It was mid-morning when I sat with a frothy café con leche in hand, stealing a moment of shade inside our hacienda as the Mérida sun blazed outside. My fiancé walked in with a grin and whispered, “Happy Fourth of July, amor…two weeks closer to your birthday.” It was one of those small, unhurried exchanges that instantly set the tone for the day.
These were the moments I cherished most during our stay—unplugging, slowing down, and embracing the rhythms of another culture. Mérida, with its charm, history, and warmth, was the perfect backdrop.
Of course, visiting in July meant embracing the heat—yes, even hotter than Florida. Locals will tell you summer is the worst time to visit, and they’re not wrong. Still, for us, the reason for traveling outweighed the weather, and the Yucatán rewarded us with memories we’ll hold forever.
Where We Stayed
Part of the fun of Mérida is choosing where to stay. The city is sprinkled with historic homes and boutique properties that each tell their own story.
We split our time between two rentals. Our first stop was El Pórtico de la Candelaria, a spacious home filled with character. Think original wood doors, soaring beamed ceilings, and mosaic tile floors from the 1930s. It could easily host a family of six, though its open-air design and tricky parking make it less convenient for some travelers.
From there, we moved to Casa de Flamenco, a colonial home that has quickly become a favorite of ours. Its stately presence and private atmosphere make it a gem right in the heart of the city. I especially loved the covered pool—it offered refuge from mosquitoes and midday heat. Still, it had a few quirks: a wobbly shower head here, an icy pool there. Nothing major, but worth noting.
Another property worth mentioning is Casa Lecanda, just minutes from the city center. It’s elegant, timeless, and full of charm—definitely on our list for a future stay.
That’s the thing about Mérida: every trip feels like peeling back another layer of an onion. Each home, each neighborhood, each experience reveals something new, reminding you of the city’s depth and richness.
Dining Highlights
No guide to Mérida would be complete without its culinary treasures.
For a memorable evening, K’u’uk tops the list. This fine-dining restaurant is more of an experience than a meal, with eight imaginative courses crafted using molecular techniques and the freshest ingredients. Plan to linger for a few hours—it’s worth every minute.
We also loved Apoala, located in Santa Lucía Square. Its Oaxacan-inspired dishes, built from local ingredients, are a celebration of bold, layered flavors. If you can, grab a terrace table on the weekend; the live music drifting through the square makes the experience even more special.
Next time, we’re setting our sights on IXI’IM at Chablé Resort, which friends have raved about. Word is, it’s one of the most exceptional dining experiences in the region.
Places That Captured Our Hearts
Mérida isn’t only about grand meals and historic homes. The city thrives with culture and artistry at every corner. One highlight was stepping into Coqui Coqui and the nearby Fundación de Artistas gallery. Between the grapefruit juice infused with rose, the strains of classical music, and a carrot cake we couldn’t resist (and ordered three times), it felt like stumbling into a dream for creative souls.
For a short day trip, we drove to Izamal, famously known as the “yellow city.” The entire town glows in sun-washed shades of mustard, making it a striking place to wander. Small and charming, it’s easy to explore in just a few hours, yet it leaves a lasting impression.
Tips to Know Before You Go
- Getting around: If you’re staying in Mérida proper, there’s no need to rent a car. Uber is convenient, affordable, and reliable.
- Timing your visit: Summer here is intense. Temperatures often soar above 105°F, and my fiancé learned firsthand how dehydration can creep up quickly. For more comfortable weather, visit between September and early May.
- The people: Warm, welcoming, and kind—locals made us feel right at home. Safety never felt like an issue, which added to the sense of ease we carried through our days.
Why We’ll Be Back
Despite the heat and a few practical hiccups, Mérida continues to enchant me. Every visit feels different, yet equally magical. There’s always another hacienda to uncover, another restaurant to linger in, another hidden corner of culture waiting to be experienced.
For us, this trip was about more than sightseeing. It was about slowing down, being together, and discovering beauty in the everyday—whether sipping coffee in a hacienda courtyard, sharing late-night snacks after a long dinner, or marveling at the way this city wears its history with pride.
Mérida has layers, and I know we’ve only just begun to explore them. One thing is certain: this city will always hold a special place in our story.