The Mexican Caribbean and the Yucatan Peninsula are home to many amazing vacation destinations, one of which is the historic city of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan.
Located about 3.5 hours from Cancun, the city offers visitors the opportunity to experience a more authentic Mexican city than the touristy areas you’ll find in the Mexican Caribbean.
This charming city near Cancun is one of the best in Mexico according to Travel & Leisure readers, so let’s take a look at some reasons why you might want to visit Merida.
The Travel & Leisure Award
Travel & Leisure just released their 2024 World’s Best Awards, and the charming city of Merida made the cut.
The winners were chosen based on the opinions of readers worldwide, and this time, nearly 200,000 readers voted.
Merida was chosen as one of the readers’ 5 favorite places in Mexico, and it was voted number four.
Merida History
Merida as a city has a long and varied history that dates back to 1542 when it was founded by Spanish conquerors, but its history as a Mayan city dates back even further, over 2,000 years ago.
The site where Merida was built was once the ancient Mayan city of T’ho.
Stones left over from the ruins of the city were used by the Spanish in buildings constructed in the early days of Merida.
Mayan Culture
Merida’s connection with the Mayan people still exists today, so Mayan culture is still present in the city.
The Merida Cathedral, also known as the Catedral de San Ildefonso, is one of the buildings constructed with stones from the ruins, and it still stands today.
The Mayan language is still spoken in Merida, by around one-third of the population, the cuisine in Merida has Mayan influences, and you’ll still see inhabitants of the city wearing traditional Mayan clothing.
Mayan culture can further be explored at the Mayan World Museum of Merida and by visiting one of the nearby Mayan archaeological sites.
Amazing Architecture
One of the things Merida is also known for is its historic architecture.
The architectural style is a fusion of colonial and Mayan influences, but contemporary architecture is also present.
Often referred to as the “White City,” many of the buildings were constructed with white limestone.
For architecture lovers visiting Merida, the cathedral, the museum, the Olimpo Cultural Center, and the mansions along the Paseo de Montejo are must-visits.
The Vibrant City
While Merida is filled with evidence of its past, it is also a vibrant contemporary city.
The city center is filled with shops, restaurants, and museums to explore and is where you’ll find some of the most stunning examples of colonial and contemporary architecture.
This area is the perfect place to stroll through the streets and take in the local culture.
Cenotes
To add to the allure of Merida, if its rich history and diverse culture aren’t enough to draw you in, its connection with nature just might.
The city is surrounded by nature, including naturally formed swimming holes called cenotes.
There are several within just an hour of Merida, and they are a great way to cool off on hot days, which Merida is known for.
How To Get To Merida
You used to have only two options for getting to Merida from Cancun: renting a car and driving or booking a taxi, tour, or other form of transportation.
Now, the launching of the Maya Train offers a new way to get to the destination.
Tickets cost around $55 for international tourists and can be purchased here.
Trains depart from Cancun three times a day, so you can easily spend a day or two in Merida during your Cancun vacation, and you won’t be disappointed that you did.
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