Merida & Yucatan 2023

In the last five years, Merida has really exploded as a travel destination and likewise the culinary scene has changed and improved dramatically as new chefs have arrived and new places have opened. "Back in the day..." everyone would head to Apoala and Chaya Maya fresh off the plane. These places are still excellent but the scene has evolved and there are SO MANY new and interesting options to try. We have put together a list of interesting places worth heading to. Some are new and some are old favorites. Something for everyone! Saludes!

The Yucatan has many many sites and attractions worth visiting. A little farther afield, the town of Valladolid east near the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá and the many amazing cenotés in the area surrounding it, the polychromatic cathedral at Uayma, the yellow city of Izamal, there are many many sights to explore and things to see. Closer to Merida, there are many wonderful Hacienda's and Mayan archeological sites south of the city surrounding Uxmal. We have listed some of those here. Also closer to Merida are many cenotés worst a trip. Either way, the countryside of the Yucatan is worth exploring! Although one should always exercise caution, I have always felt safe driving in the Yucatan. The roads are well traveled and there are police checkpoints throughout the state.

There are many excellent beach options for visitors to Merida. From Sisal to Telchac. Most beaches are much less developed than what you typically think of in the 'The Yucatan". The beaches most people are familiar with are in fact in Quintana Roo state which is on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and has hundreds of miles of shore facing the Caribbean Sea. These are the developed and tourist packed beaches - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum etc. The beaches of the Yucatan State, easily accessible from Merida are much different and less crowded. These are the beaches of the Gulf and tend to be quieter and much less developed. Most are simple little fishing villages that have a small public beach. They can be windy and the sand is not coral based like the Caribbean Sea but limestone based which makes it less sparkly and less fluffy but still plentiful and white! A great drive to see the coast is to drive up to Progreso and head east along the coast through the old coconut plantations all the way to Dzilam de Bravo. Along the way, you will drive through dozens of small fishing villages and never lose sight of the water. The beaches we highlighted below are especially nice. Also worth a stop is San Crisanto which is becoming increasingly popular!