Merida Itinerary: The Ultimate 3-Day Guide to Mexico’s Cultural Capital
Merida, Mexico is one of the most vibrant and underrated cities in the Yucatán — full of charm, color, and culture, but still often skipped in favor of flashier beach towns like Cancun and Tulum. But skip it, and you’ll miss out. This Merida itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city — whether you’re planning a long weekend or a weeklong escape.
As someone who’s visited multiple times, I can tell you this place will surprise you (in the best way). From colonial architecture and late-night dancing in Plaza Grande to cenote swims and ancient ruins, Merida has something for every kind of traveler.
And best of all? It’s still incredibly affordable — especially if you’re travel hacking your way there.
So let’s dive into my 3-day Merida itinerary and full travel guide, filled with budget tips, restaurant recs, and a mix of local experiences you’ll actually remember.
Just a quick note: This page might include affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything from the links I receive a tiny commission to support this website. The good news? I only recommend products I actually use and believe in. So you’re getting the best products at a super good price.
Getting to Merida
There are now several easy ways to get to Merida, Mexico — by plane, by bus, or by the newly launched Tren Maya. No matter your travel style or budget, there’s a route that works.
Fly Directly to Merida (MID)
Merida has its own international airport (MID), and flights from the U.S. are becoming more frequent. American Airlines and United both offer nonstop flights from cities like Miami, Houston, and Dallas. If you can snag a good fare or book with miles, this is by far the most convenient option.
Budget Travel Tip: American Airlines miles are a solid redemption here — you can often fly for as little as 10,000 miles each way. I like to use the AAdvantage shopping portal to rack up easy miles before booking.
Flying into Cancun + Driving to Merida
If flights into Merida are pricey or limited, consider flying into Cancun (CUN) instead. From there, it’s a 3.5- to 4-hour drive to Merida along a toll highway. You’ll need pesos (or USD at a bad exchange rate) for tolls, and I always recommend stocking up on snacks and fuel before leaving Cancun — exits are rare.
You can rent a car directly from Cancun Airport (I’ve had great experiences with Enterprise Mexico), and having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore cenotes, haciendas, and ruins on your own time.
Prefer not to drive? Take the ADO bus — it’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and runs frequently from Cancun to Merida. Expect to pay around $20–$40 USD per person one way.
New! Ride the Tren Maya to Merida
With the rollout of the Tren Maya (Maya Train), you can now travel to Merida by rail from destinations like Cancun, Valladolid, Campeche, and eventually Tulum and Palenque. It’s a budget-friendly, eco-conscious option with air-conditioned cars and multiple daily departures.
The Tren Maya makes exploring the Yucatán easier and more scenic — especially if you’re pairing Merida with stops like Chichen Itza, Bacalar, or Calakmul.
How to Get Around Merida
Merida is an easy city to navigate, especially if you’re staying near the historic center. The downtown core around Plaza Grande is walkable, and you can reach most major attractions, restaurants, and museums on foot.
For anything outside the center — like day trips or neighborhoods just beyond the plaza — Uber is cheap and reliable. Rides within the city usually cost just a few dollars.
If you’re planning to explore outside Merida, such as cenotes, haciendas, or the ruins at Uxmal, the easiest and most flexible option is to rent a car. Roads are generally well-paved, and signage is straightforward. Just be sure to download an eSIM to ensure you have the best phone coverage.
Travel Tip: I always recommend using AutoSlash to compare rental prices — especially for Mexico. You can save a lot by booking ahead and declining overpriced insurance.
The area surrounding Merida offers some truly amazing experiences. You can easily rent a car and drive yourself to some impressive cenotes. Ones that you’ll have all to yourself, in fact. You can also visit ancient Maya city ruins, amazing small towns, flamingos, and hacienda walking tours.
Where to Stay in Merida
Merida has no shortage of charming, affordable places to stay — from boutique hotels and colonial mansions to modern chains where you can earn or redeem travel points. With only 3 days in Merida I’ve chosen some of my personal favorites for everyone’s budget.
These hotel recommendations are perfect to add to your Merida itinerary, giving you proximity to the best to see, eat, and experience.
Best for Luxury: Casa Tavera
This boutique hotel has beautiful finishes, a serene courtyard, and a location that’s hard to beat — right near my favorite restaurant, Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca. Rooms are elegant and refined, and a traditional breakfast is included.
Best for Points: Hyatt Regency Merida
Located just north of the historic center in the upscale Santiago neighborhood, the Hyatt Regency offers modern comforts and a great way to earn (or use) World of Hyatt points, which you can transfer from Chase. At under $100/night, it’s one of the best hotel point redemptions in Merida.
Best Budget Stay: Hotel Merida
This no-frills, colonial-style hotel is close to Plaza Grande and easy on your wallet. The pretty pink facade, tiled hallways, and central location make it a great choice for travelers who want to save without sacrificing atmosphere.
3-Day Merida Itinerary
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this 3-day Merida itinerary covers the perfect mix of local culture, food, day trips, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Each day balances iconic things to do in Merida with time to relax and explore at your own pace.
Day 1: Historic Center, Food, and Culture
Morning:
Start your Merida itinerary with a free walking tour of Merida’s historic center. It’s a great way to get your bearings, learn the city’s colonial history, and get tips from a local guide. Most tours start near Plaza Grande, so arrive early to explore the square and its surrounding buildings.
Lunch:
Grab lunch at Manjar Blanco, made famous after its Netflix feature. Don’t miss the sopa de lima — it’s easily one of the best in the region.
Afternoon:
Stroll through the Plaza Grande, stopping to browse artisan vendors or visit the nearby art galleries and shops. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, rent a bike and join in Biciruta, where locals take over the Paseo de Montejo on two wheels.
Dinner:
Head to Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca, a restaurant/museum hybrid that celebrates Yucatán food culture. You’ll be enjoying dishes like cochinita pibil in a beautiful open-air courtyard. And their cocktails are divine. Reservations recommended!
Evening:
Catch the free entertainment in Plaza Grande, which often includes live music, folkloric dancing, and even ancient Maya ball game reenactments. Check with your hotel to confirm the schedule.
Day 2: Cenotes, Haciendas, and Local Vibes
Morning to Afternoon:
Rent a car or hire a driver for a day trip outside Merida. First stop: Cenote Kankirixche, a beautiful turquoise sinkhole that feels remote and peaceful (and way less crowded than anything near Tulum). Bring a towel, water shoes, and pesos for the small entrance fee.
After swimming, head to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón for a tour of one of the last working henequen haciendas in the Yucatán.
You’ll see traditional rope-making, ride a mule-pulled cart to a private cenote, and enjoy a delicious local lunch included with your ticket. It’s one of the most immersive experiences near Merida.
Dinner:
Once back in the city, head to La Negrita Cantina for casual drinks (and I mean causal), a lively courtyard, and free snacks with every order. There’s live music most nights — and yes, the dancing starts early.
Day 3: Uxmal Ruins + Merida Like a Local
Morning:
Take a trip to Uxmal, one of the most impressive Maya archaeological sites in Mexico. It’s less touristy than Chichen Itza and just as awe-inspiring. You can self-drive or join a half-day guided tour that includes Uxmal and a nearby cenote.
Lunch:
Stop by Gorditas Doña Gorda for a quick, casual bite. These handmade gorditas are packed with flavor, and locals line up for the bean and cheese (my favorite) or pork fillings.
Afternoon:
Join a guided food tour with Eating with Carmen, one of my favorite tour companies in the Yucatán. You’ll sample a variety of authentic dishes, visit local markets, and get a behind-the-scenes look at Merida’s culinary culture.
Evening:
Wrap up your Merida trip with one last evening stroll through Paseo de Montejo or head back to Plaza Grande to soak in the city’s atmosphere one more time.
More Things to Do in Merida
If you’re staying longer or want to swap something in your itinerary, here are a few more fun and budget-friendly things to do in Merida:
- Visit the Palacio de Gobierno murals: Inside this government building just off Plaza Grande, you’ll find powerful murals depicting Maya history. It’s free to visit and only takes 30 minutes.
- Explore Merida’s museums: The Museo Fernando García Ponce (MACAY) and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya both showcase local art and history. Great for a hot afternoon when you want AC and culture.
- Take a cooking class: Love Yucatecan food? Learn how to make it yourself. Several local chefs offer half-day cooking classes that start with a trip to the market and end with a home-cooked feast.
- Shop local at Lucas de Gálvez Market: This is Merida’s largest and most chaotic local market — perfect for picking up fresh fruit, local crafts, or handmade hammocks at a fraction of tourist prices.
Where to Eat in Merida
Merida’s food scene is one of the best in Mexico — bold, regional, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re into street tacos, modern takes on Yucatecan classics, or lively cantinas… you’ll find something to love. Be sure to add these to your Merida itinerary.
Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca
Part restaurant, part museum, this is a must-visit for food lovers. You’ll find traditional Yucatecan dishes served in a stunning courtyard setting. Don’t miss the cochinita pibil and be sure to check out the food history exhibits while you wait. Reservations recommended.
Mercado de Flores
This local market is packed with hidden gems. Head to the corner of Calle 69 and Calle 54 and look for the red umbrella — the pork tortas here are legendary with locals and totally worth the wait.
Gorditas Doña Gorda
This is where the locals go for lunch. These handmade gorditas are hot, fresh, and flavorful — especially the pork and bean & cheese varieties. It’s a quick and satisfying stop during a busy day of exploring.
La Negrita Cantina
One of the liveliest spots in town. La Negrita serves mediocre cocktails, but it makes up for it with free botanas (snacks), live music, and a fun, colorful courtyard. Come in the evening and expect dancing with the locals.
Manjar Blanco
After being featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, this spot finally got the fame it deserves. Come for the sopa de lima, stay for everything else. The food is authentic and deeply flavorful — it’s a perfect blend of homestyle and elevated.
Is Merida Safe to Visit?
Merida is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico, and after multiple trips there, I fully agree. It has a calm, welcoming energy, and even late at night I felt safe walking around the city center.
Many Mexicans from other parts of the country are moving to Merida for the same reason — it’s clean, peaceful, and has a strong sense of community. The police presence is visible but non-aggressive, and locals are friendly and happy to help visitors.
Like any destination, it’s smart to use common sense: don’t flash valuables, keep your phone secure in crowds, and stick to well-lit areas after dark. But overall, Merida is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit, especially for solo travelers and couples.
FAQs
Absolutely. Merida is one of the most underrated cities in Mexico, offering rich culture, colorful architecture, amazing food, and easy access to cenotes, ruins, and haciendas. I’ve visited three times and still find new things to love every trip.
At least 3 days is ideal — enough time to explore the city and take a couple of day trips. If you stay a full week, you can add in cenotes, ruins, and more time to relax.
I find traveling to Merida to be easy but it can be expensive since the airport is so small. If you don’t want to fly to Merida directly you can easily get here from Cancun with the ADO bus or the recently opened Maya Tren.
More Yucatán Peninsula Tips + Inspiration
I hope you have a great time in Merida! I’ve been fortunate to visit three times and I keep finding new ways to explore the amazing little city. Here are a few other ideas to help you get inspiration, too.
- Find more fun things to do in Merida with this guide to 10 best things to do
- You can use my Cancun packing list for Merida, too!
- Choosing between Tulum and Playa del Carmen? Check out this helpful comparison guide
