Mayan and colonial, that’s Merida.

Land of colorful traditions and lavish architectural creations as marked as the warmth of its inhabitants. Recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity, Mérida becomes one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mexican southeast.

It is enough to arrive at the «Plaza Grande» in the heart of the city to glimpse its culture and history surrounded by very old buildings with colonial style such as the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the Casa Montejo where its founder Francisco de Montejo lived and the Palaces Municipal and State Government.

The Paseo Montejo, crowns the tourist route of Mérida, is inspired by the French corridors of the early 20th century and along its more than 5 km there are various monuments and buildings among which the «Monument to the Homeland» and the Canton Palace that stands out for its majestic architecture where the Regional Museum of Anthropology is currently located.

And if it is about museums, the obligatory stop is the «Great Museum of the Mayan World», an enclosure full of mysticism and history considered one of the most important in Latin America. It has more than a thousand archaeological pieces that allow us to learn more about the past of this civilization and takes us into the origins of its greatness.

In the afternoons there is a light and sound show as impressive as it is avant-garde that is projected onto the structure of this building, revealing in animations the living memory of the Mayan world.

Lime soup, Papadzul and Cochinita Pibil are a fundamental part of the culinary range of the «White City». It is essential to eat a good plate of «Relleno Blanco» or «Escabeche Negro de Valladolid», the latter with a strong Arab influence.

The typical drink is Xtabentún, of Mayan origin, usually accompanied with coffee. And for dessert you cannot miss the Marshmallow sweet made from honey and egg whites that in some presentations is seasoned with vanilla or anise essence. Typical flavors of southern Mexico.

Nature is present throughout the Yucatan peninsula; this region has an impressive diversity of flora and fauna housed by places as impressive as the hundreds of Cenotes that adorn the environment.

These places that in the past were sacred places invite us to communicate with the earth in an incomparable way. The closest to Mérida are Ik Kil, Sambulá, Noh-mozón and Dzitnup.

There are many travel agencies where you can hire guided tours to these and other places.