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Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Mérida? Look no further!
Mérida is a Mexican city full of life, color, and culture – which is what keeps me coming back time and time again. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to swimming in hidden cenotes and tasting authentic Yucatecan cuisine, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do here.
But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 8 best things to do in Mérida. These are experiences I’ve done first-hand and guarantee will make your time here memorable. So if you’re ready to make the most of your time in Mérida, let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Merida was this combo tour to Chichen Itza! We visited Chichen Itza before the crowds then cooled off in a crystal-clear cenote and got a bonus visit to the beautiful town of Izamal.
It’s so many Yucatan highlights in one day!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Merida, Mexico
- 1. Taste your way around Merida
- 2. Visit Chichen Itza
- 3. Learn how to cook authentic Mexican food
- 4. See the pink water at Las Coloradas
- 5. Explore the Historic Center of Merida with a local guide
- 6. Adventure through the Acanceh and the Santa Barbara cenotes
- 7. Visit the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal
- 8. See flamingos at Celestun Beach
- Where to Stay in Merida
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Merida, Mexico
1. Taste your way around Merida
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Indulge in Merida’s street food on a small group tour, visit Merida’s main market with a local guide, enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant
- Inclusions: Local guide, food samples, beverages, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a foodie like me, this Merida Street Food tour is an absolute must!
There’s no better way to experience the heart (and flavor) of a city than by eating your way through it, and this tour does exactly that. It’s a delicious deep dive into Yucatecan cuisine, and trust me, you’ll want to come hungry!
The tour kicks off with a local guide leading you through Merida’s colorful streets and lively markets. I tried a variety of authentic dishes including handmade tamales, shrimp ceviche, and Yucatecan cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork). Each stop was more mouthwatering than the last, and learning about the history and tradition behind the dishes made it even better.
After the market, we sat down for a full lunch at a local restaurant where we enjoyed a seafood feast. The seafood lunch is served from Monday to Saturday, and if you do the tour on a Sunday you will get tacos instead (which sound equally as delicious!). And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, we finished the tour with a refreshing scoop of handcrafted ice cream!
This tour is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Merida’s local culture and cuisine. We visited places we never would have found on our own and that we can’t wait to return to in the future. It’s a very popular tour though, so make sure you book in advance before it sells out (look at all of the great reviews here!).
Check availability and secure your spot on this food tour here!
2. Visit Chichen Itza
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: See Chichen Itza early in the morning before the crowds, explore and learn about this ancient city from your guide, swim in a private cenote, visit the town of Izamal and climb the pyramid
- Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation with A/C, bottled water, guided tour in Chichen Itza
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a day packed with history, adventure, and jaw-dropping beauty, this full-day Chichen Itza tour from Merida has it all!
The day kicks off with a guided visit to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing in front of the iconic El Castillo pyramid was one of those “pinch me” moments I’ll never forget. Our guide shared fascinating stories about Mayan culture, and we even had time to wander around on our own and take it all in.
One of my favorite things about this tour is that it leaves early in the morning to beat both the crowds and the intense midday heat. This made a huge difference – I got incredible photos of the pyramid with no one in the background!
After exploring the ruins, we cooled off with a swim in a crystal-clear cenote. If you’ve never swum in a cenote before, trust me, it’s a bucket-list experience. The turquoise water is unbelievably refreshing, and swimming beneath ancient rock formations was so much fun.
The final stop was Izamal, AKA the “Yellow City”. Everything here is painted in vibrant yellow, and strolling through its colorful streets felt like being inside a postcard. You can even climb an ancient pyramid here, which was a fun way to end the day.
This tour is a fantastic way to see Yucatán’s top highlights in one day. It’s also an incredible deal at only $84 USD per person, but don’t forget extra cash for lunch and the Chichen Itza state tax!
Read the incredible reviews and secure your spot on my favorite tour here!
3. Learn how to cook authentic Mexican food
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Learn how to prepare a traditional 3-course meal from a local chef, shop for ingredients at a local market, and indulge in your delicious creation for lunch
- Inclusions: Local instructor/guide, beverages, food
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I’ve always loved Mexican food, so when I found out about this Yucatán Cooking Class, I booked it right away!
It turned out to be one of the most fun and flavorful experiences I had in Mérida. From shopping at a lively local market to cooking authentic dishes with a local chef, this experience was everything I hoped for – hands-on, educational, and absolutely delicious.
The adventure kicked off at a local market, where our awesome guide, Gisel, introduced us to fresh produce and unique Yucatecan spices like recado rojo and achiote. We tasted fresh fruit from the stalls and learned about the key ingredients that make Yucatecan cuisine so distinct. After gathering everything we needed, we headed to the kitchen.
With step-by-step guidance from a local chef, we prepared classic dishes like sikil pak (pumpkin seed dip), empanadas, and pollo pibil. The chef made each step simple and fun, so whether you’re a total beginner or a home-cooking pro, you’ll be able to follow along with ease.
But the best part was sitting down to enjoy the meal we’d prepared together at the end. It was the perfect way to reflect on everything we’d learned while enjoying the incredible, fresh flavors.
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, make sure this cooking class ends up on your itinerary. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the culture of Mérida and learn some new skills you can take home with you – plus it’s highly rated with tons of 5-star reviews you can read here!
If you’re ready to learn some new culinary skills, secure your spot here!
4. See the pink water at Las Coloradas
- Duration: 11 to 12 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Visit the pink lagoons in Las Coloradas, go for a swim at a beautiful beach, enjoy a boat ride on Rio Lagartos to see mangroves, crocodiles, and flamingoes
- Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation, boat ride, lunch
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a nature lover, then you can’t miss out on this full-day tour to Las Coloradas. It’s packed with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and beach time – the perfect combo if you ask me!
The first stop was the stunning Las Coloradas Pink Lagoon, and yes, it’s as pink as it looks in the photos! The pink color comes from a mix of salt and natural microorganisms and seeing it in person was incredible. The contrast of the bright pink water against the blue sky made for some of the best photos I’ve ever taken!
Next, we visited Cancunito Beach, a secluded spot where we had time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the soft sand and clear waters. It was the kind of spot where I could’ve spent all day if they let me.
The final stop was a scenic boat ride through the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where we cruised through mangroves and spotted crocodiles sunbathing along the banks. The highlight for me was seeing the bright pink flamingos wading in the water. Watching them in their natural habitat was such a neat experience!
This tour is a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. If you want to see Yucatán’s most beautiful natural wonders, then this is the tour for you!
Reserve your spot on this tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
5. Explore the Historic Center of Merida with a local guide
- Duration: 9 am
- Time: 2 hours
- Highlights: Go on a walking tour of the Historical Center of Merida, see historic churches and colonial architecture, and learn about the city’s history and culture from your local guide
- Inclusions: Professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s something special about exploring a city on foot, and this Mérida walking tour is no exception. It’s the perfect way to experience the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of Merida’s Historic Center.
The adventure begins at the Museo Casa Montejo, a stunning example of colonial architecture that once served as the residence of Mérida’s founder, Francisco de Montejo. Learning the historical significance behind this beautiful building set the tone for the rest of the tour and I couldn’t wait for what else we were going to see!
We went strolling through the city’s charming streets, encountering picturesque squares, historic churches like the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, and beautifully preserved colonial buildings. We stopped at local landmarks, learned about the city’s architecture, and even got tips on the best places to eat and shop from our local guide. It felt like a behind-the-scenes look at Mérida’s culture and daily life!
The tour concluded at Parque de Santa Lucía, a vibrant park known for its traditional Yucatecan music and dance performances. It’s also a culinary hotspot, making it the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat once the tour is over.
This tour was the perfect way to connect with the city on a deeper level. It gave us a behind-the-scenes look at Mérida’s culture and way of life. So if you want to experience Mérida beyond the tourist hotspots, I can’t recommend this walking tour enough!
Check availability for this popular walking tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Adventure through the Acanceh and the Santa Barbara cenotes
- Duration: 7 to 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Visit and learn about the ruins at the archaeological zone of Acanceh, swim in 4 unique cenotes, take an optional scenic bike ride to the cenotes
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, lunch, use of bicycle, life jackets
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know that the Yucatan is home to over 6,000 cenotes? These natural sinkholes make for stunning swimming spots, and on this full-day tour you’ll get to visit not one, but 4 of them!
The day kicks off with a visit to Acanceh, a small town located outside Mérida, known for its archaeological site and historic churches. Walking through the site, we got to see ancient Mayan ruins up close, including stone pyramids that have stood for centuries. Learning about the Mayan history here from our guide was fascinating!
After exploring the ruins, it was time to cool off at the Santa Bárbara Cenotes. This part of the tour was definitely a highlight. We had the option to travel between the cenotes by bicycle or truck (I went with the bike – it was such a fun and scenic ride!).
We visited four different cenotes that all offered something unique from open-air swimming spots to hidden underground caves. Each spot was equally impressive with crystal clear water and limestone rock formations. Jumping into the cool water was the perfect way to recharge!
With lunch included, this tour ticks all the boxes for an adventurous day out. You’ll experience history, culture, nature, and local flavors – all in one trip! And for only $92 USD, you really can’t go wrong!
Secure your spot on this ruins and cenote tour here before it sells out!
7. Visit the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal
- Duration: 7 to 9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit the Uxmal archeological site, learn about the Mayan culture, swim in a cenote, enjoy a traditional lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, lunch
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I’ve visited a lot of Mayan ruins, but Uxmal is easily one of my favorites and the best way to visit is on this full-day tour. Unlike some of the more crowded sites, Uxmal feels quieter and more peaceful, giving you time to fully appreciate the incredible history around you!
From the moment I saw the Pyramid of the Magician, I was in awe. It’s unlike any other pyramid I’ve seen, with its rounded sides and steep, towering presence. Our guide shared fascinating stories about its construction and the legends behind it, making the experience even more memorable.
We also explored the Governor’s Palace, famous for its intricate stone carvings that symbolize Mayan power and mythology. It’s incredible how well-preserved these structures are!
After Uxmal, we cooled off with a swim in a refreshing cenote and enjoyed a traditional Yucatecan lunch. The tour also includes a visit to either the Kabah ruins or a chocolate museum, both of which offer a unique perspective on Mayan history and culture.
One important thing to note is that entrance fees aren’t included on this tour. So make sure you bring plenty of pesos to cover entry to Uxmal, the cenote, and any additional stops. It’s a fun day and we know you’ll enjoy seeing Uxmal just as much as we did!
Reserve your spot here and don’t pay a cent until just before you leave!
8. See flamingos at Celestun Beach
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Take a boat ride through the Celestun Reserve to spot a variety of wildlife, relax & swim at a gorgeous beach, enjoy a meal in a local restaurant
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, certified guide, boat ride, lunch
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s nothing quite like spotting wild flamingos in their natural habitat, and this visit to the Celestún Reserve Beach delivers that experience and so much more!
The journey begins with a peaceful boat ride through the Celestún mangroves, a unique ecosystem teeming with life. As we navigated the winding waterways, our guide pointed out various wildlife species, including migratory birds, crocodiles, raccoons, and a variety of fish.
But the real highlight was seeing the bright pink flamingos wading gracefully in the shallow water. Seeing so many of them gathered in one place was surreal – it felt like I was in a nature documentary!
After filling my camera role with flamingo pictures, we made our way to the beautiful Celestún Beach. The white sand and calm turquoise waters made it the perfect place to kick back and relax. We had time to swim, lounge on the beach, and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This tour costs $121 USD which includes transportation, a guide, entry fees, and lunch. From start to finish, everything was taken care of for us, we just got to sit back and relax, making this the perfect stress-free experience for any nature lover!
If you want to see the flamingoes, make sure you book this tour in advance here!
Where to Stay in Merida
As far as where to stay while visiting Merida, you really can’t go wrong with any place you choose. Merida is home to many different types of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are a few of our top choices:
Hostels in Merida
Che Nomadas Merida – This hostel located in downtown Merida is a great option for budget travelers. It’s clean, comfortable, and has everything you need – it’s even been proclaimed the most popular and most-reviewed hostel in Mexico! Che Nomadas is centrally located so you can walk to all the best sights and attractions. It has a pool, full kitchen, free wifi, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. A bed in a shared dorm here starts at just $16 USD per night!
You can check availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Hostal La Ermita Merida – This beautiful 19th-century house was recently renovated and is located in the heart of one of the two oldest neighborhoods of downtown Merida. They provide clean, spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a large garden surrounded by trees. They even have a game room and a pool table where you can relax after a long day of exploring the city. A bed in a shared dorm starts at $10 USD per night.
You can check availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Budget-friendly hotels in Merida
Casa Lucia Hotel Boutique – This boutique hotel is located in central Mérida, just 5 minutes walk from the city’s famous cathedral. It includes an outdoor pool and elegant, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that features a mix of both Mexican and international dishes. They even have lounge chairs, chair swings, and hammocks by the pool! A room here starts at just $104 USD per night.
You can check up-to-date availability on Booking.com.
Viva Merida Hotel Boutique – Viva Merida Hotel is located on Calle 59 Centro, in the heart of the city. It offers guests an outdoor swimming pool, spa, bar, and lounge area for guests to enjoy. There’s also sun terrace rooms available with great views of the city! Viva Merida even offers on-site laundry and childcare services for an additional fee, so it’s perfect for families or those on an extended trip to Merida. A double room at this hotel starts at $85 USD per night.
You can check availability on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
We love exploring Mérida and know that you will too! Hopefully, our list has given you plenty of ideas for some of the best things available here. It’s a place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
While you’re planning a trip, check out all our blogs on Mexico here. We’ve been traveling to Mexico for years and even lived here for a while, so we have lots of tips and ideas to share!