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Mérida’s local Insider Since 2019

Thinking about moving to Mérida? Start here.

Real talk from someone who’s been through it all. Free guides, expert tours, and honest advice — everything you need to make the move with confidence.

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 or Angel. 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.

No obligation

RESIDENCY
Temporary, Permanent, 

Requirements

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

Mérida’s original scouting company  •  Group scouting trips  •  Private research tours  •  Real estate  •  2x Monthly newsletters

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

  Best neighborhoods for expats, broken down honestly
  Dining, culture, and local gems tourists miss
  Practical logistics — healthcare, transport, money
  What to expect in your first 30 days
•  Insider tips from someone who lives here permanently

Image: Rafael Bessanova

OUR SERVICES

Life in Mérida™ is the first and original scouting and research tour company in Mérida. No other company offers the same depth of guidance.

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

Amy left the U.S. and landed in Mérida in 2019, founding Life in Mérida™ to share the unfiltered, practical side of life. She built the platform, newsletter, and YouTube channel that thousands of visitors, current and future residents rely on — writing as a resident who has experienced many lessons and situations that new residents tend to have.

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 raised in Mérida since 1993, Angel has lived in neighborhoods across the city and brings an irreplaceable insider’s perspective. His background in hospitality and customer service, combined with a deep love of Yucatecan culture and gastronomy, makes him the guide you want when you need someone who truly knows this city.

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 considering 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

The Life in Mérida™ newsletter lands in your inbox twice a month. Real updates, no fluff, from someone who actually lives here.

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