Merida in Mexico

About the city of Merida in the state of Yucatan, Mexico

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Merida is the capital and largest city in the Mexican state of Yucatan. Merida is located approximately 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and is considered a cultural and financial capital of the region. Merida is a modern city with museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops and boutiques. The city of Merida is the crossroads of the region and a great place to start your experience of the Mayan heritage.

Brief history of Merida

Merida was founded in 1542 and was named after the town of Merida in Extremadura Spain. The city was built on the site of the Maya city of "Tho." Tho had been a center of Mayan culture for centuries and because of this, some historians consider Merida the oldest continually occupied city in the Americas. Carved Maya stones from the ancient Tho were widely used to build the Spanish colonial buildings in Merida that are visibly everywhere. Late in the 19th century and early 20th century the area surrounding Merida prospered from the production of agave (known at the time as "henequen"). For a brief period, at the turn of the 20th century Merida was said to have housed more millionaires than any other city in the world. The results of this concentration of wealth can still be seen today.

There are many large and elaborate homes still line the main avenue but only a few of these are still occupied by families. Myriad is known to have one of the largest historic district in the Americas. Colonial homes line the streets, the historical city center of Merida is undergoing many renovations with people moving into these old buildings and restoring them to their former glory.

Tourism in Merida

Merida’s privileged location makes it an ideal starting point when you embark on the unlimited adventure that you will find throughout Mexico. Visitors are amazed by the countless churches and architecture that make up the city of Merida. When Merida was initially built it was a walled city and several of the old Spanish city gates still remain. The city has the second largest historic center in Mexico and is laid out in a grid pattern. The Cathedral de San Ildefonso is the oldest cathedral on the continent and one of the top attractions in Merida. Merida is an extremely well kept city and you will appreciate its cleanliness. The people of the city pride themselves on how clean and safe Merida is. Merida is famous for guayabera, which is a loose fitting men's shirt with pockets and women normally wear dresses and tunics due to its pleasant climate.

Nearby attractions to Merida are smaller nearby towns, Mayan ruins and cenotes (underwater sinkholes). Merida hosts a carnival festival yearly for every family to enjoy. This carival is eight days which includes several cultural and entertainment activities, such as the coronation of the king and queen and the burning of the bad mood.

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There are many different accomodations to stay at during your visit to Merida. If you have no set budget and are looking for something luxurious then you might want to look at Hotel Julamis or Hotel Hacienda VIP as an example. Both of these hotels are centrally located and have received rave reviews. Hotel Julamis is known for it’s traditional Mexican architecture and luxurious rooms and it's rooftop deck provides great views of the city. Hotel Hacienda VIP is said to transport you into a completely different world as soon as you walk through the doors. The rooms are sophisticated, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Both of these hotels places offer deluxe rooms if you are looking for something a little extra. If your desire is something smaller and budget friendly then make sure to look at Hotel Plaza Mirador or Hotel Santa Maria. Both of these hotels are known for their friendly staff, cleanliness and great prices. They are also centrally located and provide you with the ability to walk out the front door and start exploring this beautiful historically rich city.

Merida travel information

Airport: Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport
Address: Carretera Mérida a Uman Km. 4.5, 97291 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 999 940 6090

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Merida Mexico.

Campeche

Calakmul, Meso American Ruin

About the city of Merida in the state of Yucatan, Mexico

Brief history of Merida

Tourism in Merida

Merida travel information

Other colonial towns