A Seven Day Stay - October 2019

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

Stay at Hotel Casa Lecanda and walk down the streets of Centro to see the city. Have a bite at Manjar Blanco, in front of Parque Santa Ana and spend the afternoon touring Paseo de Montejo. Finish your first day with delicious coconut ice cream at the iconic Sorbetería Colón.

Tuesday

Pack snacks and lots of water to discover the Convent Route. First, visit the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Acanceh; then the majestic site of Mayapán; continue on your way to cenote Nah Yah, and finish with lunch at Príncipe Tutul Xiu in Maní. Drive back to Mérida, you’ll sleep like a baby.

Wednesday

Have breakfast at a real Yucatecan institution: Cafetería Pop. After, spend the day exploring the Centro Histórico and making stops at the Plaza Grande, the MACAY, and the Catedral San Ildefonso. At 8 pm, check out the night tour at the cemetery and learn all about this cool site.

Thursday

Start your day at MidTown Café and then get ready to see the dark caves in Calcehtok and the nearby site of Oxkintok; be sure to wear good climbing shoes! Come back to Mérida for Noches de Jarana at MUGY and watch the show while you enjoy mouthwatering Yucatecan food.

Friday

Take the bus to Progreso for a swim, Pulpo al Ajillo, relaxing on the beach, and a stroll along the new Malecón Internacional. Come back to Mérida after a day of relaxation and go to Paseo 60, you’ll love the varied dinner options and the Friday night ambiance.

Saturday

Visit the Iglesia del Jesús (Tecera Orden) and try to point out some of the stones with Maya designs that are still visible on its façade. Finish your expedition with Kibbeh and Labne at Café Alameda. In the evening, make your way to Mercado Norte for live music and plenty of yummy food choices.

Sunday

Have breakfast at Te Extraño, Extraño and stay to see the works of art in Lagalá and the beautiful pieces in IMOX. Walk to Parque de Santa Lucía where you can continue browsing through great stores and looking at the architecture. For your last dinner, try the Mexican-Mediterranean flavors of Rosa Sur 32º.

Editorial by Maggie Rosado
Photography by several sources for use in Yucatán Today