A Seven-Day Stay in Yucatán July 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 sunny Mérida and dive right in to Yucatecan culture, with a free tour of the historic Centro, leaving at 9:30 am from the Palacio Municipal. Enjoy lunch at Los Platos Rotos de Frida on Calle 61, then head out by 7:30 pm for dancing to the music of The Dreamers at El Cardenal Cantina.

Tuesday

Learn about the historic impact of henequén with a day trip to the living museum, Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, and have lunch in the restaurant. Return to Mérida and shop for chocolate souvenirs in Parque de Santa Lucia at Ki’Xocolatl, and head out for a romantic dinner across the street at Peruano.

Wednesday

Grab coffee at Midtown Café, then spend the morning at the museum Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, where you’ll learn more than you can imagine. Return to Centro for afternoon shopping along Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60, then at 8 pm take the night tour of the city cemetery.

Thursday

Wake up early for a trek to the southern part of the state to the Ruta Puuc, where you can visit three archaeological sites in one day: Sayil, Labná, and Kabah. Visit the caves of Loltún, then take a dip in the luxurious pool of The Lodge at Uxmal, where you’ll stay the night.

Friday

Start the day with a visit to the expansive archaeological site, Uxmal. On the way back to Mérida, stop at Cenote Kankirixché for a refreshing swim in the underworld. Rest up for a night of partying, starting with Salsa dancing at Mercado 60 with late-night at Fundación La Mezcalería.

Saturday

Visit the farmer’s market “Slow Food,” on Ave. Reforma, and enjoy fresh sweet breads while shopping for local products. Visit SoHo Galleries and the church of Santa Ana, then check out the street vendors on Calle 60 at night. Have “chilaquiles” pizza for dinner at the cool new pizza joint, Illuminati.

Sunday

Streets close down for bike traffic until 1 pm on Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60. Fun for the family, enjoy a street-side “marquesita” (similar to a crepe) and have a late lunch at Hennessy’s Irish Pub. Spend the afternoon exploring the colorful architecture of the Itzimná and “La Ermita “barrios.”