deluxe travel merida

Luxury Latin America Blog

Luxury travel news and reviews for mexico, central america, and south america, where to stay in merida for luxury travelers.

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state in Mexico, an inland historic city that’s a great base for exploring. You can get to Izamal and Uxmal from here, explore cenotes and haciendas, and enjoy the historic center-with a church that dates back to the 16th century.

Where to stay in Merida depends on your tastes and your budget, but if you’re willing to spring for one of the best hotels in the city or nearby, you’ll have a memorable experience. We only review the best of the best here at Luxury Latin America, so the routine boutique hotels with few facilities don’t make our cut. Here are our picks for picky travelers.

The Best Luxury Hotel in Merida

The overall best luxury Merida hotel is Hacienda Xcanatun on the edge of the city, on the way to the beach town of Progreso. You can’t walk anywhere from there, but Xcanatun makes up for that with lovely gardens, spacious suites, and a great restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The owners have incorporated elements of the original hacienda, but the recent room renovations have imbued the sleeping quarters with a more modern sensibility, they’ve broken down and added TVs, and there are lots of places to recharge your gadgets.

After a recent partnership deal with Angsana Hotels, a Banyan Tree Brand, there will eventually be a larger spa, more rooms, and a second restaurant joining the two swimming pools that round out the offerings now. Follow the link above for a full review or check out our  Xcanatun video tour here .

Follow this link to check rates for your vacation dates .

The Two Best Boutique Hotels in Merida

Do you want a sense of history or something modern? Colonial style or contemporary urban Mexico?

If it’s the former, your best bet for where to stay in Merida is Rosas y Xocolate Hotel on the Paseo Montejo. The name guides the theme and color scheme, with plenty of pink offset by chocolate browns. If it makes you hungry, there’s a chocolate shop off the lobby. For something more substantial, there’s a well-regarded restaurant with seating inside or on a patio facing the Paseo.

The decor is not completely colonial, with ample modern touches throughout, but the property is in one of Merida’s former grand mansions built in the sisal heyday. In most respects, the 17-room Rosas and Xocolate is the best hotel in Merida itself, about a 15-minute walk to the historic center, with a courtyard pool to cool off in when you need it. Check rates for your dates here .

If you are on the young and hip side instead, or just feel that way, then your better choice is a few blocks away at Diez Diez Collection . This luxury boutique hotel has a roof deck with a bar, swimming pool, and lounge area, pumping dance music for the party crowd from mid-day until a few hours after sunset. Upgrade to a suite to get some more space and style, especially if you can book the Mercedes-Benz Suite. It has its own private roof deck with a whirlpool.

The Fronto Restaurant at street level is excellent and if Diez Diez has cruiser bikes that guests can take out on the boulevard’s bike paths. (On Sunday mornings, the street is blocked to traffic too.)

Come on a video tour with us here:

Where Else to Stay in Central Merida

The pickings get rather slim once you get beyond the three top hotels we’ve mentioned already. Locals are proud of the Fiesta Americana on the Paseo, but it comes off more like a convention hotel than a luxury one. A   more intimate bet is across the street, getting ready to come off a major renovation and rebranding as I write this: the Villa Mercedes Merida, Curio Collection by Hilton .

Our review is from when it was an Intercontinental and there was still construction going on when we were in the city this summer, so watch for an update later.

Search rates for Villa Mercedes at the Hilton site .

Otherwise, if you’re looking to cash in chain hotel points, there’s a Hyatt and a Courtyard by Marriott in that same cluster of hotels. Most of the other chain hotels are on the industrial outskirts though, not in areas where tourists want to stay.

If you’re just doing a quick in-and-out in Merida, or won’t spend much time at your hotel, there are plenty of bed-and-breakfast options housed in grand historic homes.

Search hotel rates in Merida here

Hacienda Hotels Outside of Merida

There are several Marriott Luxury Collection Hotels that are converted former haciendas. They’re lovely places to spend a couple of nights in a romantic setting that takes you back in time. The two best are Hacienda San Jose and Hacienda Temozon , the latter close enough to Uxmal to be a base for exploring the ruins.

One that’s not part of that collection but follows a similar playbook is Hacienda Katanchel , a 740-acre estate less than 45 minutes from Merida’s historic center. You have to have a group to book there as they’re only open when occupied. It can accommodate whole wedding parties though, with 40 rooms in all, scattered across grounds with cenote-fed pools and lush vegetation.

Catherwood Travels , the upscale tour company, also has a collection of haciendas that groups can book or you’ll end up staying at one or more of them if you go on one of their excellent tours.

If you don’t want to go full-on colonial, one of the most luxurious options in all of Yucatan state is Chablé Resort & Spa , about a half-hour drive from Merida. This luxury resort is a true mix of old and new: the heart of the property is the 18th-century main hacienda building and there’s a restaurant in the old machine works building, but the sections that were added on are thoroughly modern.

Chable has 40 rooms on offer, mostly individual casitas with their own pool. They’re the most tricked-out (and expensive) quarters in the state, with smart TVs, surround-sound Bluetooth stereos, and an iPad connected to Spotify. A fridge is stocked with complimentary goodies and your robes are joined by a mountain of fluffy towels and Havaianas flip-flops. While the restaurants at the other hacienda hotels are often not very adventurous, the menu at Ix’im came from one of Mexico’s top celebrity chefs.

To see detailed reviews on our top picks, head to our page that links to our takes on the best luxury hotels in Merida .

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Article by Timothy

Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxury Latin America and has been covering the region as a travel journalist since the mid-2000s. He has visited each country we cover multiple times and is based in a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, where he owns a home. See contact information here .

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The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Mérida, Mexico

Forget about the resorts and all-inclusive hotels of Cancún. Mérida is a world away from the Riviera Maya, but still just a four-hour drive from Cancún International Airport. This is our favorite city in the Yucatán Peninsula, and with boutique retreats, luxury hotels, and old haciendas to match, we know you’re going to have an exceptional stay in one of Mexico’s most underrated destinations. 

This is Yucatán’s capital and largest city, and it’s a place quite unlike anywhere else you might have visited in Mexico. Take a stroll through the Plaza Grande, and you’ll hear Spanish mixing freely with local languages like Yucatec Maya in front of an extravagant colonial cathedral built from the rubble of destroyed temples. 

The grand colonial architecture of downtown Mérida, with its picture-perfect parks and long, wide avenues, hides an indigenous history that never disappeared. Learn more at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (the Grand Museum of the Maya World), by day-tripping to Mayan ruins along the Ruta Puuc, or by seeing the exciting spectacle of pok-ta-pok – the Mayan ball game – which is played out every Saturday night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande. 

Mérida’s markets overflow with color and spice, the restaurants and food stands serve up Yucatec classics like Cochinita Pibil and Sopa de Lima, and jazz bars and craft breweries do a roaring trade among tourists and Mérida’s local citizenry alike. 

And if you can’t fathom a Mexican getaway without the beach, then you’re in luck. Just an hour from downtown, you’ll find yourself on the white sand beaches of Progreso or among the mangroves and beaches of Celestun, where pink flamingos fill the lagoons. Excited? Then keep reading as we explain exactly where to stay in Mérida!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay in Mérida

We love how easy it is to visit Mérida. Long, wide boulevards lead to a centrally laid-out downtown area that was planned in the grid-style beloved by the Spanish. At first, the endless numbered streets can be confusing, but soon you’ll be telling your Uber or taxi driver to drop you off on the corner of Calle 59 and 62 just like a local. 

Mérida is boutique hotel central, and you’ll love how the Centro Histórico – the central area around the Plaza Grande and the Catedral de San Ildefonso – is home to old colonial villas, 16th-century convents, and former public buildings that have been transformed into quirky hotels and luxury digs oozing with heritage. 

Lining the Paseo de Montejo – Mérida’s most famous boulevard – you’ll find huge mansions that have been converted into grand five-star hotels. In the “Hotel Zone” on Avenida Colon and stretching into the Garcia Gineres district, you’ll find modern hotels championing sustainable practices alongside international chains offering home comforts to weary travelers. 

But if city life isn’t for you, then don’t worry. Within a 20-minute drive of Mérida’s downtown area, you can find yourself in the serene setting of the Yucatec forest. Here, old haciendas and estates – often built to farm henequen plants in the 19th century – have been turned over to tourism, and you can escape Mérida with a luxury stay in a boutique villa complete with acres of lush grounds and cenotes to explore. 

If you’re planning a trip to this lovely Mexican city, here are our picks for the 12 best boutique hotels in Mérida!

The 12 Best Hotels in Mérida, Mexico

1. ya’ax hotel boutique.

One of our favorite places to stay in Mérida is Ya’ax Hotel Boutique . This five-star charmer is one for the artists because you’ll be staying in the former studio/gallery of a local painter and sculptor. The artisanal features of the hotel shine alongside its extended history, mixing Mayan styles with colonial heritage in a way that only Mérida can. 

Boutique rooms are set around an open-air courtyard, where you’re invited to sprawl out in a hammock or dip into the “chukum” swimming pool. You’ll love the Mayan textiles that hang above the queen- or king-size beds, while the natural lighting, high-vaulted ceilings, and natural materials make for a refreshing stay. 

Book an individual or couple’s massage in the spa suite, where you can wind down with luxury treatments and spa products in a therapeutic setting. Desayuno is served in the on-site Chooj restaurant, where you’ll be hard-pressed to pick between Chilaquiles and Eggs Benedict. 

For lunch and dinner, the chefs at Chooj prepare Yucatec classics – like Cochinita Pibil – behind a glass window, allowing you to watch every step of the process before dining on the delectable finished dishes. 

Ya’ax Hotel Boutique is located a short stroll away from the shady surroundings of Parque de la Mejorada, where you can find local food stalls set away from the bustle of the Plaza Grande, which is a 10-minute walk in the other direction. 

Check Prices on Booking.com

Check Prices on Hotels.com

2. Hyatt Regency Mérida

If you’re looking for a classic hotel experience when you’re staying in Mérida, then there’s no better choice than the Hyatt Regency . Located on Avenida Colon, just off the famous Paseo de Montejo, this is one five-star hotel that won’t disappoint. 

With its shimmering, skyscraper-like facade, this hotel towers above the surrounding casas and green trees of the otherwise low-key Mérida skyline. The hotel’s 289 modern rooms all offer fantastic views of the city from wide, panoramic windows, while the 18th-floor suites provide unbeatable vistas and unbeatable luxury. 

Deluxe beds are perfect for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Blackout blinds keep out the early morning sunlight, while walk-in rain showers and spacious work desks are provided as standard. Upgrade to a “Regency Club Room” and you’ll have special access to the hotel’s exclusive lounge on Floor 17, where canapés and international wines are served all day. 

Given Mérida’s fierce temperatures, you’ll love the outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water or order cocktails to your lounger. Buffets – including breakfast buffets and themed brunch and dinner buffets – are served in the Peregrina Bistro, while Spasso Cucina Italiana serves Mediterranean dishes cooked with Yucatec passion and local ingredients. 

3. Wayam Mundo Imperial

Wayam Mundo Imperial is one of our favorite boutique hotels in Mérida. This unique five-star hotel is a seamless blend of modern architecture and Mayan design, located in a totally repurposed historic house on the prestigious Avenida Colon.

This hotel offers all the trappings you’d expect of a luxury boutique hotel. The 52 suites are designed with natural colors and materials, offering spacious work, play, sleep, and rest areas alongside private balconies and terraces overlooking the city or the private inner gardens. Huge bathtubs, walk-in closets, and 55-inch television screens are standard features, while small kitchenettes, fridges, and Nespresso machines make for a homey stay. 

Head to the rooftop, and you’ll find a beautiful plunge pool with gorgeous views of Mérida. The Marinera Pool Bar serves up bespoke cocktails to order, while in the same top-floor space, Cuna restaurant cooks up sumptuous Mexican dishes inspired by Chef Maycoll Calderon’s extensive travels through the Yucatán Peninsula. 

But Wayam Mundo Imperial is also Mérida’s first LEED Certified hotel. That makes it a local leader in terms of its environmentally-friendly design and sustainable management practices. 

Step through the lobby, and you’ll be awed by the rainforest vibes that fill the tropical garden beyond. Exterior walls are living, breathing entities where vines and plants run wild, a mango tree rises alongside balconies, rainwater is collected, and solar power is harnessed at the Wayam Mundo Imperial. 

4. Casa del Balam

Casa del Balam means “House of the Jaguar” ( balam is the Mayan word for this revered Mesoamerican animal), and this classic boutique hotel channels all the energy, style, and heritage of Mérida’s mixed indigenous and colonial ancestry. 

Book a room here and you’ll be staying in one of Mérida’s pioneering hotels. First opened by Don Fernando Barbachano in 1970, Casa del Balam offered unparalleled boutique luxury when tourism was just beginning to flourish in the Yucatán. 

His daughter chose the name, and they decided to keep the historic marble floors, the colorful pink facade, and the heritage features like antique wooden wardrobes and wrought iron bed frames that are now so distinctive.

Casa del Balam has retained this unique ambiance ever since, and you’ll love how the classic style of the rooms and courtyard combine wonderfully with modern amenities like the minibar, flat-screen television, and luxury bathroom products. 

Scenes of rural Yucatec life line the corridors, while Restaurant-Bar Bistrola 57 serves up classic local dishes like Sopa de Lima. Step outside, and you’ll love the peaceful poolside surroundings, where tall trees shade sun loungers and guests sip on cervezas and micheladas.

5. Hacienda Xcanatun by Angasana

Escape the city with a luxury stay at Hacienda Xcanatun by Angasana , one of the most unique hotels in Mérida. You’ll find this beautiful five-star boutique retreat is a 15-minute drive north of central Mérida, where a historic hacienda combines heritage with modern luxury. 

Hacienda Xcanatun dates back to the 18th century when the Yucatán was in the midst of the henequen boom. Known as “Green Gold,” the countryside around Mérida was turned over to farming henequen, a type of plant that was vital for making rope. Estate owners grew rich, building lavish houses like Hacienda Xcanatun that later fell to ruin when the industry later died.

From a crumbling ruin, Hacienda Xcanatun has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. You’ll love how 18 of the suites have been kept in a timeless state, with refurbished rooms opening onto spacious verandas. 

You’ll also love the wooden materials, the historic features, and the extravagant modern touches like private plunge pools. The remaining 36 rooms are located within the hacienda’s modern wing. Light colors and natural materials feature throughout, while 18th-century influences are apparent in the textiles, decor, and furnishings. 

Take a stroll through four acres of landscaped gardens featuring tropical plants collected from across the Yucatán Peninsula, or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment or massage at the Angsana Spa. 

The outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to laze away a morning or afternoon in the sun, with Balinese beds to lounge on and the Lo-Ha poolside bar to keep you fed and watered. The hacienda’s Casa del Piedra Restaurant fuses Asian and Mexican flavors together, with Chicken and Lime Soup and Rib-Eye Tacos being firm favorites on their creative dinner menu. 

6. Villa Orquidea Boutique Hotel

Whitewashed walls, wooden shutters, and a sun-drenched central courtyard leave you with serious Mediterranean vibes when you book a stay at Villa Orquidea Boutique Hotel in downtown Mérida. 

With just eight rooms set around the hotel’s small plunge pool, this lovely hotel offers a personal touch that’s often difficult to find. Owners Rafael and Queica – who purchased a run-down townhouse in 2016 and transformed it into the beauty you see today – are often on hand to ensure your stay is seamless. 

Relax around the pool, or book a package of special “de-contracting,” “relaxing,” and “lymphatic” massages straight to your room. Tall windows flood your living space with light, while the light colors and wooden decor add to that summer feel you’ll love to embrace. 

7. Hotel Boutique La Misión De Fray Diego

One of the coolest hotels in Mérida is Hotel Boutique la Misión de Fray Diego . This unique boutique stay is perfectly located downtown, less than a 2-minute walk from the cathedral. This supreme location has much to do with the hotel’s history. Dating back to the 16th century, this misión was first built as part of one of Mérida’s first convents. 

Originally part of the “Temple of Nuns,” the convent was closed down in the mid-19th century before eventually being repurposed into a boutique hotel. Step off the bustling streets of Centro, and you’ll not only be transported to a bygone era, but you’ll escape the heat and the noise of Mérida entirely. The nuns loved their peace and quiet, and you’ll find that 400 years on, the thick walls and peaceful inner courtyard still play a vital role!

There are just 26 rooms set under vaulted ceilings at Hotel Boutique la Misión de Fray Diego. Whitewashed walls, tiled floors, and wooden rafters nurture a historic ambiance, while the outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace place the property firmly in the 21st century. Dine in the shade of stone archways in the hotel’s traditional restaurant, where the nuns are honored with a timeless Spanish-inspired menu. 

If you’re looking for unique boutique hotels in Mérida, this place will not disappoint.

8. Villa Mercedes, Curio Collection by Hilton

Villa Mercedes seamlessly merges history and international flair along Mérida’s affluent Avenida Colon. This historic street by Paseo Montejo is lined with former colonial estates, and at Villa Mercedes, you’ll be staying in the charming confines of a repurposed mansion that’s been expertly regenerated. 

You’ll spot the distinctive blue exterior of Villa Mercedes from along the avenue. Tall windows open out onto small Juliet balconies overlooking the city or the inner courtyard. Down below, the open-air swimming pool offers a welcome retreat from the often-oppressive tropical heat, while loungers are ready for those who prefer to embrace the sunlight rather than escape it. 

Despite the retention of historic architectural elements and designs on the outside, the rooms are very much modern in character. Soft linens, comfy furnishings, and luxury bathrooms make these rooms a delight to stay in after a day of sightseeing, while the modern designs of the Curio Bar are a stark contrast to the colonial streets of Mérida. 

9. Mansión Mérida Boutique Hotel

One of the most elegant hotels in Mérida is the Mansión Mérida Boutique Hotel . This gorgeous property is set among the lovely architecture of a 19th-century mansion, and with just 14 suites to choose from, a reservation here is always a hot ticket. 

The mansion was originally designed in the French style of its age when Mérida’s elite – made rich from the burgeoning trade in henequen – were importing the finest luxuries and comforts from Europe. But the mansion fell into ruin, and it took five years of repair and refurbishment to transform it into the boutique luxury hotel you find today. 

Step through the grand entranceway, and you’ll find yourself within the peaceful surroundings of a beautiful courtyard. A grander staircase leads beneath chandeliers to shaded balconies, while an outdoor pool is overshadowed by tall palms and aged stone walls. 

The “Belle-epoch” feel continues in your suite, where vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and king-size beds provoke a 19th-century grandeur that’s all too often lost in modern hotels. Rattan chairs, antique wardrobes, and luxury toiletries by Bvlgary complete the feel, as does a full breakfast spread in the central courtyard!

10. Fiesta Americana Mérida

Fiesta Americana Mérida is one of the best hotels in Mérida for luxury travelers, and we know you’re going to love staying in this opulent five-star gem that sits at the crossroads of Avenida Colon and the Paseo de Montejo.

The grand, whitewashed facade – with its lavish Greco-Roman pillars and long stairwell – is a timeless landmark on the Mérida skyline. Inside, the decadent lobby is lined with Yucatec marble, while a colorful stained glass window adds a touch of the almighty to check-in procedures. 

Rooms at the Fiesta Americana Mérida are equally as compelling as your welcome to this five-star favorite, and you’ll be awed by the view over the city as soon as you open the curtains and step out onto your private balcony. Sink back into the supple sheets of your king-size bed, take a rain shower with luxury branded toiletries, or just admire the individual artwork – or turn on Netflix!

Coffee and pastries are served in the Parisian-inspired Cafe Kuun, while Stellaris Bar prides itself on its philosophy of personal mixology, where drinks are mixed to individual tastes. Restaurant Cafe Montejo serves buffet breakfasts and international dishes, but the real culinary expertise is found in Los Almendros, where you’ll dine on Yucatec cuisine under grand murals depicting life on the Yucatán Peninsula. 

11. NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo

The NH Collection Mérida is one of the coolest Mérida hotels, perfect for the luxury-loving traveler who also loves an international feel to their hotel. What this four-star favorite lacks in history, it makes up for in amenities, value, and modern architecture. 

This fabulous hotel is located within the Paseo 60 Mall complex, meaning your every need is within strolling distance. You’re also located on the grand Paseo de Montejo, the most opulent and prestigious avenue in Mérida. 

The hotel’s design is a nod to the past, and if you look closely, you’ll see that the building is shaped with a facade meant to emulate the look and color of the green henequen plant that brought untold riches to Mérida’s elite. 

The hotel’s 120 rooms all have tall ceilings and windows, allowing light to flood inside during the day. Ask for a room on a high floor, and you’ll have sweeping views over the colonial houses and hotels on Paseo de Montejo, but head to the top floor for a supreme panorama of Mérida from the rooftop garden. 

Our favorite feature of the NH Collection Mérida is the open-air swimming pool on the terrace, where you can swim laps high above the city before ordering a cocktail from the bar. What’s not to like?

12. Hacienda Santa Cruz Mérida

With a history dating back to 1640, Hacienda Santa Cruz Mérida is one of the best Mérida hotels for history fans!

This unique luxury property on the outskirts of Mérida was first founded as a Franciscan monastery. Many of the original monastic rooms and chapels have been preserved, as have features like the Engine Room, which date to the hacienda’s later life as a henequen farm. Now the hacienda and its 12 acres of gorgeous, tropical gardens have been masterfully repurposed, yet again, into one of the best Mérida boutique hotels.

You’ll be staying in the Casa Principal (the Main House), where all 25 restored hotel rooms are located. You’ll appreciate the mix of luxury linens and antique furnishings, while the stone bathtubs and whitewashed walls will take you back to the 17th century. 

If the humidity starts to beat you, just jump into the outdoor swimming pool to cool off. Order a cold cerveza at the pool bar, and when the sun sets, take a stroll under the Ceiba trees. 

Book a session at the Muyal Spa for the ultimate hydrotherapy massage. The indoor spa pool is referred to rather loftily as an “artificial cenote,” but you’ll love the grandeur, the sauna, and the holistic treatments. Casa de Maquina is the hacienda’s on-site restaurant, where a mix of Mexican, French, Italian, and Asian dishes are served daily. 

That completes our list of the 12 best Mérida hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Mérida? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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56 Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico in 2024: Written by a Local

If you are looking for the best things to do in Merida Mexico during your upcoming trip to the Yucatan, I have got you covered here. 

I am a British Travel Writer who has been living here in Merida for the last 2.5 years and recently bought a house in the eastern part of the city. During my time in Southeastern Mexico, I have made it my mission to get to know my new home as much as possible, and can safely say that I know this charming city as well as the back of my hand. 

You are in good hands here. I am not someone who has briefly passed through Merida once, unlike most of the travel guides to the city you will find on Google.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Merida in 2024 and Beyond 

The “White City” of Merida is an underrated gem in the heart of the Yucatan state that is only finally starting to get the recognition and attention it deserves. I have seen the city change and develop a lot in the past couple of years of being here and I believe that it is only a matter of time before tourism to the region explodes. 

Merida as it stands today, was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1542 and like many cities during the colonial period, it was built on the grounds of an old Mayan settlement. Merida stands on the site of the Mayan city of Toh and controversially, many of its churches, buildings, and ornate colonial mansions were constructed using building materials pillaged from Mayan temples and shrines. 

Its historic center is widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful colonial cities in all of Mexico , and the city makes an excellent base for taking day trips out to Ancient Mayan ruins in the Yucatan , gorgeous beach towns along the Gulf of Mexico, and charming pueblo magicos throughout the region. 

In this post, we will explore 58 of the best things to do in Merida. These include everything from the “must-see” tourist sites, to the hidden gems that Yucatecans have been keeping to themselves. 

Go for brunch in Cholul

Cholul is a charming little pueblo just northeast of the city of Merida that most tourists aren’t even aware exists. Its main central plaza is flanked by the gorgeous 17th-century pastel-yellow church of San Pedro Apóstol and an adorable flea market is hosted in the church grounds every Sunday morning, when locals come to sell their unwanted clothing, antiques, children’s toys, and bric-a-brac. 

The brunch restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores that encircle the main square attract a well-heeled crowd of Yucatecans and it is absolutely worth making the journey out here, if your schedule allows, to grab breakfast in an authentic and charming Yucatecan pueblo.

Casa Mango (Calle 23 100 Por Calle 20) is a chic restaurant set inside an old Yucatecan house that serves regional cuisine with an international twist. (It is also great to stop by here at night, as live musicians perform jazz, Mexican pop, and blues music out in the garden on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights). 

Meanwhile, Al Modar is another elegant breakfast cafe that specializes in European fare. They do excellent Spanish omelets and giant mugs of cappuccino the size of your head!

Stop for coffee in Itzimna

When you visit Mexican cities like Guadalajara and CDMX, you will note that they are made up of dozens of different neighborhoods (barrios) that are like little villages in themselves and each have their own distinct personality and charm. Merida isnt quite the same in this regard, and is largely a modern urban sprawl outside of the historic center. 

There are exceptions though, and Itzimna is another charming, ungentrified and underrated area. Itzimna, named after Itzamna, the Mayan God of Creation, was once its own independent village until the urban expansion of Merida saw it become engulfed by the Yucatecan capital. 

Parque Itzimna is its central square and a popular rendezvous point among locals. It is flanked by the 1710 burgundy “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” church. Several charming location businesses encircle the square and are great places to pick up souvenirs from your Merida trip. 

Sembra (Calle 18 98-B entre 21 y 19) is a charming artisanal store selling homemade cosmetics, soaps and condiments, while Caffe Latte Itzimna (Calle 18, Av. Rotary Internacional No. 101) is widely regarded as being one of the best coffee places in the city, and sells bags of roasted coffee beans sourced from across Mexico. 

Eat your way through Merida’s new gastronomic corridor 

There are some excellent restaurants to be found in Merida serving everything from traditional Yucatecan fare to Mediterranean and Asian-inspired delicacies. Slowly but surely, the Yucatan capital is establishing itself as quite the gourmand and can give many of the award-winning restaurants in Mexico City and Guadalajara a run for their money. 

In late 2023, the local tourism board loving restored and renovated Calle 47 in the historic center, transforming it into Meridas “Gastronomic Corridor”. The colorful colonial houses here house a selection of excellent restaurants. 

For brunch, check out “Te Extraño, Extraño” and Marmalade 47, while Baretto Espresso Bar and Latte Quattro Sette are the best spots for coffee. Catrin, known for its weird and wonderful skeleton sound and light show, is a Merida institution, while Micaela Mar & Leña with its elevated Yucatecan fare with a Creole twist, is one of the best loved eateries in town. 

Enjoy an evening walk at Parque a la Plancha 

Parque a la Plancha, on calle 46 in Central Merida, is a newly opened park that was inaugurated in late 2023. The park, with its gorgeous manmade lake and contemporary installations and water features, sits on the site of an old abandoned train station. 

Until recently, the abandoned station was a dilapidated eyesore surrounded by huge walls. There was a plan to transform it into the Merida train station for the new Yucatan Tren Maya, but after locals protested, the station was built in Teya, on the outskirts of town, and Parque a la Plancha was born. 

Lots of local families come to walk around the park and hang out here in the evenings. One of the most special aspects is how old, rusted train station carriages have been given a lick of paint and turned into quirky souvenir stores or snack bars selling marquesitas, raspados and other treats. 

At the center of the park, there is a huge food court where you can buy everything from tacos to ice cream and pozol de chocolate. The original old station building is still being renovated and is set to house some boutique stores and restaurants. 

Search for vibrant street art murals 

At first glimpse, Merida might not appear to have the same volume of street art as other Latin American cities like say, Medellin and Cartagena in Colombia, or areas of Mexico City and Tijuana. However, if you know where to look, there are some great pieces here. 

Up-and-coming Yucatecan artists like Datoer and Ackon have painted impressive murals across town depicting scenes of life in the Yucatan. There are some pieces in San Sebastian, La Ermita, calle 47, and Itzimna close to the city center but some of the best Merida street art is out in residential areas and local malls that tourists dont really venture too. 

Setting out on a self-led hunt for street art can help you discover new and exciting parts of Merida that you may not have otherwise found. Some of the best murals can be found at the below locations: 

Where to find the best murals in Merida 

• Colonia Manuel Avila Camacho/Pacabtun, East Merida
• “Mural street” on calle 20, East Merida (hundreds of murals in one spot)
• Gran Plaza Merida mall
• Xcalachen 

See a show at Casa Gamela

The Casa Gemela is a gorgeous art museum and exhibition space set inside a grand manor that was built in the early 21st century and was once home to the noble Rodrigez family. It hosts both permanent and temporary art exhibitions of pieces produced by international and Mexican artists and every Saturday, a different cultural event is hosted here. 

We caught a wonderful traditional music recital where two local Yucatecan musicians played folk songs from across Latin America. You can catch everything here from jazz pianists to poetry recitals and comedic theatrical performances played to an intimate audience of 20-30 people.

See the Merida Cathedral 

Of all of the various churches and religious buildings in Merida, the Catedral de San Ildefonso that flanks the Plaza Grande is one of the most detailed. It was constructed between 1561 and 1598 on the site of an old temple and many of the stones quarried from the Mayan temple were used to create the building facade.  

The cathedral is quite controversial because there are several centuries-old paintings inside that depict indigenous Mayans praising Francisco de Montejo, the Spanish colonizer. You will see such images in various churches around the Yucatan peninsula as you travel here, and understandably, many were destroyed during the Mexican Revolution. 

The large Cristo de la Unidad crucifix behind the altar symbolizes a good relationship between the indigenous Maya and the Spanish Christians. 

Take a Yucatan cooking class 

Taking a cooking class overseas is always a great way to delve deeper into the local culture and there are several classes that you can do here in Merida. Many also include a trip to a local market to source fresh ingredients before you cook, and your host will talk to you about the background and traditions associated with each dish. 

You should expect to pay upwards of around $70 for a 5-6 hour class that sees you make multiple dishes. You might find it tricky to find some of the ingredients used in Yucatecan cooking at home if you decide that you want to replicate the dishes, but you can always make adaptations! 

Check out a local festival 

I have been living in Merida for 2.5 years and there always seems to be some sort of event or festival going on with free, live musicians, dancing, and food. Some notable dates to look out for are: 

• Merida Fest – Celebration of the heritage of the city – 5th to the 24th January 2024
• Hanal Pixan (The Yucatecan version of Dia de Los Muertos) – late October/November
• Merida Restaurant Week – Discounted offers and special degustations at restaurants around town – late September/October
• Fiesta tradicional in Colonia Los Reyes – Celebration of the Los Reyes neighborhood with jarana dancing and live music – late December/January
• Carnaval Merida – Mexican mardi gras – 7th to the 14th February 2024
• La Noche Blanca – artistic events hosted around the city – Late October 

Admire the Palacio de Gobierno 

The Merida Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) dates back to 1892 and houses the political offices of the Yucatan state officials. The building is an architectural marvel in itself, but if you are able to venture inside, you will see some gorgeous art work pieces and photographs of Merida through the years. 

Shop for fresh local produce at Mercado Lucas de Galvez 

There are some great local marketplaces (mercados) in Merida where locals come to shop for fresh fruit and veg, meats, and other grocery items. Mercado Lucas de Galvez and Mercado San Benito are two that stand out among the crowd. 

Passing through these markets can offer an interesting glimpse into local life, particularly if you haven’t been to a Latin American mercado before. In Mercado Lucas de Galvez , you will find perfectly polished fruits and vegetables piled high on makeshift wooden tables, vendors selling raspados and chiccharon , and even a large, rewarding artisanal market where people sell things like henequen bags, hand-carved Mayan masks, etc. 

Listen to cuban music at Mercado 60

Mercado 60 is a super fun place to hang out in Merida when the sun goes down. This contemporary street food market is made up of 7 different restaurants serving American, Argentine, and Mexican food , as well as a cocktail bar and a wine bar. The tables are set within a beautiful garden overgrown with bougainvillea and fragrant flowers, and live musicians from across Latin America perform cumbia, salsa, and Cuban music almost every night of the week. 

Shop for homemade treats at other Merida markets

If you are staying in self catered accommodation, you can pick up some produce at Merida mercados for a fraction of the price that you would pay in a supermarket. Some other notable markets to check out in Merida are: 

• Mercado Miguel Alemán
• Mercado Municipal No 2 Santos Degollado
• Mercado San Sebastián
• Mercado Santa Ana
• Merida slow food market

Cycle the Paseo de Montejo 

The Paseo de Montejo is the main promenade in Merida that has been named after the city’s founder, Francisco de Montejo. It runs all the way through town, but the most interesting stretch can be found between calle 47 and calle 27A. 

This leafy cobbled promenade is lined with grandiose, ornate mansions from the days of the henequen boom, many of which have been converted into exquisite restaurants, coffee shops and bars. 

There are a couple of museums that are worth checking out here – notably the Museo Regional de Antropología, Palacio Cantón, which contains a small collection of artifacts recovered from the region, the restored 1902 Quinta Montes Molina Mansion, and a small chocolate museum. 

On Sundays, the road is closed to traffic so that people can walk, cycle, or rollerblade down the street. You will see tons of people offering bicycles and trikes for rent, and local artists set up their easels to paint the scenes of Merida and sell their wares. 

I bought some gorgeous paintings for my house here.

Admire the Monument de la Patria

One of the most notable structures on the Paseo de Montejo is the towering “Monument de la Patria” (motherland monument). The monument can be found at the center of a roundabout close to Av. Rómulo Rozo and depicts a proud indigenous man. 

The sculpture was created by Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo in 1956 (whom the adjacent street is named after). At its rear, it contains more than  300 hand-carved figures that depict the history of Mexico. 

The scenes depict everything from the founding of Tenochtitlan, the Mexican Revolution, and present-day Mexico. By night, the mural is beautifully illuminated in different colors. 

There are also now some small letters displaying the word “Merida” and some “you and me” chairs on the Paseo de Montejo, opposite the monument, where you can take photographs. 

Enjoy getting lost in the historic center of Merida

The historic center is a beautiful place to simply take the time to get lost. In the historical center, you are greeted with colorful buildings and charming little churches at virtually every turn. In particular, be sure to visit Calle 59 and the Avenida Del Deportista if you want to see and photograph the colorful buildings and grand colonial mansions Merida is famous for.

Hang out in Parque Santa Lucia 

Parque Santa Lucia is one of the main plazas in the historic center of Merida and a short walk away from the Plaza Grande. It was inaugurated in 1878 and quickly established itself as one of the main meeting points in the city. 

Take a photo on the giant “tu y yo” (you and me) chairs, and indulge in elevated Mexican fare at the restaurants that encircle the plaza. Restaurant Chaya Maya is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, while Apoala serves Oaxacan-Yucatan fusion food. 

A column dedicated to Colonel Sebastián Molas, martyr of the liberation sits in the center of the square and every Thursday night, you can enjoy the “Serenata Yucateca” performances of traditional music and dancing.

Experience Merida by night 

There are a great selection of bars in Merida that cater to every taste and budget. While the city may not have the same nightlife scene as CDMX or Cancun, more and more tasteful spots are constantly opening up as more tourists come to the area.

Casa Toh is a gorgeous concept store, bar and restaurant set in two old converted French mansions on the Paseo Montejo. Here, you can indulge in delicious mezcal and tequila infused cocktails at the aperitif bar, or enjoy live jazz in the courtyard on a Saturday night. 

If you want to experience an old-fashioned Mexican cantina with swing doors and rustic interiors that reminds you of something from a movie, check out Cantina El Porvenir, or Cantina La Negrita. The latter is something of a Merida institution and hosts live salsa music and dancing most nights. 

Finally, Patio Petanca is a super fun spot and outdoor bar where drinks and bar snacks are prepared under a thatched palapa hut, and you can play jenga, lawn bowls and other games with new friends. 

Sample the best of Yucatecan cuisine 

Did you know that different areas of Mexico are famous for their different regional specialties and that food in the Yucatan is completely different from that which you will find in many parts of Mexico? Many Yucatecan dishes were invented by the Ancient Mayans thousands of years ago.

Yucatecan cuisine is one of the oldest in the world and is even older than most European food cultures. Impressively, dishes are still cooked using the same recipes and cooking methods that were used all those milenia ago. (For instance, many dishes are cooked in an underground oven known as a “pib”). 

Cochinita pibil is arguably the most famous dish in the area. This is a type of slow cooked pork marinated with orange and achiote that falls apart in your mouth and is essentially a type of ancient pulled pork. 

You will find tons of “comida Yucatecas” around Merida specializing in this type of regional food. My favorites, and the ones I would recommend are Habaneros (a little out of town but worth the effort to get to), and Katun Comida Yucateca. 

MUGY (Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca) offers an interesting culinary experience whereby you can sample several small, tapas-style plates of Yucatecan food to learn about the regional food culture. Meanwhile, Kuuk offers elevated Yucatecan food that is so beautiful, that the dishes are almost like works of art. 

Have breakfast tacos at Wayan’e

The best tacos in Merida are not found at the tourist spots in the center of town but in a humble little eatery in Itzimna known as Wayan’e . Wayan’e, meaning “it’s here” in Yucatec Mayan, is the breakfast taco spot of choice for most Yucatecans. 

There is often a queue to be seated and served on weekends but rest assured, this place is well worth the wait. You can opt to sit inside or pull up a stool around the open kitchen so that you can watch the chefs hard at work. 

The taco menu is extensive, and each one is only around 20-22 pesos. The pollo con mostaza, papas con chorizo, tinga de pollo, castacan and huevos con chaya (Yucatan spinach) are great choices for breakfast. 

You can also get delicious (and giant) crusty cochinita pibil bread rolls. Wash it all down with an ice cold horchata, piña con chaya (pineapple and Yucatan spinach), or another flavored agua fresca.  

Try huevos motuleños and other Yucatecan breakfast dishes 

As far as most Mexicans are concerned, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. People here will usually eat a hearty Mexican breakfast , often paired with fruit and pan dulces (sweet breads).

Chilaquiles and egg dishes like huevos divorciados and huevos rancheros are popular. In the Yucatan, you can also try the regional breakfast dish huevos motuleños. 

This yummy delicacy hails from the pueblo magico of Motul (where you should sample it at Doña Evalias place if your schedule allows). It consists of two deep fried tortillas slathered with frijoles (refried beans), two fried eggs, ham, peas, and a healthy amount of spicy tomato salsa. 

There is a specialty restaurant called Huevos Motuleños & Mas in both East and North Merida, but to be honest, most restaurants here serve the dish. 

Snap a photo in front of the colorful Merida sign 

Be sure to snap an obligatory selfie in front of the colorful Merida sign in Plaza Grande. These large, colorful letters exist in virtually every Mexican town and city and make a great addition to your photo album. Sometimes the sun’s glare can make it awkward to get a good photo in front of the letters during the day. Head here early in the morning or evening if you can, in order to get the most favorable lighting conditions.

Shop for quintessentially Mexican souvenirs 

There are tons of great “recuerditos” ( Mexican souvenirs ) that you can buy during your time in the Yucatan that will help you remember your trip for years to come. If you are interested in Mayan history and ruins, you might like to buy one of the brightly painted, hand-carved wooden masks of animals and deities that you see sold throughout the peninsula. 

In particular, you will see them in various artisanal stores throughout La Ermita, Centro and San Sebastian, or sold by vendors at ruins like Chichen Itza and Uxmal. (There seems to be more selection at better prices at the ruins). 

Soft, woven Yucatecan hammocks are another great investment and you can buy them for your garden. Since it is so hot here, locals often use them instead of beds! 

Treat yourself to a stay at a luxurious hacienda 

One of my favorite (if most expensive) hobbies here in Merida is trying to stay in all of the haciendas in the Yucatan. Yucatan haciendas are old, grandiose homesteads that were built by the Spanish conquistadors between the 16th and 20th centuries. 

The main building usually acted as a living quarters for Spanish nobles, while the rest of the hacienda served an industrial or agricultural purpose. Many thrived during the henequen boom, and they cultivated the henequen plant (sisal) to sell natural fiber products. 

Unfortunately, many of these properties were abandoned during the 21st century, but many have been renovated and transformed into indulgent luxury accommodations. Since there are only often between 8 and 12 rooms in a hacienda, staying in one is an intimate experience that often feels like you are in your own elaborate palace. 

A stay doesnt have to break the bank either. Many haciendas around Merida cost less than $120 a night, especially outside of the peak season. 

Which haciendas to consider 

Some of the best haciendas to consider if you want to splurge and treat yourself are:

• Hacienda San Jose
• Hacienda Santa Cruz
• Uxmal Hacienda & Plantation Museum
• Hacienda Misne 

Catch a Pok-a-Tok ballgame reenactment 

The Plaza Principal, aka the “Zocalo” is the main square in Merida, and the home of the Merida Catedral de San Ildefonso . This lively spot is always filled with street vendors, musicians and performers but on Saturday nights at 8pm, it is the site of the weekly Pok ta Pok ball games in Merida.

Pok ta Pok is the name of the Ancient Mayan ballgame that people used to play across the Yucatan peninsula. Players had to whack a sturdy rubber ball through stone hoops mounted high on the walls using just their hips. 

This was difficult enough as it was but there was added pressure as the losing team was often sacrificed. The reenactment is completely free and fun to watch, and there are also fire eaters and dancers. (Fortunately the losing team is not sacrificed!)

Admire world-class art contemporary art

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY) is a free museum housed inside a former colonial palace. It showcases the works of modern and contemporary Mexican artists , both emerging and well-known.

Sit on the “you and me” chairs

As you meander around Merida, you will often see pairs of little white chairs facing each other. These are known as “sillas tu y yo” or “you and me chairs” and they are only really found in this part of Mexico.

These chairs were installed around Merida in 1915. Nobody knows exactly why they were built in this style but local legend has it that a Merida resident was concerned about his daughter dating boys and sitting too close to them on park benches.

So, he designed the “sillas tu y yo” so that young lovers would sit and face each other rather than sit inappropriately close!

Check out the Domingo (Sunday) market 

The Sunday market (Mercado Domingo) is hosted every weekend without fail at Plaza Grande. You can pick up all kinds of artisanal products and handicrafts here. However, arguably the highlight of the market is the various street food on sale. Make sure that you come hungry and sample some local treats like salbutes, kibis, tortas, panuchos, empanadas, and tacos. 

Everything is incredibly cheap so it is worth ordering several different things and trying them all. In this part of Mexico, you will also find unique boiled egg empanadas stuffed with chaya (Mayan spinach) that should not be missed. 

Visit the Mayan World History Museum 

If you only visit one museum in Merida, make it the Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya (the Mayan World History Museum.) You will likely find this place interesting even if you don’t consider yourself much of a “museum person”.

The expansive museum complex contains a selection of Ancient Mayan artifacts that have been recovered from various ruins across the Yucatan. It is perhaps the second most comprehensive Mayan history museum after the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City . Better yet, the museum doesnt only focus on the history of the Ancient Mayans, but provides an in-depth look and discussion of Mayan culture and heritage, and how the Mayan people live today.

While away an afternoon in a quirky coffee shop 

Did you know that Mexico is one of the world’s largest organic coffee-growing regions? More than 50% of the world´s organic coffee is grown here so it makes sense that there would be several excellent coffee shops in Merida.

One of the best local places is JCs Tree Coffee and Gallery. (C. 39 449B, López Mateos). This charming cafe is housed inside an old colonial home and boasts gorgeous azulejo tile floors and high ceilings. It doubles as an exhibition space so you will often find the works of local artists adorned on the walls.

Nearby, Latte Quattro Sette (Calle 47 #465, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro) is a beautiful shabby-chic cafe that serves strong coffee and international brunch options, while Baretto Espresso Bar (Calle 47 478-por 54 y 56, Zona Paseo Montejo) and Cafe Latte Itzimna (Calle 18, Av. Rotary Internacional No. 101) are great for take out coffee.

Shop for beautiful one-of-a-kind clothing pieces 

There are several wonderful boutique clothing stores in Merida that are owned by independent designers.

Casa T´HŌ is a luxury concept restaurant and shopping experience set inside a 19th-century mansion that was formerly owned by the noble Mier and Teran Lejuene family.

The central courtyard features a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired fare by day, and live jazz and aperitivos by night. 

The rooms that center the courtyard have been converted into boutiques showcasing the creations of independent Mexican designers.

You can find everything from resort wear and swimwear, to formal attire. Aldrin Ayuso is another Yucatecan designer to be aware of who designs modern contemporary versions of traditional clothing like huipils and guayaberas.

For Tuluminati-style clothing, head to Jiwa, Coqui Coqui, or Kukul, and for understated, chic designs, add Juana Y Jo  and  Color Amor  to your radar.

Take a walking tour of Merida 

Opting to take a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings in a new city. Exploring with a local also means that you will obtain more information and context into the various buildings and neighborhoods that you see than you would ever be able to get independently. 

Better still, exploring with a Merida local means that you have a city expert on hand. You can ask them for their best recommendations for things to see and do in the city, where to eat a particular type of food, where to hang out, etc. 

Recommended Merida walking tours for 2024

A selection of reputable Merida tours that you may be interested in is detailed below for your consideration. Book your place online in advance to avoid disappointment!

• Merida cantinas walking tour
• Three-hour food tour of Merida, Mexico
• Merida street food walking tour
• Cooking class and shopping tour in Tekit, Merida

Have a scare at the Paranormal Museum 

One of the more unique things to do in Merida Mexico is the Paranormal Museum (Calle 63ᴮ 230 x8 y 10, Cortés Sarmiento). Mexican paranormal Youtuber Jorge Moreno owns this unique museum which contains more than 500 items sourced from across the globe that are supposedly haunted or possessed. 

Think of this place as the Mexican version of the Warren House in the United States. It is the only museum of its kind in Latin America. Highlights include dolls made using the same cut of fabric as the notorious Anabelle doll, dolls retried from the creepy Isla de la Muñecas in Mexico City, and voodoo items from New Orleans.

Admission to the museum is 80 pesos per person. When you arrive, one of the staff members will give you a tour in either Spanish or English.

Spend an evening at Parque Aleman

Parque Aleman is one of the best places to experiment with regional street food in Merida, particularly if you want to experience a truly local area away from tourist hordes. During the day, the park really isn’t that much to write home about, although there are some cute cafes that encircle the main plaza. 

It is at night that Parque Aleman really comes to life. Street vendors set up their stalls selling elotes, tostilotes and churros, and families and groups of friends have al fresco picnics on the benches and the grass. 

There are also fairground games and rides, and the park has a really fun atmosphere if you want to do something a little different in the evenings. 

Take a salsa class 

Many cantinas in Merida offer salsa classes, including the popular Dzalbay bar (Calle 64 x 53, Esquina, No.443, Centro). Since La Negrita cantina mostly plays salsa music and hosts live salsa musicians, you can go along there and simply try to join in with the locals too if you prefer not to have a formal dance lesson.

Take an electric carriage tour of Merida 

You will find little horse and carriage stations situated every few paces down the Paseo de Montejo. While the Merida horses look healthy and well cared for, I do not support animals being forced to carry heavy loads in this way. 

Fortunately, a more ethical alternative was introduced a couple of years ago and you can now take electric carriages around Merida. This is a great way to see all the impressive mansions on the Paseo Montejo and the Avenida de Deportista, especially when its hot and you dont feel like walking. 

Your driver will also be able to give you more history and context to the various architectural marvels that you see, and most are bilingual. 

Visit the Charrería 

Did you know that the “national sport” of Mexico is the charreria? This is the Mexican version of the rodeo and a great place to see bullriding, horse taming, and other equestrian activities. 

The sport has even been recognized by UNESCO.  You will find events hosted regularly at the Lienzo Charro Los Laureles (Av. Temozon 18260, Temozon Norte, Temozón Nte, 97302) near Temozon, just north of Merida. 

It is free to come along and spectate and the atmosphere is fantastic. Local men dress up like charros (cowboys) while women wear beautiful Adelita dresses. 

Head out to the Dzibilchaltun ruins

Depite being frequently overlooked, the Dzibilchaltun Mayan ruins are actually within the confines of Merida’s city limits and are one of the best archeological sites in the region. Local buses do run to the area, although the easier option is perhaps to take an Uber or an Indrive which will get you there in 10-15 minutes for just around $5-$6 or so. 

Dzibilchaltun means “writing on the flat stones” in Mayan – perhaps a nod to the old stone tablets found around the site, although time and the elements have seen their inscriptions worn away. The site is actually pretty large and dates back to 300 BC. 

The most notable structure within the complex is perhaps the “Temple of the Dolls” dedicated to Yum Kax, the Mayan God of Corn. Seven crudely made dolls with exaggerated genitalia were excavated from the area and believed to have been used in some sort of harvest ritual. 

Admission to the Dzibilchaltun ruins includes admission to the Dzibilchaltun museum where the dolls and some other artifacts are stored. You should dedicate at least half a day to this site. 

See a performance at Teatro Peon Contreras 

The Teatro José Peón Contreras is the home of the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra. It was inaugurated on December 21, 1908, and was designed by the architects Pío Piacentini, Enrico Deserti, and Fernando Ceicola. 

Theatrical shows, operas, and classical music performances are often hosted here. You can check their schedule online to see if there is anything that interests you that corresponds with your travel dates. 

Try a typical Mexican hot chocolate 

Since Mexico was the birthplace of chocolate, it makes sense that there would be plenty of shops and cafes where you can sample hot cocoa and other chocolate products in Merida. To sample a thick, rich, dense and sinful cup of thick Mexican cacao and other chocolate treats, check out the Ki’Xocolatl store in Santa Lucia or Mina Kim on Calle 61.

Spend a day at a ranch 

There are several ranches around Merida and the wider Yucatan peninsula that you can contact in order to explore their properties or take a horse ride. Rancho Don Chencho near Dzununcán village is one place I would recommend as the horses are well cared for and the owners are very nice.

Do note that most people in Merida do not speak English so it is helpful if you have some Spanish language skills. Be careful about riding horses if you are not an experienced rider as you do not know the temperament of the horses. 

Try an Ojo Rojo 

There are many Mexican drinks that you ought to try during your time in the country. One of the best-loved and fun to experiment with is the “michelada”, known as an “ojo rojo” in Mexico.

This is a beer cocktail that is made by mixing beer with tomato juice, soy sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and spices. Mexicans swear by it as being an effective hangover cure!

Make dinner reservations at Hacienda Teya 

While many haciendas have been converted into hotels, Hacienda Teya is a beautiful property that purely functions as a restaurant and an event space. It is one of the most sought-after locations to host a wedding or other forms of celebrations in the Yucatan. Their lunch and dinner menus are unparalleled and if you consider yourself as being a foodie traveler, this is absolutely one place that you must stop by while you are in town. The hacienda was founded in 1683 by Mrs. Ildefonsa Antonia Marcos Bermejo Calderon y de la Helguera, wife of the Count of Miraflores. It operated as a place to raise cattle and then became a henequen hacienda before being abandoned in the first half of the 20th century. Today, it is a symbol of the Yucatan and its cuisine has won several awards both domestically and internationally. 

Tour the Museo Casa Montejo

The Museo Casa Montejo is a grand colonial house that was built shortly after Merida was founded in 1542. It has been modified and restored throughout the centuries and today, it exists as a cultural space to demonstrate what life was like as a Merida noble in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is free to enter and worth a look inside. Sometimes, other temporary arts, culture, and history exhibits are also hosted here. 

Admire beautiful Merida churches 

The vast majority of the Mexican population is Catholic. So, it makes sense that there would be an abundance of beautiful churches scattered throughout Merida.

Even if you are not religious, you can appreciate their charm. A good way to explore the city and discover new neighborhoods is to search for old, historic churches on the map and make your way to each one, seeing what you stumble upon along the way.

The Iglesia de Santa Lucia is a magnificent church that dates back to 1620 and sits beside the central park of the same name. The Iglesia de la Tercera Orden is a baroque-style church with indigenous influences that is quite unlike anything you will find elsewhere.

Heading south from the city center, the pastel yellow Rectoría de la Ermita de Santa Isabel sits beside the park of the same name. A grand parade starts here during the Dia de Los Muertos festivities and the little adjacent park is a great spot for sampling different street food delicacies.

Treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay 

Opting to stay somewhere luxurious can really complement your travel experience. There are some gorgeous properties in Merida set in old mansions that seemingly transport you back in town.

Rosas Y Xocolate (P.º de Montejo 480) is one of the best luxury boutique properties in town.

The hotel sits inside two exquisite, restored French-style mansions. Each of the seventeen rooms has been decorated differently and boasts jacuzzis on the balconies and designer furnishings.

El Palacito Secreto Boutique Hotel is another great choice. This gorgeous 19th-century property has been decorated with ornate, authentic 19th-century furniture to give you the feeling of being royalty while staying in a secret palace.

Day Trips That You Can Take From Merida 

There are dozens of wonderful day trips that you can take from Merida to various cultural and archeological sites and truthfully, you could easily spend weeks/months here and barely scratch beneath the surface. (Heck, I have been living in Merida for 2.5 years and I am still constantly finding new things to love about the city!)  

Travel to Uxmal and the Ruta Puuc

The Uxmal ruins (pronounced “Uss-mal”) are what remain of one of the most important Mayan cities in Mexico. The UNESCO protected site dates back to 700 AD and was once home to 25,000 people. 

In many ways, it can rival Chichen Itza in terms of its size and the number of impressive structures within the complex. In particular, keep your eyes peeled for the Temple of the Magician (which has a fascinating legend behind it), the Governor’s Palace and the Nunnery Quadrangle. 

If you are renting a car in Merida or decide to catch the Ruta Puuc bus on a Sunday morning, you can also continue onwards to the other Mayan archeological sites along the Puuc route . 

Namely, the cities of Kabah, Labna, Sayil and Xlapak. 

With a car, you can also stop for ice cream in the charming village of Santa Elena, or swing by Mani , Muna, and Sacalum.  

Learn about the history of chocolate at Choco-Story 

Did you know that chocolate was invented in Mexico? Just across the road from Uxmal is the Choco Story museum which offers an interactive experience that teaches you about the history of chocolate. 

There are, of course, free samples to try, including chunks of chocolate and a delicious Ancient cacao drink known as Chokoj Ha. If you take the bus from Merida to Uxmal and need to wait for the bus back, the museum is a great place to kill some time. 

Take the bus to Playa Progreso 

The beach town of Progreso is the go-to spot for most Merida residents when they want to spend a day by the sea. While it can get busy on weekends, the waters are cerulean and the sands are soft, white, and powdery.

It is pleasant to walk, cycle or skateboard along the beachfront Malecon, stopping here and there for drinks along the waterfront. Vendors wander up and down the coast selling everything from chicharon to meringue (Yucatecan candies). 

You can lay down your towel wherever takes your fancy, or you can opt to spend a day relaxing at one of the local beach clubs. Slicer Beach Club is an upscale spot where you pay to rent a cabana for the day, while Marymar , is my favorite, that offers sunbeds, hammocks and a pool that are free to enjoy as long as you buy a couple of drinks and snacks. 

Check out the ruins at Mayapan 

The Mayan city of Mayapan is massively overlooked from most people’s Yucatan itinerary , despite being just over an hour south of Merida. Historians consider the city to be the “last great” Mayan settlement since King Kukulkan II and his people moved here after abandoning Chichen Itza. 

Many of the structures at Mayapan were built as replicas of the buildings at Chichen Itza and the large pyramid here is a copy of “El Castillo”. However, archeologists have noted that they were very much inferior copies, and that many buildings in Mayapan were built hurriedly, marking the beginning of the end for the Mayans. 

The site is seldom busy and you can climb most of the structures here and get some great photos. Entrance is 65 pesos for foreigners and free for Mexicans. 

Visit a Mexican ghost town 

If you have an interest in the eerie or the macabre, or you like doing things that are a little different when you travel, you will love visiting the off-the-beaten-path ghost town of Misnebalam . This “pueblo fantasma” was once a thriving farming community, complete with a grand hacienda (also now dilapidated and abandoned). 

In its heyday, more than 170 people worked here, but a number of reported hauntings and eerie goings-on over the last couple of centuries saw the residents gradually move away. It started when the former hacienda owner, Don Fidencio G Marquez was murdered in 1921, and people reported seeing his ghost wander around the grounds.

There have also been reports of a mischievous child ghost known as “Juliancito” and the ghost of a headless monk. The last Misnebalam residents finally left in 2005 and the town has been in a state of spooky disrepair ever since. 

When you head to Misnebalam today, you will see roads leading to nowhere, overgrown cemeteries, and signs advertising hotels that no longer exist. Even paranormal series like “Most Haunted” have been filmed here.

Explore the beach towns along the Ruta Esmerelda 

The Ruta Esmerelda is a gorgeous 98km coastal route that runs along the Gulf of Mexico in the northern part of the Yucatan state. It extends from Celestun in the west, to El Cuyo in the south. 

The spectacular Yucatan beaches found here could definitely give the better known beaches of the Riviera Maya a run for their money, and are characterised by their soft, powdery white sands and translucent turquoise waters.

Progreso beach town may be the most popular spot but some other great beaches near Merida to consider are detailed below. 

• Yucalpeten/pig beach – comparable to “Exuma” in the Bahamas where you can swim with adorable pigs
• Chicxulub – quaint fishing village that was the site of the Chicxulub meteor crash that wiped out the dinosaurs
• Playa Uaymitun – gorgeous tropical beach framed by palm trees that most people arent aware of

Take a day trip to Izamal 

The “yellow city” of Izamal is one of the prettiest pueblo magicos in the Yucatan peninsula and a steady trickle of tourists have finally started coming here in recent years. Everything in the city is painted in the same uniform shade of yellow – supposedly in honor of the Mayan sun god Kinich Kakmo.

A pyramid dedicated to this deity sits at the center of town and is one of only a handful that were not torn down by the Spanish. The hilltop Convento de San Antonio del Padua is one of the oldest convents in North America and is still in operation to this day. 

It makes a great spot to watch the sunset and capture some photos from above the city. 

Oh! If you decide to drive to Izamal, look out for the man selling ice cream from a thatched palapa hut on the side of the Merida-Izamal carreterra. You will see that someone has painted the word “helados” onto a giant stone. 

This Mayan man makes mouthwateringly good strawberry, vanilla and elote (corn) flavored ice cream. There is usually a line of cars parked at the side of the road and people waiting to try it!

Take a tour of Homun cenotes 

While there are several cenotes that are right on your doorstep in Merida, they are not necessarily the best ones to visit in the area. For the best cenote-hopping experience, spend a day in the little village of Homun. Homun is located in an “anillo de los cenotes” (ring of cenotes) and there are more than 20 in the area. You can reach Homun by car or bus and once you arrive, you can hire one of the local tuk-tuk drivers and have them take you to 4-5 cenotes. The cost is 200 pesos ($10) for half a day per person, and tips are always appreciated. It is worth paying for a guide rather than ambling around independently as many of the best Homun cenotes are spread out or located down rural roads and dirt trails.  

The Santa Barbara cenotes, cenote Cholul, and cenote Hool Kosom are all worth adding to your list. You can tell the guide what kind of cenotes you like (e.g. places with platforms for people who cannot swim, cenotes that are not crowded with tourists, etc).

Spend a day in Valladolid 

Valladolid makes a great day trip from Merida and is one of Mexico’s “Pueblo Magicos “.

The city dates back to 1543 and was developed by the descendants of Spanish Conquistadors. It was originally built close to a lagoon but then relocated inland, to its current location on the site of a Maya town.

This led to several violent clashes and fights between the Spanish and the Maya that would last for centuries. Modern-day Valladolid is sleepy and tranquil – a stark contrast to its violent origins.

Stop by the church of San Servacio, and the convent of Convent San Bernardino – one of the oldest convents in the Yucatan. There are several cenotes just outside the town that are worth visiting if you have access to a car.

Take a day trip to Chichen Itza

No trip to the Yucatan peninsula would be complete without visiting Chichen Itza . Take the first bus from Merida to Chichen Itza to get to the site as early as possible.

It opens at 8 am daily and if you are able to arrive before 8.30 or 9, you will be able to avoid most of the crowds. The site is actually more expansive than you may realize and you should definitely allocate at least half a day to your visit.

Aside from the infamous temple of Kukulcán, there are several structures to look out for. For instance, just in front of the main temple, is the “Tzompantli”, a small stone platform decorated with carved skulls.

The Ancient Maya would stack the skulls of dead enemies here in order to scare enemy tribes. A ten-minute walk past Kukulcán leads you to the sacred cenote where the Mayans would sacrifice men and children in order to please the gods.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Merida 

Do you have any further questions about the best things to do in Merida, or planning a trip to Southeastern Mexico in general? This article has wound up far longer than I intended it to be but as you can see, there are so many wonderful things to do and experience in this city.

This is, without hesitation, one of the most interesting places in the Yucatan to visit. 

As Merida continues to change and develop and as I discover new wonderful things in my home, I will add them to this list. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything. 

Safe travels and enjoy Mexico!

Buen Viaje! Melissa xo 

Melissa Douglas

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Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

rate per night

About Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

• Hostel Room An affordable stay with shared facilities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

Latest deals for Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

Amenities at deluxe hostels & suites merida.

• Outdoor pool
• Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Flat-screen TV
• Free toiletries
• Laundry service
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarms
• Air-conditioned

Accessibility and suitability

• Entire unit wheelchair accessible
• Increased accessibility
• Roll-in shower
• Shower chair
• Accessible by elevator
• Hypoallergenic pillow
• Non-feather pillow
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Designated smoking area
• Wine glasses
• Packed lunches
• Shared kitchen
• Special diet menus (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
• Family rooms
• Garden view
• Hardwood or parquet floors
• Soundproof rooms
• Soundproofing
• Storage available

Pool and spa

• Private pool
• Saltwater pool
• Infinity pool
• Plunge pool
• Pool towels
• Pool with a view
• Raised toilet
• Toilet paper
• Private bathroom
• Walk-in shower
• Laundry facilities
• Ironing service
• Iron and ironing board
• Pants press

Services and conveniences

• Concierge service
• Bottle of water
• 24hr front desk

Media and entertainment

• Shared lounge/TV area
• Terrace/Patio
• Outdoor furniture
• Socket near the bed
• Clothes rack
• Wardrobe or closet

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care
• Cribs available
• Swimming pool toys

Parking and transportation

• Private parking
• Fax/photocopying

Things to do

• Board games/puzzles

Reviews of Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

• Friendly and helpful staff. in 31 reviews
• Great location and awesome and super helpful staff! in 13 reviews
• Good value for money and very comfortable in 2 reviews
• Extortionate cost of car parking! in 4 reviews
• Close to the old city centre. in 1 review
• Family room with 6 beds. in 6 reviews

Show reviews that mention

The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information. See more

They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.

What are the hotel's unique amenities?

The hotel offers a variety of unique amenities such as a swimming pool, a shared kitchen, and a 24-hour reception.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel provides car parking, which is a convenient option for guests.

How is the quality of the beds at the hotel?

Guests have mentioned that the rooms are comfortable and the staff is helpful, but some have noted that the pillows could be improved.

What can guests expect from the hotel's food quality?

The hotel offers a great breakfast and the option to purchase coffee or Spanish breakfast. However, some guests have mentioned that the breakfast is simple but good.

What is the best time to visit the hotel?

The high season is in July, and the hotel is within walking distance to most of the tourist attractions, making it a great choice for a summer visit.

Book a Room with a View

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.

Consider Low Season Visits

Guests noted that visiting during the low season, particularly in April, can offer a quieter and more relaxed experience, with the added benefit of potentially lower rates.

Take Advantage of Nearby Attractions

The hotel's proximity to numerous attractions such as Acueducto de los Milagros, Arco de Trajano, and the Museum of Visigothic Art makes it an ideal base for exploring the area.

Check Room Amenities

Some guests found the hot tubs in the bathrooms to be old and not sufficiently clean. It may be worth confirming the condition of these amenities before booking.

Inquire About Noise Levels

Guests staying on the ground floor mentioned that noise from the lobby and other guests could be disruptive. Consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas to ensure a quieter stay.

Confirm Pool Availability

If planning a visit during the high season in July, it's advisable to check if the pool will be available, as some guests found it closed during their stay.

Utilize the Kitchen Facilities

The hotel offers free use of the kitchen, which can be convenient for guests looking to prepare their own meals and save on dining expenses.

Consider Room Size

Some guests found the rooms to be smaller than expected. If space is a priority, it may be beneficial to inquire about room dimensions before booking.

Plan for Parking

While the hotel offers parking, a few guests found the cost to be high. It's advisable to factor in parking expenses when budgeting for the trip.

Address Cleanliness Concerns

Several guests mentioned issues with cleanliness, including dirty floors, hair in the rooms, and a lack of cleanliness in the hot tubs. It may be helpful to confirm the hotel's cleaning protocols and standards.

What's nearby

• Acueducto de los Milagros 273 yd
• Arco de Trajano 0.3 mi
• Museum of Visigothic Art 0.3 mi
• Puente Lusitania 0.4 mi
• Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary Major 0.4 mi
• Plaza de Espana 0.4 mi
• Roman Provincial Forum 0.4 mi
• Roman Forum 0.4 mi
• Temple of Diana 0.4 mi
• Puente Romano 0.5 mi
• Alcazaba 0.5 mi
• Museo Nacional de Arte Romano 0.5 mi

Essential information about Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

When to book a room at deluxe hostels & suites merida, top tips for your stay at deluxe hostels & suites merida.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in February and June.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida, plan to stay on a Saturday or Monday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
• The cheapest price a room at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $72, while the most expensive was $72.
• How long should you stay at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

Where is deluxe hostels & suites merida located.

Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida is located at Calle Marquesa de Pinares, 36, 0.5 miles from the center of Merida. Acueducto de los Milagros is the closest landmark to Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida?

Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida.

Does Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida from the airport?

Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida is 25.6 miles from Badajoz Talaveral La Real.

Does Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida have a pool?

Yes, Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida has a pool onsite.

How does KAYAK find such great Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida in Merida and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY – In our big 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY aims to bridge the gap between everyday riding and trail adventures, promising to deliver fun both on and off the beaten track. With its practical features, mullet wheel setup and 170/174 mm of travel (f/r), coupled with a Shimano EP801 motor and 750 Wh battery, we found out how the MERIDA held up against the competition.

The eONE-SIXTY has long been an integral part of MERIDA’s portfolio and has already gone through several evolutionary stages, asserting itself again and again over the years. While the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K , which took part in our huge eMTB group test without price limit , features a carbon frame and top-tier spec aimed squarely at trail performance, the eONE-SIXTY 875 is aimed at a broader target group. It combines an alloy frame with a Shimano EP801 motor, which draws its power from an integrated, removable 750 Wh battery. Like its carbon sibling, the eONE-SIXTY 875 generates 170/174 mm of travel (f/r) and can be configured either as a full 29er or a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5″ rear wheel, which is the version we tested. MERIDA’S exciting new sizing and geometry concept allows most riders to choose from at least two frame sizes based on their desired reach. Tipping the scales at 26.1 kg in size M, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 is the heaviest bike in this group test, together with the BULLS SONIC EVO AM3. But is that a problem on the trail? More on this later! Retail price is € 6,599, which puts the MERIDA bang in the middle of this test field and makes it just over half the price of the 10K flagship model. But does that mean it’s only half as good? We’ll find out….

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 under € 7,000 – 5 affordable models in our comparison test

The MacGyver amongst eMTBs – What sets the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 apart from the competition?

At first glance, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 looks a lot like its carbon counterpart. It relies on the same modern design language and rear suspension design, with the shock merging seamlessly into the seat stays. One particularly noteworthy feature are the seatstays: MERIDA rely on flexible stays, which eliminates the need for a rear pivot between the seat and chainstay. That said, the alloy frame isn’t as tidy as its 10K carbon counterpart or the frame of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR . Like the Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy, it has visible weld seams, especially on the swingarm and bottom bracket area.

However, MERIDA’s engineers came up with a few clever ideas, providing the frame with several practical features: a small mud guard shields the seat tube from muck and water, while the swingarm has additional bosses for a longer mudguard – and there’s even a kickstand mount on the chainstay, which the more expensive carbon model doesn’t have. MERIDA also throw in a stem-mounted Lezyne E-BIKE POWER E115 headlight, which draws its power directly from the main battery, and comes standard with a removable USB tail light. This ensures a high level of versatility, allowing you to use the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY as an everyday eSUV during the week, and as a trail ripper in your time off. As usual, the Taiwanese manufacturer integrates a multi-tool under the saddle and a 4 mm Allen key into the rear thru axle, allowing you to carry out basic trailside repairs – even MacGyver would be jealous.

At the heart of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY lies a Shimano EP801 motor, which delivers 600 watts of peak power and 85 Nm of torque. It draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery, which can be removed from the down tube for external charging without the need for tools – provided your fingers are strong enough to release the locking mechanism. If you charge the battery directly on the bike, you’ll need a bit of patience to get the finicky charging port cover back into its place. For longer rides, the MERIDA battery can be expanded with an optional 360 Wh range extender, which is secured to the down tube with a dedicated mount, and bumps the total capacity to a whopping 1,110 Wh. Unfortunately, when using the extender, you can’t fit a water bottle in the cage. The Shimano SC-EM800 display is safely tucked away behind the handlebars and shows all of the most important riding data, like the battery charge status, speed and current support mode. Together with the Specialized Turbo Levo, the MERIDA is the only competitor in this test with a full-size display. In our big eMTB motor test, you’ll find an in-depth review of the Shimano EP801 motor and what other features it offers.

With the spec of the eONE-SIXTY 875, MERIDA focused on durability rather than bling. The Shimano XT LINKGLIDE 11-speed drivetrain works reliably in the background, with the slower gear shifts ensuring smoother shifting while at the same time increasing the drivetrain’s service life. The cassette has a narrower gear range than its 12-speed counterpart, but this doesn’t affect the bike’s performance on the trail. For the tires, MERIDA rely on fellow Taiwanese brand MAXXIS, combining an ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front and Minion DHR II in the slightly harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in EXO+ casing on our test bike. You’ll be pleased to hear that the production bike comes standard with the tougher DoubleDown casing at the rear. The RockShox suspension consists of a ZEB Select fork and matching Super Deluxe Select air shock, and while this can’t keep up with the top-tier Ultimate models of the Propain Sresh CF in terms of adjustability, it still delivers a decent performance on the trail. Braking is taken care of by Shimano XT four-piston stoppers which, together with the big 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear, provide reliable and powerful deceleration. MERIDA’s in-house 230 mm TEAM TR II dropper post offers the most travel in our test, and allows you to reduce the travel by up to 30 mm without the need for tools. In combination with the short seat tube, this is a key part of MERIDA’s geometry concept, because it allows you to choose your frame size based on your preferences and riding style rather than solely on your anatomy – awesome! Speaking of the geometry concept: although the eONE-SIXTY comes standard as a mullet bike, it can be converted to a full 29er using the flip chip in the upper shock mount.

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875

Specifications.

Motor Shimano EP801 85 Nm Battery Trend Power Internal Battery 750 Wh Display Shimano SC-EM800 Fork RockShox ZEB Select 170 mm Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select 174 mm Seatpost MERIDA TEAm TR II 230 mm Brakes Shimano XT 220/200 mm Drivetrain Shimano XT Linkglide 1x11 Stem MERIDA EXPERT eTR II 40 mm Handlebar MERIDAeTR 780 mm Wheelset MERIDA EXPERT TR II 29"/27.5" Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, MaxxGrip, EXO+/MAXXIS Minion DHR II, MaxxTerra, Exo+ 2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size S M L XL Weight 26.1 kg Perm. total weight 140 kg Max. payload (rider/equipment) 114 kg Trailer approval no Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

Integrated front light tool

Tuning tip: Arrange a test ride with two different frame sizes at your MERIDA dealer. Downsize if you’re looking for a more agile character, go bigger if composure is what you’re looking for.

The all-rounder? – The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY on the trail

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY plays to its strengths in many different areas. The comfortable, upright pedalling position makes it suitable for long days in the saddle, enabling epic backcountry expeditions without hurting your back. The plush suspension generates tons of traction on technical uphills and ensures a comfortable ride when you’re cruising your way back down into the valley. On steeper climbs, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, meaning that you don’t have to actively shift your weight forwards and can focus on the climb ahead. The Shimano EP801 motor packs a punch, but can’t quite keep up with the brutal force of the Bosch Performance Line CX, which comes standard with the Canyon Strive:ON and BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 .

With its countless clever features, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY makes your life easier.

When gravity takes over, there are no surprises with the eONE-SIXTY, allowing you to open the taps straight away. As a result, the MERIDA is equally suitable for both beginners and seasoned trail veterans. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, and there’s always enough pressure over the front end to keep traction. The eONE-SIXTY follows steering inputs with great eagerness, and only the Canyon Strive:ON feels more direct. Overall, the MERIDA is the perfect proof that weight isn’t everything: despite being one of the heaviest bikes in this test, it’s easy and predictable to ride and doesn’t require too much physical effort to swing around tight corners. It’s particularly great fun on flowing trails, making it easy to pop into the air or spontaneously change your line. When the going gets rougher, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is still reassuringly composed, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process, with the plush suspension absorbing impacts when you plough through nasty rock gardens at full pelt. While it’s significantly plusher than the Canyon, it doesn’t simply blow through its travel, providing plenty of support and keeping a little in reserve to deal with the occasional error of judgement or over-ambitious jump. Active riders who want to clock fast laps will miss some feedback from the ground on the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY. On steeper trails, the short seat tube and long-travel dropper post ensure plenty of freedom of movement, which adds to the already awesome sense of security.

Riding fun guaranteed – thanks to its good-natured handling, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY delivers top riding fun for both beginners and advanced riders.

Who should take a closer look at the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY and who should look elsewhere?

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is a great choice if you’re looking for a good all-rounder for countless riding scenarios: whether it’s relaxed one-day tours, tough trails or the daily commute, the MERIDA is suitable for a wide range of applications and rider types. Moreover, the intuitive handling makes it a great learning companion for beginners who want to improve their skills. On the other hand, sporty riders who want more direct handling to shave seconds off their PRs should take a look at the Canyon Strive:ON.

Riding Characteristics

User friendliness, value for money, trekking & commuting suitability, intended use, gravel roads, technical climbs, flowtrail descents, technical descents, our conclusions about the merida eone-sixty.

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY might not be as stylish as the carbon competitors in this test, but it manages to combine a wide range of applications. Above all, it scores with a first-class trail performance and appeals to beginners and advanced riders alike. At the same time, the countless clever features make it suitable for everyday life scenarios. Overall, the MERIDA is a very good all-rounder at a fair price, and therefore deserves our coveted Best Buy Tip!

• Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
• Clever detail solutions
• Versatile spec is suitable for both downhill shenanigans and everyday riding

• Finicky charging port cover

For more information, visit merida-bikes.com

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger

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About the author.

Mike Hunger

From slopestyle and landscape photography to enduro and action shots. Mike enjoys trying new things and loves action. He also loves craftsmanship, regularly going on road trips with his VW Syncro van, which he restored and converted himself. Of course, his bike and his camera are always with him so that he can ride the finest trails from Italy to the Alps and capture the most beautiful moments. Thanks to his training as an industrial mechanic, his experience in cycling and his photographic skills, he can apply his know-how perfectly as a bike journalist, testing the latest bikes and components and documenting his findings. As a photography nerd, he also captures the reviews with his camera and ensures that the magazine features only the best images.

INSIDER’S TIP: TASTE TRADITION AT HACIENDA TEYA

• Restaurants

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF MÉRIDA CITY

• Historic Sites

INSIDER’S TIP: DESSERT AT DULCERÍA Y SORBETERÍA COLÓN

Tour uxmal, choco-story museum, and hacienda yaxcopoil, insider’s tip: a taste of mexico city in the yucatán, insider’s tip: stroll mérida’s beautiful central avenue, treat your tastebuds with a cooking class and market visit.

• Cooking Classes

DELVE INTO THE RICH HISTORY OF THE YUCATÁN

Insider’s tip: a hearty breakfast at taquería la lupita, accommodation options.

ROSAS & XOCOLATE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA

MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN, MEXICO

HYATT REGENCY MÉRIDA HOTEL

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10 PLACES IN MEXICO WHERE THE LOCALS LOVE TO GO

The Top 5 Cities in Mexico

OFFER DETAILS Prices will vary depending on occupancy, availability, length of stay, and itinerary options selected. Itineraries are only available through the reservations line at 1-833-794-1694. Travel + Leisure GO pricing is only available to active Travel + Leisure GO accounts. Rates are subject to limited availability and may be discontinued without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. All monetary amounts are noted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. Itinerary pricing does not include additional expenses such as airfare, transportation, resort fees, taxes, local fees and other incidental expenses. Blackout dates may apply. Hotel prices displayed are per room, per stay based on the cheapest double room available, inclusive of all taxes and service fees — but exclude any fees payable at or to the hotel. Separate terms & conditions may apply for hotels and activities. Please check individual hotel or airline for details. Valid for new bookings only. Your credit card will be charged the total cost of your reservation at time of booking. No reservation is guaranteed until full payment is received. Void where prohibited by law.

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Beryl becomes 'extremely dangerous' Category 4 hurricane expected to bring life-threatening conditions to Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl has become an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm as it inches closer to the Windward Islands, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surge to the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday.

Beryl expanded its strength for two days, reaching Category 4 strength on a scale of 5 on Sunday before leveling off, the center said in a late-afternoon advisory.

With sustained winds of 130 mph, the storm was likely to be a destructive force through the early week as it aimed for a possible clash with Mexico's Yucatán peninsula around next weekend, according to the hurricane center.

"Fluctuations in strength are common in major hurricanes in conducive environments, and it is expected that Beryl will also fluctuate in strength for the next day or so," the center said in a separate forecast discussion. "There is high confidence that Beryl will remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in the Windward Islands."

Its center is expected to move across the Windward Islands early Monday, with hurricane conditions, including heavy rain, expected Sunday evening, the agency said.

The Windward Islands include St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Martinique. As of Sunday night, Beryl was about 200 miles southeast of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It was moving northwest at around 18 mph.

A U.S. hurricane warning is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago, where hurricane conditions are possible starting early Monday.

The government of Barbados began opening emergency shelters Sunday evening and ordered all businesses to close by 7 p.m. The Barbados Water Authority asked residents to store potable water as it would shut down water lines across the island Sunday night as a precaution, according to a statement.

The Barbados government said the center of the hurricane would travel 75 to 80 miles south of Barbados sometime Monday morning.

Government forecasters said the hurricane could pulse with renewed strength as it passes beneath Barbados, with winds associated with the storm projected to reach near 145 mph.

Flash flooding and hurricane-force winds are likely, the government said. Barbados officials also warned of a low pressure system behind Beryl that could become a tropical depression and affect the country Wednesday if it continues apace.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Martinique, and tropical storm watches are in effect for Dominica and Trinidad, which could all experience tropical storm conditions Sunday night.

“Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the eyewall of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands, with the highest risk of the core in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada,” the hurricane center said.

Life-threatening storm surges may raise water levels by 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in the hurricane watch areas and bring destructive waves to the coast.

Three to 6 inches of rain is possible across Barbados and the Windward Islands on Sunday into Monday, which may cause flooding in some areas. Up to 10 inches of rain is possible in some areas, especially in the Grenadines.

St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a national shutdown as a result of the hurricane warning that will go into effect Sunday 8:30 p.m. local time. He did not say when it will be lifted. Schools will remain closed Monday, and “employers are expected to cooperate,” he said.

In a Facebook post, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority asked the public to “remain indoors and away from glass windows once tropical hurricane-force winds affect the area.”

“All persons should avoid entering the ocean. Failure to comply with this request puts human lives at risk, including those of our first responders,” the board said. The board also encouraged tourists to contact their airlines to schedule flights home.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has canceled all police leave in preparation for Beryl.

“All officers are requested to report to the nearest police station by 6:00 p.m. today, Sunday, June 30, 2024,” it s a id on Fa cebook .

In Grenada, a state of emergency will go into effect at 7 p.m. Sunday and remain for a week, “unless earlier revoked,” Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said at a briefing.

The country’s National Disaster Management Agency encouraged the public to secure three days of nonperishable food and water as Beryl makes impact. Those in areas susceptible to storm surge were encouraged to move to one of the shelters opened across Grenada.

Mitchell warned the public that “this is not a drill.”

“We need to be calm, we need to pray, but most importantly we need to prepare,” Mitchell said.

All police leave has also been canceled in Grenada, and officers were asked to return to work, according to Mitchell.

Breaking news reporter

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

• € EUR

Yucatan Haciendas

The Yucatan Peninsula, especially the area concentrated around the cultural centre of Merida, is home to the country’s more famous Mayan sites (Chichen Itza, Uxmal along the Puuc Route). Not to mention many beautiful haciendas in sprawling estates and luxury hotels in countryside retreats, the colonial town of Izamal, and the coastal reserves of Celestun and Rio Lagartos.

Combining tranquility and tropical seclusion, accommodation here is often imbued with lots of character, luxury and rural activities as well as being well-placed to take day trips to the Peninsula’s Mayan sites and coastal attractions. You are also within easy reach of the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

• Private tours to local sites such as cenotes (natural bore holes), Mayan archaeological sites along the Puuc route, local towns

Itineraries including Around Mérida

Yucatan haciendas

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options

Mérida makes the Travel + Leisure top 25 best cities in the world to travel

Mérida appears in the 24th place in a select list of the 25 best cities in the world to travel, which is produced each year, with the help of its readers, by the Travel + Leisure specialized magazine.

These are the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, which in its 25th edition recognized Oaxaca in the first place, a city that also obtained the distinction as “Mexico Top City”.

According to the newspaper “El Universal”, the federal Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco Marqués, said that Mexico is the only country with four cities within the top 25, and he sent his congratulations to Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato (first and second place respectively); Mexico City (eleventh place) and Mérida, Yucatán (twenty-fourth).

This list is obtained thanks to the travel opinions of the readers of this specialized publication based in New York City, which is dedicated to giving advice and tips on destinations around the world and has also delivered these awards for the last 25 years.

The governor of Oaxaca, Alejandro Murat Casab, assured that the official announcement is expected this Wednesday, July 15, after 5 p.m., and on that day, Oaxaca will officially receive the “World’s Best City to Travel in the World Award” by Travel + Leisure.

Since 2017, Oaxaca has been listed each year among the best 15 cities on the planet and in the top five best cities in Mexico, according to this publication with a global presence.

Yucatan Times

Yucatan hospital sector is on the verge of collapse. – special report., mayor of bokobá, yucatan tests positive for covid-19, you may also like, quintana roo is on blue alert due to hurricane beryl, lobster season officially begins today, monday, july 1st, yucatecan hipiles and jaranas amaze parents and teachers at a school in the united..., as floods hit chetumal and cancún, more rains are predicted for the mexican southeast, imss carries out preventive actions for possible impact of hurricane beryl on the coast..., incoming agriculture minister julio berdegue says mexico will continue importing yellow corn from the..., leave a comment cancel reply.

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Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

Calle Marquesa de Pinares, 36, 06800 Mérida, Spain – Great location - show map – Train Access

Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida – rated 8.2 by recent guests!

Enter dates to get started.

Cleanliness

Value for money

Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida offers air-conditioned rooms in Mérida. Free Wifi is provided throughout the property and private parking is available on site. The guest house provides an infinity pool, solarium, and a 24-hour front desk. Accommodations for disabled guests are also available. At the guest house, all units come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. A terrace with outdoor furniture and pool views is offered in select units. The rooms are equipped with heating facilities. À la carte and continental breakfast options with local specialities, juice, and cheese are available daily at the guest house. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. For guests with children, Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida features kids pool. The guest house has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Merida Train Station, Los Milagros Roman Aqueduct, and National Museum of Roman Art. The nearest airport is Badajoz Airport, 29 miles from Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• 2 swimming pools
• Private Parking
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• 24-hour front desk
• Good Breakfast

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Breakfast Info

• Continental

Private Parking Available On Site

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Categories:

See what guests loved the most:.

Amenities of Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• Private pool
• Shared kitchen
• Socket near the bed
• Clothes rack
• Flat-screen TV
• Coffee house on site
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Accessible parking
• Invoice provided
• Baggage storage
• Board games/Puzzles
• Babysitting/Child services Additional charge
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• Key card access
• 24-hour security
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Designated smoking area
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Hardwood or parquet floors
• Packed lunches
• Soundproof rooms
• Ironing facilities
• Raised toilet
• Toilet with grab rails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Opening times
• Saltwater pool
• Shallow end
• Swimming pool toys
• Pool/Beach towels
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Fenced pool
• All ages welcome
• Infinity pool
• Plunge pool
• Kids' pool
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Beach umbrellas
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi

House rules Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida takes special requests – add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 6 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no extra beds available at this property.

All cribs are subject to availability.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Please inform Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

License number: H-BA-00671

FAQs about Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida

What type of room can i book at deluxe hostels & suites merida.

• Twin/Double

What are the check-in and check-out times at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida?

Check-in at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

How far is Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida from the center of Mérida?

Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida is 1,950 feet from the center of Mérida. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

Does Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida on this page.

How much does it cost to stay at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida?

The prices at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What is there to do at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida?

• Swimming pool

Does Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What kind of breakfast is served at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida?

Guests staying at Deluxe Hostels & Suites Merida can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.6).

The Best of Mérida

• Merida Roman Theatre
• Los Milagros Roman Aqueduct
• Roman Theatre & Amphitheatre
• Basilica of Saint Eulalia
• Moorish Alcazaba
• Casa de Mitreo
• National Museum of Roman Art
• Parque Natural de Cornalvo y Sierra Bermeja
• Talavera La Real Airport (BJZ) 25.6 miles

Train Stations

• Merida Train Station

Most Popular Cities

• Almendralejo
• Villanueva de la Serena

Personalized recommendations

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The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.

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When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.

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Check-in date

Check-out date

This Lightweight Bag Made Me a Travel Tote Convert

There’s a reason why it’s everywhere.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

For years, I was a proponent of the travel backpack . After all, who doesn’t like the ease of being hands-free?! Eventually, though, I found myself getting fatigued with the constant on-and-off motion it requires to access anything in it. With that in mind, I opted for a travel tote bag instead. And boy, did I find the holy grail of travel totes: the MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe , to be specific.

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe

Chances are you’ve seen an MZ Wallace bag or backpack on your commute, at the airport, or on the road—for good reason. You couldn’t miss that plush quilting even if you tried! And more often than not, I’d find myself gazing upon one of the brand’s most popular styles: the MZ Wallace Metro Tote. It wasn’t long before I had seen enough—I needed to know why these bags, particularly this tote bag, were such a presence in my life. And now, after carrying one to work and on a week-long trip, I finally do.

To my pleasant surprise, there’s a lot to love about this bag. I opted for the large size , because I have become one with oversized bags—well, that, and I typically bring a lot of things on my flights (you never know what you might need). To start, it fits just about everything. I was a bit wary about its puffy, unstructured design, but that worked to its advantage. At its most stuffed, I could fit a wallet, a passport, a laptop, an iPad, over-ear headphones, three books, a knitting project, pens, a denim jacket , and a bag of snacks, with plenty of room for more.

And while you might be worried about all those things swimming at the bottom of this bag, I’d like to also point out that there are so many easy-to-access pockets and zipper compartments that my things ended up being way more organized than I could have ever imagined. I’m talking three exterior slip pockets (one of which converts into a luggage sleeve), two zipped pockets outside of the opening, six interior pockets, and three detachable pouches —and I’m grateful for every single one of them. I even used the key ring leash, which helped me easily find my keys as soon as I got home.

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

There are few things I would change about this bag, because, admittedly, it’s damn near perfect. That said, there are some things that take getting used to, like the fact that there is no designated laptop sleeve. And while I love having an attachment to slide the tote on and off my carry-on luggage, I found the magnetic snap at the top to be a little finicky. I’ll also add that the large size might be too big for some, so if you’re looking for something a touch smaller (without compromising on function), the medium option is just as chic and practical.

Bottom line? I love this bag even more than I anticipated. It’s a bit pricey, but given all that it offers, I will say this is hands down worth it. Wherever you’re heading this summer, be sure to add this to your packing list. You will not regret it.

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