recommendations

eat + drink

R E S T A U R A N T S | centro

  • casa t’ho | equal parts restaurant/cafe/bar with a carefully curated menu that mixes fresh flavors with local recipes.

  • mercaado60 | mérida’s liveliest food hall. think multiple vendors, bars, a food truck, concept store and live entertainment.

  • holoch | a romantic and eclectic restaurant/bar serving up unique local and international dishes with elevated presentation.

  • mugy | a museum dedicated to yucatecan gastronomy located in the heart of mérida with open air courtyard seating.

  • cuna | locally sourced ingredients inspired by traditional regional cuisine. rooftop patio seating and one of the best banana almond smoothies on the planet.

  • arcano | a carefully curated menu that prioritizes mixing of conventional ingredients with herbs and spices resulting in a truly unique culinary experience. the intimate scale and romantic setting are also a plus.

B A R S | centro

  • picheta | rooftop bar serving up craft cocktails overlooking the oldest and most historic buildings in central mérida.

  • salon gallos | equal parts art gallery/restaurant/wine bar. situated ten minutes walking distance from plaza principal.

  • la negrita cantina | lively hangout offering light bites, craft cocktails + live music.

  • gin47 | the first bar in merida to specialize in gin. with endless craft cocktail options, it is located at the rooftop of sky city about 20 minutes driving from centro merida.

  • casa chica | a chill bar on paseo de montejo with retro vibes and specialty cocktails.

tourist attractions

M A Y A N R U I N S | yucatán

  • chichen itza | a unesco heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world located 1hr 50min driving from downtown mérida.

  • uxmal | a prime example of puuc regional architecture located 1hr 10min driving from downtown mérida.

  • dzibilchaltun | an impressive complex that was once a port housing two hundred thousand inhabitants. located 31min driving from downtown mérida.

C E N O T E S | yucatán

  • cenote ik kil | a fresh water sinkhole found 26 meters below ground. consider adding it to your chichén itzá visit itinerary. it is a 5min drive from chichén itzá.

  • cenote kankirixche | a 50-meter deep semi-open water sinkhole great for snorkeling and diving. located 58min driving from central mérida.

O T H E R | yucatán

  • playa puerto progreso | a port city with a long stretch of beach and turquoise waters fully equipped with countless bars, restaurants and beach clubs. consider combining with salinera xtampu and x’cambo ruins for a full day trip of activities. progreso is located 40min driving from centro.

  • gran museo del mundo maya | a modern complex housing permanent exhibits of mayan art and history located 21min driving from centro.

  • salinera xtampu | naturally occurring rose colored lagoons located a 58min drive from downtown mérida. consider combining with nearby x’cambo ruins.

  • hacienda yaxcopoil | tour a frozen-in-time 17th century plantation. located 34min driving from centro. call ahead to make sure there are no private events scheduled for the day.

for experienced travelers that would like to extend their visit and make the most of their trip, see our discover méxico page for more information on some of the many world renown tourist attractions and destinations found in the mayan riviera.