Amber Alcocer Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, capital of the state of Yucatán. Place where one of the seven wonders of the world called “Chichen Itza” is located. Abundant in natural and cultural wealth. Mérida, my beautiful white city. Full of colonial houses and history in its streets, hot almost all year round but with cenotes and beautiful beaches nearby where you can escape and take a refreshing dip. Mérida for me means peace, family, friends and memories of the vast majority of my childhood until adolescence. Delicious food, with characteristic flavors that remind me that I am at home. My beautiful Mérida! I am very excited to tell you about my great city and give you some tips for when you go to visit it.
First of all, Mérida has a hot/humid climate so I totally recommend wearing very cool clothes. Materials like 100 % cotton and linen will be your best friend. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen at all times. Sometimes it can reach up to 45ºC.
It's not all bad news, just a 30-minute drive away is a beach called Progreso, which is the most visited beach. A few kilometers away you can find quieter beaches such as Chelem, Telchac and one of my favorites is Chicxulub. Place where the asteroid fell that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. You can also find multiple cenotes around the state. One of the closest to the city that, in addition to a cenote, there is a highly recommended archaeological area is Dzibilchaltún which in the Mayan language means “Place where there is writing on the stones.”
TIP: On March 21 and September 21, an archaeo-astronomical phenomenon called the spring or autumn equinox occurs. The sun is aligned so that it passes through the middle of one of the temples called “The seven dolls” either "The temple of the sun" and this one is just awesome.
When someone asks me about Mérida, I always recommend that they stay in or near the historic center. For me, being in Mérida is about visiting the mansions and even better being able to stay in one of these, plus everything will be close by. Bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and beautiful areas to walk are what you will find in the center of Mérida.
BREAKFAST
In the mornings you need to have energy to be able to get around the city. I recommend walking around so you don't miss out on the museums or mansions that are everywhere. So you need to start the day with a good breakfast.
I MISS YOU, STRANGER
My list of favorite places is long, but I love this breakfast place. It is located near Paseo de Montejo, one of the most important main avenues in Mérida. "I miss you, stranger is the name, located LAGALÁ 56:426 inside a remodeled old house, where you can also find art galleries. The food is delicious, the service 10/10 and the space is a beautiful colorful terrace decorated with a lot of love.
LUNCH
Although lunch is my favorite part of the day, Yucatecan food is well known for its wide variety of flavors and the incredible mix between Mayan and Spanish ingredients. Some of these ingredients can only be found in the Yucatan Peninsula region. Therefore, I HIGHLY recommend trying as many dishes as you can.
MUSEUM OF YUCATECAN GASTRONOMY
Now, where to have typical Yucatecan food? The perfect place for this is called Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy or better known as MUGY. A few blocks from the Plaza Grande, this colonial-style house is located on 62nd Street with a large patio in the middle that, in addition to being beautiful, you can find delicious food typical of Yucatecan cuisine. My favorites are Black filling, Stuffed cheese, Cochinita among other appetizing options that you can find on the menu.
DINNER
The sunsets in Mérida are impressive, the sky begins to fill with colors once the sun begins to go down. So the best way to end the day is with an incredible view on a terrace, dining on delicious food and enjoying the good atmosphere.
RESTAURANT PICHETA
Dinner with spectacular view. For me, a place that you cannot miss while in Mérida is the restaurant. Picheta. Contemporary, typical, gourmet food, delicious cocktails and an unparalleled view of the San Ildefonso Cathedral (the first built in Latin America) is the best way to end your day. You can choose between the inside part, which is cozy with a very nice design, but my favorite part of this restaurant is the view of the rooftop. On weekends there is live music.
PUBS
Most bars in Mérida are located in old houses, with high or no roofs, which makes these houses very cool. They are located around the historic center, so they are spacious. Ideal for a hot day after exploring the streets of Mérida, these are some of my favorite bars.
LA NEGRITA CANTINA
Mérida has a great Cuban influence in terms of music, that's why my favorite bars are where there is a great atmosphere and dancing. La Negrita Cantina It is a renovated bar in the historic center, it is located in an old house located on 62 x 49 street. Ideal to go with friends, order something to snack and have fun with the live music that happens every day. The perfect time to go is before 7:00 pm, otherwise you won't find a place.
CASA CHICA BAR
House Girl sister bar of The Bold, located on Paseo de Montejo. The concept of this place is more chic. The design of the house is very beautiful, you have the option of sitting inside or outside. Here you can find a calmer atmosphere, more gourmet food compared to The Bold. I love going with my mother for some summer reds after a walk through the mansions on Paseo de Montejo on a normal hot day.
