How to spend top weekend in Merida - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Merida is a great destination for incredible discoveries and explorations. If you've already visited the Mayan pyramids and all the outstanding museums of the city, it's time to go look for a meteorite that near the city millions of years ago and led to the death of all dinosaurs on the planet. Go to the small village of Chicxulub in the immediate vicinity of Merida and stroll through its picturesque streets. According to scientists, 70 million years ago, a multi-ton meteorite fell here, which turned into a real global catastrophe. Don't be upset if you cant see the huge meteorite - it was destroyed upon impact, and the crater from it has long leveled off. Millions of years have passed since the disaster, but this does not exclude the possibility of finding a small meteorite fragment underfoot during a walk in the picturesque village.

If you have not yet visited the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza , be sure to take a classic tour and walk around its surroundings. If you walk 300 meters north of the city, you can see an interesting object - The Dead Pit. This is the name of a large reservoir with a diameter of about 60 meters. This place has long been shrouded in mystery and fear. It is believed that it was here that the Mayans made human sacrifices in order to please the gods and bring rain. For tourists, The Dead Pit is the site of another ritual. They throw a coin into it to attract good luck.

Merida also has less touristy places. A great example is an abandoned railway station, which is highly recommended to all fans of walks in unusual locations. Merida's train station operated until the 90s of the last century and then fell into disrepair. Now its building is converted into offices, while a railway platform and railway tracks behind it have been in desolation for more than 20 years. Some wagons remained standing on the tracks, you can walk among them for hours enjoying the tranquility - it is unlikely to meet people in this area. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The abandoned train station is not the only place in the center of Merida where one can take a break from the crowds of tourists. Las Vigas , a Mexican restaurant hidden from prying eyes, will be another attractive place to relax. This restaurant is located on the second floor of Hotel Los Arcos, and that's why not all people walking in the center can get to it. The restaurant is notable not only for the absence of crowds but also for moderate prices. It will be hard to find more affordable prices in the city center.

Prefer healthy and natural food? Then be sure to check out Puro leche de Vaca located near the bus station and the city center. This shops offers customers fresh dairy products, here you can taste delicious mozzarella and buy homemade yogurt for breakfast. There are several tables inside, so you can enjoy the freshest products right on the spot.

Want to spend some time in a really unusual place? Go to the historic restaurant Restaurant Panchos located on one of the Old Town streets. Here you can not only taste classic Mexican dishes but also admire some unique old artifacts: collections of photographs, paintings, and other works of art.

Diving in the Cenote

There are several cenotes in the vicinity of Merida. They are small lakes. They were formed as a result of the collapse of the vaults of caves in which the groundwater was located. For example, you can visit Los 7 Cenotes. It is located 80 kilometers from the city. The cenote is open from 9 am to 5 pm on any day of the week except Monday. You can also visit the IK Kil cenote. It is located 100 kilometers away. The cenote is 42 meters deep.

The water is clear and transparent in these amazing reservoirs. Its temperature is always 25 degrees. Therefore, if you visit any of them you can not only admire the natural attractions but also go diving. You can view the rainforest from under the water, swim under the roots of giant trees, and find blind fish while diving.

Visit the Celestun Biosphere Park

The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is located 90 kilometers from Merida. It is open to the public throughout the year. You can rent a boat in the small fishing village of the same name and go on a tour. You will be able to see pink flamingos, white herons, pelicans, and other feathered inhabitants of the park. The duration of the trip will be 1.5 hours. You can have time to watch the birds, take beautiful photos, and listen to the story of the guide who manages the boat during this time. You will get the opportunity to visit the mangrove forest at the end of the tour of the reserve.

Climb the Pyramids in the Ancient City of Uxmal

The ruins of the ancient city of Uxmal are located near Merida. If you come here you can walk around the sights. You will admire the Governor's Palace. Its facade is decorated with mosaics. You will also look at the pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Magician. It has an oval shape. You will even be allowed to climb the great pyramid. You can admire the Uxmal panorama and the jungle from the top. You will also be able to use the stairs. You will walk diagonally along its stone steps to get to the top of the Great Temple. Its height is 30 meters.

Go Kiting on the Coast of Gulf of Mexico

If you are on holiday in Merida from the beginning of April to the end of June you will be able to engage in kiting. You should visit a kiting club for this. It is located on the gulf coast. A strong wind blows here. The climate is moderately warm in this place. If you have never ridden a skateboard before you will get a chance to take a training course with one of the club's instructors. If you are already an experienced athlete you can improve your skill level. The club’s staff can also help organize a sea cruise, fishing in the gulf, a cave tour, or a tour of the abandoned and flooded city where the Mayans lived.

Animaya Zoological Garden Safari

If you prefer to visit zoos where animals are not kept in cramped enclosures and cages you should visit the Animaya Zoological Garden. It was opened to the public in 2010. There is a tower with bas-reliefs near the entrance to it. Various animals and birds are depicted on it. You will have the opportunity to climb it and look at Animaya and its surroundings from a great height. You can also go on Safari throughout the zoo. You can rent a jeep or boat. You will observe its inhabitants in conditions as close to natural as possible.

Rio Salvaje Water Park

Rio Salvaje water amusement park operates in the city. Rescuers who have a first aid kit with them monitor the safety of visitors there. If you come here you can sunbathe on the terrace surrounded by palm trees, swim in the pools, cross the lazy river, and ride all sorts of water slides, including closed water pipes. Many of the rides are only available during the second half of the day. Therefore, you will be able to choose a convenient time to visit the water park.