Top Things to do in Merida
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Merida, Yucatan
The Yucatan capital has both colonial and Mayan treasures to discover. Nearby ruins at Uxmal give some insight into the lives of the predecessors of the conquistadores, who arrived in 1542. Mayan culture is also still evident in Merida's daily life and in the many colorful festivals celebrated here.
Restaurants in Merida
1. Earth Connection Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Eco-Tours - 2 hour tour then a swim in the private Cenote Tsunul and then Lunch at Mother Earth’s Restaurant: Spirit Warrior Package Mx$ 590, US$ 33 • Introduction to Meditation • Walking meditation and nature connection exercises • Seeing the sacred • Meditation at a sacred archeological site Cacao Workshop Mx$ 590, US$ 33 Learn to prepare Sacred Cacao and make Chocolate! Eco-Solo Packages: $95 Private Cenote and access to Nature and Archeological Trails $220 Camping in the Jungle! Bring your own tent or rent one of ours! $50 single tent, $150 double tent Mother Earth’s Kitchen $95 homemade vegetarian meals Deep Relaxation Therapy Mx$500/hr, US$28/hr Using a combination of healing modalities takes you deeply into a relaxed state where your body will heal itself. Reiki Restorative Yoga Meditation Massage Yoga Nidra Ashtanga Yoga Martial Arts Fb EarthConnectionCenter
2. Parque Hidalgo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Beautiful little park in the heart of Merida, full of cafes, restaurants, shops and monuments.
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
A beautiful little park located between the old University of Yucatan building and the main plaza. There are a few restaurants, a coffee shop and an ancient church constructed from stones taken from a dismantled Mayan pyramid that stood on this site.
3. Cenote X Batun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By abpowers1 - San Antonio, United States
This was our first visit to a cenote, and after visiting Uxmal earlier in the day, this completed our favorite day of our whole trip--both very cool experiences! This was a beautiful cenote, not very crowded at all. If possible, come wearing your bathing suit. You can use the changing rooms, but they are rustic and it takes a little while if you have to wait for everyone in your family to change. Also, bring a snorkel if you have it. We all enjoyed being able to see under water and my son loved discovering all the cool fish. It's definitely off the beaten path, but it's a cool drive that's worth it.
4. Parque de Santa Ana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By mgerhardt - Providence, United States
There are a number of interesting galleries along Calle 60 on either side of the park itself. Definitely take a look at Maruja Barbachano ( # 445) for high end women ‘s clothing (and other interesting items) and also see SoHo at #400 (closer to Paseo Montejo). There is also an outstanding silver shop on the square and the small church is very nice. A local market is off one of the side street. Parking can be a challenge but a walk in this neighborhood is definitely worth the effort.
5. Parque de Santiago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By julieperl - Washington, United States
A very local park with a Mercado that has very authentic food and is incredibly cheap. We ate in the market several times during our stay in Merida posting because the food was simply and very dependable. Highly recommended!
6. Jardin Botanico Regional Roger Orellana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Regional Botanical Garden is a living museum, founded in 1983, over the years this space has become an island of vegetation that contrasts with the surroundings: noisy and crowded urban area of Merida. This plant collection represents the flora and landscapes of the Yucatan peninsula, it is also the perfect place to enjoy bird watching, meanwhile walking in its paths and learning about plants.
Reviewed By Rakhat56 - Parkersburg, United States
This six-acre research garden is a haven for plants, wildlife, and humans longing for a nature experience in Merida, which has a fascinating culture, great people, and WAY too much concrete and hot sun. 700 species of native plants, 80+ species of birds, and butterflies everywhere at the right times of year. Watch for motmots, the signature bird of this part of Yucatan, in the selva seca, or dry forest collection. Sharp-eyed birders may see hummingbird nests. Different times of the year bring different blooming trees, most of them nectar sources for the native stingless bees being raised in the garden's meliponaria. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and bring water and insect repellent. This is the tropics, and temperatures in the nineties are common (but shade helps). The garden has limited hours (M-F 9:00-1:00) with guided tours available by appointment for a 25-peso donation. Otherwise, admission is free. As others have said, the website gives the main CICY address. The garden's entrance is on Calle 49 between 36 and 38. A Google Map search is useful for showing taxi drivers. The Moovit app gives information about bus routes and schedules.
7. Parque de Las Americas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By ClaudiaC4277
The architecture of this park took inspiration from the Mayan ruins. It has different spaces that provide a photographic scenario. It is a nice place for family groups, friends or people coming by themselves. As others mention, the park occupies 4 blocks and this allows plenty of space for the visitors. In one of the blocks there is a scenario for artistic and other cultural events. Another one has a fountain where birds drink water or take a bath. The third one has a children playground. There is also a library that hosts some events such as workshops and promotion of ecological practices.
8. Cenote Xlacah
9. Parque Zoologico del Centenario
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 348 reviews
Reviewed By georginar719 - Toronto, Canada
It is remarkable how the city has this attraction FREE for its citizens. The animals appear to be well cared for and there is lots of shade. A good place to go for a walk.
