Merida is the capital of the Yucatán state in Mexico. Home to a nearly million people, the city enjoys an average temperature of ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit. It is slightly warmer than cities located directly on the coast of the Yucatán peninsula, such as Progreso. Besides being the cultural center of the Yucatan, here are some other facts you should know about Merida:

Arriving in the City

Getting to Merida is generally not a problem considering it has an international airport within its city limits. Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport provides service to a number of the larger Mexican cities as well as flights to international destinations including Miami and Huston in the United States. There are buses that are available to take you from a number of cities in Mexico to Merida.

Once in Merida getting around is easy. There is a bus service within the city that is provided by four different service lines. The overall quality of service is comparable to the bus service in Guadalajara and other major Mexican cities, with many buses having climate control. Some of the buses, like the Uno, are luxurious buses with only 19, fully reclining, seats, individual Video monitors, blankets and pillows and, of course, a bathroom.

Taxi service is readily available in Merida and is operating 24/7. There is no train transit within Merida, but with buses, taxis and rental cars you will usually have no problem getting to the Gulf of Mexico (approx. 30 miles). Surprise! Expect to pay less than a third of the price you would normally pay in the USA when using a bus or a taxi. Tipping the taxi driver is always appreciated, but not a must.

The Unique Language

The Yucatán is markedly different from much of Mexico. Among the things you won’t want to miss in Merida is the language. The accent specifically is noticeably different from the rest of Mexico to nearly everyone that visits the area. In addition to the difference in the Spanish that is spoken, Mayan is still considered the second language of the Yucatán state. Approximately one third of the population still speaks the Yucatecan Mayan language. With the language you can also experience a culture that is singular to the area. The resilient Mayan culture is evident in the dress, on the faces of the people and, of course, upon hearing the Mayan language spoken.

Dining Pleasures

If you enjoy food and unique cuisine, then you won’t want to miss the food while in Merida. As the Yucatán culture developed independently as a result of its geographic separation from the mainland so did its cuisine. You will find dishes with Mayan influence, Mexican influence and some with European and Spanish influence.

The History

The one thing you won’t want to miss in Merida is the Centro Historico, or the Historic Center. It is the largest and basically the most visited of all the colonies in Merida. It is one of the largest in any city and displays colonial style structures from the 18th and 19th century. Some structures from the 1500s can also be seen in the city. You will also find many quality museums and galleries that display the rich cultural past, as well as contemporary art, of Merida, the Yucatan and Mexico.

Sand, sun, art, great food, language and culture are all waiting to be experienced in the capitol of the Yucatán state. The things you won’t want to miss in Merida are likely to continue increasing when you come to visit and as you continue to learn about the Yucatán Peninsula and Merida specifically.

Source:ezinearticles.com

Nestled in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, is a wonderful combination of the old and the new. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, the more than a million people living in the city still call themselves Yucatecans. Yes, these descendants of the illustrious Mayan race are proud of their heritage. Their pride still shows in their city aptly called the White City not only because of the use of white limestone for their building material but also because of the city’s cleanliness. Secluded from the outside world until the mid 20th century, the people of Merida have preserved its culture and tradition giving it a quaint and distinctive modern society. There are plenty of must see attractions in Merida, Mexico.

Cultural and Heritage Sites

Not to miss is the Regional Anthropology and History Museum where you could view original carvings made of stone and copper from Mayan ruins. For those interested in Mayan civilization a trip to the Mayapan Mayan ruins and Uxmal ruins are highly recommended. Situated on Calle 65 is the Museum of the City of Merida. Exhibits depicting the earliest known facts of Merida as the Mayan city called of T’ho, to the period of conquest of the Spaniards then to the golden years of the henequen and finally to the city of Merida today. The Paseo de Montejo Boulevard boasts some of the most outstanding and grand colonial homes in Merida. The boulevard, patterned after its Paris counterpart, is teeming with picturesque shops and old-world restaurants. These places are must see attractions in Merida, Mexico.

Haciendas and Palacios

Built in the 17th century the Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a plantation parallel to North American plantations of the South. This Yucatan plantation has been greatly preserved but not restored like the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. The said hacienda has been thriving for the last 100 years. Architecture enthusiast will find Palacio Montejo, an impressive example of Spanish colonial architecture. The Montejo family founded Merida in 1549. The Palacio Municipal or Town Hall is also worth the view for it was originally built in the 18th century. Housing some 27 life size murals is the Palacio de Govierno. The murals depict the seemingly bloody and violent Yucatan history.

Other Points of Interest

The Plaza Principal is Merida’s heart. From this point you could see the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the Governor’s Palace. Enjoy a buggy ride right at the heart of Merida. The Catedral de San Ildefonso is a must see attraction in Merida, Mexico. The imposing church was built in 1561 and is the oldest cathedral in this side of the world. Murals inside the cathedral illustrate the meeting between the Mayan King Tutl Xiu and Francisco Montejo.

The people of Merida are one big family. They are warmhearted and hospitable. Aside from the must see attractions in Merida, experiencing the people, food, culture and traditions of the city are attractions themselves.

Source:ezinearticles.com