Nestled in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, is a wonderful combination of the old and the new. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, the more than a million people living in the city still call themselves Yucatecans. Yes, these descendants of the illustrious Mayan race are proud of their heritage. Their pride still shows in their city aptly called the White City not only because of the use of white limestone for their building material but also because of the city’s cleanliness. Secluded from the outside world until the mid 20th century, the people of Merida have preserved its culture and tradition giving it a quaint and distinctive modern society. There are plenty of must see attractions in Merida, Mexico.

Cultural and Heritage Sites

Not to miss is the Regional Anthropology and History Museum where you could view original carvings made of stone and copper from Mayan ruins. For those interested in Mayan civilization a trip to the Mayapan Mayan ruins and Uxmal ruins are highly recommended. Situated on Calle 65 is the Museum of the City of Merida. Exhibits depicting the earliest known facts of Merida as the Mayan city called of T’ho, to the period of conquest of the Spaniards then to the golden years of the henequen and finally to the city of Merida today. The Paseo de Montejo Boulevard boasts some of the most outstanding and grand colonial homes in Merida. The boulevard, patterned after its Paris counterpart, is teeming with picturesque shops and old-world restaurants.  These places are must see attractions in Merida, Mexico.

Haciendas and Palacios

Built in the 17th century the Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a plantation parallel to North American plantations of the South. This Yucatan plantation has been greatly preserved but not restored like the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. The said hacienda has been thriving for the last 100 years.  Architecture enthusiast will find Palacio Montejo, an impressive example of Spanish colonial architecture. The Montejo family founded Merida in 1549. The Palacio Municipal or Town Hall is also worth the view for it was originally built in the 18th century.  Housing some 27 life size murals is the Palacio de Govierno. The murals depict the seemingly bloody and violent Yucatan history.

Other Points of Interest

The Plaza Principal is Merida’s heart. From this point you could see the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the Governor’s Palace. Enjoy a buggy ride right at the heart of Merida. The Catedral de San Ildefonso is a must see attraction in Merida, Mexico. The imposing church was built in 1561 and is the oldest cathedral in this side of the world. Murals inside the cathedral illustrate the meeting between the Mayan King Tutl Xiu and Francisco Montejo.

The people of Merida are one big family. They are warmhearted and hospitable. Aside from the must see attractions in Merida, Mexico, experiencing the people, food, culture and traditions of the city are attractions themselves.  

By: D. More

When visiting Merida, treat yourself to staying in this unique upscale Bed & Breakfast and a Guest house in Merida, Mexico. Located 4 blocks from the main square, it is a charming, romantic place with only three beautiful bedrooms. Why not see it for yourself here: http://mi-esquina.com

One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is deciding where to go on your honeymoon. Sometimes the couple discusses this and chooses a place together. Other times the groom-to-be chooses a place and surprises the bride. Whatever the case may be there are seven good reasons to choose Merida for a honeymoon.

Honeymoon Packages

By checking with your travel agent or searching online you can find out what honeymoon packages are available. They can include things such as accommodations in a suite, a daily buffet breakfast, a romantic dinner under the stars or a Mayan massage for two. Sometimes a package deal will be more reasonable than making the arrangements yourself. It is definitely less time consuming. 

The City Itself

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan Peninsula with a lovely touch of Mayan history. There are many things to see and do inside the city itself and nearly every day of the week there are public events to participate in. The year round weather averages 80 degrees. The most popular vacation time is December through April. All of these make good reasons to choose Merida for a honeymoon getaway. Merida is also considered to be the safest city in Mexico.

Excellent Accommodations

If you don´t select a honeymoon package with hotel included, you don´t have to worry about finding a nice place to stay.  Merida has excellent accommodations that fit every budget. There are simple to luxurious hotel rooms and suites, bed and breakfast inns and history filled haciendas where you can honeymoon.

Things to See and Do

Merida is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. You can visit old cathedrals, museums, churches and the Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza. There are also special tours, such as bird-watching, archeology, kayaking and other special interests that can be arranged. One of the good reasons to choose Merida for a honeymoon is that there are many options to choose from within Merida and in the surrounding area.

Beautiful Beaches

Merida is inland and doesn´t have its own beach, but there are beaches close by that you can visit. There is nothing more romantic than strolling along the beach in the early morning or in the evening when the sun is setting. There are public beaches where all the tourists gather and there are more secluded, less known beaches. Do you need any more good reasons to choose Merida for a honeymoon?

He Will Love It

The groom will love taking his honeymoon in Merida because it is a romantic place and economical in comparison to what the same thing would cost elsewhere. The good exchange rate helps lower the cost considerably. If you have extra cash you won´t have a problem finding ways to spend it. In Merida you can live and dine like a king on a poor man´s budget!

She Will Love It

The powdery white beaches with crystal clear blue water and romantic sunsets along with a lavish room will satisfy her craving for a romantic getaway. The magnificent shopping, Mayan history and interesting night life will make for a honeymoon she will never forget. 

  When visiting Merida, treat yourself to staying in this unique upscale Bed & Breakfast and a Guest house in Merida, Mexico. Located 4 blocks from the main square, it is a charming, romantic place with only three beautiful bedrooms. Why not see it for yourself here: http://mi-esquina.com

Merida is the capital city of Yucatan located at the very heart of the Yucatan peninsula. This city is often dubbed as “White City” because its buildings are made of white stones and because of its immaculate cleanliness. Others say that it is due the historic fact that anyone who is “non-white” is not allowed to enter the city. The term was said to be coined by the Maya Indians during the periods of rebellion. It is also often called as “Paris of he West” by many because rich citizens of the city had once imported so many products ans architectural styles from France; and also due to being the center of culture and government in Yucatan.

The city was founded by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco de Montejo – also known as “El Adelantado”, in 1542. The conquest to win the east Yucatan peninsula was originally commissioned by his father, also named Francisco de Montejo, and Hernan Cortes. However, his father failed because of the fierce resistance encounters from the Maya. He and his men then returned to Mexico barren and disillusioned. After which, he handed the mission over to his son who eventually succeeded in subduing the west Yucatan peninsula.
		Francisco de Montejo “El Adelantado”

Merida was then built on top of T’ho, one of the Mayan cities in the peninsula. The Mayan buildings and structures were then decimated. The large stones were made into foundations for Spanish colonial buildings and the cathedral. Most of these structures from the 18th and 19th century are still found in the central part of the city.

The new-founded city was then walled from the colonial period up to the mid 1900’s to protect the residents (especially the Spanish and Ladino) from fluctuating revolts initiated by the indigenous Maya. Following this blood-splattered period of rebellion though, the city of Merida gradually experienced a time of prosperity and abundance. It was in the late 19th and early 20th century that the city was able to progress with the production of henequen, or sisal in English, a strong yellowish or reddish fiber from used mainly to make twines and ropes. Numerous European-style houses are still found in the city, several of which are in the northern portion. These are legacies left by the henequen-industry barons. One popular mansion is the Palacio Canton (Canton Palace), which is the home of General Francisco Canton Rosado until his death. The “palace” was built in the regime of Porfirio Diaz.
		The henequen plant
		The “Palacio Canton” Museum of History

After the decline of the henequen industry though, it went into nothing but the history books.

The city of Merida now stood to be a cosmopolitan city filled with rich historic and cultural heritage evident through its colonial-era architecture and archaeological sites. It is bursting with several activities to choose from — if you are a tourist – including nightlife spots, historical tours, and shopping opts. Despite continuous progress, Merida remained steadfast traditions.
If you want to set one foot in the past and the other in the present, The beautiful city of Merida is one perfect place for you. It will give you a taste of the old and new world you will surely remember.

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