Visit Merida!

The colonial city of Mérida is a popular tourist destination located in the Yucatan Peninsula and is the area of Mexico with the largest number of archaeological zones open to the public. Merida offers historic sightseeing and excellent shopping. With a population of nearly a million people, Merida is the biggest and most important city in the Yucatan Peninsula. Merida is a cultural center, featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres, and shops.

The city enjoys a tropical climate and offers a unique cuisine with a strong European influence, in addition to the influence of the local Mayan culture, Caribbean, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cultures. At one time, the Yucatan Peninsula was isolated from the rest of Mexico and difficult to access except by port. Merida was founded by the Spaniard Francisco de Montejo on January 6, 1542. It was built on the site of the Maya city of T'ho, which had previously been an important center of activities for the Maya. Colonial architecture remains as visible reminder of the colonial period, while the Mayan influence is still noticeable in customs, dress, and language of the Yucatecans.

Merida is the point of departure for many excursions to visit archaeological ruins, churches, sinkholes, etc. Chichen Itzá is located one and a half hours from Merida. Two main routes for touring various cites are the Puuc Route and the Convent Route. The Puuc route includes Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná and the caves of Lol Tún. The Convent Route embraces the heart of the Yucatan - its towns and Mayan ruins, convents, churches, cathedrals and colonial temples, atria and sinkholes. Acanceh, Tecoh, Mayapán, and Tekit are just some of the highlights of this route.

Valladolid is a picturesque city with a colonial flavor located halfway between Merida and Cancun. Most of the people dress with typical clothes of Yucatan. In the main square, there is a line of Mayan women who sell their cross point work and dresses, blouses, handkerchiefs, etc.

Come study at the Center of Languages in Mérida and take advantage of an incredible opportunity to study Spanish in the heart of the Maya. You will be amazed at all there is to do and experience.

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