Cheap Merida Vacation Packages
Merida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatan. Known to the Mayans as the city of T’ho, it was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in sixteenth century and has ever since been the epicenter of Spanish, French, British and Dutch influences - the cumulative effect of which is evident in its breathtaking architecture and splendid culinary arts. A visitor coming to Merida is treated to the intriguing historical account of Mayan culture, historical palaces, old mansions, archaeology museums, and ancient churches in this Mexican city. The local festivals here are an exquisite delight in themselves, and an experience of attending the periodic cultural events and Sunday evenings here would stay with you for the rest of your life.
Places of Interest in Merida
Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande is located on the site of what was once the ancient city center of a Mayan city. It is surrounded by many impressive buildings that were built from the stones of ancient Mayan temples that once stood here. The central park here is a pleasant place for strolling in early morning and late evenings, and it is a favorite meeting place of locals, tourists, street performers, and vendors.
El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (or The Grand Museum of Mayan World)
The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is where you can see some of the most remarkable elements of Mayan civilization, except for the pyramids. This iconic museum has an enviable collection of eight hundred items of immense historical worth, most important of them being the human skull-shaped quartz crystal called ‘Kin Bat.’ The museum has also put in place a stellar audio-visual show to show the history of this legendary civilization that had ceased to exist in early twelfth century.
Palacio Canton
The centennial building of Palacio Canton is home to the regional archaeology museum, Museo Regional de Arquaeología de Yucatan (Regional Museum of Archaeology in Yucatan). It has one of the best collections of Mayan artworks in one of the grandest mansions of Merida. This palatial building once used to serve as the governor's mansion and its lavish interiors are a natural reflection of the expensive tastes of ruling elite class.