Merida
Mexico Pictures

Click top or bottom images to see Uxmal or visit Chichen Itza

Merida [particularly the old town], capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan is a superb, calm base from which to visit the star non-beach attractions of...

...Uxmal and Chichen Itza, magnificent, world-class ancient Maya sites, though the road there is supremely dull.

Mérida is an active cultural center with music and dance playing a key part in local life, not just for tourists.

Sunday dance shows in Merida's historic centre are a free and routine event.

Life outside Merida's old town.

Merida Many carved Maya stones were used to construct Merida in Spanish Colonial style in 1542 and these are still visible downtown, in the walls of the main Cathedral for example. Merida's old town [centro historico] still encompasses a great number of fine 18thC and 19thC buildings and even some of the old Spanish city gates.
Merida is not a good summertime destination as temperatures frequently hit 38C [100F] in May, just before the serious rains arrive in June and continue to October.