All you Wanted to Know About Yucatán

The place where the ancient mayan culture is merged with the contemporary world of today.

YUCATAN is one of the 31 states that form the republic of Mexico. Located to the southeast of the country, and directy adjacent to the southern state of Campeche and the state of Quintana Roo to the east, which hosts the popular caribean tourist city of Cancun.

The state of Yucatan, famous for hosting the ancient Mayan civilization, today has a population of approximately two million inhabitants and is broken down into 106 municipalities among which we find the major cities of: Mérida, Valladolid, Tizimín, Progreso (only 30 minutes from Merida and today a common destination for large cruise ships), Izamal and Ticul.

Discover the Mayan legacy and the natural jewels of Yucatán

In Yucatan, one can find the following: Archeological sites at the world renowned locations of Uxmal and Chichen Itza (recently voted as one of the new seven wonders of the world), Dzibilchaltún, the Izamal convent (visited by Pope John Paul II in 1993), as well as an infinite amount of cenotes and other geological attractions.

Merida and the beaches of Yucatan have turned into a premier destination for retired people from all over the world, especially Americans, Canadians, and Europeans who are looking for suitable spots where they can live a cultured life and their retirement pensions and savings can go a long way.

Enjoy the exquisite gastronomy

One thing that cannot go without mention is the world renowned regional gastronomy that Yucatan has to offer, also among the best dishes of all of Mexico, such as: Cochinita or Pollo Pibil (Pork or chicken roasted in banana leaf and Mayan spices), Tik 'n Xik (barbaqued fish marinated with red mayan spices), relleno negro (turkey or meatballs marinated in a black mayan spice), queso relleno (ground beef bathed in a creamy sauce with dutch cheese and tomato sauce), salbutes or panuchos (fried tortillas topped with beans, shredded turkey, and onions), and much more. Some restaurants in Merida which specialize in regional dishes include: Los Almendros and La Suzanna International in Kanasin. Excellent regional and international food could also be found at well known restaurants and local hotels such as the Fiesta Americana, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, los Aluxes, Villas Mercedes, the Conquistador, as well as others still under construction. 

The "White City" Charm

Its capital, founded on the January 6th 1542, is the city of Merida known as the "White City", and offers a unique fusion of both colonial and modern environments. Merida has a mild and humid climate during most of the year but is cool and dry during the winter months. The city has a population of approximately one million. Merida has a well developed infrastructure (roadways, utilities, etc.) which has become more and more necessary to support increased commercial activities. A new eight lane highway was also recently built between Merida and Progreso, making the travel between the two destinations more comfortable and convenient.

The City that has Everything for Everyone

Among Merida's major attractions are: Paseo de Montejo (major avenue running north and south), a wide and elegant boulevard constructed in the early 20th century with both French and Italian influence. The metropolitan cathedral (built with stones from the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple), the government palace and the casa de Montejo (former home of Francisco de Montejo, founder of Merida). Other attractions include: the city zoo (el Centenario), as well as the following parks which form the heart of the city: San Juan, San Cristobal, Santiago, Mejorada, Americas Park, Santa Ana, and more.

Other modern attractions that Merida offers include a variety of newly constructed shopping malls including the newly constructed Galerías mall which hosts an authentic ice skating rink. Other malls include: Gran Plaza, Plaza Altabrisa, and City Center.

Yucatan has always been the region's capital of culture, attracting top quality artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, internationally renowned symphonies and more. The city of Mérida also maintains a bustling theater life where perfomances are carried out in the well known Peon Contreras or Teatro Merida. Almost every week live perfomances can be attended for the Symphony of Yucatan, Classic Dance, Regional Folkloric Ballet, and more.

Live sporting events can be followed at the Kukulcan arenas, to the south of the city, which host a baseball stadium, soccer field, and indoor arena.

Top Services in Mérida

In Merida a lot of attention is given to health care for both nationals as well as foreigners, and the region hosts some of lowest health care costs in the hemisphere as well as the most modern hospitals in all of Mexico, such as Clinica Merida and Star Medica (designated the official presidential hospital during the visit by George Bush in 2007).

Also in Mérida name brand shopping centers are avalible such as Sam's Club and Costco as well as department stores, super markets, and convenience stores such as Seven Eleven, Oxxo, and more.

Here any type of car is available for purchase and the city hosts car dealerships of all brands such as: Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar, Renault, Peugeot, Saab, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and more.

Merida is also well known for its safety, maintaining a reputation of one of the safest cities to live in, in all of Mexico. Native residents are generally very friendly and warm and ready to offer a helping hand whenever necessary, and police vigilance is high.