exploring Merida, Mexico

Until recently, I’d heard very little about Mérida, Mexico.

Exploring Merida, Mexico, led us to Paseo Montajo Blvd. where we enjoyed Noche Mexicana, an evening of Mexican song and dance outdoors in the plaza. There is an abundance of free outdoor entertainment, art, and culture available throughout Merida.

exploring merida mexico

Mérida is the capital of the Yucatan state of Mexico, and is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, a region most famous for its beach resort communities of Cancun and what is now called the Mayan Riviera. But Mérida is roughly 35 kilometres (22 miles) inland from the Gulf of Mexico. You don’t come here for the beaches. You come for the culture.

Just outside of Merida, we stopped at the Mirador viewpoint, where artisans were selling Mayan art. I fell in love with this vessel depicting a Mayan ceremonial cacao cup (carved from a Jicara gourd hollowed out and decorated.)

Indeed, Mérida is very proud of its Mayan heritage, and our time in the capital was spent learning about the history of the city, and its Mayan culture which can still be found in the restaurants, galleries, and on the streets of Mérida. Mexico’s national museums are located in Mexico City, but you will find approximately 20 museums in Mérida including the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya devoted exclusively to Mayan culture. We attended the free outdoor demonstration of the ancient Mayan ballgame in Plaza Grande, the main square of Merida. Below, the players are taking a ceremonial drink before the game begins.

This is the Ateneo de Yucatan, a magnificent historic structure in central Merida now dedicated as a museum of fine Yucatecan art.

We had the pleasure of staying at the Wyndham Mérida during our stay. I wish we’d had more time to enjoy the facilities that included a welcoming pool tucked away in the tranquil inner courtyard. All of the staff at the hotel were great, but I especially loved the smiles and helpful tips we received from the bellmen pictured here.

The Wyndham Merida was a great place from which to explore Merida, Mexico, and the staff was great.

I was pleased to see Westjet is now flying to Mérida and wrote about a few reasons to visit the city for their magazine here. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to soon return and continue exploring this vibrant and colourful city as I left many stones unturned. Stay tuned for more on this amazing city where Mexican meets Mayan.