Things To Do

Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy

The Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca (MUGY) (Yucatecan Gastronomy Museum) is a museum in Mérida that shows a part of Mayan history through Yucatán cuisine. There are live demonstrations daily, such as cooks making tortillas by hand and the preparation of cochinita pibil. The museum also includes a restaurant where you can sample traditional dishes in a beautiful, sunny courtyard.

Uxmal Archaeological Zone

Uxmal is a set of ruins located a little over an hour southeast of Mérida and is our current favorite Mayan archaeological site. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are hundreds of iguanas, birds, butterflies, and other species amongst the ruins. Federal and state admission charges apply, but the site is open everyday. On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency). There are many tour options to chose from and we can help you find one if you'd like. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks!

Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve

Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, between the towns of Celestún and Maxcanu, is a nature refuge and an easy day-trip from Mérida. Activities include hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, sport fishing, boat tours, and visiting the beaches and cenotes on-site. The reserve is home to extensive mangrove wetlands and wildlife, including flamingos and spider monkeys. The largest concentrations of flamingos are found here from November to March. There is an entrance fee of $60.37 MXN (approximately $3 USD) per person.

Chichén-Itzá

While we have not visited this archeological site, Chichén-Itzá is considered a must-see attraction in Mexico as it's a "Wonder of the World”. Chichén-Itzá is approximately 75 miles east of Mérida and can take between 1.5-2 hours to access. The site is accessible from Mérida via bus or car, and you may also opt to take a guided tour from Mérida. We also recommend avoiding the crowds and the heat by visiting in the morning.

Airbnb Experience: Cenotes/Uxmal

We did this tour with two friends when we first visited Mérida and recommend to anyone who appreciates a little adventure. The tour guide, Omar, speaks fluent English/Spanish and was awesome.

Airbnb Experience: Churro Making

Paseo de Montejo

Walk this wide, tree-lined boulevard if you are interested in colonial mansions, museums, monuments, and Mérida's Fashion District. On Sundays, Paseo Montejo is entirely closed off to pedestrians and cyclists only and is arguably the best time to explore the area. We recommend grabbing a drink and people-watching.

SOCO Mérida

SOCO Mérida is a small, artisan bakery and café downtown. We are croissant "snobs" and these are amazing.

Micaela Mar & Leña

Wood-fire and seafood restaurant that has delicious food and drinks. We recommend making a reservation and eating here for dinner during your stay. There is an assortment of fun cocktail bars on the same street.

Apoala

Very popular Oaxacan-Yucatecan fusion restaurant in downtown Mérida.

Wayan'e Mérida

A local taco stand with multiple locations throughout city. Tacos are approximately $1 USD.