A trip to historical Mérida would not be complete unless you know the history of this enchanting and magical location in the Yucatan Peninsula. Learn how to get to Mérida and the layout of different neighborhoods called colonias. Find out the best way to navigate around the city as well as the history of Yucatan. Discover the beautiful cenotes, opulent haciendas, and ancient ruins. This comprehensive guide to the Mérida Mexico map will take you through some of the most important aspects and features of Mérida.
This article was updated in April of 2023.
Let’s begin with a little bit of the history of Mérida
How was the Yucatán Peninsula formed?
The Yucatan Asteroid Theory is a scientific explanation of how the Yucatan Peninsula was formed. This theory has been studied for years to explain why the geological makeup of the Yucatan Peninsula is so different from the rest of Mexico.
Approximately, 65 million years ago an enormous asteroid crashed to the earth’s surface just north Mérida in Chicxulub.
Further research supported that at the point of impact, entire ecosystems were destroyed worldwide. Interrupted photosynthesis with over 70% of the world’s species dying on impact, the planet experienced the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.
The result was the Chicxulub crater, dramatic climate change, the end of the dinosaurs, and the creation of cenotes, underground sinkholes filled with fresh water. Stories are still told today about the impact and effect the asteroid had throughout Mexico and the world.
- Part of the Yucatan Platform, a large chunk of land partially submerged underwater, the Yucatan Peninsula is the portion above the water.
- The Yucatán Peninsula is a region of southeastern Mexico, consisting of the Mexican states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
Mérida: The ancient city of Thó
The Maya began as hunter-gatherers and migrated into the Yucatán around 2500 B.C.
As agricultural developments prompted more people to abandon hunter/gatherer way, they began to settle into cities, many of which grew quickly.
Known as the only group to have existed in the pre-Columbian Americas to have established a complete writing system, the Maya also placed great value in art. The architecture was similarly treasured. Their cities featured spectacular structures such as palaces, astronomical observatories, pyramid-temples, and ceremonial ball courts.
The calendar, mathematics, and system for understanding astronomy developed by the Maya civilization were held in high regard.
The Maya are considered one of the most advanced civilizations of their time.
The Maya city of Thó was a center of Mayan culture for centuries and because of this,
some historians consider Mérida the oldest continually occupied city in the Americas.
- The traditional Mayas, who live just outside of Mérida, still practice some of the ancient ceremonial celebrations today including birth, marriage, and planting crops, among others. Mayan language is still spoken in the area today.
- Maya archaeological sites are still being discovered, some dating back to the fifth century A.D.
An example of the Mayan calendar.
The Colonization of the Maya by the Spanish
During the 16th century, the Spanish Empire began to occupy Mesoamerica and by 1697 the last of the Mayan cities was defeated. Francisco Hernández de Córdova was the first to arrive on the coast of Yucatán in 1517.
He asked the indigenous Maya where he was. They replied in their native tongue. As he did not understand their language, he thought their answer sounded like Yucatán. So, he gave that name to the region. Additionally, Mérida was named after the Spanish city Mérida.
The Spanish implemented a rigorous program of Catholicization and used stones from the pyramids of Thó to symbolically build Mérida’s cathedral. The Spanish colony was arranged by castes, with pure-blooded Spanish people forming the upper class and the indigenous people the lower class.
Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810
In 1810, México won its independence from Spain. However, class divisions between Maya people and Spanish descendants still existed. In Yucatán, the dense population of oppressed Maya people eventually rose up against their oppressors to begin the “Guerra de Castas” (Caste War) in 1847.
The Mexican government finally defeated the Maya in 1901 after decades of fighting. This war was considered one of the biggest seeds for the Mexican revolution, which began in 1910 and ended with the victory of the revolutionaries in 1920.
Wealth that created modern Mérida
Spanish colonists set up haciendas on land grants from the Spanish government. At first, raising livestock and agriculture, the hacienda plantations then began the production of natural fiber rope or sisal.
Sisal was produced from henequen: an agave plant where fiber was harvested then woven into rope. Called green gold due to the fact it made several local families very wealthy.
Called the Casta Divina or the Divine Caste, these families became wealthy on the backs of exploited Maya workers. Some of the haciendas outside of Mérida are still around today.
As you walk or drive along the Paseo de Montejo and some of the other large boulevards, you can see a glimpse of the wealth and mansions of an age that disappeared as quickly as it had begun.
Ultimately, this wealth put Mérida Mexico on the map.
One of the twin mansions “Casas Gemelas” on Paseo de Montejo.
Get this . . .
The colonial city of Mérida was once home to the greatest concentration of wealth in the world.
The 19th-century sisal barons hired Parisian architects to build opulent villas along Paseo de Montejo. The Mérida version of the Champs-Elysées.
The decline of this industry was caused by an increase in the popularity of synthetic materials for rope making after WWII.
The Esquinas de Mérida (Corners of Mérida)
Spanish colonists who settled in Mérida laid out the city as a numbered grid. Many early residents found meeting at “36/61” was a very confusing way to navigate. So residents used landmarks like churches or parks to give directions.
Savvy business owners erected pubs or shops with memorable names on the corners to capitalize on the trend. Iconic red and white plaques were eventually installed on these corners which included the name as well as a drawing or picture.
Did you know –
Almost every corner in the historic center of Mérida was given its unique name.
Residents could plan to meet at La Sombra (The Shadow), or La Sirena (The Mermaid), and even the illiterate would know where to go.
For me, the Esquinas are little surprises on the corners of streets in Centro – I love to find them.
The Esquinas de Mérida translated as the Corners of Mérida can still be found. Most of the plaques today are replicas however some originals dating back to the colonial period were preserved.
Names were also given to some of the numbered streets of today. This is an interesting article about the history of some of the most popular streets in Centro and the original names of the parks.
The Esquinas de Mérida stories
Dos Camellos
The location where two Arab merchants on camelback carried out illegal trades at the shop on the corner.
El Teatro
The location of the first theater, called San Carlos, in the city. In 1878 the name was changed to Peón Contreras and is the home of the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra.
El Degollado (Cut Throat)
The corner where a brokenhearted barber who took his own life when his lover left him for the governor.
La Tucha
The story of a girl who, because she misbehaved with the people who cared for her, was bewitched and turned into a monkey until she learned good manners.
La Cupula
A house with a large dome was located on this corner that was the horse stable for the Canton Palace on the Paseo de Montejo.
El Xcau
The name for a well-known blackbird, a relative to crows, and lover of standing water in puddles, which for many years abound in Yucatan.
El Loro
The corner where two elderly women lived with a rooster and a one-eyed parrot who told passers-by good night after sundown.
La Teja
The house on this corner had a characteristic brown roof or la teja.
Modern Mérida aka The White City
As you experience Mérida for yourself, you will be able to determine why it’s called The White City (a nickname given to Mérida)
- Most people will tell you it is because the buildings are made from white limestone.
- Others will tell you because it’s one of the cleanest cities in Yucatán.
- You may hear it’s due to the amount of all-white clothing people wear.
You will receive a different answer to this question depends upon who you ask. Regardless of who you ask, most will agree on the name, The White City started early in its history and still exists today.
Mérida Mexico Map Facts
- Mérida is located in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.
- It has a population close to 1,000,000 (2020)
- It’s the biggest city in the state.
- The Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.
- The Peninsula encompasses 3 Mexican states and parts of Belize and Guatemala.
- Out of the 3 states found in the Peninsula, Quintana Roo is probably the most popular.
- Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen are all mega-destinations for thousands of tourists annually.
- Just 3 hours west, you will arrive in the capital of Mérida.
City layout of Mérida
Mérida is fairly easy to navigate, once you understand how the streets are laid out. Larger through streets have names such as Paseo de Montejo, Ave. Cupules, Ave. Itzaes or Ave. Colon.
So let’s take a closer look . . .
The city is laid out in a grid with even-numbered north-south streets and odd-numbered east-west streets. Larger, even numbers begin in the west, reducing as you travel east. Larger, odd numbers begin in the south, reducing as you travel north.
Each neighborhood will have its own set of address numbers. For example, you will have a Calle 41 in several different neighborhoods. To reduce confusion, you will use the additional street numbers along with the zip code.
An overview of one of the areas in Centro.
A typical address can look like this: Calle 41 559 x 80 y 82
- Calle 41 (the street)
- 559 (the exact house/establishment number)
- x 80 y 82 (between “x” streets 80 and “y” 82)
You will need to verify that the Calle 41 you need is between 80 and 82 for the correct destination.
You may also find that the address numbers do not run in consecutive order. Remember you need to have all three parts of the address to find your destination.
Occasionally, you will see addresses with letters as well. If you are unable to find your exact address, keep walking a block or two and I guarantee you will eventually find it!
Navigation Tips for Mérida Mexico Map – Part 1
There are many one-way streets which will be notated on the street signs or by how the cars are parked.
Look for street signs! You will find the neighborhood and the zip code listed. However, Centro which is in the middle of the city will simply say “Centro”. Others will say Col. Garcia Gineres 97070 or Col. Yucatan 97115.
Use caution at the gloriettas or roundabouts. Watch how the cars utilize these traffic circles as the rules are slightly different here than in other countries.
Become familiar with the traffic lights and street signs. There are many corners where, no matter what color the light is, a car has the ability to turn right without stopping.
Lastly, pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. You will get honked at if you are not following the rules of the road AND give drivers full reign of the streets.
Ready to get your bearings?
Once you have the basics I’ve shared with you, it is easy to get your bearings quickly. The city has a loop that goes around the entire city called the Periferico.
Navigation Tips for Mérida Mexico Map – Part 2
First, do is this –
I recommend finding the city center in relation to the Periferico and the colonias so you can see how the city is laid out.
Then, do this –
Then find the Paseo de Montejo. This is the major avenue that runs North and South.
And, guess what –
Once you have these landmarks, you will be able to find anything.
When I arrived in Mérida, the first thing I wanted to do was to get a lay of the land. As you know, when you are visiting a city for the first time, it can be a challenging task. Now that I live here and spend my days exploring this wonderful city, I wrote this article to help you understand the Mérida Mexico map.
The Downtown: the Historic City Center
It’s pretty obvious once you think about it; the center of the city is called The Downtown. The historic city center with Plaza Grande is a beautiful place to experience the heart of Mérida. This central plaza is located between 60 and 62 and between 61 and 63.
People meet in the lovely park, get their shoes shined, buy and sell all kinds of items, read the paper, sing, dance, feed the pigeons, or just sit and relax. There are also newsstands, coffee shops, restaurants, and various retail establishments.
On any given day-
- Listen to live music and street vendors in the town square
- Watch horse-drawn carriages click-clack through the cobblestone streets
- See more Mexican families than foreigners riding the carriages through the streets.
Part of the charm of Mérida is that it is not packed with visitors.
- Mérida has one of the largest historic districts in the Americas. Only Mexico City and Havana, Cuba have larger historical centers.
- Mérida arose from the merger of three major cultures: Mayan, Spanish, and Lebanese.
- About 60 percent of Mérida’s population is of Maya heritage.
Paseo de Montejo: the Champs-Élysées of Mérida
To begin with, the Paseo de Montejo is the main boulevard running north and south. Named after Francisco de Montejo the Spanish conquistador who founded the city in 1542. The southernmost street is Calle 47 and runs parallel to Calles 56 and 58. The Paseo continues north to the Monumento a la Patria at Calle 27A.
Similar to the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City or the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Paseo de Montejo is the avenue for some of the most beautiful and iconic buildings and monuments in Mérida.
As the city expanded north, so did Paseo de Montejo. Past the Monumento, the Paseo called Prolongation Paseo de Montejo (meaning the extension of the Paseo). The Prolongation continues until it connects in the north with Federal Highway 261.
Mérida’s Popular Centro Area
Simply put colonias are neighborhoods in Mérida. In most of the colonias, you’ll find a church and a park serving as a hub for activities, celebrations, and gatherings.
Surprisingly . . .
Gorgeous colonial-style homes, restaurants, retail, and other establishments contribute to almost non-stop activity in Centro, Mérida’s most popular area. Notably, this is also where a large number of ex-pats live.
You’d have to say with the number of restaurants, shopping, and establishments, and activity, your choices are practically unlimited. Gorgeous colonial-style homes, favored by ex-pats, are remodeled, in-process of constructions, or are for sale here.
Centro colonias include:
- Santa Lucia
- Santa Ana
- Santiago
- San Juan
- San Sebastian
- Ermita
- Mejorada
- San Cristobal
- Garcia Gineres
- Aleman
- Jesus Carranza
- Chen Bech
- Chuburná
These are just a few of the numerous Colonias where you will see locals, expats, and tourists walking around at all times of the day and night.
Mérida Mexico map north neighborhoods
It’s worth noting. . .
Mérida has grown enormously to the north since the second half of the twentieth century.
People will tell you the richer neighborhoods are here, and to some extent, that is true. Called “The North”, this is the area with the greatest commercial growth along with newer homes, shopping malls, hospitals, department stores, private schools, franchises from all over the world, and car dealerships.
By the same token as you continue on Prolongación de Montejo from Centro, get ready to experience culture shock. Some have likened this area to similar ones in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and other suburbs of cities in the US.
Bottom line . . .
You may want a car if you decide to live in The North. This area is popular with many locals due to its proximity to the beach, just a quick 20-minute drive.
The North colonias:
- Montecristo
- Montebello
- Monterreal
- San Ramón Norte
- Montes de Amé
- Vista Alegre Norte
- Altabrisa
- Cordemex
- Francisco de Montejo
- Mexico
- Xcumpich
These are the ones you are most likely to hear about. Shopping malls are Altabrisa, City Center, La Isla, and The Harbor, located in various parts of The North.
Mérida Mexico Map Suburbs
Cholul
Just beyond the Periferico, Mérida’s loop, you’ll find the sleepy, tranquil village of Cholul. Artists from all over the city, Mexico, and other foreign countries have built their art studios in this tranquil location.
Dzityá
You’ll find many artisanal handcrafts, specialty salsas, fresh fruits and vegetables, and, of course, tortillas. This town is best known for the creations of beautiful things.
La Ceiba
With the 1st Golf Club in the region, this upscale community features green areas, exotic vegetation, its own church, and a spectacular park with palapa, games, and sandbox for children to have fun.
Conkal
Built in the 17th century on a pre-Hispanic temple is the Church of San Francisco de Asís. One of the most beautiful former convents in Yucatan and the only museum of sacred art are located in Conkal.
Caucel
Caucel is home to many locals that travel into the city. Real estate developments, commercial establishments, and reforestation programs support this community.
Maya Ruins
There is no question that one of the most advanced indigenous cultures of the ancient Americas were the Maya. It should be noted, they migrated into the Yucatán around 2500 B.C and began as hunter-gatherers.
Without a doubt, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala have hundreds of Maya ruins.
But here’s the interesting thing . . .
The Yucatan Peninsula is the site of some of the most impressive ruins.
More importantly, between 300 and 900, the Mayans built several cities in the Yucatán region. spectacular. You’ll find some that are spectacular and others that are special and significant in their own way
Chichén Itzá
Listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá was once a major spiritual and economic center.
Uxmal
You’ll find the Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Magician). Before you go, learn about the importance of the Mayan Rain God, Chaac for a frame of reference.
Dzibilchaltún
The site of the famous structure known as the Temple of the Seven Dolls where seven effigies were found during its excavation.
Xcambo
Ruin features Puuc elements: the repeated use of a series of architectural elements outstanding because of their technical perfection.
Ek Balam
The Acropolis Temple is the most iconic structure at the site. Ek Balam is renowned for its depictions of angels adorning a stucco frieze.
Oxkintok
A well-preserved pyramid said to be one of the oldest in the area. It’s possible you may be able to climb and go inside.
Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula
Undoubtedly, the beaches in the Yucatan are some of the most unspoiled and beautiful beaches in Mexico. And relatively speaking, there are quite a few beaches to visit within a short drive on the Mérida Mexico map.
For the most part, these beaches are known by locals and tourists alike. Others are best-kept secrets by locals to ensure the pristine nature of the sand, the water, and the experience.
Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula are very different than other beaches in Mexico.
Progresso
The most popular beach destination among locals and tourists, Progresso is the number one choice for a quick and easy day trip.
Chelem
A little diamond in the rough, Chelem will give you local flavor while helping you feel at ease with the Mexican culture.
Chuburna
Chuburna has many choices of restaurants with fresh fish as the main course. Like Chelem, you will also find small markets for fruits, vegetables, bread, etc.
Chicxulub Puerto
Famous for being the epicenter of the crater is due to a meteorite resulting in many cenotes in the area.
Celestun
A quaint fishing village best familiar for the flamingos that inhabit its clear waters and mangroves. The best times to see these intriguing birds are in the fall and winter.
Sisal
Sisal is quieter and less crowded than Progresso. The name of the port was due to the exportation of henequen fiber known as sisal.
Telchac Puerto
There are a few spots to find pink lagoons and even flamingos (although not in abundance as in Celestun). It’s just across from the lagoon at the Xcambo ruins.
Haciendas in the Yucatan
Luxurious haciendas were built by wealthy Yucatecos and became symbols of affluence and culture; adorned with furnishings and art from around the world.
Sounds impressive, right?
For this reason, you’ll find large mansions on Paseo de Montejo and Avenida Colón. Consequently, the same owners built haciendas in the countryside where henequén was grown.
It’s worth noting –
A trip to Mérida would be incomplete without visiting some of the many haciendas within a short drive.
Hacienda Xcanatun
18th-century henequen hacienda transformed into an exclusive small luxury hotel. Visit the Casa de Piedra restaurant overlooking the extensive Palmas Reales garden.
Hacienda Misné
Built in 1870, this hacienda has been restored to its former elegance with lush gardens, lovely doorways, skylights, and stained glass windows.
Hacienda Santa Cruz
Immerse yourself in colonial opulence at its finest including an exotic garden featuring palms, orange trees, flamboyant, and other ancient tropical plants.
Hacienda Santa Cruz is a popular destination for locals, tourists, and travelers.
Hacienda San Ildefonso Teya
During the seventeenth century, it was one of the largest and most profitable cattle ranches in Yucatan.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Experience the grandeur of one of the most important and authentic haciendas known for its size and magnificence. Maya artifacts are displayed in the museum. This hacienda is easy to find on the Mérida Mexico map.
Hacienda Sac Chich
Combine old world charm & modern design in this historic hacienda which captures the spirit of Yucatán culture, reflecting a sense of peace and harmony.
Hacienda Petac
This exquisite 17th-century estate combines is set on 250-acres of lush gardens and natural habitats.
Hacienda San Pedro Ochil
Intimate and charming hacienda with a cenote and museum of folk art. You’ll find the best examples of multiple disciplines of local, authentic artisans.
Hacienda Ticum
“Place of the Maya god of the air” the small hacienda set on 10 acres that processed henequén and was built in 1891.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peón Live Hacienda
This beautifully restored 19th-century hacienda is the only working hacienda in Yucatán which offers tours of the entire henequen-producing process.
Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha
Founded in 1857, which according to local tradition belonged to the Franciscan convent of Santa Clara, Dzidzantún.
Hacienda Chichén Resort
The location provides direct access to Chichén Itzá archaeological zone with an entrance gate within the hotel’s own gardens.
Mérida Day trips
Ruta Puuc
This route takes you to some of the less popular Mayan ruins with unique features with short trails that connect all three ruins to one another.
Route of the Convents
Visit centuries-old Maya villages and archaeological sites, colonial churches, cathedrals, and convents.
Izamal
With almost all the buildings painted an egg-yolk yellow, Izamal is one of Yucatán’s two Pueblo Mágicos (magical towns).
Valladolid
Relive the Pre-Hispanic past, with temples, brave warriors, and gastronomic morsels for the gods in the capital of the Maya east in this Pueblo Mágico.
El Corchito Ecological Reserve
Immerse yourself in this natural environment with indigenous wildlife including raccoons, coatis, and fresh-water turtles with three cenotes to swim in.
Many people visit Campeche to see the different offerings of one of the other states in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Campeche
Built in the 1600’s, a two-mile wall protected the city from invading pirates. Visitors admire beautiful views of the city from portions of this walls.
Cenotes in Yucatan
Sixty-six million years ago, the Yucatan Peninsula was the site of a powerful asteroid impact. Dramatic climate change, the end of the dinosaurs, and the formation of the Chicxulub crater were the results.
The impact also created cenotes or water deposits in underground caves considered one of the most beautiful natural formations on planet Earth.
The Maya believed the cenotes were a gateway to Xibalba, the underworld. The rain god Chaac was believed to live at the bottom of these sacred wells. Used for rituals and ceremonies, thousands of sacred cenotes dot Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenote Ik-Kil
Meaning “windy place”, vertical walls lined with vines and flowers lead to crystal-blue waters and populated by catfish; ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Cenote Oxmal
Meaning “three times built”, this beautiful and tranquil cenote is a less well-known cenote in the Valladolid area and comes with few amenities.
Cenote Zaci
Meaning “white sparrow hawk”, this cenote in Valladolid is unique due to the location, accessibility, and ingress to the water.
I definitely recommend visiting at least one cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula – they are quite refreshing.
Hacienda Mucuyche
Guided tours exhibit the fascinating history of the hacienda with two cenotes are linked by a man-made channel; One of the most well-known cenotes in Yucatan. This is one of the most popular cenotes on the Mérida Mexico map.
San Ignacio Cenote
This cenote features water with a year-round temperature of 26 degrees Celsius; deep and shallow pools with the option to swim at night.
Yaal Utzil
Meaning “good son”, this semi-open cenote has many options for jumping, swimming, and relaxing.
Kankirixche
Meaning “yellow fruit tree”, this cenote is said to be one of the most beautiful in its area. Clear water for snorkeling or scuba with stalactites and roof-to-water formations.
[come see other things to do in Mérida right here]
Final thoughts on the Mérida Mexico Map + interesting facts about the Yucatan
This comprehensive guide to the Mérida Mexico map would not be complete without some interesting, fun, and factual information.
- Home to many tropical rainforests and jungles, the area between Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest in Central America.
- Dominated by limestone bedrock, there is very little surface water. The water that is present is not usually suitable for drinking water as drainage runs underground.
- Located within the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, the area is vulnerable to hurricanes from June through November. In 2005, two category five hurricanes, Emily and Wilma, hit the peninsula and caused extreme damage.
- The climate of the Yucatan Peninsula is tropical and consists of both wet and dry seasons. Winters are mild with sweltering summers.
- Historically, the Yucatan’s economy has been dependent on cattle ranching and logging. Since the 1970s, the area’s economy has focused on tourism.
- The state of Yucatan is a large area of 14,827 square miles (38,402 sq km) and a 2015 population of 2,097,000 people. The capital of Yucatan is Merida with a 2019 population of 1,142,000. Therefore, it’s easy to find on the Mérida Mexico map.
- Residents of Spanish, French, and British ethnicity, make Mérida one of the most ethnically diverse large cities in Mexico.
- According to CEOWORLD, Mérida is the second safest city in the whole American continent. Moreover, it ranked #21 as the safest city, worldwide; ranking above Helsinki and Copenhagen.
- The prestigious “Cultural Capital of the Americas” award has been awarded to Mérida twice.
- The food of the Yucatán peninsula is based primarily on Mayan food with influences from the Caribbean, Central Mexican, European (especially French), and Middle Eastern cultures.
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