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Known as one of the safest cities in Mexico, Merida is a popular destination for both expatriates and tourists with its rich history, lively culture, amazing food, and great shopping.

The city was founded in 1542 by a Spanish conquistador named Francisco de Montejo y Leon and is the capital of the state of Yucatan. It has a distinctly European feel, with parks dotted throughout the city, centuries-old churches, intricate architecture, and many shops and cafes. The architecture is particularly beautiful, with its vibrant colors and noteworthy details. Once in a while, you’ll be able to take a peek through a colonial edifice and see a magnificent atrium filled with light, plants, and maybe a fountain or chairs and a table.

Mexico is a beautiful country full of gems of all sorts-food, culture, history, and natural beauty—and Merida is one of them. As one of Mexico’s safest cities, Merida is a great place to start your discovery of the country and all it has to offer. 

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An Alluring Facade In A Street In Merida, Mexico

An Alluring Facade In A Street In Merida, Mexico

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Timbob
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By “captivating “, do you mean a place that experiences a lot of kidnapping for ransom ?

In addition to the many historic buildings you can visit, including the Casa de Montejo, the Casas Gemelas (Twin Houses), theaters, and churches, there are always events going on such as folkloric dances, markets, and the cathedral light show.

As if that wasn’t enough, Merida has several cultural centers for the arts and dance as well as museums of anthropology, natural history, art, and Mayan history.

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    A Bougainvillea Growing Over A Window In Merida, Mexico

    A Bougainvillea Growing Over A Window In Merida, Mexico

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    A Picturesque Street In Merida, Mexico

    A Picturesque Street In Merida, Mexico

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    Walking around is a breeze and the best way to enjoy the architecture and various activities, but if you need a break from the hot sun, taxis and buses abound. When you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t miss the exquisite Yucatecan food; there is even a museum dedicated to it, called Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca. I highly recommend the Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork). It is delicious!

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    Vividly Painted Building Facades In Merida, Mexico

    Vividly Painted Building Facades In Merida, Mexico

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    A Quaint View In Merida, Mexico

    A Quaint View In Merida, Mexico

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    As you are out and about, take advantage of the affordable wares some stores have to offer. You can buy traditional shirts, textiles, arts and crafts, liquor, and food, all made by artisans. I knew I could not leave without buying some Mayan chocolate at Ki’Xocolatl! It was scrumptious! The dark chocolate with spices from Chiapas was particularly tasty.

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    An Atrium Inside A Colonial Building

    An Atrium Inside A Colonial Building

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    Old Buildings In Merida, Mexico

    Old Buildings In Merida, Mexico

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    If you have the time, you can visit some incredible places not far from Merida, including the yellow town of Izamal, cenotes (freshwater-filled sinkholes), Las Coloradas (pink lakes), and Mayan sites such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza.

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    Colorful, Colonial Buildings In Merida, Mexico

    Colorful, Colonial Buildings In Merida, Mexico

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    SlothyK8
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to go to Merida so badly, but it's always so blazing hot there. I was in Oaxaca in June and almost fried.

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    An Elegant Entryway In Merida, Mexico

    An Elegant Entryway In Merida, Mexico

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    The Intricately Detailed Entryway Of Casa Morisca

    The Intricately Detailed Entryway Of Casa Morisca

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    A Beautiful Facade In Merida, Mexico

    A Beautiful Facade In Merida, Mexico

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    San Ildefonso Cathedral In Merida, Mexico

    San Ildefonso Cathedral In Merida, Mexico

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    The Municipal Palace In Merida, Mexico

    The Municipal Palace In Merida, Mexico

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    Old, Colonial Buildings In Merida, Mexico

    Old, Colonial Buildings In Merida, Mexico

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    A Street In Merida, Mexico

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    One Of The Two Casas Gemelas

    One Of The Two Casas Gemelas

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    A Street In Merida, Mexico

    A Street In Merida, Mexico

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    Santa Ana Church In Merida, Mexico

    Santa Ana Church In Merida, Mexico

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    An Atrium With Tables And Chairs In Merida, Mexico

    An Atrium With Tables And Chairs In Merida, Mexico

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    A Restored Building In A Street In Merida, Mexico

    A Restored Building In A Street In Merida, Mexico

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    A Charming Entryway In A Colonial Building In Merida, Mexico

    A Charming Entryway In A Colonial Building In Merida, Mexico

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    A Colonial Building In A Street In Merida, Mexico

    A Colonial Building In A Street In Merida, Mexico

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    Dragon Sconces In Merida, Mexico

    Dragon Sconces In Merida, Mexico

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    Casa Morisca In Merida, Mexico

    Casa Morisca In Merida, Mexico

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    A Mural For A Restaurant In Merida, Mexico

    A Mural For A Restaurant In Merida, Mexico

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    A Red, Colonial Building In Merida, Mexico

    A Red, Colonial Building In Merida, Mexico

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    An Arcade At Parque Santa Lucia

    An Arcade At Parque Santa Lucia

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    Architectural Details In Merida, Mexico

    Architectural Details In Merida, Mexico

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    Arco De San Juan In Merida, Mexico

    Arco De San Juan In Merida, Mexico

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    Iglesia De San Cristobal In Merida, Mexico

    Iglesia De San Cristobal In Merida, Mexico

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