2026 Merida Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

📍Pink Lake🦩 Located about 300-350 km north of Cancun, on the Yucatan Peninsula💓 Although it is called Pink Lake (Pink Lagoon), it is actually a salt flat, just like the Uyuni Salt Flats, and appears beautifully pink due to phytoplankton‼🥰 The deep blue sky, white clouds, and pink lake create a truly breathtaking view🥺🥺 Some people say it wasn't as pink as they expected, but for me, it was exactly as shown in the photos😳‼ The pink color is especially vivid in the afternoon during winter when the sun is high🦩 I've always wanted to visit this place, and I'm so glad I finally did. I highly recommend it to everyone🥰

#wecreate Villa Mercedes Curio Collection is one of the latest and nicest hotels by Hilton in Merida, a recent adquisition and renovation had made this antique hotel to a new level. From the pool in between antique buildings and gardens to the gorgeous wood covered bar, the relaxing lobby and the friendly staff, this has been one of my nicest places in Merida, fully recommend. The spacious rooms and city views combined with the centrical location makes it just perfect for me. #hotel #merida #mexico #travel #yucatan #coffee #boutiquehotel

Address: C. 56 451, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico Atmosphere/Facilities: Features: This restaurant is located in Mexico. It is an American restaurant. It also has a lot of local Mexican food, which is quite delicious. I highly recommend quesadillas and fajitas. They are very local dishes. The price of the restaurant is similar to that of Taiwan, and the service attitude is also very good. If you are in You can try it in the city Price per person: 400twd Rating: 4.0

Merida is located in the northwest of the state of Yucatán. This colonial city has all the urban amenities you’d expect from Yucatán capital city, yet still retain the quaint small-town charm and colonial buildings. First things first, you might be wondering. What’s a Cenote? A water-filled cave or sinkhole, a Cenote is a body of water formed by the gradual dissolving highly porous limestone causing a collapse of the underground rock. Best Merida Cenotes. You might have guessed this, but by far the best way to visit all the best Cenotes is by a tour. Most of the Cenotes near Merida are found in rural part of Yucatán Peninsula, if you rent a car you can drive to each one yourself.

Chichen Itza is one of the most important landmarks and tourist attractions of Yucatan. As this landmark is very far from the nearest city, you need to arrange private transportation to get there or buy a half day tour which is quite popular. This tour will arrange round trip transportation in comfortable buses. The temple is really well preserved and is a pleasure to see in person. Be aware of the number of people selling souvenirs, they are everywhere so you must be patient and constantly say no. This is an incredible experience for those who love history and culture. #createwithtrip #chichenitza #mexico

#perthcityyy #hotelexperience

When traveling in Mexico, my favorite city is Merida. Mrida, the southeastern city of Mexico, the capital of Yucatan, with a population of 661,000 (2000), is an important cultural and tourist city of Mexico, and the famous attraction is the cathedral. I have always loved buildings like the ancestral hall. Therefore, I spent most of my time traveling in the city in the visit and shooting of the church. Especially when the night comes, there are local artists in front of the church to set the stage, perform flamenco dance and guitar performance, and you can integrate it without spending a penny. When you see the rise, you can also dance with the rhythm of music in the audience. That atmosphere is really good. The city has numerous colonial buildings, including the 16th century cathedral. It is a tourist base to the surrounding ancient Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza, Dzibilchaltn, Uxmal and Kabh.

We came to a small, unique city called Isamar. This is not a popular destination. There is no introduction to this city on the Internet, but it is a place that makes me feel very comfortable. The reason why it is called Huangcheng is because every building in the city is bright yellow. It is 70 km from Merida and is a colonial style gem. Once, it was used to worship the Mayan Supreme God, Izumna, and built more than a dozen pyramids. Later Spanish colonists occupied here and built a giant Franciscan monastery. is rated as the world's nine color city. This is not a color palette that God has overturned, but a brush that is unique in the hands of the painter.

This morning: Half-day tour of Lima Afternoon and evening: Arrive in Iquitos, check into a treehouse, and explore the Amazon rainforest at night. Lima: Nothing particularly special. The overcast weather made it rather gloomy. The overall development level seems less than Mexico. 📍Plaza de Armas and a few churches⛪️ 📍La Lucha: Beef sandwich + purple corn juice + fries 📍Helarte (very uniquely decorated) 📍Park of Love (walked along the beach) Iquitos: 📍Treehouse staff picked us up upon arrival. After about an hour and a half drive + an hour boat ride, we finally arrived inside the Amazon rainforest and checked into the only treehouse here🌳. We discussed the three-day itinerary with the guide. Tonight, we'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest at night🙌🏻 A very novel and unique experience!! (But there was really no internet🥹)

Immersed in the beauty of western Yunnan Looking up at the majestic Kawagebo🏔 The wind carries the gentle warmth of Tibet Facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain straight on at Tiger Leaping Gorge Below, the Jinsha River rushes turbulently - The charm of the western Yunnan wilderness is that it always holds a healing romance🌇 - p5🐶: my name is 🥔Potato! - tips: Physical fitness is the foundation But the right gear takes us further and keeps us a bit safer

Although I ate and drank well every day during my entire trip to Spain, if I had to choose the city with the best food, it would definitely be Seville. I visited several restaurants in Seville, and here are two I'd recommend: 🍽️ Mechela Arenal Restaurante (P1-5) I found this restaurant on Google Maps on the afternoon I arrived in Seville. Dinner service starts at 8 pm, and since I didn't have time to email a reservation, I arrived just as they opened and there were still bar seats left, so I walked in. Finally, after Mérida, I encountered a waiter who spoke fluent English. He was quite talkative, and on his recommendation, we ordered ham, foie gras, Iberian pork paella, squid ink paella, and a dessert. Every dish was delicious, but the most amazing thing was the complimentary pickles (P4), which were refreshing and delicious. The two of us leisurely ate for two hours, averaging around €27 per person. As we left the restaurant, some people were just coming in to have dinner… After learning that we were staying in Seville for another day, the guy from Mechel Arenal recommended two restaurants to us (P5 bottom): Parceria, a coffee shop, and Eslava, a tapas restaurant. He repeatedly emphasized that Eslava was a restaurant he had frequented with friends for several years; it wasn't fancy, but the food was delicious and the atmosphere was fantastic. So the next day at noon, we went to Eslava, located next to the church. 🍽️ Eslava (P6-9) The restaurant opens at 12:30. When we arrived at 12:40, the outdoor seating was already full, so we squeezed into the last two seats at the bar. The atmosphere was completely different from Mechel Arenal; Eslava was smaller, everyone was crammed together, and the plates on the tables were also crowded together. Loud conversations and laughter mingled together, creating a very lively atmosphere. Some of the more unique dishes on the menu were the cigar-shaped squid rolls (P6 top) and bird's blood (P6 bottom). Squid rolls go well with beer; bird blood wasn't very flavorful, even a bit tough, but it was certainly novel as a traditional Spanish recipe. Food-wise, I preferred Mechela Arenal. But on a bright afternoon, what could be better than ordering some appetizers and an ice-cold beer at Eslava? 👉For the complete 8-day, 7-night Spanish road trip itinerary, please see the previous post (or search "Spain" on the homepage).

This Yunnan trip was lucky not only because of the weather but also because of the friends we met by chance in Meili, forming a "Star Chasing Squad"✨ Photographing the starry sky, chasing the golden sunlight on the mountain, watching the morning mist at Songzanlin Monastery, turning the large prayer wheels for blessings, eating steamed native chicken, and even only learning each other's names at the end. Mountains and waters bring people together; the future holds many possibilities. See you again on the road!

Who understands! At Dingyangding Back Mountain, you can take in the entire Kawagebo’s golden sunlight and silver moonlight! 🌄🌙 This newly discovered private spot is so beautiful it leaves you speechless, sharing it with all light chasers! Compared to the crowded Feilai Temple and Wunongding, this whole mountain is yours, and every shot you take looks like a masterpiece. 📍 Location info There is a lesser-known hiking trail at Dingyangding Back Mountain (moderate difficulty, hiking boots recommended). It takes about 2 hours on foot to reach the best viewing platform with an unobstructed view, where you can see the thirteen peaks of Meili and face Kawagebo directly! You can also take a car; contact me via private message. ⏰ Best time • Golden sunlight on the mountain: Winter (November to March) has the highest chance. It’s best to arrive before 6:30 AM to secure the best spot. p8 • Silver moonlight on the mountain: On clear nights, after the moon rises (around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM), moonlight shines on the snowy peaks, creating a silver fairyland. p9-p10 📸 Photography tips • Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full panorama of the snowy mountains, with foreground elements like prayer flags or mani stones for more depth. • For golden sunlight, use a graduated neutral density filter to balance the light; for silver moonlight, use long exposure to create a silky effect. • Outfit advice: wear bright-colored jackets (like red or yellow), definitely wear a down jacket and gloves! 💡 Notes • The altitude is quite high (about 4500 meters), watch out for altitude sickness, and prepare oxygen and warm clothing in advance. • The mountain roads are rugged; it’s recommended to take the villagers’ shuttle car 🚗 • Respect local culture: do not step on mani stones or leave trash behind.

#falladventures Parque Central in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico is the vibrant heart of the city, where history, culture, and daily life come together. Surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture, including the iconic cathedral, the park is a lively hub for both locals and visitors. Stroll along the shaded paths, relax on benches, or enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes while watching street performers and musicians bring energy to the square. The park hosts cultural events, artisan markets, and seasonal celebrations that offer a glimpse into Yucatan traditions. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Merida’s historic streets and colorful neighborhoods. Parque Central is more than a park it is a welcoming gathering place that captures the spirit of Mexico’s Yucatan region.

To ride the buses in Merida, you download the Va-y-Ven app and pay with a credit card; no card is needed. The ticket on the app is a QR code, so you can board by scanning it with the machine next to the driver. However, the buses don't always arrive on time, and DiDi and Uber are cheaper and more convenient than in Japan, so I recommend using a ride-hailing app.

This time, I joined a local tour departing from Mérida city. While it's possible to get there on your own, considering transportation costs and time, a tour is more cost-effective and convenient, so I'd like to introduce it to you. ✨ There are many tour companies in the center of Mérida, Centro, and the prices are roughly the same everywhere. I chose the 1,400 peso plan (including lunch). *I signed up late the night before and was able to go. The entrance fee to Las Coloradas and the safari tour were an additional 700 pesos (foreigner price). We gathered at the meeting point in Centro at 7:00 AM and drove for about three hours. 🚗 There were convenience store stops along the way, so it was a relief. After arriving, I signed up for a 90-minute safari tour on site. English and Spanish were available, so I chose the English guide, but most of the participants were local Spanish speakers. The tour had many photo opportunities and I enjoyed the spectacular views of the Mayan Salt Lakes. 🩷 After that, we went on a boat jungle tour of Rio Lagartos. This is my top recommendation! You can see wild crocodiles, pelicans, and flamingos, and even try a natural mud mask! 🦩 Finally, we had a late lunch at a restaurant near the port before heading home. There are restrooms at each stop, but they may not have toilet paper, so bring your own. The sun is strong, so sunglasses and a hat are a must. ☀️ #TravelAdvice

The popular Maya Train takes you from Merida to the World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá in about two hours. You can reserve tickets in advance on the official website and reserve your seat. 🎟️ Prices vary depending on the season and flight, but they are slightly more expensive due to the foreigner rate. From Merida Teya Station to Chichén Itzá Station, take a shuttle bus (55 pesos one way) from the station to the ruins entrance. The ride is comfortable and air-conditioned, taking about 10 minutes. The local entrance fee for foreigners is 642 pesos. An English-speaking guide is available upon request, costing around 1,000 pesos. If you arrive between 8 and 9 a.m., there will be fewer people and you can take your time taking photos. 📸 However, the pyramids are backlit, so the afternoon is a better time to visit. There are restrooms, benches, and plenty of shade, so you can take a break while exploring. 🌿 The Maya Train is new, clean, and comfortable. The views from the train window are beautiful, and the fact that you can travel safely without joining a tour is a great plus. ✨ If you have time while in Merida, be sure to try this new mode of transportation and enjoy a self-guided trip to Chichen Itza! #TravelGuide #Mexico #ChichenItza

Introducing Mérida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatán state. This beautiful colonial city is known as "La Ciudad Blanca" (White City). Its downtown is lined with colorful, stylish buildings, creating an appealing atmosphere that blends European-style streetscapes with the brightness of the tropics. In particular, the Santa Lucía Park and Paseo de Montejo area are home to a collection of cafes and boutiques popular with tourists and locals alike, earning the city a reputation as "cafe heaven." The city as a whole is tranquil, and known for its relatively good public safety in Mexico. Even at night, strolling the busy downtown area is safe, making it a popular destination for solo female travelers and digital nomads. In recent years, the tram (Tranvía Turístico) has also been added, allowing you to leisurely explore the old town and enjoy the historic buildings and colorful streets. Filled with culture, music, and cuisine, Mérida is gaining attention as one of Mexico's "desirable cities to live in." #TravelTactics #merida #mexico #Mexico

Introducing a day trip from Merida to Progreso, Mexico! Getting to Progreso is easy via AutoProgreso bus. The bus departs from the Autoprogreso bus terminal (Calle 62×65, Centro) in central Merida. The journey takes about 40 minutes, costing around 30-40 pesos. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with return trips equally frequent. It's the perfect day trip. After arriving, stroll along the impressive Malecón, featuring its long pier, and enjoy fresh ceviche and tacos at waterfront cafes and seafood restaurants. Popular spots include Eladio's Bar and Crabster. For a quieter experience, Playa Progreso Norte at the northern end of the Malecón is a hidden gem. In the afternoon, take a kayak tour to see the mangroves and flamingos. Weekends are bustling with locals, so weekday mornings are quieter. The sunsets are beautiful in the evening, so it's a great time to relax at a bar along the waterfront. Bring a beach towel, hat, and water, and be sure to check bus schedules in advance. #TravelGuide #Mexico #merida #mexico

If you want to experience Venezuela’s natural beauty and quirky city vibes, this guide covers it all! From cable car rides in Mérida 🎢 to umbrella-lined boulevards and Caribbean beaches, here are my top picks and tips for a wild, memorable trip. Top Spots to Visit El Vigia Plaza Bolívar (J992+HCQ, Av. 15, El Vigía 5145, Mérida): This square is the heart of El Vigia—perfect for people-watching or grabbing street snacks. Roman Catholic Diocese of El Vigía–San Carlos del Zulia: A stunning example of modern Venezuelan religious architecture—snap a pic outside! Mérida Sistema de Transporte Turístico Teleférico de Mérida Mukumbarí (Final C. 24 Rangel, Mérida 5101): Unmissable! Ride the world’s highest cable car. Get tickets early and go for the morning views. Plaza El Espejo (20-52 Av. 8 Paredes, Mérida 5101): Charming plaza with fountains—great for a chill break. Boulevard de los Paraguas (local N, final calle 24, 8 C. 24 Rangel): Insta-heaven! This boulevard is lined with colorful umbrellas overhead. Las Heroínas Square: A vibrant spot packed with cafés and local energy. Pasapalos El Caldero: When in Mérida, grab local snacks here. Silva Morrocoy National Park (Parque Nacional Morrocoy, Tucacas 4101, Falcón): Open 24/7! Stunning beaches and cays. Pack sunscreen and cash, and arrive super early on weekends. Getting Around & Tips Public transport is basic—long-distance buses connect main cities, but consider private taxis for comfort and safety, especially at night. In cities, moto-taxis are quick, but negotiate the fare upfront. Mérida is walkable at its core! Money tip: Bring cash in small bills. Card acceptance is unreliable. Food tip: Eat local! Try arepas from street vendors (super cheap, super filling). Weather: Mountain cities get chilly at night, so pack a light jacket. #VenezuelaAdventure #MeridaMagic #TravelTips #MorrocoyDream

Exploring Venezuela’s hidden gems wasn’t just a trip—it was an adventure 🌟 From Merida’s wild ice cream flavors to turquoise coastlines at Morrocoy National Park, here’s my guide to the spots that made the journey epic. Top Spots to Visit: 🍦 Heladeria Coromoto, Independencia 3, Merida: World-famous for hundreds of ice cream flavors (yes, avocado and even sardine!). Tip: Go early, popular flavors sell out fast! ⛪ Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel de El Llano, HVV2+WFM, Merida: Historic church tucked in El Llano with beautiful architecture and peaceful vibes. Great for quick reflection or a photo op. 🟩 Plaza El Llano, HVV2+XHP, Merida: Chill place to people-watch or grab a bench snack—locals love it for meetups. 🌊 Morrocoy National Park, Tucacas, Falcón: Jaw-dropping beaches and cays, open all day, year-round! Tip: Arrive early, especially weekends, for easier boat taxi to the best islands. 🥘 La Sevillana, Zerpa 5 | Calle 29 Zea, Merida: Classic Venezuelan eats—try the arepas or beef stew. It’s busy at lunch, but worth the wait! 🦎 Escondite de la Iguana, Palavecino: Legendary spot for Venezuelan barbecue; huge portions, casual vibes. 🛍️ La Casona 2 Shopping Mall, Merida: Shopping, food court, and aircon relief—plus souvenirs if you need last-minute gifts. 🌻 Los Girasoles, Merida: Local bakery with amazing fresh bread for a cheap breakfast fix. ✈️ Merida International Airport: Super basic, so have snacks and water handy. Check flight status—delays happen! Getting Around: Local buses work for short hops, but taxis are faster—negotiate price up front. In Morrocoy, boat taxis are the only way to reach the best cays. Foodie Tip: Eat local—Venezuela’s arepas and tropical fruit juices are iconic, and Heladeria Coromoto is a can’t-miss experience. Weather: Dry season (Nov–April) is best for Merida and Morrocoy’s beaches; pack a light rain jacket just in case. #VenezuelaTrip #MeridaEats #MorrocoyBeaches #TravelHacks #tripdotcom

#mytraveldiary I just wandered through Mérida — the "White City" of the Yucatán, where pastel-colored buildings, lively plazas, and ancient Mayan roots blend into a captivating and safe solo adventure. From salsa dancing under the stars to exploring nearby cenotes, Mérida stole my heart with its warmth and authenticity. What Makes Mérida Special? · Colonial Architecture: Historic center with sites like Plaza Grande, Mérida Cathedral, and Paseo de Montejo. · Mayan Culture: Close to Uxmal and Chichén Itzá — two of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological zones. · Cenotes: Natural swimming holes like Cenote Ik Kil or Cenote Xlacah. · Food Scene: Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil, salbutes, and marquesitas. Why Mérida for Solo Travelers? · Very Safe: Often named one of Mexico’s safest cities — perfect for solo exploration. · Walkable Center: Easy to navigate on foot or by affordable taxi. · Friendly Locals: Welcoming and often bilingual (Spanish & English). · Great Base for Day Trips: Progreso Beach, Izamal, or Mayan ruins are all within reach. --- My Solo Itinerary Day 1: History & Culture in the City · Morning: Explored Plaza Grande — visited the cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno (murals inside!). · Afternoon: Walked Paseo de Montejo — admired mansions and stopped at cafés. · Evening: Joined the Noche Mexicana — live music, dancing, and food stalls (Saturdays). Day 2: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes · Morning: Took a colectivo or tour to Uxmal — less crowded than Chichén Itzá and stunning. · Afternoon: Cooled off in Cenote Xlacah at Dzibilchaltún or Cenote Santa Barbara. · Evening: Ate at Mercado 60 — a trendy food park with live music and local dishes. Day 3: Art, Markets & Day Trips · Morning: Visited the MACAY Museum or shopped at Lucas de Gálvez Market. · Afternoon: Took a trip to Progreso Beach (45 mins away) or the yellow city of Izamal. · Evening: Tried Yucatecan street food — panuchos, elote, and horchata. --- Solo Traveler Tips 1. Stay Centrally: Choose a hotel or hostel near Plaza Grande or Paseo de Montejo. 2. Learn Basic Spanish: “Buenos días,” “Gracias,” “¿Cuánto cuesta?” 3. Use Sun Protection: Mérida is hot — hat, sunscreen, and water are essential. 4. Rent a Bike or Take Colectivos: Affordable ways to explore the city and beyond. --- Final Thoughts Mérida was a burst of color, flavor, and kindness — a city where I felt completely at ease wandering alone, trying new foods, chatting with locals, and diving into cenotes. For solo travelers looking for culture, safety, and adventure, Mérida is a perfect choice. #SoloTravel #Mérida #Yucatán #Mexico #Cenotes

#holidayitinerary Wandering around Mérida feels like slipping into a slow and colorful rhythm. This city has such a chill vibe, pastel colonial buildings, palm-lined streets, and locals who actually smile and say hola. There’s music in the air, especially at night when plazas come alive with live bands and food stalls. The center is super walkable. You’ve got old churches, cool museums, and cozy cafés everywhere. Plaza Grande is a good starting point, and from there it’s all about strolling, snacking, and soaking up the atmosphere. The markets are awesome for trying cochinita pibil or grabbing a fresh juice. It’s a great base for day trips too, cenotes, ruins, and little villages are all nearby. The heat can be intense, so light clothes and water are a must. Mérida isn’t a place you rush through. It invites you to slow down, enjoy the little things, and just vibe with its warm, easy energy. Totally worth a few days if you’re in Yucatán.

📍 Mérida is a beautiful city in Yucatan. Close to a lot of attractions- pyramids, cenotes and even beach 🚩 Because it has an import it’s a perfect starting point for your travel around Peninsula. Starting from Merida you go to Valladolid- another Pueblo Magico. Don’t forget to visit Izamal on your way. Chichén Itzá and cenotes around it - easy trip from Valladolid. 🏖️ Uxmal, Puerto Progresso, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, cenotes 🚇 the best way to travel around Yucatán is to rent a car. It’s super cheap and way more convenient than buses 🏠 Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia in Merida, Margaret Hotel in Valladolid. 💡 Tips

The hotel is near to city center, free parking, walking distance to this lovely city!

Merida Market is a vibrant traditional market in Mexico City, offering a wide variety of stalls ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts. During my visit, I enjoyed an authentic Mexican breakfast, including spicy refried beans and corn tortillas. The market was bustling with people, and the vendors warmly greeted everyone, creating a lively atmosphere. This place is not only great for shopping but also serves as a window into the local lifestyle. Merida Market truly showcases the warmth and vitality of the Mexican people.

Compared to other Mexican cities, there are many new buildings and it has a more urban atmosphere 🏙️ The colorful and pop streets are so cute, like a theme park 🥹🧡 Beautiful buses are in operation and it's compatible with Google Maps, so it's super convenient to get around 🚌 If you use Merida as your base, you can also enjoy these spots ↓↓↓ ・Uxmal Ruins (Pyramid of the Wizard 🪄) ・Celestun Biosphere Reserve (habitat of wild flamingos 🦩) ・Cenote (natural pool 🏊) ・Izamal (the whole city is yellow 💛) ・Progreso (chill on the beach 🏖️) If you use a collectivo (shared bus), you can get there for less than 500 yen one way, so it's the best value for money 😆💘 Try taking day trips to various places using Merida as your base! #Traveling Abroad #Mexico #Merida #Yucatan Peninsula