Mérida

Merida was so much better than Cancun, not so touristy and more real. I really felt like I got a taste of Mexico. There was a great market to shop and barter at, where I bought a blanket that’s lasted 10 years and is super warm. It’s very hot but totally comfortable, because the breeze always blows and there is no humidity. It was fantastic!

but still an incredible time! there is such a wonderful sense of community in this city. always something going on. the greatest is when they have outdoor concerts and they take over the street to set up chairs and a stage. the weather is warm and pleasant (at night) and you don’t realize how long you are out there just listening. my hotel was really pretty, affordable and extremely hospitable. look up “hotel maison lafitte”. just note they don’t have elevators for your luggage because it used to be a mansion (it’s converted) so mind there is going to be only staircases… (we had wheels on our suitcases)

we explored a cave (gruta) and a few hidden lagoons (cenotes). we visited chichen itza and uxmal (mayan ruins). we rented a car and drove to progreso. merida is great because it’s central to everything. best week i had all year. i would try to go in the spring though for the weather’s sake – avoid that humidity and rain – because i never sweated so much or got bitten by so many mosquitoes in my life! :)

Coastal cities in Yucatan are great, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen. But if you want to experience real Mexico, I recommend to get to Merida. Not crowded by American tourists like Cancun. People are relaxed. It’s also a good base to visit nearby ruins, if you are interested in history.

We honeymooned there less than a month ago.

It has been a while since I have been to Merida…’think we stayed in the Hotel Maria del Carmen (nice pool!). It is terribly hot in the interior of the Yucatan, but Merida makes a good home base for trips to the ruins in the surrounding areas…and the beach is less than 2 hours away. If you want to relax and kick back, the pace in Merida is perfect.