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Merida travel information.
When we talk of exploring Yucatan,
Merida is the starting point to get to know all the routes of
the Mayan world. For 500 years Merida forged its vocation of
great metropolis and departure point for the exploration of
Yucatan. Founded on the Mayan city of Tho, after being colonized
during the conquest it became the city of the Spanish government.
Currently, with its museums, parks, markets and outdoors cafés,
Merida is a fascinating and cosmopolitan place, with its more
than 900.000 inhabitants, mostly descendants of the Spanish and
the Mayas.
Throughout Paseo and Prolongación Montejo one can find
restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés, banks and businesses, with all
the services to give the visitor a pleasant stay.
Merida’s anniversary arts festival
The night of the 5 of January, like every year with the
traditional alborada (dawn), Merida awakes to the voice of
hundreds of troubadours that sing to the city in the eve of its
anniversary. From that day more than 170 events will take place
on days of intense cultural activity that will adorn the
celebrations of the anniversary of the foundation of Merida,
Yucatan. The Festival of the City rescues and shares its customs
and traditions with its visitors through dance, music, theater,
visual arts and literature spectacles.
Merida carnival
Popular celebration, during the first weeks of February, it
summons its citizens to the streets to enjoy the Paseo de
Carnival: these celebrations to the God Momo, usually take place
before lent. During five consecutive days the hustle and bustle
reigns, as well as the joy and the participation of the
community amusing itself with musical groups, parades and events
throughout Paseo de Montejo.
Cultural autumn
The Institute of Culture of Yucatan (ICY) programs an events
season named Cultural Autumn, beginning in October. The shows
take place in different stages like the Culture House, the
beautiful José Peón Contreras theater, the Daniel Ayala Pérez
theater and other important places, with plays, dance and
plastic arts. A cultural interchange also takes place with the
Cervantino Festival from Guanajuato.
Hanal Pixán (Day of dead)
In Mayan it means “food for the souls”. This tradition goes back
to antiquity to venerate the memory of relatives who have passed
away. In towns of the interior of the state novenas take place,
as well as prayers, offerings, and during the 1st and 2nd of
November a visit to the cemetery is obligatory to pray for your
loved ones; these dates are dedicated to spending time with the
souls in their annual passing through by the earthly plane, when
they “receive permission” to visit their relatives. The
delicious mucbilpollos or pibes -a big tamal made of corn flour,
stuffed with chicken and pork meat- are also made.
Yucatan fair
During 15 days different exhibitions are presented of pedigree
cattle and artisan craft, industrial, tourist and commercial
samples, where the best of the production of the state is
displayed. It takes place in November and there are equestrian
competitions, charreadas, sport activities, cultural events and
the roosters palenque, where artistic shows are given with
figures of national and international reputation.
Mérida on Sunday
Every Sunday of the year there are outdoor shows in different
places in the city center. Worth noting are the traditional
vaquería, custom born in the old haciendas of the state, where
the women took care of the guests and their wives and in the end
danced to Mayan sones combined with Spanish music, in honor of
the landlord or owner of the hacienda. In this cultural event
stands are placed with crafts and traditional yucatecan clothes,
like the yucatecan huipiles, guayaberas, yucatecan antojitos (traditional
Mexican snacks), etc.
Yucatecan music
The geographic position of Yucatan, the ethnic composition of
its inhabitants and its cultural links with the main European
centers enabled the blossoming of a people of great artistic
vocation, especially for music and poetry.
In the dawn of the XX century Ricardo Palmerin (Peregrina), Guty
Cárdenas (Caminante del Mayab) and Pepe Dominguez (Granito de
Sal) arose, who by giving music to the verses of some writings
gave to life to the golden age of the yucatecan song. Without a
doubt, Yucatan is an inexhaustible quarry of great composers and
poets.
Cultural Mérida
Merida lives a great cultural celebration every day of the year.
The thousands of visitors from all over the world become
spectators of its intense daily reality. Thus, any day you visit
the city, a show will be waiting for you in the Historic City
Center.
Travel through one of the barrios (neighborhoods) that saw the
White City grow, those whose history lies on their walls.
Contemplate the church at the barrio de Santiago, a place of
Spaniards and Mestizos. The Santa Ana barrio, in other times a
modest place of craftsmen and laborers during the colony, grew
rapidly once an avenue was drawn– nowadays known as 60th street
– from Plaza Grande, in the XVIII century, and the construction
of its peculiar temple, with one of the most splendid baroque
atriums in the city.
You can also walk on the paved stones at the plaza in barrio of
the Hermitage of Santa Isabel, and finish your tour drinking an
aromatic coffee at the Santa Lucía park enjoying the songs of
the troubadours.
From Merida you can visit:
Dzibilchaltún
Considered to be among the oldest, it is located 15 km away from
Merida. Visit the pyramids and plinths such as La Casa de las
Siete Muñecas (house of the seven dolls). It has one of the most
comprehensive museums of Mayan culture in Yucatan. Every year in
March 21st and September 21st there is a celebration of the
equinox. It also has a cenote where you can swim..
Progreso
The heart of the Emerald Coast. It is a peaceful summer vacation
port with warm weather during summer and winter. It offers all
the services of a big city. It has a long coast to practice
water sports and swimming. Along the seafront there are many
restaurants.
Uaymitún
Only 15 minutes away from Progreso. Abundant coasts with white
sand and emerald sea. Perfect for water sports and relaxation.
It’s at the perfect spot between the commercial zone of Progreso
and the peace of Telchac Puerto.
Xcambó
A splendid natural showcase combining peaceful beaches and an
archaeological zone. Located in Telchac port (20 minutes away
from Uaymitún).
San Crisanto, Santa Clara, Dzilam de Bravo
Picturesque fishermen towns, good for relaxation and water
sports. The main attractions are the marsh and mangrove swamps,
good for small boats and casual fishing. There are hotels and
huts for the visitor’s relaxation.
You must not miss this adventure, because you will get to know
the heart of Yucatan, with its temples, churches and convents.
This will take you one day, because each visit takes an average
of 40 minutes.
Acanceh
Its main attraction is the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three
Cultures Square), where traits of pre-hispanic, colonial and
present times are found. The temple dedicated to Nuestra Señora
de la Natividad (our Lady of Nativity) stands out, as well as
the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It is located 26 km
southeast of Merida
Tecoh
Here you can visit a church and a convent dedicated to the
Virgin of the Asunción. Built over the base of a Mayan pyramid,
the church has large quantities of carved stone, an impressive
altar and many paintings. Located 34 km southeast of Merida.
Mayapán
Also known as Bandera de los Mayas (flag of the Mayas), the
walled city of Mayapán is considered to be the last great Mayan
capital, and even though it doesn’t have big buildings, over
four thousand archaeological structures have been discovered in
this zone. Located at km. 45 in the Merida-Acanceh road.
Tekit
A prosperous town where you will find the Parish of San Antonio
de Padua, with its images of saints in all its niches. It looks
like a museum, the altar is quite modest. Located 64 km
southeast of Merida.
Mama
Its temple and former Franciscan convent have in its front a
beautiful bell tower that is to be admired, there is also a
closed atrium, on of the most famous in the zone. Located 71 km
southeast of Merida.
Teabo
Known for two representative sacred constructions: the Parish
and Ex-convent of San Pedro y San Pablo, built during the XVII
century. Inside, an altarpiece with two caryatid columns stands
out, and the Capilla de Indios dating from 1617. Located 84 km
away from Merida.
Chumayel
Place of Seeds, cradle of one of the most important documents,
the Chilam Balam, sacred book of the Mayas. In this town you can
see the Templo de la Purísima Concepción (temple of the purest
conception), built in the XVI century. It’s a clear example of
religious architecture of medieval crenelated style, taken to
Yucatan by the first Spanish to arrive.
Inside the temple a black wood Christ of special interest is
found. Located 80 km away from Merida.
Maní
Religious site of great importance that still conserves
impressive examples of its enigmatic past, such as the Templo
del Convento de San Miguel Arcángel (temple of the convent of
Saint Michael archangel), founded in 1549. Also worth of
attention is the open chapel, it was the first built in Yucatan
and its size rivals that of the temple. Behind the convent’s
noble walls, the old orchard still stands, carefully grown, as
well as the remains of the old water wheel. Located 96 km away
from Merida. In this town you must visit the Restaurant Príncipe
Tutul Xiu of regional food.
Oxcutzcab
Place of the Ramón, tobacco and honey, founded by the Mayan
group xiú, after they abandoned the city of Maní. Its temple of
San Francisco de Asís was founded in 1581 and finished in 1699,
according tot he inscription in its front. Inside you can see
the main altarpiece of salomonic columns and the niche with its
sculpture. On the side there is the cloister. Don’t forget to
visit the market and taste some juicy and tasty fruit, which is
why this place is known as Yucatan’s Orchard. Located 109 km
away from Merida.
Ticul
Known as the Pearl of the South, located 100 km away from
Merida. You will find an architectural mix ranging from the
Cathedral, the colonial buildings, and Mayan houses. There are
clay businesses with workshops where you can see the work being
done. There are hotels, restaurants, a market, and tricytaxis to
travel around town.
Muna
New Water, a town that houses the Temple and ex-convent of the
Asunción, built in the XVII century. Its side belfries are quite
interesting, with three bodies each, and the front gable end as
well. There is a craft center in the main square. Located 64 km
away from Merida.
Umán
Noisy Road, where you can visit the magnificent Parish of San
Francisco, a former Spanish convent of the XVI century. Of
imposing proportions, its front is made of quarry stone with
three attractive Gothic arches and its pairs of pilasters; the
front is unfinished. You may visit the market or take an
ecological taxi to tour the place. Located 18 km southwest of
Merida.
Oxkintok
Here one can find the structure known as El Laberinto (the
labyrinth), believed to represent a trip to the underworld.
Located in the westernmost region of the Puuc, 70 km to the
south of Merida, in the state of Yucatan. It is accessed is by
the federal highway number 180, going to Campeche. Open from
8:00 to 17:00 hours
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 horas.
Kabah
City known as the second greatest religious center of the Puuc
style. It communicates with Uxmal via a sacbé (Mayan road) that
originates in El Arco, main door to the city. The most
outstanding building is the Palacio de los Mascarones shows its
impressive facade composed of 250 large masks of the God Chaac,
carved in stone.
Kabah is located to 23th km to south-east of Uxmal by the
highway number 261; deviation to the right in 16th km.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Services: Bathrooms.
Sayil
This city is distributed in three zones: the first one is the
nucleus of the site since it groups the buildings of the elite;
the second includes residences once inhabited by the ancestors;
and the last zone extends towards the satellite settlements of
towns that rendered tribute to Sayil.
In the facade of its buildings the decoration of stone mosaic
it’semphasized. “The Palace” building can be contemplated, wich
is the most remarkable construction in the zone, its second
level is decorated with mosaics showing the figure of the
descendent God, in addition its approximately 70 rooms were
constructed resembling a new architectonic technique.
Sayil is located to the 33th km to south-east of Uxmal by the
highway number 261; deviation to the right in km 34.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Xlapak
Here is one of greatest jewels of the Puuc architectonic style,
also named El Palacio (the palace), with a magnificent facade
with a board of stone mosaic with greca patterns and geometric
elements. There are spectacular large masks of Chaac in its
corners and center. The building is an impressive example of
this type of decoration, since the large masks protrude from the
ceiling of the false arc.
Xlapak is located to 38th km to south-east of Uxmal by the
highway number 261, and detour to the left to state highway
number 31.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Services:Parking lot, stores, cool drinks, magazines and crafts.
Guards service.
Labná
It is made of a set of dispersed buildings in a small valley.
World famous for having a beautiful Mayan construction carved in
stone: El Arco (the arch). We can also find other important
buildings, like El Palacio and El Mirador, linked by an old
Mayan road.
Labna is located to 42 km to south-east of Uxmal by the highway
number 261; deviation to the left in km number 30 by the state
highway number 31.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Services:Parking, guards and toilets.
Loltún
The tour starts at the entrance of Nahkab, or beehive, where the
famous bas-relief known as El guerrero de Loltún (the Loltun
warrior) is located, which seems to be emerging from the caves
and is believed to be the God of the underworld. Another
attraction of great interest is the cave paintings: in a wall
one can see negatives of hands, in another one there are more
elaborated paintings representing faces, animals and staggered
greca patterns. In the diverse halls, galleries and chambers -
almost 60 m deep and extending over more than 700 m - diverse
archaeological pieces, ceramics, stone artifacts, marine shells
and petroglyphs have been found, corresponding to the Mayan
culture in its different stages of development.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs
Chacmultún
This old city is integrated by four monumental architectonic
groups named Chacmultún, Cabalpak, Xethpol and Central; together
they cover approximately one square kilometer. The first three
groups, in which the structures of the zone that may be visited
are found, were constructed over huitz or hills; the ground was
leveled so that each group was surrounded by artificial terraces
that heighten their magnificence. Surrounding the heart of the
settlement are numerous platforms and mounds on which houses of
diverse hierarchies were constructed.
Days of visit: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Tekax
In the municipal lands there are no overground water flows;
however, there are underground deposits formed (known as
cenotes). There are several historical and archaeological
monuments such as the ex-convent and Parish of San Juan Baptist,
from the XVII century; the Hermitage of San Diego, XVII century;
the Chapel of San Francisco and the Chapel of the Eternal
Father, besides Chacmultún. It is located 199 km to the south of
Merida. There are restaurants, hotels, etc.
History
Puuc, is the mayan name of a series of hills of little height
with a cultural zone and very singular style. Uxmal, as
mentioned, is one of the best examples, but near it, also we can
be delighted with other zones with the same style, that were
important mayan large cities at the time.
Some elements featured in Puuc scenery include: pyramids
finished off by watersheds; the small and false columns fitted
in the facades, and the figurations of streamlined Mayan huts.
Also very the rhombuses and the lambda-type ones are used, in
which some figurative elements like the serpents and the large
masks of Chaac, the God of rain are added, characterized by
great eyes, a mouth provided with large teeth and mainly by a
prominent and curve nose in the form of tube. That type of
scenery is constituted by many stone pieces, carved previously
and soon assembled in the form of mosaics, which produces a
magnificent decorative effect.
Several cisterns or chultunes existed in this zone, they served
to gather rain water, since there was no another source or
supply of this indispensable liquid; it is by that in the Puuc
zone the representations of the God Chaac are so many and had so
much importance, this is why the mayan population worshipped
him, in order to request sufficient rains to him.
Aké
In its central part there is a terrace known as the Gran Plaza.
Surrounding this area one can see the main buildings where the
governing class lived. Its 32 kilometers long sacbé (white
pre-hispanic road) stands out, which used to connect it with
Izamal. There is a wall surrounding the city and covering part
of the sacbé, which suggests the existence of conflict between
these two great cities, once allies. Located 32 km from Merida,
by road 80 to Tixcocob, exit to the right at km. 25.
Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 to 17:00.
Izamal: Mexico's magical town
This place is also known as City of the Three Cultures, because
of its combination of characteristics from its pre-hispanic
past, the colonial period, and present times. Visit the convent,
which has a museum inside and a praying alter, there is also the
great light and sound show every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday at 20:30 hours.
Tunkas
Worth of attention in this municipality are the colonial
constructions, such as the Temple de Tunkas, in the capital of
the municpality, as well as several archaeological zones.
Located 86 km southwest from Merida.
There are four cenotes: X’tekdzonot, Mumundzonot, Lukun Chan and
Chan X’azul, where visitors can bathe in f res h water or
practice cave diving.
Tekal de Venegas
Here you will find an Eco-archaeological trail named Oxwatz. The
tour starts with a visit to two of the eight former haciendas
that surround the town and which had their peak during the XVIII
century during the “green gold” boom. You can also enjoy a
refreshing bath in one of the cool pools within the rain forest.
We highly recommend a visit to two temples of somber
architecture which date back to colonial times; one in honor of
San Ramon, the other of San Pedro.
Located 73 km from Merida, north of Izamal.
Chichén itza
East of Yucatan, recently declared one of the 7 New Wonders of
the World. Among its most outstanding buildings are the Castle
of Chichén Itzá, the Templo de los Guerreros (temple of
warriors), the group of the Thousand Columns, the Platform of
Venus, the Tzompantli, the Ball Game, the Caracol (snail) or
Observatory, and the Church..
Balankanché Caves
One of the most important underground sets in the region. This
is a cavern that was once used as a ceremonial center by the old
Mayas. At the entrance one finds the throne of Balam, a kind of
altar that gives name to the caverns. There is also a semi-dry
lake where Mayan offerings lay scattered, shells and pieces of
jade. In this cavern you can enjoy a light and sound show that
tells the story of the place. There is also a museum with photos
and explanations of the sacred rituals that were practiced here.
Located 6 km away from Chichén Itzá.
Days: Monday to Sunday.
Schedule: 8:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Valladolid
Also known as the Pearl of the East, among its attractions we
find the Convent of San Bernardino, with its Franciscan style,
the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), and the Temple of
San Juan de Dios. Nearby there is the Zací cenote, now set up as
a restaurant and natural pool. During your tour you will find
leather and henequen crafts, hammocks, bejuco weaved crafts,
stone carvings, as well as many restaurants where you can taste
the delicious local gastronomy. Located 60 km east of Merida.
Ek Balam
It has 45 structures and is surrounded by two concentric stone
walls, and a third one linking the central buildings. These
walls where there for defense and to control access. There is a
ball game court and a beautiful arch where a sacbé (sacred road)
used to end, which was a road that in the old days connected the
Mayan kingdoms.
San Felipe
Port of fishermen, formed by rustic wood houses of multiple
colors. There you will be able to walk by the seafront all along
the marsh and admire the beauty of the vegetation, as well as
visit the islets to take a deserved rest. It is located 31 km to
the north of Tizimin, by a coastal unpaved path. It has: hotels,
cabins, restaurants, transportation and thematic motorboat
rides.
Río Lagartos
You will be able to visit protected natural reserves, where
fresh rain water meets saline sea water, creating the habitat
for regional animals and plants, such as the white tail deer,
crocodiles, pheasants and hundreds of species of birds, a
delight for bird watchers. Located 222 km away from Merida. This
is an ideal spot for Eco tourism. It has hotels, restaurants,
good sea food, and boat rides.
El Cuyo
Fishermen town, protected natural zone that harbors a
fascinating and impressive flora and fauna. This fantastic and
hidden site can be considered to be a true one jewel for the
lovers of peace and nature. You will find this small and
majestic town three hours and a half away from Merida and built
over the remains of a Mayan pyramid.
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