You can fly directly into Merida with 3 major US carriers having daily flights. Cancun, is also an option but will require a 3hr bus or car ride over to the city. The buses are easily accessible and very safe as well as clean.
Although useful, you will find that most restaurants have English menus, and some locals are also helpful.
This area of Mexico is an excellent place for a family vacation. There are lots of historical and cultural sites for them to explore, as well as beaches, cenotes and a chocolate museum which may appeal to them. Please be aware however that the wedding and reception are going to be an adults only affair. We understand everyone is traveling for this wedding so if you plan on bringing your little ones let us know. We are intending on organizing onsite childcare for the duration of the wedding and reception with nannies who can look after your kids while you're celebrating with us and having fun.
Yes. Merida is one of the safest cities in all of Mexico. Given that however, it is still a city and not everyone is a nice person so please exercise the type of caution you would use if you were going to any other city. Avoid alleys at night, be careful of pick-pockets in crowded areas, don't flash a ton of cash around etc...
Explore the Old Town - Merida is actually a large city, Old town is where we recommend and explore. This area is filled with shops for everything from pottery to clothing. There are also tons of great restaurants and San Ildefonso Catedral de Merida, the oldest cathedral in the Americas. We recommend a long leisurely meal at a local restaurant with lots of margaritas! Take a trip to the ancient ruins at Uxmal and tour a chocolate museum - About an hour south of Merida are the Uxmal ruins. This ancient city was extremely important to the Mayan culture. Near Uxmal is Choco-Story, a museum dedicated to the history of cocoa production in the Yucatan Peninsula. Getting there is easiest done through a local tour agency which can provide transportation, translation and historical context. We suggest booking one through a well reviewed vendor on Tripadvisor. Museums! - Merida has a number of them. We recommend the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, its a short Uber ride from the center of Old Town.
It's the most beautiful, clean and peaceful swimming hole you can imagine. Plus the one we are going to includes a donkey ride :-)
We recommend drinking only bottled water or water which has been purified onsite. When you are out at restaurants or bars ask if the water is "potable" or "agua pura" in Spanish. Your hotel will also be able to provide bottled water for drinking however you may elect to go to a local 7 Eleven to purchase a larger bottle if you plan on being out for the whole day.
Most places around Merida will accept credit card so if you have a card that doesn't kill you with foreign transaction fees that's a good bet. Other than that I would plan on carrying some pesos with you in case you want to buy something from a local street vendor or get a local taxi. As for an amount, for two people for 3-4 days I would suggest a few hundred USD worth. Make sure to keep an eye on the exchange rates, Sometimes using local pesos is better for your pocket!
The wedding is on December 11th so definitely that day, but we would recommend arriving on the 9th and leaving on the 12th or 13th depending on your availability. The day before the wedding, December 10th, we are organizing a day at a local cenote. It would be great to get to spend a little extra time with everyone so we hope you can make it. As for the day after the wedding, you'll likely be waking up a little late so you may want to arrange for your departure the next day if you can swing it.
Within the Old Town I would suggest just walking since it isn't that big and it's just a nice place to walk around, however for longer trips we use Uber. There are also local taxis which can get you where you need to go.
The wedding is at a private residence outside the city called Hacienda Sac Chich. Transportation to and from will be at the designated hotels at the start and end of the evening (Mision Fray Diego & Mansion Merida). Pickup times for each hotel are: Hotel Boutique La Misión de Fray Diego - Pickup Time 14:00 (2:00pm) Mansion Merida - Pickup Time 14:15 (2:15pm) There will be 3 possible shuttles to return you to Merida. - First shuttle at 22:00 (10 p.m.) - Second shuttle at 23:00 (11 p.m.) - Third shuttle at 1:30 a.m.
We wouldn't say you need one, plus driving and parking in the Old Town can be a little challenging to the uninitiated.
The ceremony will begin at 3:30pm, and guests should arrive by 3:15pm. If you are taking one of the shuttles please see the pickup times below: Hotel Boutique La Misión de Fray Diego - Pickup Time 14:00 (2:00pm) Mansion Merida - Pickup Time 14:15 (2:15pm) Additionally, for whatever reason if you miss the shuttles, you can Uber to the venue. It is about a 45 minute drive from Merida and the ceremony will begin promptly at 15:30 (3:30pm). The address is: Hacienda Sac Chich Calle 16, Acanceh, 97380 Acanceh, Yuc., Mexico
For flights to the U.S. you require a negative COVID test taken within ONE DAY of your departure from Mexico. PCR and antigen tests are valid. Testing facilities in Merida - Your hotel can direct you to a facility. These are around $50USD for a PCR test. Results in 24/48hrs. Airport Rapid Testing Rapid tests are available at the airport. No appointment needed. Opens at 6:30am. Tests are $40USD and results available in 30-60 minutes. Must present passport and flight itinerary. 1. Clínica Mérida: Cost: $3,000 MXN No Appointment (8:00 am to 6:00pm). Bring passport Covid test valid 72hrs DIY Test Kit - UPDATE: The only kit currently approved for travel into the U.S. is the Abbot BinaxNOW Home Test. These are for sale from Optum and eMed websites. Do not confuse these with the BinaxNOW Self Test which is NOT approved for re-entry into the U.S. Kits are (~$70) Quick results, however you will need a high speed internet connection and the ability to download an app to your phone