prices than equivalent land and homes situated at popular Mexican beach-side towns and resorts. However, house prices in colonial cities have risen substantially in recent years and property prices across Mexico are no longer the bargain they once were.  It’s also worth keeping in mind that lesser-known colonial locations don’t tend to generate the same level of property sales turnover as the most popular locations do, so if you buy land or property away from a fashionable area, it might take longer to sell.  You can learn all about property purchase and ownership in Mexico here on Mexperience.

We recommend above all else that you take time to step back and consider your lifestyle needs and short-list locations in Mexico that serve those needs.

If you’re looking for a long-term investment and a foothold in Mexico that will provide you with a stable home, a good climate, decent access by road (some cities also have airports not far away); a lower cost of living than the US, Canada and Europe; and a place where you can be surrounded by culture and heritage, do some research here on Mexperience to learn about Mexico’s colonial cities and then go and experience a few of them in person.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

A wander through the impressive Gran Museo del Mundo Maya gives you an insight into the rich and varied history of this region and its people.  After the Spanish conquest, Yucatán became a focal point for Haciendas – working plantations – and the state’s economic fortunes shifted dramatically in the 19^th century when the invention of wheat reapers with twine binders drove demand for strong twine: the region’s henequen crop proved popular among buyers, supplies were reliable, and exports boomed. Political upheaval, and technology in the form of combine harvesters and synthetic fibers which caused demand for henequen twine to collapse, brought the boom – and the Haciendas system itself – to an end. By the close of the 1920s, most of the haciendas were left abandoned or returned to being agricultural centers, and their twine machines lay derelict.  Today, some of the old haciendas have been restored and converted into luxury hotels and event venues.

As the first century of new millennium takes hold, Mérida – and the Yucatán region in general – is experiencing something a renaissance.  Mérida is attracting significant investment domestically and internationally, and some foreign residents are looking to Mérida as they seek a new lifestyle or retirement options in Mexico.

Being a focal point of Maya culture, Mérida is also flourishing as a tourist destination, helped by its well-organized cultural events and attractions inside the city itself, as well as several important World Heritage sites on its doorstep, including the famed Chichen Itzá, and Uxmal—the anchor site of the Ruta Puuc.

Mérida might be poised to overtake some of the established places where foreign residents live in Mexico were it not for its climate: between late spring and early autumn the heat can be stifling.  One resident we know remarked that the climate protects the city from a potentially unsustainable influx of new residents.  An attraction of places like San Miguel and Ajijic is their temperate high-altitude climate; coastal locations like Puerto Vallarta have beaches and sea breezes to help cool things down, whereas land-locked Mérida must simply wait for the season to turn: between November and March, the climate is thoroughly pleasant here.

You can learn more about the features, attractions and opportunities in Mérida and Yucatán here on Mexperience.

Stepping off the street through the colonial doorway past the thick mesquite wood doors, you step-out of the heat and bustle of Mérida’s city center into an oasis of light and color.  There’s no opulence or grandstanding here, and instead the immediate feel of a friendly, easy-going, and comfortable hotel that’s created for people who like to explore, meet others on the journey, and be close to a city’s heart and soul.  And this is precisely what Tom and Donard intended when they set out to create Luz En Yucatán.

Described as an ‘urban retreat,’ the property might have been part of the old convent situated next door; it has now been tastefully restored to bring its colonial-era courtyards, nooks and crannies back to life with light, color and flora—creating spaces for guests to relax or socialize around the pool, terraces, fountains and alcoves.

Each of the 16 rooms and studios are individually designed and appointed—each one as unique as the property itself, and guests may choose the one they would like from the booking system on the hotel’s website. The amenities in-room have been carefully thought out to provide comfort and convenience for guests, and the entire property enjoys access to WiFi for those who need to keep in touch.

With its central location in the historic district of Mérida, Luz En Yucatán is perfectly situated to explore and enjoy this most vibrant of Mexican cities: situated less than two minutes’ walk from the one of Mérida’s most popular dining and cultural plazas, and just a short cab ride away from every major attraction.

After a day exploring the city, guests can return to a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a drink from the complimentary selection of beverages on the bar cart, and rest or catch-up with other guests’ stories.  The rooms are cool and comfortable, and some also offer cozy private terraces to while away an afternoon or evening.

The owners and staff are very welcoming, paying attention to details and providing local assistance to help you get the most of your visit to the area, including travel tips, maps and personal recommendations for eating and entertainment; Donard even knows a cenote off-the-tourist-radar situated an hour’s drive away—and has a hand-drawn map he shares with guests to help them find it!

When you’re looking for a comfortable and friendly place to stay in Mérida that offers convivial accommodations amidst an authentic colonial feel and atmosphere, Luz En Yucatán offers great value and a genuine oasis in the heart of Mérida.

Hacienda Uxmal is a working plantation that offers comfortable and very agreeable accommodations in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.  The property is situated less than a ten-minute walk away from Uxmal archaeology site—the best-known Maya site along the Ruta Puuc.

As we remarked in a related article, staying overnight near the archaeological ruins of Uxmal or Chichen Itzá offers several advantages and helps you to get the most out of your visit to these famous archaeology sites—which are among the most visited in all Mexico.

Practicalities aside, the Hacienda Uxmal is an experience in its own right.  From the midst of a thickly-wooded jungle springs a beautifully planned and well-kept property featuring beautifully appointed rooms surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, and refreshing swimming pool which offers cool refreshment after a long day exploring archaeology ruins.

The hotel features an elegant restaurant on-site offering Mayan, Mexican and International cuisine prepared using fresh local ingredients.  Breakfasts offer a buffet, or choices from an a-la-carte menu.

Uxmal is an easy drive one-hour from Mérida.  Arrive early afternoon and settle-in to your room, wander and relax around the grounds, or take a tour of the remarkable Cacao Museum, run by the hotel just a five-minute walk away.  For an evening of light entertainment, consider the nighttime ‘light and sound’ show at Uxmal which begins around 7:30pm (check times locally) and tickets can be purchased at the hotel’s reception.  Dinner at the elegant restaurant can be taken on the terrace in the evening when the air is cooler.

After an early breakfast, a ten-minute walk will have you at the gates of the Uxmal archaeology park long before the tour buses and crowds arrive.

Hacienda Uxmal also offers a range of other amenities including a spa, an Aztec steam bath (Temazcal), horse riding tours, free use of bicycles, and a games room.  Local tours can be organized from the hotel including outings to local cenotes which offer you an opportunity to swim in fresh water underground pools, situated in remote jungle areas surrounded by natural beauty.

The Choco-Story cacao museum, situated adjacent to the hotel, offers a remarkable and very enjoyable learning experience that tells a detailed history of the cacao-growing and chocolate-making business in Mexico.

You could stay one night and use Hacienda Uxmal as a base to explore the ruins, but a longer stay provides an ideal opportunity to get the most from what the hacienda and surrounding area offers—including a visit to local cenotes, the cacao museum, and other important archaeology sites on the Ruta Puuc.

Hacienda Santa Cruz, near Mérida, was originally built in the 17^th century as a Franciscan monastery for nuns and was later converted into a henequen hacienda to capitalize upon a boom in the demand for twine.  It reached its peak of production during the 19^th century, but when demand for henequen collapsed, the estate returned to its agricultural roots and, like some other similar estates across Mexico, has now been restored to become a luxury hotel and social events venue.

Important buildings from the original hacienda remain in place including the main house, the machine room (which processed the henequen), and the chapel.  The machine room has been restored and converted into what is today a grand hall, reception, and bar.  The re-consecrated chapel remains a quiet sanctuary for prayer and meditation, as well as serving as a place for religious weddings, and occasional baptisms.

To accommodate guests, the present owners have constructed twenty-five modern, sumptuous, rooms and suites with facades in-keeping with the original colonial look and feel of the property—and all surrounded by carefully manicured and well-tended gardens where guests can stroll and relax.  Each luxurious room is appointed to a high standard, offering guests modern comforts amidst the echoes of a 19^th century hacienda estate.

The restaurant, café and bar offer guests a range of freshly prepared regional, Mexican, and international dishes served in an authentic colonial setting.

For pastimes which promote health and well-being, the property also features two beautiful swimming pools, a bicycle track (with cycles freely available from the bike shed), a soccer pitch, a man-made ‘cenote’ (50-foot deep fresh-water pool), and fully-appointed spa.

The estate also includes a large dining area and ball-room featuring a retractable roof, marble floors and pillars—a space most frequently used to host elegant weddings.

Situated about half-way between Merida’s international airport (6 miles) and the city’s center (9 miles), Hacienda Santa Cruz offers a luxurious escape from the city in the middle of the Yucatán countryside. It’s an ideal base from which to visit local cenotes and archaeological sites along the Ruta Puuc, including Uxmal.

Mérida is known as the “white city”—a reference to the elegant white-stone buildings along Paseo Montejo—and it’s also the capital city of the state of Yucatán, renowned for its rich Mayan history, and its vibrant, contemporary cosmopolitan cultures.  Over the last decade, Mérida has also become a very popular city for foreign residents moving Mexico.

Because of the large peninsula on Mexico’s southern region, Mérida is actually situated about 50 miles north of the nation’s capital, even though people in Mexico City talk of traveling “south” to Mérida. It’s difficult to get lost in Mérida itself; the city is laid out in a grid with even numbered streets running north-south and odd numbers east-west.

As the state’s capital, Mérida is a hub of economic, cultural and political activity and extremely well connected by land and air to other parts of the region and the country. The city has a considerable charm and buzz about it, and its contrasts help help to cultivate its diversity: Mérida is cosmopolitan and quaint; Mexican, but with a strong Mayan influence.

The city is an excellent base from which to explore the region, including the archaeological wonders of Chichen Itza and Uxmal — as well as other less well-known, but equally important archaeology ruins in the vicinity, especially those along the Ruta Puuc.

There are hotels and amenities here to suit every budget, style and taste and there is always something happening in Mérida: concerts, festivals, parades, and celebrations are almost a constant feature in this vibrant and multi-faceted city.

Getting around is easy; the streets are laid out in a grid format and you can walk to most of the main attractions in the center; and even taking a cab or App Cab to the places further away from the heart of the city is good value.

Historically, Mérida wealthy inhabitants were land barons and the scale of their wealth can be seen today along Paseo Montejo, an boulevard which was inspired by the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City and which is host to large, opulent white stone mansions. Today those old mansions are used principally as public buildings, museums, or corporate offices.

Mérida’s present-day wealth is built around the maquiladoras (assembly plants) and tourism, both of which have grown significantly during the last two decades.

In recent years, Mérida has seen, and continues to undergo, an explosion of art and culture. If you’re traveling around Mexico’s southern peninsula, a visit to Mérida is a must; better still, consider using it as a base from which to explore the region, but even if you’ve only come to this part of the world to see beaches or archaeology, spend a a couple of nights or more in Mérida—you won’t leave disappointed.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The central plaza, Plaza Grande, is dominated by the Catedral de San Idelfonso; it’s not the most striking in Mexico, but its size is immediately apparent when you arrive at the main square.

The Municipal Palace is on the opposite side of the square while the Government Palace, which looks non-descript on the outside but is stunningly attractive inside, features some wonderful paintings and murals that depict Yucatan’s rich Maya history. In contrast, the murals and paintings in the Government Palaces feature the Aztec indigenous cultures of central and northern Mexico.

On the south side of the Plaza Grande is the Casa de Montejo which locals sometimes refer to as the “Palacio de Montejo”. It was a private home, inhabited by the descendents of its creator (and Merida’s founder), Francisco de Montejo until 1980. Most of the building is closed to the public; today it’s a working bank branch for Banamex and also offers currency exchange.

Paseo de Montejo

The “White City” title that Mérida has derives from the stately homes and mansions that adorn the sides of Paseo Montejo, about 10 blocks north of the center, standing opulently in gleaming white stone. The Paseo de Montejo is a tree-lined boulevard, which was supposed to be as grand as Mexico City’s Reforma Avenue. There are still some private homes along here, although most of the buildings have been turned into public offices, corporate offices, and one of the most majestic buildings is now home to Yucatán’s Museum of Anthropology (see below).

Museums

Mérida has a number of fine museums, the most significant is the impressively housed Museo de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum) which is situated at the majestic Palacio Canton on Paseo de Montejo and, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya—an impressive, purpose-built, museum to showcase Mayan history and culture: this museum holds many of the fine artifacts from the Mayan ruins and also explains much about the history of the region going back to the age of mastodons.

The Museo Nacional de Arte Popular (National Popular Arts Museum) is a few blocks northeast of the Plaza Grande and offers displays of fine art and crafts from the locality.

On Calle 61 you’ll find the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) which displays a history of the city and the region.

Learn Spanish in Merida

There’s no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico. Mérida is well-known as a cultural and historic city and there are number of fine language schools here. Read our guide to Learning Spanish in Mexico for more details and to find a language school in Mérida.

Parks, Gardens and Zoo

To see a park full of trees, one from each country on the American Continent, visit Parque de las Americas which is Avenida Colón. There’s a children’s playground, zoo, botanical gardens visit Parque Centenario. The zoo features some exotic species of animals as well as fauna from the region.

Spas in Merida

Good spas are available in Mérida and around the entire Yucatan region—including spa facilities in many of the fine hacienda hotels situated across the region. For more information about spas, and how to get access to a magnificent health experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience guide to Spas in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to Mérida from Mexico City and Cancun as well as Houston and Miami. Mérida’s international airport is about 5 miles southwest of Merida’s city center. Land Transport is available from the airport into town; if you’re traveling alone or with just one or two other people, ask for the lower fare option which will mean you share the cost with others in a suburban van. If you want to rent a car, agencies have desks inside the main airport terminal building – note that booking in advance is likely to save you money (see below for car rental). For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Mérida from Mexico City, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Mexico City to Mérida takes about 24 hours. See the Mexperience guide to bus travel in Mexico.

By Car – If you’re planning to drive to Mérida as a part of road trip in Mexico, expect the journey from Mexico City to take you around 20-24 hours. You could also rent a car in Mérida, and use this city as a base to explore the magnificent Yucatán region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico.

Local Buses – Local buses inside Mérida city readily are available: consult the local tourism office for details or ask locally for nearest bus stop. However, the regional  bus travel in this region is limited in comparison to other regions (e.g. the colonial heartland) in Mexico, so renting a car (see above) is the most flexible way to see the surrounding areas.

Taxis – Local taxis are widely available, and they are all fitted with colored discs which set a fixed rate depending on which zone you started and end up in. They are plentiful, friendly and excellent value.  See the guide to Taxi travel in Mexico here on Mexperience, for more information.

Merida Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Mérida. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace—from cafes, shops, hotels, and Mérida now offers free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in Merida

Mérida is the perfect place to buy Yucatecan arts and crafts and two other items in particular: Panama Hats and Hammocks.

Although the center of Mexico’s hat-weaving trade is in a town in the state of Campeche south of here, there does exist a good trade in Panama Hats in Mérida, which are made from the leaves of the Jipijapa Palms. The weavers work in caves where the air is humid and the palm leaves remain soft and pliable. Once exposed to the dryer air and heat, they provide excellent protection against the intense sun that you will encounter in this part of the world.

If you only buy one thing in Mérida make sure it’s a GOOD hammock; they make them here—and many of the hammocks you’ll buy in Mexico will have originated in Yucatan. See Buying a Mexican Hammock

Local Climate

From April to October the weather in Merida is hot and is exceptionally hot in the summer months between May and September. The rainy season runs May thru October, and often manifests itself as strong, sudden and gushing tropical showers or storms in the afternoon. November through March the weather is cooler and sometimes breezy.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

At the beginning of colonial times only religious and political events would move the people of Merida. Then, in the 16th Century, Luis Céspedes de Oviedo introduced balls, feasts and disguise parties in the region. At first, this provoked indignation among the people and also gave rise to much criticism. However, the events instigated by Luis Céspedes led the then state Governor, Guillen de las Casas (1578-1582), to introduce carnivals in Merida so people could enjoy a week of merriment before Lent.

By the 18th Century the carnival was celebrated in great style at the central plaza, especially on Carnaval Sunday and Tuesday, when the wealthy citizenry of the city would parade before the curious, poor indigenous people. Little by little the middle classes joined-in the festivities that have today become world famous for their elegance and originality.

After the Independence of Mexico the Merida Carnival lost some of it shine and by the middle of the 19th Century, the event only lasted for three days–later extended to five. During that time, students and people in costumes and masks would run through the streets singing and dancing to music with a very clear Cuban rhythm. Huge balls were also held in elegantly-decorated ballrooms with 400 or 500 couples on the dance floor at one time.

The market price of sisal (or henequen) had a great influence on the quality of Merida’s Carnivals, and from 1889 to 1926, when the prices and yields were at their peak, the carnivals were quite spectacular.

Today, the Merida Carnival is organized by a local committee. The carnival is not as intense and strident as those of Veracruz or Mazatlan: it is quieter and more family-oriented due to the cultural traits of the Yucatan people who tend to exhibit a gentler and more serene character than those of their coastal compatriots.

The Yucatan costumes and dance steps don’t have the unrestrained tone of other regions, either; instead they are more reserved, but very elegant nonetheless. For people living in Merida, the carnival presents a welcome break from their daily routines and an opportunity to share free time with other members of their local communities while enjoying the parades and partying.

The carnival in Merida is a must-see for anyone visiting the Yucatan region from March 1st to March 9th. The organizing committee has festivities planned for every day of carnival–from the inaugural ceremony of burning “Bad Moods” to the burial of Juan Carnaval, where his crying “widow” reads from his will what he left Merideños and their authorities. If you understand Spanish, you’ll find the ceremony is hilarious, and it’s also the most highly-attended event of the carnival.

Every day the carnival features a different parade, each one representing the life and traditions of the Yucatan region. You’ll also enjoy fireworks, music, dancing and general merry-making–just watch out for students who, for fun, love to throw eggshells filled with flour (some stained dark blue) at unsuspecting attendees. It’s probably a good idea to leave your ‘Sunday Best’ clothes indoors.

See Also: Travel Guide to Merida