How to spend 3 Days in Merida, Mexico: Backpacker Itinerary

How to spend 3 Days in Merida, Mexico: Backpacker Itinerary

Merida, the cultural heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers a captivating blend of colonial charm, vibrant markets, and nearby natural wonders. Whether you’re here for the rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, or day trips to cenotes and Mayan ruins, this 3-day Merida itinerary has got you covered.

I recently spent just over 3 days in Merida, so here is my complete guide based on what I did and what I would do differently.

Merida Itinerary in Short

• Day 1: Explore Merida’s Historic Center
• Day 2: Day Trip to Celestun Biosphere Reserve
• Day 3: Visit Uxmal Mayan Ruins and Chocolate Experience

How to use this Merida Itinerary: This itinerary compiles what I think is the best 3 days in Merida for first-timers. The days and activities can be shuffled around to suit your needs. Merida is a very livable city if you want to spend additional days here!

Merida Itinerary in Full

How Many Days Do You Need in Merida?

When I first set my sights on Merida, I wasn’t sure what there was to do… As such, I thought one or two days here would suffice. I ended up staying a little over 3 days, but I could’ve stayed longer as there seemed to be something new every night!

Three days in Merida is a solid time frame to experience the town’s highlights and nearby attractions without feeling rushed. Whilst it’s a big city, there aren’t any bucket-list experiences or landmarks to see. Instead, it’s the kind of place you get to know slowly, soaking up the culture by enjoying local events, shows, and (of course) the food!

If you’re a thrill-seeker or beach-bum, 2 days of Merida’s city life might be enough for you, should you leave in favour of mountains or beach towns. In this time, you can still get a wonderful taste of the city – it’s amazing how much you can see in a day here!

When to visit Merida?

The best time to visit Merida is between November and April when the weather is cooler and there’s less humidity. Helpfully, this is also the best time to see flamingos in Celestun!

Avoid visiting in the summer months if you’re not a fan of extreme heat.

I highly recommend visiting Merida over the weekend, when the city truly comes to life. Every Saturday you can experience old Mayan culture by viewing the famous Pok ta Pok performance. Whilst Sundays are the time for markets and street performers on Merida en Domingo.

I visited in January, which happened to coincide with Merida’s annual festival, MeridaFest. Which meant there were concerts, street performances, fashion shows and more, showcasing the arts of Merida.

How to get to Merida?

Merida is located in the northwest of the Yucatan Peninsula. As the state capital, it’s very well connected with most other destinations (Cancun, Valladolid, Bacalar, Holbox/Chiquila, Tulum).

• ADO bus is a popular option, with simple connections between most cities. These buses are both reliable and comfortable (one of the few I can sleep on)! Check out schedules on the ADO website or book with Busbud or Bookaway. I found Busbud to be slightly cheaper, but it’s worth checking both to get the best price.
• Rental cars give you the freedom to travel the region to your heart’s content! Parking is relatively easy in Merida. Having your own vehicle means you can travel on your own timeline, avoiding crowds and visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations.
• Private transport such as taxis or shuttles is a quick and pain-free way of travelling, though you’ll pay more for it. If budget isn’t an issue, I would consider this option.

Day 1: Exploring Merida’s Historic Center

Start your Merida adventure by diving into the city’s historic heart, exploring landmarks and museums, and enjoying local cuisine. I did this by joining one of the city’s many free walking tours. I joined one with Fernando (check his site here), which I cannot recommend enough!

Morning: Plaza Grande & Cathedral of Merida

Begin your day at Plaza Grande, the bustling central square surrounded by historic buildings. It’s hard to miss as it’s home to a HUGE flagpole!

Stroll around and take in the lively atmosphere. It’s good to do most of your walking earlier in the day when the streets are quieter and cooler.

Key spots to visit:

• Catedral de San Ildefonso: The oldest cathedral in mainland America, boasting impressive architecture.
• Palacio de Gobierno: Home to striking murals depicting Yucatan’s history.
• Casa de Montejo: A beautifully preserved mansion showcasing colonial-era furnishings.

Afternoon: Museums & Local Markets

Merida is full of museums. So many that you wouldn’t be able to visit them all in one trip!

Head to the Museo Casa de Montejo or the Palacio Canton, which provide insights into Yucatan’s cultural heritage.

Then, wander through Lucas de Galvez Market, where you can sample local specialties like cochinita pibil and fresh tropical fruits.

Must-try dishes:

• Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork)
• Panuchos (stuffed tortillas)
• Sopa de Lima (lime soup)

Evening: Paseo de Montejo

Stroll down Paseo de Montejo, Merida’s grand boulevard lined with stunning colonial mansions and charming cafes. Grab dinner at a traditional Yucatecan restaurant like La Chaya Maya, famous for its authentic flavours.

NOTE: You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a unique perspective of the boulevard.

Day 2: Day Trip to Celestun or Cenotes

For your second day, it’s time to venture beyond the city and explore the natural wonders surrounding Merida. Celestun Biosphere Reserve or the region’s famous cenotes. I had previously considered the pink waters of Rio Lagartos in the north but had heard that it wasn’t as impressive as the pictures might suggest…

Option 1: Celestun Biosphere Reserve

A 90-minute drive from Merida, Celestun is known for its breathtaking pink flamingos and serene mangroves.

Take a boat tour to see flamingos and other wildlife. Relax on the pristine Celestun Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.

Visit from December to March for the best chance to see large flamingo flocks.

There are many operators located in Merida that offer tours to Celestun, or you can rent a bike/car and visit independently. If you do the latter, you might also have time to combine it with a visit to some nearby cenotes.

Option 2: Cenotes near Merida

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, or you’re visiting Merida outside of flamingo season, it’s still worth getting out of the city!

Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and exploring. Here are my top picks for cenotes near Merida:

• Cenote Xlacah (at Dzibilchaltun ruins)
• Cenotes of Cuzama (three stunning cenotes)
• Cenote San Ignacio (easy access and great for families)

Whichever cenote you choose, make sure to bring swimming costume, towel and cash for entrance fees. You might also consider water shoes.

Evening: Cultural Shows & Local Vibes

Back in Merida, catch one of the free cultural performances held in the Plaza Grande or nearby parks.

One of the most popular is the traditional Mayan game of Pok ta Pok which takes place on Saturdays. Here crowds gather to watch a re-enactment of the ceremonial game whereby the winners were sacrificed.

Equally, try not to miss the traditional Yucatecan dance, La Vaqueria, performed on Mondays.

Day 3: Uxmal & Chocolate Museum

On your final day, take a trip to the impressive Uxmal ruins, one of the most well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites.

Morning: Uxmal Ruins

Located about an hour south of Merida, Uxmal is known for its intricate carvings and grand pyramids. Highlights include:

• Pyramid of the Magician – The site’s most iconic structure.
• Governor’s Palace – Offering breathtaking views.
• Nunnery Quadrangle – A beautiful courtyard surrounded by elaborate carvings.

As with most Mayan sites, try to arrive early to beat the heat and crowds.

Afternoon: Choco-Story Museum

After exploring Uxmal, visit the nearby Choco-Story Museum, where you can learn about the history of cacao and enjoy delicious chocolate tastings.

It’s a great place to cool down after an outing in the morning.

If you want to come back to Merida first, and then go to a chocolate museum, there’s one in the town called CacaoMEX.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Wrap up your trip with a final dinner at one of Merida’s rooftop restaurants, such as Picheta, which offers stunning views of the cathedral and a modern take on Yucatecan cuisine.

NOTE: Try the local drink Xtabentun, a Mayan liqueur made from anise and honey.

Where to stay in Merida

Compared to other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is very affordable. Hostel dorms are less than £10/night, and you can get a private room for less than £30/night. As well as budget hostels, Merida also has a series of luxury and boutique hotels.

• Budget: Hostal Casa Garza – Beautiful hostel building near the centre, with a pool and a tortoise!
• Mid-Range: Casa del Balam – Colonial charm and central location.
• Luxury: Rosas & Xocolate – A beautifully designed boutique hotel with a spa.

I stayed in Hostal Casa Garza which I loved. They offered a great breakfast and the building is a converted colonial building so it’s super aesthetic.

Tips for exploring Merida

A few things to know before taking on this Merida itinerary:

• Getting Around: Much of central Merida is walkable, however, given how big the whole city is you might want to rent a bike or scooter. They also have (reasonably-priced) Uber here for any quick trips. Public buses are cheap and bicycle rentals are also available to explore at your own pace.
• Currency: Mexican Pesos (MXN) – most places accept cards, but carrying some cash is handy for small purchases.
• Language: A few Spanish phrases will go a long way, use them wherever possible!
• Street stalls: For food stands, the price is the price. Don’t try to haggle unnecessarily.
• Safety: I felt very safe throughout my time in Merida. I spent most of my time in the centre, walking around both alone and also at night.
• Merida en Domingo: Every Sunday the streets are closed to traffic for markets and performances.

What to do if you have more time in Merida

If I had more than 3 days in Merida, the first thing I’d do is take more time to explore the brilliant food scene, amazing museums and street performances.

Other things you can do to enjoy more of the culture are:

• Take a cooking class: Mexico is famed for its food, and Merida is one of the best spots in Yucatan for it!
• Learn Spanish: Merida is home to several Spanish schools. And since it’s not a city that’s been taken over by tourists, there’s plenty of opportunity to practice with locals!

You can use your stay in Merida as a base to explore more of the wider area.

• Visit Progreso: Home to the world’s longest pier, Progreso is a beach town.
• Visit Sisal: A less developed, Progreso, Sisal has quiet beaches away from the crowds.
• Day Trip to Ek Balam: Mayan architecture hidden deep in the jungle.

Where to go after Merida?

Once you have seen all that Merida has to offer, you have a number of choices for where to go next.

From there, there are buses to almost anywhere you want! If you’re after colonial cities, Valladolid is the closest and Merida is another good option. If you want more island life, then Isla Mujeres is a couple of hours away. Similarly, Cozumel offers Yucatan’s best opportunity for scuba diving. Tulum is another common option and a great stopping point on the way towards Bacalar and then Caye Caulker (Belize).

Alternatively, you could take a bus to Cancun before flying out and exploring somewhere else entirely! Internal flights to Mexico City are a common choice, whilst a flight south to Guatemala to explore Antigua would be my top choice!

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide on how to spend 3 days in Merida, Mexico. If guides and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!