Mérida’s local Insider Since 2019

Thinking about moving to Mérida? Start here.

Get the unfiltered truth from the original source for Mérida scouting. From free resources to deep-dive research tours, we provide the practical depth you need to arrive with your eyes wide open and your feet on the ground.

From Day 1, our goal has been to serve visitors, current and future residents at every stage and every budget. Whether you need a free guide or a full research tour — we have something for you.

FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULT

Got questions? Let's talk.

Book a free 15-minute call with Amy. We focus on one specific topic so you get real value — not a surface skim. Need more time? A full one-hour deep-dive is available for $129.

RESIDENCY
Financial r
equirements, what to do & not do

HEALTHCARE
Doctors & Insurance (private / IMSS)

REAL ESTATE
Buy, rent, deposits, Fideicomiso

NEIGHBORHOODS
Centro vs North vs suburbs

LOGISTICS
Pets, cars, & what to bring 

BANKING

Transfers, FBAR,
CLABE

Cover of the Mérida Visitors Guide 2026 by Amy Jones and Angel Rodriguez of Life in Mérida™ — a free guide to visiting Mérida, Yucatán

Free Download

Your essential guide to Mérida — on us

•  Restaurant recommendations including hidden gems
•  Cultural events & museums
•  Grocery stores & food delivery
•  Activities for kids (inside & outside the city)
•  Beaches & beach clubs
•  Emergency #’s, hospital, & medical information
•  And much, much more!

Image: Rafael Bessanova

OUR SERVICES

Life in Mérida™ is the first and original scouting and research tour company in Mérida; offering an unparalled depth of guidance.

We believe living in Mérida is a privelege that comes with responsibility. We specialize in preparing culturally conscientious visitors, newcomers, and residents — not just selling relocations.

Angel Rodriguez leading a Life in Mérida group scouting trip in front of a colonial church in Mérida, Yucatán

GROUP SCOUTING TRIPS

Join a small group for a curated multi-day exploration of Mérida.

Amy Jones and Angel Rodriguez with private research tour clients in Mérida, Yucatán

PRIVATE RESEARCH TOURS

A fully customized experience built around your priorities.

Rooftop terrace with plunge pool and lounge chairs on a colonial home in Centro Mérida, Yucatán

REAL ESTATE REPRESENTATION

Buy or rent with confidence. Relationships with trusted agents. 

WHO WE ARE

Meet your Mérida insiders.

Angel Rodriguez with Amy Jones and clients enjoying traditional Yucatecan food at Mérida's Lucas de Gálvez market

Amy Jones

Co-Founder • THE MÉRIDA AMBASSADOR

Since moving from Dallas to Mérida in 2019, Amy has become the go-to resource for an honest, practical look at life in the Yucatán capital. As the founder of Life in Mérida™, she has built a platform and newsletter that thousands of visitors, current and future residents depend on. Drawing on over 30 years of personal and professional relocation experience, her guidance goes beyond the basics, helping newcomers navigate the complexities of moving while discovering what makes Mérida truly magical.

Angel Rodriguez with scouting trip clients and Amy Jones in Garcia Rejon Market in Merida Mexico

Angel Rodriguez

CO-FOUNDER • THE LOCAL INSIDER

Born in Tabasco and a resident of Mérida since 1993, Angel offers a perspective shaped by over three decades of local life. Having lived in neighborhoods across the city, he provides an irreplaceable insider’s view that goes far beyond the typical tour. With a professional background in hospitality and a passion for Yucatecan gastronomy, Angel serves as a cultural bridge—helping newcomers uncover hidden gems and navigate the subtle nuances of the language and local customs that make this city so unique.

FROM THE BLOG

Helpful articles for every stage of the move.

Residential street in the North Mérida neighborhood of Altabrisa showing modern condos, gated homes, and palm trees in Yucatán, Mexico

RENTING

Our top long-term rental tips from experience, mishaps, and lessons.

Vibrant produce and food stalls inside the Lucas de Gálvez municipal market in Mérida, Yucatán

COST OF LIVING

Budget for when you arrive and after you’ve integrated. Costs are different.

Amy Jones and Angel Rodriguez of Life in Meridad with Dr. Guillermo Trujillo dentist of Whiteline Clinica Dental

HEALTHCARE

Private vs. public – which is best for you and what to be aware of. 

People walking along the street in downtown Merida Mexico

SAFETY

Yes, Mérida is safe. These are our safety tips for every season and situation.

Color-coded map of Mérida Centro neighborhoods including Santiago, Santa Ana, Santa Lucia, Paseo Montejo, and Plaza Grande

NEIGHBORHOODS

Centro, the North, and the suburbs are wildly different. Discover the differences.

A motorcycle loaded with a car tire parked in a small town square in Yucatán, Mexico — everyday local life outside of Mérida

WORKING

Read this before you consider entering the job market. It’s an eye-opener.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Real experiences, honest feedback.

Angel Rodriguez and Amy Jones with clients on the grand staircase at Yerba Santa restaurant in Mérida, Yucatán — an evening out during a Life in Mérida™ research tour

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative time which played an invaluable part in our decision -making. I absolutely recommend Amy and Angel to anyone wishing to check Merida out for relocating and discovering the true cultural heart of the city.
• Ellie & Jamie Olliff

The BEST tour in Merida. Merida Retirement Tours afforded me the knowledge to make an informed decision about retiring to Merida. Every aspect of the tour was well planned, my questions answered and the details were amazing. I really appreciated Amy and her staffs communication with me during the trip and her follow up after. I had an absolutely fabulous time. I was traveling alone but never felt alone. You’ll feel as if you’re on vacation with a friend. I HIGHLY recommend Merida Retirement Tours

Every aspect of the tour was well planned, my questions answered and the details were amazing. I really appreciated the high level of communication. I was traveling alone but never felt alone. I HIGHLY recommend Life in Mérida™ Research Tours.
• Kristen Valente

Stay in the loop — it's free

Get the honest scoop on Mérida. Twice a month, I share what’s actually happening on the ground—so you can navigate life like a local.