Scott Michael & Angel Eduardo
Things To Do
Explore the Historic Centre of Mérida
While you're in the city, take some time to explore the beautiful historic center! We recommend you take the opportunity to go one of the many local cantinas, such as El Lagarto de Oro, la Negrita, Dzalbay, Eladio's, or many more. There are also many options for shopping for clothes, artisanal crafts, or souvenirs, and in addition to cantinas there are many different restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines.
Chichén-Itzá
One of the wonders of the modern world, Chichén Itzá is absolutely worth a visit for those in the area! To arrive you can take a car, arrange a tour with transportation, or travel by train and then take a taxi from the station. Entry cost (as of right now) is $648 MXN, or approximately 30€ or $45 CAD. It's beautiful in the daylight, but there are also frequently light shows called Las Noches de Kukulcan (the nights of Kukulcan) where the temples are lit with a story of Mayan history and culture - check the linked website for more information!
Cenote Xooch' (Santa Barbara)
Possibly the greatest natural wonder on the Yucatán peninsula are the cenotes - underground lakes that maintain their temperature year round. There are many options in the area, one recommendation are the cenotes in Santa Barbera, for example Cenote Xooch', but there are many others all around. The best way to get to the cenotes is by car. Another good option is taking a guided tour of some Cenotes from Mérida itself. There are a lot of options online for this, but they may be overpriced - do some searching, and if you're staying at the Hyatt ask them for some advice.
Progreso Beach
There are many beaches around Mérida, the closest and most developed being Progreso. There are many restaurant options, a museum dedicated to the asteroid Chicxulub that wiped out the dinosaurs, which landed in the Gulf of Mexico just off the Yucatán peninsula. There are many options to get to Progreso: by car, by taxi/Uber, and by bus (bus line Autoprogreso). There are other options for beaches, such as Celestún and Sisal, which are a bit harder to get to but are therefore quieter.
Gastronomical Corridor of Mérida
Walk along Calle 47, which offers a fantastic variety of restaurants and bars. Foods from different parts of Mexico are available, however you'll also find options for Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and other European foods. As well as restaurants there are cocktails bars, cantinas, and tap rooms with local and international beers. There's something for everyone!
Uxmal Archaeological Zone
Another archaeological ruins near to Mérida is the lesser known but equally stunning Uxmal. A complex of different buildings including one large temple, it contains many well preserved stone carvings and impressive architecture. Only a little over an hour south of Mérida and a bit cheaper than Chichén Itzá, it's a highly recommended visit!
Valladolid
A beautiful small city with a friendly and laid-back vibe, Valladolid is a great option for a day trip, and has a stop along the Tren Maya for easier inter-city travel. Here you can make a quick trip out to Ek-Balam archaeological site, or within the city go to the cocoa museum, to the Zací cenote, or enjoy a meal or drink along the Calzade de los Frailes.
Izamal
Another day trip option is the small city of Izamal, with its impressive convent and its many vibrantly yellow and orange buildings there are many things to see. It's also where you can get some of the best authentic Yucatecan food, we recommend for example the restaurant Zamná for a variety of Yucatecan dishes, such as papadzules, longaniza, panuchos or salbutes.