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City information:With a population of over 600,000 inhabitants, the city of Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo "El Joven". It is a cosmopolitan city which still conserves its colonial atmosphere and the majesty of its constructions.
When a visitor arrives in Merida, he enters a different world full of romanticism, culture and history. The richness of its impressive colonial architecture is shown in marvelous buildings such as the Main Square, the built in 1598 St. Idelfons' Cathedral, the Governors Palace, The Nun's Church (Iglesia de Monjas), the for many "yucatecos generations" considered the limits of the city (Indians lived outside this limits) suburbs of Santiago, San Juan, San Sebastian, San Cristobal and Santa Ana; The Mejorada Square and the Ermita of Santa Isabel.
The french influence is portrayed all over the constructions from the beginning of the century which also enjoyed the developed Sisal industry of the State. In order to preserve the yucatecan traditions, there are different cultural activities performed every night in the different downtown parks and plazas; festivals of music, dance and song.
Merida, as evey up-to-date city, boasts all manner of modern conveniences: five star hotels, modest pensions, regional and international cuisine restaurants, video bars, discotheques, folk/guitar cafes, and many other attractions that make an unforgotten adventure.
Monday:Regional festival with the Chichen Itza orchestra under direction of Carlos Uicab Chalé and the City Folklorik Ballet & Trova Yucateca . Held on street 62 between 61 and 63 bottom floor of the Municipal Palace (west building of the main plaza). 8 p.m. Free.
Tuesday: Band music from the 40's. "Banda Continental" under direction of Carlos Uicab Chalé: You can vibrate with this even if you 20. Parque de Santiago calle 72 between 57 and 59. 9 p.m. Free. Tip: Locals meeting place for dinner at the loncherias.
Wednesday: Folkloric ballet of the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (UADY). Held at the Peon Contreras theater, calle 60 and 57. . Ticket 80 pesos per person at the door. Ninety dancers on stage taking you to a legendary past. Performance at 9 p.m
Musical remembrances performed by the "Banda Continental" and singer Don Nacho Torres. Held on the Casa de la Cultura del Mayab calle 63 between 64 and 66 next to the "Templo de Monjas" (Nun's temple). Free.Thursday: Trova yucateca, well known as "serenata de Santa Lucia". Calle 60 and 55 parque de Santa Lucia. 9 p.m. Free.
Friday: Folkloric ballet of the Instituto de Cultura del Estado de Yucatan (ICEY) and Trova Yucateca. Pasaje Picheta, interior the Governor's Palace (North building of the Main Plaza). 8 p.m. Free.
Folkloric ballet of the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (UADY). Interior central patio of the University. Calle 60 and 57. Entrance fee: 10 pesos per person.Saturday: Mexican Music, mariachis. Paseo de Montejo and calle 47, pedestrian area. 7 p.m. Free.
Sunday: "Merida en Domingo" is a very succesfull program stablished since 1990 by the local government and held at the main plaza all day long from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Its main goal is the entertainment of the families and it's been a mean for new local artists looking for opportunities. Singers, musicians, actors, clowns, etc. make performances wheter alone or in small groups where they show their skills to the public. The local folkloric ballet features traditional "jaranas" elegantly dressed with their tipical Yucatan clothes, the Band of music from the 40's will make you vibrate with their classic melodies from those old times...you will be amazed at how this people play. There's a lot of activity for all kind of merchants selling tipical clothes, arts and crafts, souvenirs, old coins, antiques, jewelry, local food, etc. surrounding streets to the main plaza are closed to the traffic and convert it into a pedestrian area.
The Cathedral: The age and architecture of this building makes it one of the most important historical structures in the peninsula. Built with the stones from the pyramids of mayan city called T'ho, now Merida, it is the first cathedral built in north america. This construction began in 1561 and was finished in 1598. The original name of the cathedral is San Idelfonso. The portico has been restored. Its inside belongs to the midieval style and it contains many master pieces of art which are worth a careful observation. Of special interest is the crusifix above the main altar, a work done by the international artist Ramon La Payese del Rio. This crusifix is the second largest in the world. You may also take note of the great painting on the south wall depicting the meeting when the mayan nobles joined the spanish conquerors.
Casa de Montejo building: This building construction began in 1543. This is the oldest structure in Merida. The plateresque portico is perhaps the most beatiful in North America. This house was occupied by the spanish Governor and also founder of Merida, Don Francisco de Montejo El Mozo. Its structure was made out of the stones of the main temple of the what was the mayan city of T'ho, now the city of Merida. Location: South side of the Main Plaza.
The Municipal Palace: This structure dates back to 1735 and is Merida's city hall. Its clock dates from 1871 and was brought from Europe. Location: West side of the Main Plaza.
The Government Palace: This structure was constructed in 1892 and remodeled in 1905. Today, this building is where the main office of the state government is found. Inside, on the second floor, there is a large hall called "El salon de la Historia", dedicated to Yucatan's history. All of its murals are masterpieces of the local painter Fernando Castro Pacheco. Bottom floor is called the "Pasaje Picheta" and holds money exchange house, boutiques, travel agency, Aeromexico, Mexicana and Aerocaribe offices, tobacco shop, magazines stand, fast food restaurants with grilled tacos, tortas, pizzeria...added value: Free Trio music performance every night from 8 to 9:30 p.m... Location: North side of the Main Plaza.
El Ateneo Peninsular: Formerly the archbishop's palace house, and afterwards the military headquarters. It has a beautiful interior and there are often some displays on the second floor, this area is also known as the Contemporary Art Museum. Location: Next to the Cathedral.
Templo de Monjas: This was the convent of the order of the Immaculate Conception, it was built in 1546. The most important feature is the view from the "Mirador". Next door to the temple is the "Casa de la Cultura" with a handcraft shop, painting exhibits and a bookstore. Location: calle 63 and 64
University of Yucatan: The university was originally established in 1711 as the college of San Pedro. Later on it was called the Literature Institute of Yucatan. Now, this building holds the main offices of the University of Yucatan which has afilliated schools all over the city. The facade belongs to the plateresque style. There's a cultural and flokloric presentation every friday in its central indoor patio. Location: calle 60 and 57.
Peon Contreras theater: This was once the college of San Javier until Merida's first theater was built: The San Carlos. This theater burnt down in the 1870's. and was rebuilt in 1908 and renamed as Teatro Jose Peon Contreras which was a very important Yucatecan dramatist. Location: calle 60 and 57 in front of the University of Yucatan building. Tip: Pedestrian area with outdoors restaurant for a coffee and cake in the evening. Tourism information office at the bottom floor.
Monumento a la Patria: Also known as Monumento a la Bandera it was built by famous sculptor Romulo Rozo and represents all the mexican history from the prehispanic to the colonial and modern times. Location: end of famous Paseo de Montejo boulevard.
City Museum: Located in the old temple of San Juan de Dios (1562), this museum preserves the history and customs of the city of Merida from its origin to the spanihs conquest and the colonial days. The temple was built even before the cathedral. Location: Calle 61 between 58 and 60, north side of the cathedral. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
Macay Museum: Permanent painting exhibitions from Yucatecans. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fee: 20.00 pesos except Sunday. Location: Upstairs Ateneo Peninsular building, east side of the main Plaza.
Popular Art Museum: Includes a large exhibition of handcrafts from Yucatan and different parts of Mexico made out of a wide variety of materials. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Location: Calle 59 between 48 and 50, Ex-cuartel de Dragones.
Pinacoteca "Juan Gamboa Guzman": Permanent exhibition of paintings and sculptures. Open Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance fee: 10.00 pesos except Sunday.
Numismatical Museum of Mexico: Coin collections. Open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Entrance fee: 15.00 pesos. Address: Calle 60 #469 between 53 and 55.
Yucatecan Music Museum: Exhibition of objects and master pieces that brought fame to yucatecan music. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Calle 63 between 64 and 66, inside "Casa de la Cultura."
Antropology and History Museum: Original mayan pieces, mayan culture information. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance fee: 14.00 pesos, free on Sunday. Location: Paseo de Montejo, ex-palacio Canton.
De las Americas: Group of four treee covered parks built in 1945 as homeage to the American nations. Conmemorative sculptures dedicated to each country of the American continent arise spread out along the extension. A neo-mayan style fountain with worked stone stands out at one of this parks, water runs along its high columns and cascade design. Another one is distinguished by its acoustics shell where free concerts and musical performances are held. A third park is dedicated to the children, its interior avenues are designed to imitate streets with small traffic lights, traffic signs and bridges. Finally the fourth one hosts a small librarie.
Every Sunday vehicle traffic is closed around this park to give room to the "Merida en Domingo" program. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. food and arts and crafts stands are installed. Musical groups and local artists add charm to the festivity. Address: Colon Avenue and 82 street.Parque Zoologico del Centenario, "the zoo": Spacious recreational park built in 1910 as part of the first century of the national independence of Mexico festivities. open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hosts distinctive animal species from the region and other countries, a great aviary and a small acuarium were built lately. Families can take a short train ride along the peripheria of the park, refresh themselves next to an artificial lake, rent a horse for their children, hire the services of the official photographer for a memory photo, pic-nic under the trees, even hang a hammock between the trees for a siesta. Small restaurantes provide fast food to go. Address: Calle 59 and Avenida Itzaes.
Main Market "Lucas de Galvez": Its name is as homeage to a yucatecan colonial governor. This is the biggest market of the city and it's open all day long from as early as 5 a.m. It offers a great variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, local food: tortas de cochinita, relleno negro, pavo, panuchos, salbutes, aguas de horchata, jamaica, etc.; huaraches shoes, gold jewelry area and all kind of home items. Address: Calle 56 entre 65 and 67.
Handcrafts Market "Mercado de Artesanías": Located right next to the Main Market Lucas de Galvez up to a second floor on calle 67 entre 58 and 56, all kind of handcrafts, hammocks, huaraches shoes, typical clothes: Guayaberas, huipiles. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Bazar "García Rejón": Offers mostly arts and crafts and typical items, typical clothes, reginal dresses, gold jewelry and huaraches shoes, local food, fresh natural juices stands. Located on calle 65 and 60. Just one block south of the main plaza. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Bazar San Juan: Gold jewelry sale and repair, fast food restaurant area, beauty shop, tatoo shop. Located on calle 62 and 67. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Casa de la Cultura del Mayab: Handcrafts, bookstore and gallery. Located on Calle 63 between 64 and 66 next to the Templo de Monjas (Nun's temple). Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Casa de Monedas Emilio Lamk: Coins, gold, silver, nickel, furniture, books, disks. Calle 63 #498 between 60 and 58. Telephone: 928-5610.
Maria Cecilia Germon: Gold, silver, nickel, saints, old books, used disks. Calle 61 #518x64, one block west of the main plaza. Telephone 928-2093.
Monedas Mundiales de Jorge Flores: Antique Mexican or American gold and silver coins, saints, silver cuttlery sets. Calle 65x60 Bazar Garcia Rejon departamentos 129 y 130. Telephone 928-3028. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Bodega de la 41: Old furniture, some antiques. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sunday. Ask for a disccount for cash purchases. Address: Calle 41 #500 between 58 and 60. Phone: 924-1706
Be careful driving in Mexico, especially at night. There are many pedestrians and bicyclists. Also, buses may make sudden stops.
Military checkpoints are inspecting for guns and drugs. Be cooperative and help the inspectors do their job.
Be aware that in Mexico, the left turn signal is often used (Especialy by trucks and buses) to indicate to the car behind that it is clear for them to pass.
When making a left turn and using your signal, be cautious of any cars attempting to pass your vehicle.
If you have problems on the road you may get help from an auxiliary system called "Green Angels", they patrol major roads and will only charge for replaced parts or gasoline, their drivers may speak a little english.
Signs to get onto the super highway say "Couta" for price or cost, the old road says "Libre" or free. Rate for the super highway vary from Us.6.00 to Us.10.00 at a 10 pesos per dolar exchange rate.You may print this table that shows distances.
You may print this table that shows a useful exchange rate table.
Though the area is safe, a few common sense precautions are suggested:
- Make sure your doors are locked in the evening or at night.
- Do not leave any clothing or any items of value outside your room at night.
- Most hotels have a safety deposit box in the reception office for your documents and valuables and is available free of charge.Almost all kind of patent medicine can be found in the city. Most drugs issued in developed countries are available. You may speak to your doctor to determine alternative medication for drugs available only in your country.
Doctor prescription is required for tranquilizers mood altering or valium based drugs including Prozac.
There are two main fharmacies in the city with branches around the city and in all the main cities of the Peninsula: Farmacias Yza and Farmacias Canto. You can get film, gifts, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. besides your medicine at any of them. Also, many medicines are available over the counter and pharmacists are permitted to suggest medicine for typical ailments such as diarrhea, colds or sore muscles.In case of medical assistance you can contact Dr. Oswaldo Basto Moguel. Inmediate localization at the telephone 925-8011 at radio pager code 804222. Twelve years caring for the visitors wellbeing, English, and Italian spoken, illness and accident, emergency treatment, 24 hour international air ambulance. Or please advice the front desk for medical service.
Bargaining, how and when to do it:
Bargaining or "regateo" is considered something of an art in Mexico, but visitors should know when and where to do it. Shops in malls and on main streets always have fixed prices and are not open to bargaining. It can even be considered impolite to ask the sales assistant for lower prices. Many, however, often offer discounts and may give you a special price if you buy several items. The best thing is to wait and see what happens.
Bargaining really can be fun, though if your are a novice it may be somewhat exhausting. Body language is all important here, and you will notice that many vendors are accomplished actors. Bear in mind that when you first ask how much an item costs, you will be given a much higher price. You must respond with a counter offer. Decide before you start to bargain whether you really want the article. You also have to take into account the quality of the item you are interested in. If you go too low you are signalling that you do not want to buy, or are ignorant of the item's value. The idea is to beat the vendor down to a price that you are pretty sure is close to the real value of the item.Tipping: Due to the very low wages in Mexico, people working in services such as hotel maids, hotel bell boys, waiters, strolling trios, gas station attendants, park car helpers , etc., count on their tips. A fair amount in restaurantes is 15% of the bill, for hotel bell boys a dollar is the standard and for maids a dollar a night. Gas station attendants will be happy with a couple of pesos, park helpers with a peso, strolling trios with 20 pesos for 3 songs.
Credit cards: Major credit cards are welcome in most establishments, you may check first. Travelers checks and Us.dollars are welcome as cash. Coins and personal checks are not.
Regional/Yucatecan
Los Almendros: Regional food....more than 20 years serving the national and international tourism. Pollo pibil, cochinita pibil, frijol con puerco, poc chuc, relleno negro, relleno blanco, among the most traditional and delicious yucatan dishes. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Calle 50 between 57 and 59, in front of the Mejorada park.
Eladios: Regional food.... enjoy this crazy classic yucatecan families way for lunch. Order your preferred beer or drink and get all kind of typical snacks: cochinita pibil, pollo pibil, relleno negro, relleno blanco, tacos, tamales, vaporcitos, papadzules, empanadas, panuchos, salbutes, codzitos, etc, etc.,...they will make sure to fulfill your table with food once they notice it is empty or you order another beer. Alive music if you please to dance, ask for your preferred song. About 5 branches in the city...I believe they succeed! Open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
La Prosperidad: Regional food....this is the father of Eladios. More than 25 years giving fun, typical food and plenty of beer to the Yucatecans. Address: Calle 53 x 56. Open from 12 midday to 8 p.m. daily.
Restaurante Merida: Regional and Mexican....just half block away from the main plaza, reasonable prizing, good food, clean. Open everyday from 7 a.m. to midnight. Calle 62 x 59 and 61 in front of the Merida cinema.
International:
La Bella Epoca: Regional & International food.... live guitar music every day from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., historical center, calle 60 #497 between 57 and 59 in front of parque de la Madre and the Iglesia de la 3a. orden. Open from 3 to midnight. Tel. 928-1928
Pancho's: Regional & international food....live music every night, beautiful outdoors area, good food, good times, good location + great atmosphere. Calle 59 x 60 and 62, telephone 923-0942, open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Portico del Peregrino & Cafeteria Pop: Yucatecan and international cuisine.... authentic colonial atmosphere, very romantic garden patio. Calle 57 #501 x 60 and 62 accross from the University of Yucatan. Telephone 928-6163
La Habichuela: International & Seafood.... elegant atmosphere, excelent food and service, a/c area, outdoors area. Calle 21x8 Colonia Mexico Oriente, for reservations call: 926-3626. Open every day from midday to midnight.
Lebanese:
Cafe Alameda....the very best Lebanese cuisine in Merida. Calle 58 #474 between 55 and 57. Telephone 928-3655
Chinese & Cantonese:
Yu-Liang's.... Daily buffet, free delivery, calle 60 #338 x 27 Colonia Alcalá Martín, telephone 920-0506.
Vegetarian:
Restaurant Amaro....Calle 59 between 60 and 62, telephone 928-2451.
Café Club.... Calle 55 between 60 and 62, south side of the Santa Lucia church. Telephone 923-1592
Italian:
Restaurante Pane e vino, homemade Italian cooking..... Calle 62 #496 between 59 and 61st., half block from the main plaza. Open Monday to Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 6 to 11 p.m.
Personal attention of owners Chef Donatella & Raimondo from Florence, Italy. Delicious homemade fresh pasta, excelent selection of international wines. Reasonable prices.Mexican:
Restaurant & Cantina La Parrilla....Mexican tacos, fajita & steaks. Enjoy a real mexican dinner with live music and have the most popular appetizer in Mexico "tequila"...about 64 brands of tequilas from different cities of the mexican state of Jalisco. Outdoor patio Terrace-Bar. Free welcome drink.
Address: Prolongacion Paseo de Montejo #87 x 17 Colonia Mexico. Phone: 944-3999 & 944-3979. Open daily from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.La Casa de Frida: Enter to the Frida Kahlo world and enjoy its delicious Mexican food. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight. Calle 61 #526 x 66 centro. Telephone: 928-2311
El Trovador Bohemio....More than 20 years of romanticism, where music speaks to love, three marvelous trios every night. Calle 55 #504 between 60 and 62, south side of the Santa Lucia park. Open every night from 9 p.m to 2 a.m.
La Trova....under direction of famous composer Sergio Esquivel, trios, duos. Calle 60x57 Hotel Merida Mision. Open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday.
Once the mode of transportation in Merida and on the haciendas beginning this century, this horse drawn buggies can be seen around the Plaza, along calle 60, famous Paseo de Montejo boulevard, Avenida Cupules and Avenida Colon. They are used exclusively for tourist and locals hire them for social reasons like weddings or "quince años"(sweet 16).
Available charming circuits are:
Traditional circuit, Calle 60 y Paseo de Montejo: Departs from the main plaza, north side of the cathedral stand, and goes along calle 60 and Paseo de Montejo where you will see the tween houses, the museum building (Palacio Canton), to finish at the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the country), just to say a few of the many other attractions you will see on the way and back. Rate: 100 pesos for a 45 minutes - 1 hour trip, up to 4 passengers.
Parque de las Americas circuit, Calle 60, Paseo de Montejo and Parque de las Americas: Departs from the main plaza, north side of the cathedral stand, goes along calle 60 and Paseo de Montejo all the way to Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the country), turns on Avenida Cupules to de las Americas park, turns back to the main plaza on beautiful Colon avenue. Rate: 160 pesos for a one and a half trip, up to 4 passengers.
Parque del Centenario circuit, Calle 60, Paseo de Montejo, Parque de las Americas, Parque del Centenario: Departs from the main plaza, north side of the cathedral stand, goes along calle 60 and Paseo de Montejo all the way to Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the country), turns on Avenida Cupules to de las Americas park, continues on the Itzaes avenue to the Parque del Centenario (zoo) and back to the main plaza on calle 59. Rate 200 pesos for a two hours trip, up to 4 passengers. This circuit is to be made daytime.
Note: Some of the drivers speak English so they can give you a little tour, drivers are also quite accommodating if you want to take some pictures.
Working hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., other stands: South side of the Zocalo in front of the Casa de Montejo, Hyatt Regency hotel, Santa Lucia park after the famous "Serenata de Santa Lucia" every Thursday at 9 p.m.You may click above or this link for a list of private day tours departing from Merida city or Progreso pier to the nearby archaeological sites, the beach and other interesting places to visit.
Rental locations: |
Playa del Carmen |
Isla Mujeres |
Akumal |
Holbox |
Valladolid |
Chichen Itza |
Merida |
Uxmal |
Celestun |
Rio Bec |
Xcalak |
Day tours: |
Merida city |
Progreso pier |
Car rentals: |
Cancun |
Merida |
Chetumal |