They call it the “White City” because it was carved with lime and quarry over the remnants of a civilization that left an imprint on the history of mankind.
Founded in the 6th of January of 1542, Mérida is the state capital of Yucatán, and it is considered to be the American Capital of Culture, a distinction that was given to the city for its advocacy of cultural activities.
If you visit us, we invite you to visit “Paseo de Montejo” and look at the breathtaking henequen haciendas that were immortally portrayed by John Kenneth on his extensive essay titled ‘México Bárbaro’.
This walkway, measuring about 5 km in length, extends all the way from the Santa Ana neighborhood at the very heart of the city to the exit leading to the Progreso Pier; they will allow you to see Frenchified roundabouts, the very famous “Monumento a la Patria” that has engravings narrating the history of both México and Yucatán, the Palace and the Montejo House that has turned into a must-see Museum that advocates culture.
The Cantón Palace is a regional museum that offers a collection of remains belonging to the Mayan culture, which where found in the city.
The “turibus” is an excellent option to discover the city in a more practical and fast way.
On the weekends, Legend tours are offered, telling us the stories of the Aluxes, a type of mischievous pixie, and the legend of Ichkabal, a woman dressed in white that enjoys confusing people, making them go astray in the jungle and mangroves.
From the central plaza of the White City, guided tours depart towards different magical destinations full of adventure, fun and culture.
Remember to try the typical dishes of the city, like “panuchos”, “salbutes”, Lime Soup and the drink “Xtabentún”, which has a particular anis taste.
If you have the opportunity to visit and stay at a former henequen hacienda that today serve as hotels, museums and convention centers, you will be left amazed at how the colonial surge made of these buildings an enchanting experience in the middle of the rich tropical forest.
If you visit us during the month of January, you will be able to visit the Mérida Fest, or the city’s festival, and during February, the Carnival, which offers celebrations full of color, dances and traditions that will make you enjoy this cultural and artistic city even more.

Wejoytrip recommends
try the Edam cheese “marquesitas” and the artisanal peanut butter, since this is a traditional dessert endemic of the region; your palate will be thrilled by the contrast between sweet and salty.
You must also purchase a henequen or palm tree hat, which is an excellent way to protect yourself from the strong rays of midday; and if you wish to be fashionable, the artisanal “guayaberas” shirts are the center of attention in the streets of Mérida due to their striking white color.
Have in mind that if you wish to meet the White City in an elegant, comfortable and fun manner, you can take carriages pulled by horses that will lead the way through the main streets of the historic center, making it easier to discover the arches, buildings, monuments and plazas, a true colonial experience in the middle of the 21st Century.

Things to see and do
tours, guided visits, walkways, gastronomy, haciendas, plazas, museums, conventions, festivals, paintball, exhibitions, presentations, concerts.
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