A Seven Day Stay: Mérida and its Surroundings

Monday

We’ll get the week started with a visit to Dzibilchaltun, 15 km north of Mérida. On the way, enjoy an al fresco breakfast set to live piano music at Café Bar 500 Noches. Dzibilchaltún is somewhat spread out, but great for a laid back visit. At night, swing by Paseo 60 for an equally stress-free dinner at the Casa de Máquinas Food Hall.

Tuesday

Why not make it a one-of-a-kind Tuesday in a Yucatecan hacienda? There’s a few options to choose from from Mérida, such as Hacienda Xcanatun, north, or a little further away, to the southeast, Hacienda Santa Rosa. They both offer (with advance booking) day passes that will take you on a relaxing journey through time.

Wednesday

Take the guided tour of the Religious Art Gallery in Conkal (see p. 11) in the morning. On the way back, stop for seafood and tequila Jarritos at Charro Zarandiao restaurant, and then stop by the Desbordada taller (by appointment only) to discover their array of textile art. In the evening, take a nighttime tour of Plaza Grande, including the Diálogos del Conquistador video mapping at Casa Montejo.

Thursday

Today, Centro is all yours. Start the day with an out of this world breakfast at Matilda Salón Mexicano, and then head to Palacio de Gobierno to see both the history murals and the view of Plaza Grande. In the afternoon, get a terrace table at La Tratto Santa Lucía and see the Serenata, with traditional Trova and Jarana performance, while you enjoy a delicious pasta and nice glass of wine.

Friday

Friday is as good a day as any for an interactive tour of two of Yucatán’s most modern museums: in Centro, Palacio de la Música, the national center for Mexican music, and north of the city, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. When you’re done with the latter, and since you’ll be in the neighborhood, have dinner with a twist with Maya de Asia’s fusion flavors.

Saturday

Explore Mérida’s first Barrio Mágico (Magical Neighborhood), the recently appointed Ermita – Xcalachén – San Sebastián triangle; once you’re done, recharge with a meal at Johannes Comfort Food, within the Mérida Santiago Hotel. At night, don’t miss out on a tour of Mérida’s underground tunnels with the Noche de Leyendas promenade theater performance.

Sunday

We’ll end the week soaking in the sun and the sea breeze in beautiful Progreso. Get there early so you can have an oceanfront breakfast at Crabster; then, swim in the Gulf’s quiet waters, visit the Museo del Meteorito, and walk up and down the Malecón (boardwalk). If you get thirsty, you can’t go wrong with either a coconut Boli (frozen treat) or a drink at Mobula.