This magic city boasts a sparkling clean airport with the fastest immigration/customs you’d ever hope for. The second safest city in North America with the highest QOL in Mexico AND a top notch medical system? Mérida has so much to offer residents and visitors alike.

In seven hours we went from -8 F to 80 F. Let me tell you we planned this trip in July and we couldn’t have picked a better week to travel south. Stepping out of the airport was a beautiful transition to sun, heat, and relaxation.

We’ve stayed at the same boutique hotel in the Santiago Neighborhood for years. It’s a quick walk to the historic city center, the central market, bars and restaurants, and Super Aki. Not to mention it’s absolutely gorgeous and Batiste is so very kind and welcoming.

The first stop is always Super Aki for tequila, cervezas, and breakfast foods. And then a walk to El Cardinal for dinner and drinks. Sadly the pizza guy didn’t show for work so we settled for empanadas and guacamole. No worries, though, because we would certainly be back.

We spent the next day with an early walk to the city market and then the afternoon at the pool enjoying a few margaritas. Ok. Many margaritas!!!

Friday found us ready for adventure. The free city zoo is located just two blocks away but we had never visited because we usually traveled over the holidays when it was closed. It did not disappoint. Whereas in the US, animal habitats allow the captives to hide beyond site, Merida puts them front and center separated by a chain link fence and a metal rail. If we had wanted, we could have pet a lion or fed a baby to a hippo.

And shall I mention the sub-carnival rides and bizarro statues?!?! We saw things we will never forget.

Overall, 10/10 we will absolutely visit again.

We ended the night at el Cardinal and thankfully the pizza guy showed and we got our guacamole and poc chuc pizza. It may sound a little odd, but it is for sure one of the best combos ever placed on a thin crust.