Scouting Trips

Private Scouting Trips Dates:
August 1st through March 31st
We only accept 2 private scouting clients per month.

Summer Packages Available
April 1st through July 31st
Tours are through our transportation partner and include a 90-minute consultation to personalize tour.

Days can be booked back to back or within a 30-day period, based on availability. We request a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice for bookings especially during high season between November 1st and March 31st. 

Orientation Days

2 days of driving tours to help orient you to the city. We’ll answer all your questions, give advice on cultural differences, and help you understand and navigate what your new life will look like. You’ll learn about the different neighborhoods, areas of the city, what to avoid, and how not to make cultural faux pas and integrate with ease and grace. We’ll stop for meals, photo ops, markets, bathroom breaks and other special requests. 

  • Centro, North, Suburbs, Beach Area
  • 7 Hours per Day
  • Choose your start time:  9:00 am – 10:00 am – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Shadow Day

This focus day is an example of “a day in the life” of what it’s like to live here. You’ll get a feel for timing, traffic, and how to communicate in various situations. Importantly, you’ll learn that what’s closest may not be the right choice for you. This was a very popular day we included in the 2024/2025 season and is now a PACKAGE EXCLUSIVE

  • Paying various bills (internet, electricity, water, etc.)
  • Going to the pharmacy (which ones to avoid)
  • How to buy a SIM card and add minutes to your cell phone
  • Our favorite grocery stores 
  • Using an ATM and how to avoid unnecessary fees
  • Hidden gems (markets, shopping, local eateries)
  • Tour of Hospital Faro (for this 1 hour tour, we require a minimum of 5 business days’ advance notice)

In the first 1-hour consultation prior to the tour days, we’ll discuss the answers from your Relocation Questionnaire. This is critical to prepare for the upcoming tour, create a custom itinerary, and address any special needs.

The majority of the time, many unknowns arise. It’s hard to know what to ask when you don’t have all the information. We’ll get to know each other and learn about wants, preferences, and deal breakers. Most importantly, we’ll identify and discuss any challenges or fears you may have about the process. 

Additional consultations can be booked at a later date within the 30-day period. Follow up consultations can include post-tour debrief and moving preparation and logistics.

  • All consults via Zoom video and recorded
  • Videos uploaded to personal portal for easy access
  • Resources, advice, and additional recommendations are provided

Mérida is a designated gastronomic destination. The food, sauces, and spices will delight your palate, especially if you are a foodie! You’ll enjoy a vast variety of gastronomy from the best local taquerias to traditional restaurants to hidden gems. You’ll eat at some of our favorite spots in the city. 

During your consultation, let us know about any allergies, food preferences or restrictions. We plan for a light breakfast and lunch OR lunch and a late afternoon snack.

One advantage of this package is the plethora of guides with lifetime access, updated annually. Angel and I have spent countless hours creating these educational and tourism guides so you can enjoy and appreciate all the wonderful things that Mérida and Yucatán has to offer. All guides are easily accessbile through your online portal – no download required.

Educational Guides

  • Mérida Visitor’s Guide – 56 pages of important resources and helpful phone numbers
  • Top 10 Tips for Research Trip – helpful to stay focused and on task
  • Learn About Mérida Guide – 98 pages to start the process of becoming more familiar with the culture, the city, and pertinent details
  • Neighborhoods: Centro & North Guide – 49 pages highlighting popular neighborhoods of Centro, the modern North, and areas to avoid
  • Moving: Timeline & Logistics Guide – 44 page plan to assist with preparation and planning
  • Real Estate Guide – 47 pages of information, do’s and don’ts, and what you need to know to avoid being scammed

You’ll get ALL the insider tips, tricks, and knowledge about how real estate works in Mérida. Without licensing or an oversight committee, real estate can be a roller coaster ride. Everybody is an agent with a “great deal” for you.

Understanding basics, cultural nuances, and what to avoid are key parts to transactions. Likewise, real estate is one of the most common ways to get scammed. Don’t let this be you! Allow us to walk you through the process. Most importantly, never, ever represent yourself in one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. 

  • Tip Sheet for Renters – everything you need to know about rentals including deposits, deposit returns, expectations, and pitfalls to avoid
  • Tip Sheet for Buyers – everything you need to know about buying property as a foreigner including the fideicomiso process, home inspections, negotiation, and moving money for your purchase
  • Real Estate Guide – 47 pages to educate and inform as well as shed light on how to avoid problems when renting and/or buying
  • Home Maintenance Guide – due to the tropical climate, home maintenance is constant and with this guide, you’ll know what to do, when to do it, and who to call for services

Access to our trusted, vetted, professional vendors and other resources including: 

  • residency
  • banking
  • medical
  • legal services
  • handymen
  • pool and home maintenance
  • interior/exterior design
  • and many more

Preparation and planning can be the most stressful part of the process. Knowing what to do, when to do it, what is necessary, and not important is overwhelming, to say the least. This fully customized moving plan includes timelines, backup plans, and other critical details to keep you organized and sane. I have over 25 years’ experience helping people move internationally and now, we’ve decided to include this service (as requested by many clients).

Many people rely on social media for information and research vs. working with a professional. While DIY may work for some, many people make costly mistakes that could have been avoided when trying to save a few dollars. The truth of the matter is this:  it’s all about choices, tolerance level, patience, and willingness to take on the enormous task of moving internationally. 

Did you know regulations change frequently, many times without notice? Do you know who to trust when you don’t live here yet? Are you fully aware of all the cultural nuances and language differences? Unfortunately, there are those that use scare tactics to pressure you to pay for services and deposits in order to take your money that have no intention of providing what was agreed on. Likewise, Google Translate does not work in many situations.

Managing expectations, creating realistic timelines, and providing professional advice, solutions, and fully vetted resources is part of this optional service. If you’d like to take advantage of this, ADD this service to your package for an additional $850 usd.

Group Scouting Trips Dates:
March 5 -11, 2026
Group size is limited to 12 guests maximum.

Expatsi Members:
Receive a discount

Fee includes accommodations (6 nights at a 4-star boutique hotel)

A dedicated presentation day featuring local professionals is an invaluable cornerstone of your Mérida scouting trip, offering direct access to specialized, timely, and region-specific expertise. Hearing directly from experts in areas like real estate, immigration law, insurance, and property maintenance allows you to gather vetted, accurate information that is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding costly logistical mistakes. This concentrated session cuts through internet speculation and provides a crucial foundation for planning your actual move and securing your future in Mexico.


Meet other valuable resources and professionals from the community including health and medical, magazine editors, and community leaders.

The charm of Mérida begins with enchanting neighborhoods, especially in Centro. You’ll find a little bit of history and activities in each one. One thing to keep in mind, there are no lines of demarcation between the neighborhoods. This area is much larger than people think.

In the morning, we’ll explore the most popular neighborhoods in Centro, walk through hidden-gem markets, and stop for photo ops along the route. The highlight of the day will be lunch in a delicious local restaurant followed by real estate information, statistics, rental rates, and average sales prices in different neighborhoods. (Unfortunately, we are no longer able to show properties to large groups.)

North Mérida is a vibrant and dynamic area of the city, with many distinct neighborhoods that offer an array of lifestyle options for those who choose to make it their home.  The suburbs provide a quieter, more affordable lifestyle. Ideal for families, many homes have larger yards and more square footage.

As we scout each area, we’ll provide real estate information, statistics, rental rates, and average sales prices in different neighborhoods. (Unfortunately, we are no longer able to show properties to large groups.)

There are quite a few beaches close to Mérida; each with their own unique aesthetic and personality. Some are more popular with foreigners and visitors while others are quieter, local spots.

The most popular beach destination is Progreso. The Malecon is home to dozens of touristic shops, great restaurants, and hotels. Receiving cruises from around the world, the Progreso Pier is the longest in the world, stretching approximately 4 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

We’ll explore beaches from Telchac Puerto to Progreso to Chuburna, stopping for lunch on the Malecon (boardwalk) in Progreso. 

One advantage of this package is the plethora of guides with lifetime access, updated annually. Angel and I have spent countless hours creating these educational and tourism guides so you can enjoy and appreciate all the wonderful things that Mérida and Yucatán has to offer. All guides are easily accessbile through your online portal – no download required.

Educational Guides

  • Mérida Visitor’s Guide – 56 pages of important resources and helpful phone numbers
  • Top 10 Tips for Research Trip – helpful to stay focused and on task
  • Learn About Mérida Guide – 98 pages to start the process of becoming more familiar with the culture, the city, and pertinent details
  • Neighborhoods: Centro & North Guide – 49 pages highlighting popular neighborhoods of Centro, the modern North, and areas to avoid
  • Moving: Timeline & Logistics Guide – 44 page plan to assist with preparation and planning
  • Real Estate Guide – 47 pages of information, do’s and don’ts, and what you need to know to avoid being scammed

You’ll get ALL the insider tips, tricks, and knowledge about how real estate works in Mérida. Without licensing or an oversight committee, real estate can be a roller coaster ride. Everybody is an agent with a “great deal” for you.

Understanding basics, cultural nuances, and what to avoid are key parts to transactions. Likewise, real estate is one of the most common ways to get scammed. Don’t let this be you! Allow us to walk you through the process. Most importantly, never, ever represent yourself in one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. 

  • Tip Sheet for Renters – everything you need to know about rentals including deposits, deposit returns, expectations, and pitfalls to avoid
  • Tip Sheet for Buyers – everything you need to know about buying property as a foreigner including the fideicomiso process, home inspections, negotiation, and moving money for your purchase
  • Real Estate Guide – 47 pages to educate and inform as well as shed light on how to avoid problems when renting and/or buying
  • Home Maintenance Guide – due to the tropical climate, home maintenance is constant and with this guide, you’ll know what to do, when to do it, and who to call for services

Access to our trusted, vetted, professional vendors and other resources including: 

  • residency
  • banking
  • medical
  • legal services
  • handymen
  • pool and home maintenance
  • interior/exterior design
  • and many more

For more information & availability, contact me here.

If you do not receive a response with 48 hours, please send an email to:  amy@lifeinmerida.com 

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