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mparrino

Apr 1, 2004, 2:17 PM

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Travel around Merida

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Hi all,

I have 6 days to explore the Merida area the first week of June. A number of questions -

will the weather be as hot in Merida as it would be on the beaches?

can anyone suggest an itinerary that isn't rushed but will cover both highlights of the area as well as some off-the usual track pueblos? I'll be depending on bus service (unless someone talks me into renting a car).

this will be a couple's first trip together, so any suggestions leaning toward the romantic side would be greatly appreciated :)

besos a todos para la ayuda,

Marcia
Marcia

raferguson

Apr 2, 2004, 7:03 PM

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Re: [mparrino] Travel around Merida

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One possible day trip is to visit Izamal. This is a famous church with a famous statue, written up in one of the Perry guides to the Maya Missions. The Pope has been there, the church is in very good condition. There is also a large pyramid ruin, it looks like a hill depending on where you are. The pyramid is not worth a separate trip, but worth a visit if you are in town. It is a nice, clean, moderately prosperous town. At one point there was a train excursion to the Izamal, but I am sure that you can get a bus there from Merida.

The big ruins are Uxmal and Chitzen-Itza, both worth seeing, but probably not in the same week. ;-) Signing up for a tour at the hotel or a nearby travel agent is probably the easiest way to see them, although I am sure there are other options.

Be sure to be in Merida for Sunday, lots happening in the street and parks, music etc. Ask at the hotel. Probably the most romantic thing you could do, except taking a horse drawn carriage, which I think they still have.

The archeology museum in Merida is a don't miss, I think.

The closest beach is Progresso, we have not been there in many years, but it was not much when we were there. But maybe you need to see the water. Crowded on weekends, I believe.

Celestun is famous for birding, but we have not been there. I am a sucker for boat (launcha) tours, and you could get one there. I forget when flamingo season is. I would suggest this rather than Progresso.

Obviously the above is more than one could reasonably do in a week.

We are due to return to the Yucatan, I think, it has been a while. Merida is famous as the "white city". Did I say that I like Merida and the Yucatan?

Use taxis freely in town, I am sure they are cheap, just agree on the price before you get in. Use buses to get from town to town.

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

akenaten1

Apr 19, 2004, 2:32 PM

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Re: [raferguson] Travel around Merida

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I spent last summer traveling around Mexico. It was a most unforgettable experience.

I post this to answer a specific aspect of summer weather in Merida. Hot , hazy and humid. You get used to it. AC if possible for sleeping. The central highlands are less opressive, but there are thundershowers possible anytime.

Think cool thoughts and enjoy!

sacc3850

Apr 24, 2004, 10:01 PM

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Re: [mparrino] Travel around Merida

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Date: April 25, 2004 12:15 AM EDST

Hola, mparrino! Spent about a dozen days on two occasions in Merida during July and November-December of 2003. June will be hot and REALLY hot, but so what. Everyone has ceiling fans, some have A/C AND fans. Suggest going to travel service for day trips by van to Maya sites of Uxmal and Chichen Itza. Uxmal is Classic period Maya, and Chichen Itza really mostly Post-Classic. Or if you are interested in more romantic atmosphere, how about the evening light and sound shows offered at both, which you can reach by same van service? The best show that you can see, which most gringos miss unfortunately, is the Teatro Indigena performaces offered each Saturday afternoon at Ticopo, about a 45 minute ride from Merida via second-class bus service. There are TWO second class bus stations, so take a cab to the right one, which I believe is "El Norte". At Ticopo take a bicycle taxi the last half-mile or so from the bus stop to the Teatro. You will see a show that you will remember for a lifetime, over 400 Mayan "Indigenas"(Indians) in native costume performing. Men, women, boys, girls, young kids, and all having a ball. I counted 100 dancing in five lines of twenty each, a sight that you cannot see anywhere in Los Estados Unidos. You can piick up a ride in a shared van after the performance back to Merida for about a buck each USD. Don't let a cabdriver talk you into a $ 25 cab fare to Ticopo(one-way). You can go by bus for about $ 4 USD each.If you want to stay in a nicely restored colonial mansion, now a small hotel, go to the Posada Toledo at 57th and 58th Streets. Get one of the five newer rooms on the third floor, they are NICE. Se habla Ingles, but I suspect that you speak some Spanish. The Posada Toledo costs about $ 34 double, and they are right in the heart of El Centro. The Central Plaza is closed to traffic on Sundays, and you can eat outside, listen to some great music, and buy some native arts and crafts at the temporary booths. For breakfast, try La Cafe Habana at 59th and 62 streets, and good for lunch and dinner too. But for the meal and ambiente that you will remember forever, have dinner at Alberto's Continental at 64th and 57th streets. Order the fish Celestun, stuffed filet of sea bass, with "pay de nueces"(almond pie served hot). Since you are not going until June, I suugest that you buy the Hunter Travel Guide entitled "Adventure Guide to Yucatan, Cancun & Cozumel", second or later editon written by Bruce and June Concord. It is the best that I have read, and I have been to Mexico a dozen times in the past thirty-five years. Plus, you can use the Cancun and Cozumel part for your next trip. Buen Viaje y Buen Suerte" sacc3850