The Museum of Archaeology, located on broad, tree lined Paseo Montejo, has an outstanding collection of Maya artifacts and a school for teaching the Maya language. Merida's people are friendly and very cordial to foreigners. They consider themselves Yucatecans, distinct and apart from Mexicans. Often you'll see faces that closely resemble those on the stone carvings in Uxmal or Chichcn Itza. The dress of many of the women is the huipil; it extends below the knees, and may be worn with or without a lacy petticoat.
Whereas in other parts of Mexico homes are closed and surrounded by high walls, in Merida doors and windows are open to the street. In the evening people sit in chairs on the front stoop and chat with passers by, friends and strangers alike.
It is easy to find your way around Merida on foot, though it is somewhat tricky to drive within the city. As in most older Mexican towns, streets are very narrow and one way. All the north south streets are even numbered; those running castwest are odd numbered. You can tour all of Merida for a few pesos in a little horse drawn cab. On the Paseo Montejo you'll pass buildings of pastel blues, yellows, and pinks some Victorian or French in style. Many of the large mansions are former town houses of henequen barons, illustrating the longtime importance of the henequen industry.
Don't miss savoring the delicious food of Yucatan, It is a cuisine different from any other in Mexico. Cochinita pibil (pib means "barbecue pit" in Maya) is pork baked in banana leaves and flavored with achiote (red seeds ground into a paste with a flavor that combines beautifully with meat and fish). Corn tortillas are used in many snack dishes. There is also queso relleno an Edam cheese hollowed out and stuffed with ground meat, raisins, nuts, and spices.
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From Uxmal it is only 50 miles to Merida. You'll pass through Muna, where Highway 184 takes off southeast to Chetumal, capital of Quintana Roo. At Uman, 11 miles south of Merida, Highways 180 and 261 merge to enter the city from the south, passing the airport.
Merida-Yucatan capital with European air
Charming, hospitable Merida is a blend of large old colonial buildings downtown, modern homes on the outskirts, and thatched Indian huts on the streets in between. The town has a large, open market, well kept parks and boulevards, good hotels, and excellent restaurants.
Merida was founded in 1542 on the site of the Maya city of T'Ho, but its Spanish heritage is predominant. The Yucatan was long isolated from the rest of Mexico and, for a few years, even politically independent. During its isolation Merida cultivated European markets and manners instead of Mexican ones. Now the largest city on the peninsula and linked by highway, rail, and air to central Mexico, Merida plays a vital role as the processing and distribution center for local products.
Many visitors remark on the beauty and tranquility of Merida's main plaza with its S shaped benches. Two buildings that face on the plaza are of particular historic interest: the fortress type cathedral the only one in Mexico completed in the 16th century and the Montejo mansion, built in the mid 16th century by the Spanish conqueror and founder of the city, Francisco de Montejo. Notice the statues of armored soldiers standing on the heads of Indians on the mansion's beautifully carved facade. The facade is lighted at night, and is truly an incredible sight.