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ttraversnj

Jul 3, 2008, 4:00 PM

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Yucatan, Merida etc.

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Hi all, I'm heading to the Yucatan for 12 days starting on the 7/8 and I'm planning on driving around a bit. I would like to spend some time in Merida, see a beach town or two in that area and if I have enough time I would like to see Laguna Bacalar and maybe Xcalak. I'm going to spend a 5 or 6 days in Playa Del Carmen also. I've been to PDC numerous times(I've lost count) but Merida and the southern Yucatan are all new to me. I'm open for suggestions for places to stay, nightlife, retaurants etc. I've heard a lot about Merida and I love colonial cities so it would be nice to get some inside tips....must see things and the like. Thanks, TT

yucatandreamer

Jul 3, 2008, 8:35 PM

Post #2 of 3 (3147 views)

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Re: [ttraversnj] Yucatan, Merida etc.

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www.yucatantoday.com/index.php This "paid for" tourist magazine is probably you absolute best bet for finding out about Merida. There are hundreds of places to stay in all price ranges. The nearest beaches are Progreso and Celestun(There has been a red tide lately so check before you go) These beaches are nothing like Playa del Carmen. Most downtown restaurants are listed in Yucatan Today. I am fond of Frida's, Amaro, Portico del Perigrino, but no matter, you can't go hungry.
Most people use Merida as a base to explore the fabulous ruins nearby. You can read about them as well in Yucatan Today. As for night life, there are free city sponsered events almost every day and I would suggest trying to take in some of those over conventional "night Life". Save your clubbing for Playa del Carmen. When you are in town you can pick up a print copy of the magazine at hotels, car rental agencies and the Merida English Language Library. Peple watching in the Plaza Principal is pretty great as well.
http://http://

raferguson

Jul 6, 2008, 3:05 PM

Post #3 of 3 (3099 views)

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Re: [ttraversnj] Yucatan, Merida etc.

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You might explore south of Merida. The ruins at Uxmal are among the best in Mexico, in my view, better than Chitzen-Itza. There is a lot to see in that area, old churches, ruins, etc. If you have a car, you can wander around and really see the non-touristy Yucatan. We liked Valladolid, another place that is not about tourism.

The "Maya Missions" books make the churches much more interesting.

We liked Izamal as well, east of Merida, a tidy town with a large church and a huge pyramid hidden in plain sight.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com