Why this Mexican city should be on your travel list

When someone says they’re going to Mexico it usually means they’re visiting Cancun, Tulum, Mexico City or Cabo… And while these destinations can offer wonderful travel experiences, there’s so much more of Mexico to explore and experience!

Mexico has 31 states - 3 alone on the Yucatán peninsula and just like the US, each state is vastly different. While food in Mexico may be grouped in the “Mexican” category, you don’t need to be a food critic to notice the wide differences you’ll find in Mexico City vs Oaxaca City or the food in Quintana Roo vs Campeche (etc etc).

After this post, I’m hoping it’ll inspire you to visit lesser known (but just as incredible) Mexican destinations - specifically Mérida - the capital of the Yucatán state.

Mérida is widely known as the safest city in Mexico and was actually ranked the 2nd safest city in North America with #1 being Quebec City…

The city has incredible architecture, design as well as fantastic restaurants blending traditional mayan cooking with modern Yucatán, Mexican and even European influences. It’s also surrounded by ancient Mayan archaeological sites and hundreds of Cenotes for incredible day trips. Its the perfect place to base yourself for 3-4 days to explore!

Soooo where are you gonna stay on your trip?

Casa Puuc

Casa Puuc is where I stayed on my 4 day trip. Its an 8 bedroom bed and breakfast. Every detail of this boutique hotel is truly spectacular. Claudia, an antique furniture dealer from Mexico City opened it with her father 3 years ago. You can truly feel the love and passion she put into the space. She kept so much of the original tiling and elements of the house during renovations too!

The places I almost stayed at!

Cigno Hotel

The Diplomat Hotel

Day 1 - Friday

The first day I’d recommend a full day exploring Merida!

Start your day with coffee at Barreto - a locally owned coffeeshop serving up single origin coffee from Oaxaca

Visit the Anthropologie museum to learn more about the region and ancient Mayan culture

Have brunch at Pancho Maiz!

Have dinner at Anima - an open fire BBQ restaurant with an incredible backyard. Make sure you order the pork belly!

Visit El Malix - a speakeasy that you have to go through a refrigerator door in the back of a hotdog shop to enter. Some of the most talented mixologists in Mexico are working here!

Day 2 - Saturday

On day 2 you’re going to head to Uxmal - the ruins of an ancient Mayan city an hour outside of Mérida! Plan to visit Uxmal early before it gets too hot! It’s considered to be one of the most important archeological sites of Maya culture!

Visit Cenote Yaal Utzil on your drive back to Mérida! This was one of my favorite Cenotes as it had an amazing 40ft jump! Grab lunch and some beers next door at Rosa’s!

Have dinner at Ramiro Cocina - an incredible family owned restaurant with an ever changing menu that they write out on a chalkboard!

Watch an ancient Mayan game, Pok-Ta-Pok, in the main square (every Saturday night). This game was so fun to watch - especially when they light the ball on fire!

Day 3 - Sunday

On day 3, start your day with coffee at Manifesto coffee before heading to Izamal

Explore Izamal! Izamal is one of Mexico’s 132 “magic towns”, a program developed by the Mexican Government to preserve towns with unique charm and dedication to tradition. Izamal is dubbed “The Yellow City” as the whole town is painted yellow. It is indeed magical and is the perfect excursion from Mérida.

While you’re in Izamal, Visit Coqui Coqui, the iconic Mexican fragrance store and have lunch at the Mercado and try the street food!

On your drive back to Mérida, stop at Cenote Aktun-Ha! This cenote is not for the faint of heart. You have to descend down a 40ft ladder man made ladder. Once inside, it’s possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever experienced. You’ll probably have the cenote all to yourself too!

Dinner at Huniik - an incredible restaurant with a 12 course tasting menu.

Night cap, live music and games at Patio Petanca!

Day 4 - Monday

Relax and enjoy the pool at Casa Puuc!

Self guided taco tour! My favs were Wayan’e tacos (get the Tacos de Castacán Con Queso - basically a pork belly taco) and Taqueria La Lupita!

Wine and dinner at VANA - this restaurant has such a stunning interior and incredible vibe. Def a spot not to miss!

And that’s it! Make sure you give yourself time to walk around and also find those special hidden gems!

If you want more visuals from Mérida, watch my 4 part series of my time there with my friend Lily below!

Mérida vlog - Part 1 

Mérida vlog - Part 2

Mérida vlog - Part 3

Mérida vlog - Part 4

Till Next time! <3

Caleb