A Seven Day Stay: Mérida and its Surroundings
The route that all visitors have been waiting for! Have you ever wondered what to do in the city of Mérida? Discover those hidden treasures near Merida, haciendas, galleries, theater, the refreshing beach of Progreso, museums near downtown, delicious regional dishes and more, keep reading.
Monday
We’ll get the week started with a visit to Progreso, just 36 km north of Mérida. Arrive in the morning and enjoy a delicious seaside breakfast at one of the charming restaurants on the boardwalk. While Progreso is a vast beach, it's perfect for taking it easy at a relaxed pace. On your way back to Mérida, swing by Paseo 60 for a laid-back dinner at the Food Hall Casa de Máquinas.
Tuesday
Why not make it a one-of-a-kind Tuesday in a Yucatecan hacienda? There’s a few options to choose from Mérida, such as Hacienda Xcanatun, north, or a little further away, to the south, Hacienda Santo Domingo de Yunkú. 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. On your way back, stop by Matilda Salón Mexicano to enjoy a cantarito and some tasty tacos, and celebrate Mexican Independece Month in style. In the evening, check out the new video mapping show at Palacio Cantón at 8:30 pm.
Thursday
Today, Centro is all yours. Start the day with a delicious breakfast and coffee at one of the charming cafés. In the afternoon, head to Santa Lucía park to enjoy the serenade featuring trova music and traditional jarana dancing; when it’s over (or before), head to Maya Chuc for Yucatecan food or to Peccato for Italian
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, 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
Discover Mérida's first Magical Neighborhood, which recently celebrated its first anniversary since being named: the Ermita - Xcalachén - San Sebastián area. And please, let us introduce you to the chicharra, the signature dish of Xcalachén. And you know what they say: when in Yucatán, do as the Yucatecos do. In the evening, how about stopping by the “La Peni” immersive experience? This interactive video mapping show takes place on the walls of Mérida’s former jail.
Sunday
Let's wrap up the week by enjoying a Titeradas show at Teatro Pedrito, a company beloved by many generations of Yucatecos. After laughing along with the entertaining performance, take a stroll through one of the city's parks to keep enjoying the afternoon.
More trips in Yucatán planned for you:
- A Seven Day Stay: Izamal, Maní, Kabáh, Tekax
- A Seven Day Stay: Celestún, Sisal, Dzityá, Progreso
- A Seven Day Stay: Mérida, Progreso, Chichén Itzá, Temozón
- A Seven Day Stay: Mérida, Uxmal, Motul, Telchac Puerto
- A Seven Day Stay: The Yucatán Coast, a Route
- A Seven Day Stay: Telchaquillo, Teabo, Valladolid, Cenotillo
- A Seven Day Stay: Ruta Progreso, Mérida, Acanceh, Valladolid
Photography by Juan Manuel Mier y Terán, Carlos Argüelles, Mónica Starling, Luna Barrera, Hacienda Xcanatun, Palacio de la Música and Yucatán Today for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 429, in September 2023. Last updated in september 2024.
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