population: 0.93 million

extension: 858.41 square kilometers

Museums

One place you could visit in Mérida is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the Maya civilization. There are also several other museums in the city, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Popular Art.

If you're looking for similar types of museums in the area, you may also want to consider visiting the Palacio Cantón, which is home to the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History, or the Casa Montes Molina, which features exhibits on Yucatecan architecture and design.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Mérida, according to local people, include:

1. Cochinita Pibil: a traditional Yucatecan dish made with slow-roasted pork marinated in bitter orange juice and achiote paste, served with pickled onions and tortillas.

2. Sopa de Lima: a flavorful soup made with chicken broth, shredded chicken, and lime juice, garnished with crispy tortilla strips.

3. Panuchos and Salbutes: two similar dishes made with fried masa dough topped with beans, meat (usually turkey or chicken), avocado, tomato, and pickled onion.

4. Papadzules: a Mayan dish made with corn tortillas filled with hard-boiled eggs and covered in pumpkin seed sauce and tomato sauce.

5. Queso Relleno: a cheese-stuffed dish made with ground beef, raisins, olives, onions, and spices, served in a tomato-based sauce.

6. Lechón al Horno: roasted suckling pig, usually served whole with sides like rice, beans, and salsa.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can find in Mérida, which is known for its unique blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean culinary influences.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Mérida include:

1. Visiting the local markets, such as the Lucas de Galvez Market and the Santiago Market, where you can find fresh produce, traditional foods, and handmade crafts.

2. Exploring the historic center of Mérida, which is home to beautiful colonial-era buildings, museums, and public squares like the Plaza Grande and Parque Santa Lucía.

3. Attending a cultural event or festival, such as the Feria de Xmatkuil (a regional fair featuring carnival rides, concerts, and traditional food), the Festival Internacional de la Cultura Maya (a celebration of Mayan culture and heritage), or the Noche Mexicana (a nighttime celebration with music, dancing, and fireworks).

4. Taking a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza or Uxmal, the coastal towns of Progreso or Celestun, or the cenotes (natural swimming holes) of Homun or Cuzama.

5. Enjoying Yucatecan cuisine, which features unique flavors and ingredients such as achiote seasoning, habanero peppers, and pit-roasted pork known as cochinita pibil. Some popular dishes to try include poc chuc, panuchos, and papadzules.