Colonial Mexico

Merida (Cancun)

Merida today is a large modern city and the center of commerce for the entire Yucatan peninsula and is also the capital of the state of Yucatan. Merida is surrounded by antiquity, the Mayan cities of Chichen Itza, Mayapan, Dzibilchaltun and Uxmal, to name just a few, are all close. The architecture of the colonial period is quite evident in downtown Merida, many of the elegant government buildings, churches, charming plazas, private mansions and expansive haciendas date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of the more opulent haciendas, in the outlying countryside, have been turned into elegant hotels allowing visitors to get a small taste of what life may have been like (for the rich) in the early days on the Yucatan peninsula.

The shady plaza dominates the center of Merida and the everyday life of the locals. This is where everyone gathers to enjoy the cool of the evenings and perhaps enjoy a light meal in one of the many sidewalk cafes. Many of Merida's elegant colonial buildings are located around the plaza. There are many museums and art galleries near the plaza and a variety of concerts, cultural events and exhibitions are scheduled seven days a week in and around the city center. The central market is also close by and deserves a look if only to enjoy the atmosphere that comes with local tradition. Other attractions include day trips to the Cenotes, open pools of refreshingly clear water from the underground rivers that crisscross the peninsula. Day trips to Rio Lagartos National Park, an ocean inlet that is home to over 30,000 pink flamingos, multitudes of other bird species, some very rare, and a few crocodiles. There are also some interesting caves in the area to explore.

Some of our favorite places to visit for the Colonial Mexico experience:

• Chichen Itza offers tours to the nearby ancient Mayan cities, and ruins...
• Guannajuanto was once the richest city in all of Mexico...
• Merida is at the center of commerce for the entire Yucatan peninsula...
• Oaxaca is blessed with a climate that is like an eternal springtime...
• Palenque has one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological compounds...
• San Cristobal De Las Casas has a lot of Indian influence...
• San Miguel de Allende is an attractive colonial town, north of Mexico City...

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