Mérida, Mexico
In Mérida, the cultural capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll find narrow streets to wander, charming plazas, and lively markets. Stay with Inspirato at Chablé Yucatán, where three restaurants serve organic, seasonal cuisine from on-site Mayan gardens. Relax at the resort’s spa—built around a natural cenote, it’s believed to be a sacred Mayan site.
The Cultural Hub of Yucatán
Founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors (atop the ruins of an abandoned Mayan city), Mérida has a rich Mayan heritage and colonial history. The city’s centro histórico district is one of the largest in the Americas—behind Mexico City and Havana—and much of the original Spanish colonial architecture remains. Wander narrow cobblestone alleys to vibrant plazas, where locals and tourists alike eat sherbert and drink champalo. As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida has all the trappings of a modern city: museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Even better? It’s just 22 miles from Gulf of Mexico beaches and a day trip from Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) -
Currency
Mexican peso -
Language
Spanish -
Time zone
One hour behind NYC -
Average temperature
95°F in summer; 87°F in winter
Destination Highlights
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Lively Plazas
Mérida’s plazas are vibrant meeting places. Plaza de Independencia, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the largest in town. Spend an afternoon amid its flower gardens and palm trees, cooling off with champola and agua fresca.
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Colonial Cathedrals
The Spanish colonial influence can be felt in the town’s two main cathedrals: Mérida Cathedral and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. Both colonial-era churches were built using relics from ancient Mayan temples.
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Museums Galore
Mérida’s most impressive museum is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which features ancient Mayan artifacts, crafts, and artwork. The building itself is designed to resemble a ceiba—a sacred tree to the Mayans.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Mérida, Mexico Vacation
Mérida’s climate is tropical wet and dry, depending on when you travel. It’s hot and humid in the summer, with temperatures often rising above 100°F in the afternoon. Winter is a more mild time to visit, with temps hovering in the mid-70s. The closer you get to the coast, the breezier it is. Rainy season is classified as June through October, with an average rainfall of 5–7 inches per month.
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Map of Mérida
Google Maps satellite images are not always up-to-date, especially in non-U.S. destinations. Some Inspirato accommodations are located in developments built after images were last updated. Our pin placements represent our best location estimates, but actual locations may vary.