Condos in Mexico, Mexican resort properties
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 Merida is a mestizo city that sings outdoors in the evenings and offers a horse-drawn carriage tour of its Paseo Montejo in the afternoons. Its colonial and Frenchified architecture, Mayan language, Caribbean atmosphere and original cuisine make this a unique resort. When the Spaniards arrived at Yucatan around the middle of the sixteenth century there was but little activity there, thus they only found the remains of the old Mayan city. The 6th of January 1542 was a historic day when Don Francisco de Montejo y Leon, known as “El Mozo” founded the new city of Merida upon the ruins of T’Hó. It is said that one of his soldiers by the name of Francisco de Almaraz suggested the name of Merida when remembering the Roman ruins of Spain’ Merida, the ancient Emerita Augusta of Roman Spain. Click here for a printable Merida street map. |
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About 80 km south of the city, along Highway 261 lies a group of archaeological sites known as the Puuc zone, the most important of which is Uxmal. We suggest you visit the Museum of Anthropology, set in a mansion on Paseo Montejo, where you will find interesting information that will make your visit more rewarding. Architecture Several buildings still preserve their colonial flavor such as Casa de Montejo, the Palacio Municipal and the Palacio de Gobierno, magnificent mansions with baroque ornamentation and wrought-iron windows. Festivals National holidays such as September 15 are an occasion for great festivities. In the city's plazas and parks, serenades, marimba and ballet performances are traditionally given free, which creates a friendly, festive atmosphere. Historical Interests The Plaza Mayor is lined with historical buildings. Make sure you visit Casa Montejo, Palacio Cantón, the Iglesia de las Monjas, the Convento de San Juan de Dios and the conquistadors’ haciendas on the outskirts of Merida. Museums Visitors are always pleasantly surprised by the Ateneo Museum of Contemporary Art in Yucatán with its exhibition of works by Yucatan’s residents. The Museum of Yucatán Songs offers a taste of Caribbean romanticism while the Museum of Yucatán Anthropology documents Mayan culture and history on the peninsula. Performing arts Theater and dance groups offer superb performances at the Teatro Peón Contreras and the city’s plazas and parks. Cuisine The flavor of Yucatán’s cuisine and its enormous variety of dishes have made it famous. Although it has several main dishes based on pork (such as beans with pork or poc chuc) it also has poultry dishes (such as turkey with black stuffing) while deer farms have made it possible to sample traditional venison dishes once again. There are also intriguing dishes such as lime soup, exotic drinks such as Xtabntún, rum with the nectar of a flower of the same name and others such as rice milk, drunk throughout the country. In addition to satisfying the taste buds, Yucatán’s traditional food charms the ear with its fanciful Mayan names: papadzules, salbutes, cochinita pibil. Eco Tourism In the far northeast of the state, 100 km outside Merida along Highway 261 stands the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, regarded as one of the most important wetlands in the peninsula, and a sanctuary for species such as sea turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, jaguars, white-tailed deer and several migratory birds that nest and breed there, such as the elegant pink flamingo. The reserve has an area of over 80,000 ha, two types of climate and vegetation consisting mainly of mangrove swamps and low forest. Boats are available for touring and photographing the area. Night Life Bohemia and romantic music in Mérida are closely linked to those of Cuba and Colombia. In the evening, nightclubs, plazas and saloon bars are filled with the music of pianos and guitars that recall Ricardo Palmerín and Armando Manzanero. Shopping Mérida has open-air markets selling craftwork and souvenirs. Among the most popular articles are the hammocks that are perfect for relaxing in this tropical climate. An open-air market is set up on Sundays opposite the Palacio Municipal where you can buy wooden, shell, leather and pottery handicrafts as well as traditional candy. Camping The beautiful beaches in the fishing village of Progreso, located 40 km outside Mérida, have become a popular place for camping during the hottest months of the year. Extreme Sports In the archaeological zone of Dzibilchaltún, located 22 km outside Mérida, lies the gigantic cenote or limestone sinkhole of Xlacá, where only experienced divers will be able to explore the deep waters of this magical spot. Fishing The old Puerto de Progreso, located just five km outside the city of Mérida and the small fishing village of Celestún are both suitable for fishing. Golf Club de Golf La Cieba offers visitors a 18-hole golf course. Telephone: 52 999 922 0071 Horseback Riding In the village of Celestún located 92 kilometers outside Mérida, you will find several hotels offering facilities for those wishing to explore the surroundings of this beautiful fishing village on horseback. Sailing On the outskirts of Mérida stand the beautiful village of Progreso which offers sailing facilities. From there you can make the 78 nautical mile journey to the Arrecife de Alacranes, declared a National Reserve in 1994. Snorkel & Scuba Just a short distance away from Mérida, in the village of Progreso, you can take a boat out to the Alacranes Reef and explore the impressive marine architecture in the sea’s crystalline waters. Surfing Puerto de Progreso has long beaches stretching either side of the village, bathed by magnificent seawaters that are ideal for surfing. Water Sports A few miles outside Mérida stands Puerto de Progreso, now a major resort for water-skiing, Jet Ski, and water bicycle and motorcycle enthusiasts. Arts and Crafts You can browse the shops downtown for souvenirs and handicrafts. The lively open-air markets are a wonderful opportunity to see handicrafts and hammocks, which are also displayed at the Casa de las Artesanías on calle 63.  
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