A Seven-Day Stay in Yucatán – September 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 bright and sunny Mérida and get to know the “Zocalo.” Peruse the galleries of the Palacio de Gobierno, take in the colonial elegance of Casa Montejo, and shop for hand-made souvenirs from the street vendors. Have dinner at one of the many world-class restaurants in Parque de Santa Lucía.

Tuesday

Head out early for a day trip to Celestún, where you’ll take a guided boat tour through the mangroves to the paradise of perfectly pink flamingos. Enjoy the catch of the day at one of the local restaurants before heading back to Mérida for a zesty dinner at El Peruano.

Wednesday

Spend the morning shopping at Casa Tōh, El Estudio, and La Poshería on Paseo de Montejo, then stop by the museum El Palacio Cantón. Spend a lazy afternoon on a cantina tour through the Centro, hitting up La Negrita, El Cardenal, El Dzalbay, topping it off at Casa Chica bar.

Thursday

Take a day trip into the past with a visit to the Ruta Puuc. Hit up the never-ending caves of Lol-Tun and the archaeological sites of Sayil, Kabah, and Labnah. On your way back to Mérida, stop by Principe Tutul Xiu in Ticul for mouthwatering traditional dishes: Cochinita Pibil, Papadzules, and Relleno Blanco.

Friday

Spend the morning reading at Café Montejo or Manifesto Café in Santiago, then indulge in a decadent spa treatment at Rosas & Xocolate. In the afternoon, head uptown and visit the interactive museum El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and have dinner and dance at Nación Gourmet, a global culinary experience.

Saturday

Go on a cenote hunting adventure and replenish your wellbeing with bright, blue healing waters. Take an unforgettable tour of Los 7 Cenotes, by booking online at www.los7cenotes.com. Return to Mérida’s Plaza Grande by 8 pm for the reenactment of the ancient Maya ballgame, “Pok ta Pok.”

Sunday

On your last day, rent bikes and pedal through Mérida en Domingo (Sunday) – from the Monumento a la Patria to La Ermita. You’ll find all kinds of street-side treasures. Try a “marquesita,” then have dinner at Catrín, a bright new restaurant which takes you on a tour of Mexican cuisine.