Merida, Mexico, a rare journey through time

Merida, Mexico, a niche journey through time Merida, the capital of Yucatan, Mexico, is a city treated gently by time. It combines the ancient Mayan civilization with the Spanish colonial style. It is safe and niche, and is a treasure that travelers cannot miss. Come here and start a unique cultural exploration journey. Itinerary Planning Day 1: Historic Center and Cultural Landmarks • Morning: After arriving in Merida, head to the Plaza Grande in the city center. This is the heart of the city and is surrounded by many historical buildings. Built in the early colonial period of the 16th century, the Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso) is one of the oldest churches in the Americas. Its building materials came from demolished Mayan temples. It has witnessed religious changes and cultural integration. Its solemn exterior and exquisite interior decoration are worth careful appreciation. • Noon: Taste the local specialty Cochinita Pibil at a restaurant near the square. This national dish of Yucatán is made of slow-cooked pork marinated with lime and spices, then baked in banana leaves. The meat is tender, juicy and fragrant. • Afternoon: Visit the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), built in 1892 and the seat of the Yucatán State Government. The green exterior is eye-catching, and the murals and paintings inside showcase the history and culture of the Yucatan Peninsula, providing an understanding of the local development context. Then stroll along Paseo de Montejo, a street lined with shops, restaurants and colonial buildings that evoke the elegance of the 19th century. Day 2: Exploring the Mayan Culture • Morning: Go to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida, which displays the history, culture and art of Mayan civilization, including precious cultural relics such as architecture, pottery, and jewelry. It is an excellent window to understand Mayan civilization and explore the mysterious Mayan world in depth. • Noon: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the museum and try Papadzules, a Merida specialty with an unforgettable taste. • Afternoon: Visit Casa de Montejo, the former residence of Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo. Built in the 16th century, it combines Spanish silversmith style and Italian Gothic-Renaissance architectural style, giving you a glimpse into the atmosphere of the Spanish nobility of the time. Day 3: Nature and Small Town Style • Morning: Go to the Pink Lake (Laguna Colorada), located about 40 kilometers north of Merida. It is a natural salt lake. The lake water presents a dreamy pink color due to special minerals, which contrasts with the blue sky. It is a great place to take beautiful photos and feel the magical colors of nature. • Noon: Enjoy local seafood dishes at a simple restaurant by the lake. Freshly caught fish and shrimp are simply cooked to preserve their original flavor. • Afternoon: Head to Celestun Wildlife Reserve, home to flamingos and other birds. Take a boat through the mangroves and get up close to see flocks of flamingos as they walk gracefully or spread their wings. It’s a spectacular sight. Transportation Guide • External transportation: You can first arrive in Mexico City, and then take a flight from Mexico City to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Merida. The flight time is about 2 hours. You can also choose to take a long-distance bus from Cancun, which takes about 4 hours. • Internal Transportation: The urban area of ​​Merida is not large and many attractions can be reached on foot. If you want to go to further places, you can choose to take a taxi or local bus. In addition, you can also rent a car and drive yourself to the surrounding attractions. Food recommendations • Cochinita Pibil: Slow-cooked pork marinated with lime and spices, then baked in banana leaves, the meat is tender and has a unique aroma. • Papadzules: Special egg-filled corn tortillas with rich fillings and distinct taste layers. • Chaya drink: Made by crushing the local plant Chaya and mixing it with pineapple juice, it is refreshing, delicious and nutritious. Accommodation suggestions • Hotels in the historic center: It is recommended to stay in a hotel located in the historic center, such as the Fiesta Americana Mérida Hotel, which is convenient for transportation and surrounded by many restaurants and shops, so you can better experience the city atmosphere. • Characteristic B&Bs: Tourists who like personalized accommodation experience can choose B&Bs. There are some unique homestays near Montejo Avenue. The rooms are warmly decorated and some even have courtyards, full of Spanish colonial style.