Choose from 14 Fun Things to Do in Merida
ShowingFilter 1-14 of 14 listings.
Nohoch Mul
Scale the ancient stone steps of the Yucatan’s tallest Mayan pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which overlooks the ruins of the Coba archeological site. Coba was once a grand town, comparable in size to the more popular Chichen Itza, and at 137 feet tall, Nohoch Mul stands some 40 feet taller than Chichen Itza’s El Castillo pyramid. At the top, you’ll find a small temple with sculptures of a descending god. Only a small fraction of Coba has been excavated, even the backside of Nohoch Mul remains enshrouded by jungle, and from the top of the pyramid, you can see jungle-covered hills in the distance that are in fact yet-to-be-uncovered structures.
Practical Info
Coba sits inland, about 40 minutes drive from the coastal town of Tulum. The site has bathrooms at the entrance, but is otherwise far less developed than spots like Cichen Itza. At the entrance, you can hire walking guides and pedi-cab tours, or simply rent a bicycle to tour on your own.
Address: Coba, Mexico
Hours: Every day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Entrance to the Coba archeological site costs about $4
From $ 70
Paseo de Montejo
While the center of Merida is all Spanish Colonial in architecture and layout, Paseo de Montejo is the product of a brief period when the French controlled Mexico and built a grand boulevard lined by mansions. Several upscale hotels, nightclubs, and hot restaurants are on this stretch, retaining their original interesting façades. It’s a pleasant street for walking, with wide shady sidewalks and interesting shops and galleries here and there. It ends at a roundabout with the city’s history laid out in stone on a relief in the center. Just before that are two places showing where we’ve come: a small tourist shopping mall on one side and a Super Wal-mart on the other.
If you stay on this boulevard heading north in a car, eventually it turns into a highway that goes 40 minutes to Progreso’s beach and cruise ship dock, on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a long, hot walk to get here from the center, however, so most visitors see Paseo de Montejo on a horse carriage ride or take a taxi to the end and walk back via Santa Lucia and Santa Ana parks.
If you stay on this boulevard heading north in a car, eventually it turns into a highway that goes 40 minutes to Progreso’s beach and cruise ship dock, on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a long, hot walk to get here from the center, however, so most visitors see Paseo de Montejo on a horse carriage ride or take a taxi to the end and walk back via Santa Lucia and Santa Ana parks.
Address: Mexico
From $ 17
Campeche
With cobblestone streets and pastel-hued homes, the fortified city of Campeche is one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most picturesque colonial cities. Its walls were built to protect the town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the ravages of pirates in the 17th century. Highlights include several forts, good museums, and a cathedral dating to the mid-16th century.
The Basics
The best way to discover Campeche is on foot, with a stroll through the walled colonial zone and along the malecón (waterfront promenade). Must-see attractions include the cathedral, the old city gates, and Fuerte de San Miguel, a fortress"“turned"“archaeological museum.
Visit Campeche independently or as part of a sightseeing day trip from Merida. Many Campeche tours include a stop at the artisan village of Becal, about 56 miles (90 kilometers) north of Campeche, renowned for its hand-woven panama hats.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of Campeche's tourist areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the best way to explore the town is on foot.
- Haciendas, hidden cenotes, and Maya ruins are all just a short drive away.
- Set aside some time to visit the artisan village of Becal.
How to Get There
Campeche sits on the Gulf of Mexico, about 256 miles (312 kilometers) southwest of Cancun on the other side of the Yucatan Peninsula. The easiest way to get to Campeche is by bus from Merida or Cancun. Or, if you're driving, take Highway 180.
When to Get There
Campeche can be visited year-round and receives far fewer tourists than other popular resort destinations on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. From May to October, expect temperatures in the 90°sF (30°sC) with higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.
Campeche Maya Ruins
While in Campeche, set aside some time to explore the Edzná archaeological site. Located less than an hour southeast of the city, its well-preserved Maya ruins of platforms, temples, and palaces are representative of the Puuc architectural style. Edzná is believed to have been inhabited as early as 600 BC, though it didn't gain significant influence until around 400 AD. Noteworthy structures include the Great Pyramid and the Temple of the Masks.
Address: Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Kabah
This minor archeological site on the Puuc Route south of Merida is worth visiting to see its Palace of the Masks, an ornate structure covered with hundreds of masks of the same figure: the rain god Chaac. This repeating motif is rare in Mayan art and perhaps illustrates the importance of water—or the lack of it some years. There are no underground cenotes in this area, so rainfall was the only source of water.
Artifacts have been found here going as far back as the third century BC, but most of what remains was built between the 7th and 11th centuries AD. It was abandoned soon after and was empty when the Spanish conquistadores arrived.
Some of the sculpted elements of the site have been whisked off to various museums, but several low stone buildings and pyramids remain. Since Kabah is in a region dotted with other ruins, it’s usually a quick stop as part of a multi-site tour.
Artifacts have been found here going as far back as the third century BC, but most of what remains was built between the 7th and 11th centuries AD. It was abandoned soon after and was empty when the Spanish conquistadores arrived.
Some of the sculpted elements of the site have been whisked off to various museums, but several low stone buildings and pyramids remain. Since Kabah is in a region dotted with other ruins, it’s usually a quick stop as part of a multi-site tour.
Practical Info
Location: 53 miles from Merida
Address: Mexico
Hours: Open 8am - 5pm daily.
Admission: $3.50
From $ 62
Celestun Wildlife Refuge
Celestun, a fishing village located along the Yucatan coast, is home to a wildlife refuge within Celestun Biosphere Reserve. The lush landscape of the reserve is full of mangroves and covers over 146,000 acres, making it the ideal place for animals and especially birds to inhabit. The refuge is home to over 300 bird species, including the popular flamingo.
The best way to get to the Celestun Bisophere Reserve and see the wildlife refuge is via boat. You can hire a guide with one in the town of Celestun and then depart for the reserve. You'll travel along the Ria Celestun, from which it's easy to spot wildlife, and boats can also stop at swimming spots for a refreshing dip.
Practical Info
Celestun Wildlife Refuge is an easy day trip from the city of Merida. You'll be hard pressed to do it in a day from Cancun or other parts of the Mexican Riviera, though it is possible if you get up super early; just be prepared for spending a large portion of your day on the road. There are places to stay overnight in Celestun, which is a viable option to make sure you don't feel too rushed in this lovely part of Mexico.
Address: Celestun, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 89
Mayapan Mayan Ruins
Largely regarded as the last great Mayan capital of the Yucatan peninsula and inhabited until the Late Post-Classic period, the ancient city of Mayapan has long fascinated archaeologists, as well as becoming a popular tourist attraction. The city was allegedly founded by Toltec King Kukulcan after the fall of Chichen Itza and today its remains include more than 4,000 structures, spread over a 4.2-square-kilometer plot and surrounded by an imposing stone perimeter wall.
The star attraction of Mayapan is the towering Temple of Kukulcan, a terraced pyramid similar to the one found at Chichen Itza, around which are dozens of temples, altars, shrines and residences, many adorned with colorful murals and well-preserved stuccos.
Practical Info
The Mayapan Mayan Ruins are located on the Yucatán Peninsula, approximately 40 km south of Merida.
Address: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 79
Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Near the ancient town of Merida, you’ll find the massive but beautifully ruinous structure known as the Dzibilchaltun Ruins. Though somewhat of a tongue twister for traditional English speakers, the name means “place where there is writing on the stones,” but unfortunately, due to erosion, you’ll no longer find much writing on the stones here. Instead, the intrepid explorer is rewarded with over 8,400 architectural structures to discover, many of which have astronomical (as well as religious) significance. Explore the stunning interior of the Temple of the Seven Dolls, listen to stories of absolute power at the Open Chapel and learn about the rich ancient Mayan civilization that was inhabited all the way through to 1500 A.D. when the Spaniards arrived.
Practical Info
Dzibilchaltun is only nine miles from Merida. If you’d rather drive, take the Merida/Progreso Highway north for seven miles, watching the signs as you go. You will end up taking two right turns as you make your way to the ruins.
Address: Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 55
Balankanche Caves
Balankanche Caves are some of the most famous Mayan cave sites in the world, not far from Chichen Itza. An underground network of dry tunnels called ‘grutas,’ they are similar to the cenotes but without water. The many caverns are filled with interesting rock formations, including stalagmites and stalactites formed from the dripping of mineral rich water over thousands of years.
Translated ‘Balankache’ means ‘hidden sacred throne’ or altar. Balankanche has long been the site of Mayan ritual and ceremony, with special significance due to a formation that resembles the holy Ceiba tree. It is not uncommon to encounter offerings and relics left here in honor of the structure or in tribute to the Mayan rain god Chaac. There is a light and sound show that narrates the history and culture of this particular place, as well as a museum and botanical garden near the entrance to the cave.
Practical Info
Though underground, the caves can get rather hot in temperature. It is recommended to bring water, flashlights, and of course, a guide. The Balankanche Caves are located 6 kilometers from the World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, with an entrance fee of 105 pesos.
Address: Mexico
Admission: 105 pesos
From $ 173
Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is a sacred site to the Maya people, who once performed sacrificial rituals here. Located in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounded by tropical vines and small waterfalls, the so-called “Sacred Blue Cenote” is now a lush swimming hole popular with Riviera Maya tourists.
The Basics
Nearly all excursions to Cenote Ik Kil are combo tours that include a visit to Chichen Itza, as well as possible stops at archaeological sites such as Coba or Ek Balam, or at towns such as Valladolid. (Tours typically last eight to 14 hours given the number of sites visited.) Unlike other cenotes in the Yucatan region, Cenote Ik Kil is open to the sky without a cave cover, giving the natural pool an ethereal feel with sunlight streaming down into the water. Part of Ik Kil Archeological Park, the cenote features vines hanging down from the rock walls. To get in the water, you must climb down 85 feet (26 meters) of steps. The pool is 196 feet (60 meters) wide and about 130 feet (40 meters) deep.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cenote can be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.
- A restaurant and changing rooms are located on-site.
- To access the cenote, you must pay the admission fee for Ik Kil Archeological Park.
How to Get There
Cenote Ik Kil lies inland from Mexico’s Caribbean coast, roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Cancun, 115 miles (186 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen, and 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Tulum. Private tours and transportation are available for those who want a more intimate experience without the hassle of driving.
When to Get There
If you wish to visit the cenote on your own, arrive in the morning to beat the crowds.
Visiting Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil
On the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes and Maya culture go hand in hand. Archaeological sites featuring ancient Maya ruins abound, but the biggest and most popular destination is Chichen Itza, set just three miles (five kilometers) from Cenote Ik Kil. Once one of the largest Maya cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its vast Great Ball Court and El Castillo, a step pyramid nearly 100 feet (30 meters) tall.
Address: Tinúm, Yucatan, Mexico
Admission: Ps. 70
From $ 62
Celestun
If you're looking for guaranteed pink flamingo sightings, a trip out to Celustun is your best bet. There's a pleasant enough beach where you can spread out a blanket, look for shells, or go swimming, but the main reason to visit is to hire a boat captain to take your party out on a flamingo tour. You head into a lagoon area where the big pink birds hang out each day, flying around and settling down in shallow areas in large groups to look for food. It's rare to come here and not see a few dozen flamingoes in bunches as you troll around on the boat.
The tour also usually includes a "petrified forest" with mangrove stumps sticking out of the mud and a visit to a swimming hole on land filled by cool, clear spring water. It's a great place to cool off from the viewing time in the hot sun. Afterwards there are a variety of inexpensive seafood restaurants near the beach and town square, all serving shrimp ceviche, fresh-caught fish from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold beer or margaritas.
The tour also usually includes a "petrified forest" with mangrove stumps sticking out of the mud and a visit to a swimming hole on land filled by cool, clear spring water. It's a great place to cool off from the viewing time in the hot sun. Afterwards there are a variety of inexpensive seafood restaurants near the beach and town square, all serving shrimp ceviche, fresh-caught fish from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold beer or margaritas.
Practical Info
There are several hotels and eco-lodges if you want to spend a quiet night or two out of the big city.
Location: 60 miles northwest of Merida
Location: 60 miles northwest of Merida
Address: Mexico
From $ 89
Izamal Ruins
A small colonial city in Mexico’s Yucatan region, Izamal combines the aesthetics of old and new, with ancient pyramids standing alongside an old Spanish monastery and yellow-painted town buildings. The city was once an ancient Maya ceremonial center, and the largest pyramid—dubbed Kinich Kak Mo—was a holy site built for the Maya sun god.
The Basics
Most Izamal tours leave from Merida and include pickup and drop-off from local hotels. Excursions typically last a full day and visit both the ruins and the adjacent town. Some tours also include a romantic carriage ride in Izamal and a light-and-sound show at the Franciscan convent. For a personalized experience, private tours are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Izamal is a must-see attraction for history buffs and culture lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable shoes for exploring, and plenty of water.
- It’s a good idea to bring cash (usd or pesos) for tips and shopping.
How to Get There
Izamal is easy to reach from Merida, which is just 45 (72 kilometers) miles away by road; it can also be accessed via a day trip from Cancun, which is 3.5 hours away. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or on a guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit the Izamal ruins year-round, but it’s is busiest from December through April when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms. It’s a good idea to visit early in the day to the avoid crowds and afternoon heat.
Other Must-See Archaeological Sites
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is full of ancient Maya ruins. Chichen Itza is one of the largest and most popular, while Tulum Archeological Site, Ek Balam, and the ruins at Coba are also excellent remnants from the ancient Maya civilization.
Address: Izamal, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 48
Progreso Cruise Port
Located on the Yucatan peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, the Mexican port of Progreso is a jumping-off point for tours to the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen Itza (100 miles/160 km away), Uxmal (70 miles/115 km) and Dzibilchaltun (18 miles/30 km). Book a shore excursion or make your own way to the site of your choice by taxi or rental car (both found at the port).
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
Port Information
The currency is the Mexican peso, although the US dollar is widely accepted in many tourist-frequented shops and restaurants. There is an Internet cafe at the terminal.
Address: Progreso, YUC, Mexico
From $ 99
Sotuta De Peón Hacienda
At the turn of the 19th century in Merida, the henequen plant—a type of agave—was such an important producer of textiles that locals would call it “green gold.” All of that changed when the textile industry evolved toward synthetic fibers, but on a visit to Sotuta de Peon Hacienda, on Merida’s southern outskirts, you can journey back to the golden era was henequen was king. Tour an historic, grandiose plantation home that was built with henequen dollars, before visiting the mill to watch as plants are processed into fibers. The equipment used has been pieced together from farms across the Yucatan, and is a way to preserve the traditional methods of henequen production and harvest. Learn how the fiber is woven to make rope, or spun into high quality yarn, before bouncing around on a mule-driven truck like plantation workers of old. Having worked up a sweat on the hacienda, cool off with a dip in the hidden cenotes, allowing the cool, alkaline-rich waters to rejuvenate your senses. You can also enjoy a traditional meal that’s prepared at the hacienda restaurant, and truly cap off an enchanting day of Yucatan history and culture.
Practical Info
Remember to bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the cenotes. Also remember to bring extra cash if you want to purchase any of the handmade crafts or household goods.
Did You Know? Over 80 local Mayan families are still employed by the farm.
Address: Sotuta de Peon Hacienda, Merida, Mexico
Hours: Tours offered daily at 10am and 1pm
Admission: From $60-$80, depending on transport and lunch.
From $ 98
Zocalo de Merida
Better known as Plaza Grande, Plaza Principal, or just “the main square” by English speakers, this has been the center of Merida since the cathedral was finished in the late 1500s. It’s a pleasant place to sit and watch the locals and visitors in action, with families enjoying a bag of popcorn or popsicles from the excellent paleta shop on one side. There are cafes on the edge in the shade for a leisurely drink or bite to eat and several main shopping and dining streets branch off from here.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
Address: Mexico
From $ 54