Mexico
YUCATAN
The name Yucatan, also assigned to the peninsula originated during the early explorations of the conquerors from Europe. They are reliable versions that agree that this name would have resulted from a confusion between the Mayan inhabitants and the first Spanish explorers to 1517.
Where is
located
Yucatan is one of 31 states with the Federal District make up the 32 states of Mexico. The state is located southeast of Mexico and north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Bordered on the north by the Gulf of Mexico, southeast to the state of Quintana Roo and the southwest by the state of Campeche.
How to get there
Merida is one of the best-linked destinations in the country. Highway 180 connects it to the city of Campeche, which is 177 km (109 mi) southeast of Merida, and 1,155 km (716 mi) ahead lies Mexico City. The same route links the city to Cancun, which is 320 km (198 mi) away. Merida has a bus station with service offered mainly by bus line ADO, and an international airport with service from the following carriers: Aerocalifornia, Aerocaribe, Aeromaya, Aeromexico, American Airlines, Aviacsa and Mexicana. The airlines offer direct flights to Mexico City, other Mexican cities, Central America and the United States; flights to Europe make connections in Cancun and Mexico City.
Aeropuerto Manuel
Cresencio Rejon (Airport)
– Located off
the Merida-Uman
Highway. Tel. (999)
946-1340 or 946-1364
Terminal de Autobuses (Bus Station) – Located at 564 70th Street in the downtown area.
Place to stay
Piedra de Agua is a
luxurious hotel right in the center of Merida, Yucatan. Located in the
middle of the city, is located a few steps from the cathedral and Government
Palace. The airport is only 15 minutes. With an ideal location for business
or walk, offering easy access to major roadways and major attractions. The
business center offers fax, internet connection and secretarial services.
Additionally, the hotel has a pool, two gourmet restaurants, a well equipped
gym and spa treatments to relax body and mind. The pool offers a welcome
respite from the warm climate and the bar has a drink suitable for all. The
rooms are lavishly decorated with premium amenities such as bathrobes and
slippers. Water Stone Come and immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled
luxury and comfort.
Weather
The climate in the Yucatan is one of the warmest in Mexico, this is due to geographical location (located south of the Tropic of Cancer) and the low altitude of the state. High temperatures, combined with the annual rainfall (with greater intensity in summer) domain results in a majority of the warm humid climate with approximately 85% of the total territory of the state where the average annual temperature is 24 ° C to 28 ° C.
Things to do and see
Merida’s environs provide spectacular landscapes, where you can find various sinkholes, underground river systems with crystalline waters and lagoons hidden within mangroves. The lush vegetation makes it ideal for observing flora and fauna or going on a photo safari.
Cenote Simbala – This beautiful sinkhole with waters of intense blue offers surroundings where you can observe a variety of plant and animal species. Located in the town of Motul on 43rd Street and 26th Street off Highway 281. It lies about 45 km (28 mi) from Merida.
Jardin Botanico Regional – A botanical garden with an important variety of indigenous vegetation: agave, orchids, aquatic plants, palms, cacti and other species. It also has a patch of low jungle. Along the tour, you’ll come across information about the plant species, making it an educational experience as well. Located at the Centro de Estudios Cientificos de Yucatan in Puerto Progreso, 36 km (22 mi) north of Merida along Highway 261.
Reseva Especial de la Biosfera Ria Celestun – Located 95 km (59 mi) west of Merida on a state highway that you can catch near the town of Uman. Has 51,139 hectares (126,313 acres) and a 20-km-long (12.4-mi) estuary, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche. At this biosphere reserve, you can witness the spectacular sight of pink flamingos in flight and you can admire more than 170 indigenous and migratory bird species that inhabit the area. You’ll also spy crocodiles in the marshes and you may have the pleasant surprise of watching green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs.
Cuzama – Located 40 km (25 mi) southeast of Merida on a state highway that you can catch in the town of Kanasin. This place has various sinkholes you can visit as a horse-drawn cart takes you along a 7-km (4-mi) path full of underbrush. Here you can observe flora and fauna typical of the region, as well as some endangered species.
Things to buy
In Merida you’ll find various shopping malls with clothing and jewelry stores, as well as perfume shops selling the most prestigious brands. Among the most popular shopping centers are Plaza Cristal on Paseo Montejo Avenue and Plaza Dorado, located in the Hidalgo neighborhood.
If you’re looking for traditional regional crafts, such as hammocks, coarse cotton clothing, objects made from henequen, among other merchandise, visit the Garcia Rejon Market, located on 65th Street, near 60th Street, or the San Benito Market, where you’ll find all kinds of souvenirs to remember your trip.
