Plaza Grande: Known as "El Centro" is the principal plaza surrounded by impressive colonial building. The best place to start your visit to Mérida and where you can take a ride on the Turibus (double decked bus)
Catedral de San Ildelfonso: The oldest in the continent, built throughout the second half of the XVI century. It took 40 years to built and rocks from destroyed Mayan temples where used. Inside you can admire the world's largest indoor crucifix.
Palacio de Gobierno: Houses the government offices, inside exhibits giants murals painted by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco (1970).
Casa de Montejo: Built between 1543 and 1549 by the highest authority in Yucatán, Francisco de Montejo known as "El Mozo", the building is well conserved and now houses a Bank but you can still admire the gothic style façade that
conserves the indigenous presence in its architecture.
Museo de la Ciudad: The city museum, a small but worthwhile exhibition that displays artifacts and photos of the city and region.
Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia: An impressive museum housed inside the great White Palacio de Cantón, the museum exhibits the history of the Peninsula de Yucatán since the age of Mastodons, with a remarkable collection of Mayan artifacts founded in Chichen-Itza.
Mérida at night: Almost every day the city offers a free spectacle to enjoy, such as the traditional Vaquería Regional with the performance of the folkloric balleton Monday at 9pm on front of Palacio Municipal on the zócalo; The Centro Cultural de Mérida Olimpo offers local trova music on Tuesdays and International Music on Wednesdays; The Serenata Yucateca, (serenade) takes place on Park Santa Lucía at 9pm on thrusdays, a show of music, art and folklore; The traditional Univerity Serenade on Fridays at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán; And on Saturdays the nightlife at Paseo de Montejo that offers Noche Mexicana from 7pm with mariachi, dances, food, handicrafts and more.
Celestún: A port full of mystery and where exotic species like the flamenco rosa live: an ideal place to visit peaceful and inexpensive beaches, amazing natural reserves, and an exquisite variety of seafood. 109 Km from Mérida, to get there buses are available in the Northeast station of Mérida. (Tours in Mérida do daytrips to visit the Flamingos) |