A Seven-Day Stay in Yucatán April 2018

With 106 municipalities, countless cenotes, beaches, archaeological sites, and haciendas, Yucatán boasts one of the world’s densest cultural landscapes thanks to its ancient and contemporary Maya population. Accept that you’ll never be able to explore it all, but pack in as much as possible with our monthly recommendations for a week-long adventure. Sift through the archives on our website to mix and match your perfect trip!

Monday

Arrive to colorful Mérida and check in to the luxurious Rosas & Xocolate – you’ll love the pool this time of year. Wander the streets and have lunch at Patio 57. Be in the Zócalo by 9 pm to grab a “marquesita” and observe traditional dress and tunes at the weekly “Vaquería.”

Tuesday

Breakfast at Chilakillers before the free city tour at 9:30 am leaving from the Palacio Municipal in Mérida Centro. Eat a Yucatecan lunch at the Mercado of Santa Ana (“panuchos” or “sopa de lima”), then stroll down Paseo de Montejo, shopping at La Poshería, El Estudio, and Casa T’hó. Dance to musical memories from the 40s in Parque Santiago at 8:30 pm.

Wednesday

Head out early for a day trip to Uxmal. Stop at the lookout point in Muna, where you can buy amazing local handicrafts and honey. On the way back, refresh yourself in the cool waters of Cenote Kankirixché. Wind down with soft jazz at Mercado 60 in Mérida Centro.

Thursday

Museum hop in Mérida’s historic Centro, visiting Museo Palacio Cantón, Casa Montejo, and the Museum of Contemporary Art “MACAY.” Have lunch at cozy and delicious Maiz, Cilantro y Canela and dinner at one of Mérida’s most classic restaurants, Trotter’s.

Friday

Leave early and explore the archaeological site of X’cambó, then enjoy the afternoon in the coconut groves of San Crisanto at the Balneario Zac-Ha. From there, take a boat tour of the mangroves, and swim with enormous, gentle fish in the hidden freshwater “ojo de agua.”

Saturday

Visit at least three cenotes in the town of Cenotillo, home to hundreds of these underground oases. Back in Mérida, live up the nightlife with a tropical cocktail at my new favorite hotspot, Casa Chica, then dance the night away until the wee hours at La Pulquerida or La Mezcalería.

Sunday

Wind down the week with a visit to the golden town of Izamal. Explore the convent and archaeological site, which present a tri-fold history: pre-colonial, colonial, and the living history of the Maya today. Enjoy an unforgettable meal at Kinich, complete with hand-made corn tortillas.

By Amanda Strickland

Other Seven-Day Stays in Yucatán:

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Pack in as much as possible on your weeklong stay in Mérida. Our 7 Day Stay encourages you to get a little taste of everything: archaeology, gastronomy, music, shopping, beaches, and cenotes!