A Weekend in Mérida: Culture, Cuisine & Cenotes
Whenever we’re in Mexico, we love spending a few days in Tulum before heading inland to Mérida—a destination that perfectly blends colonial charm with rich Mayan heritage. Some travelers opt for a quick flight, but we don’t mind hopping on the ADO bus from Tulum. It’s comfortable, scenic, and part of the adventure.
Mérida is just the right size for a laid-back weekend getaway, and it makes an ideal base for exploring the Yucatán’s hidden gems: restored haciendas, mystical cenotes, ancient ruins, and some of the best regional cuisine in Mexico.
STAY
Las Escaleras, http://www.lasescalerasmerida.com/.
Our personal favorite B&B in Mérida. This 165-year-old colonial gem features just three stylish guest rooms—each filled with gorgeous tilework, local design touches, and Instagram-worthy details. The serene courtyard pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring.
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA, https://www.rosasandxocolate.com/.
Set along the iconic Paseo de Montejo, this vibrant pink Spanish Colonial mansion has it all: luxury spa treatments (yes, there’s a chocolate massage), an enviable pool, and design-forward suites. A favorite for romantic getaways and stylish stays.
EAT
Chilakiller’s – Yelp – We didn’t know what true chilaquiles tasted like until we came here — and now, we’re obsessed. The menu is simple and customizable with your choice of sauces, proteins, and toppings. The texture? Perfectly crunchy and saucy. Pair it with one of their fresh fruit juices and thank us later.📍 Best for breakfast or lunch | Calle 57 & Calle 58, Centro
Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon, http://www.elcolon.mx/. Founded in 1907, this iconic ice cream shop offers tropical sorbets in flavors like mamey, soursop, coconut, and mango. Order the champola—your choice of sorbet topped with chilled milk—for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
📍 Afternoon stop | Paseo de Montejo
La Chaya Maya, http://www.lachayamaya.com/.
A Mérida classic. This beloved spot serves up traditional Yucatecan cuisine in a charming setting. Try the lime soup, poc chuc, or tikin xic, and don’t skip the fresh handmade tortillas. The margaritas are also top-tier.
📍 Lunch or dinner | Calle 62 por 57, Centro
Apoala – apoala.mx – For a more elevated experience, Apoala brings modern Mexican cuisine with Oaxacan flair. Located in Parque Santa Lucía, the patio seating is perfect for a romantic evening. The cocktails and mezcal selection are outstanding, and the service is always warm and professional.
📍 Dinner | Calle 60 #471 x 55, Santa Lucía, Centro
La Lupita (Food Stall)
Tucked inside Mercado Santiago, this humble stall is a local legend. Their cochinita pibil is unmatched—slow-roasted pork with rich, dark cuerito (fat), wrapped in fresh tortillas or served as panuchos or salbutes.
📍 Open daily 7am–1pm | Best on Sundays inside Mercado Santiago
PLAY
Explore Ancient Ruins
Mérida is surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring Mayan archaeological sites. Our top pick? Uxmal—less crowded than Chichén Itzá and just as breathtaking. Other gems include:
- Mayapán – Compact and climbable
- Ruta Puuc & Kabah – Great for off-the-beaten-path exploration
- Dzibilchaltún – Known for its Temple of the Seven Dolls
🚗 Rent a car for flexibility or book a private tour through Nomoon for a seamless experience.
Swim in a Cenote
After a hot day at the ruins, there’s nothing better than a refreshing swim in one of Yucatán’s many cenotes—natural sinkholes fed by underground rivers. They’re everywhere, even under Costco (seriously). Each one feels magical in its own way, and most are within an hour’s drive from Mérida.
Evening Vibes
Wrap up your day with a stroll through Parque Francisco Cantón, where you’ll find live music, couples dancing, and local food vendors. There’s something timeless and joyful about how the square comes to life at night—it’s the perfect way to close out a day in Mérida.
Let’s Plan Your Mérida Getaway
From boutique stays and street food gems to cenotes and ruins, Mérida is a perfect weekend destination with endless charm. Ready to plan your trip?
Let Nomoon Travel design your custom itinerary—we work with top local guides and properties to create meaningful, curated experiences you won’t find in a brochure.
