Known as the White City because of the light pastel colors traditionally used on its buildings, Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and the business, cultural and shopping center of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is is located 360 kms (234 miles) from Cancun, and is easily accessible by air, first class bus or car. Merida is a delight to visit; rich in history and traditions, it offers visitors a variety of vacation experiences in a welcoming tropical climate.

Founded in 1542, Merida was one of the first cities to be built by the Spaniards in the lands they had seized from the Maya, Aztecs and other native civilizations and which they baptized New Spain. The first neighborhood, site of the town hall and the Cathedral and the homes of the founding fathers, was built on the ruins of the ancient Mayan ceremonial center, Tih. Many of the stones used in the early buildings were taken from the original Mayan site.

The colonial buildings in the heart of the city, the mansions on the wide boulevards, the parks and open air cafes, museums, restaurants, markets and shops make Merida an exciting city to explore. Highlights are the Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, City Hall and Government House on the main square, the City Museum and Las Monjas Handicraft Center. A stroll along Calle 60 (street) will bring you to the Tercer Orden Church, the University of Yucatan, Peon Contreras Theater and Santa Lucia Church and square. Heading north, the elegant boulevard known as Paseo Montejo dates from the golden days of the henequen (sisal) industry, and is lined with opulent mansions, some of which have been converted into offices, restaurants and stores. The Regional Museum is houses in one such mansion, the Canton Palace.

On Sundays, the central square and surrounding streets are closed to all traffic for Merida en Domingo, a gala event featuring folk dances, concerts and even a craft market. Free concerts are also staged on different evenings of the week in the city's parks and squares.

During most of its history, Merida was isolated from the rest of Mexico. In fact, there was no rail or road connection to central Mexico until the 1960's. Due to years of isolation, the Mayan culture survived. Even today, the Mayan language is widely spoken throughout the peninsula. Instead of looking to Mexico City for culture and education, the richer families of Merida traveled to Europe and the United States. The European influence is reflected in the architecture of many of the city's homes and buildings.

Exploring the area

The Merida hinterland is peppered with ancient Mayan cities, the most famous of which are Chichen Itza and Uxmal, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Also worth a visit are the smaller although no less interesting sites of Ek Balam, Dzibilchaltun, Acanceh, Mayapan, Oxkintok and the Puuc Route cities of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna. Merida is an excellent base for those interested in learning more about the ancient Maya culture.

The biosphere reserves of Celestun and Rio Largartos are coastal wetland wildernesses of mangrove forest, marsh, estuaries and salt flats that are home to 340 species of birds, including breeding colonies of flamingos, not to mention 50 species of mammals and 95 species of reptiles. Bird watchers should plan to visit between September and April when the bird population is swelled by millions of migrant visitors from the United States and Canada.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a vast low-lying limestone shelf and has no surface rivers. This is due to the fact that limestone is porous and rainwater seeps through crevices in the rock until it reaches the water table and a labyrinth of underground channels. Over time the limestone is eroded and cenotes (sinkholes) and caves are formed. Some cenotes are very beautiful and are worth visiting. The water is crystal clear and so still that these natural wells resemble mirrors, and incredibly cool, making a dip in a cenote a welcome respite from the Yucatan heat.

Loltun and Balancanche are two of the most famous caves in the Yucatan. Caves were sacred places for the Maya and the site of rituals to honor the rain god. Ancient figurines, pottery, incense and other offerings have been unearthed in area caves.

Visiting the haciendas scattered through the Merida hinterland, the convents and churches in villages along the Convent Route, the colonial cities of Izamal and Valladolid or even Campeche in the neighboring state of Campeche, is an excellent way to spend a day of your vacation.

Thomas More Travel offers members and guests of The Royal Resorts a unique opportunity to visit the remarkable Mayan city of Uxmal and the cities of Merida and Izamal.