Yucatán's Magical Towns: which one to choose for your trip
A guide to Yucatán's Magical Towns: Izamal, Valladolid, Maní and Sisal compared by distance from Mérida, character, what to see and which kind of trip each one suits.
Stories to discover, live and understand Yucatán.
The calendar of Yucatán's festivals and traditions, January to December: Candelaria, Carnival, Hanal Pixán, the guilds, the Chichén equinox and the vaquería season.
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Editor’s pickA guide to Yucatán's Magical Towns: Izamal, Valladolid, Maní and Sisal compared by distance from Mérida, character, what to see and which kind of trip each one suits.
A tour of Mérida's historic cantinas that are still open: La Negrita, El Cardenal, Eladio's and the neighbourhood ones, with their atmosphere, the free food and how to behave.
Where Yucatecan bombas come from: roots in the Spanish couplet, the rhythm of the jarana, the henequen-hacienda vaquería, and why this oral tradition hasn't died.
A tour of Mérida's historic cantinas that are still open: La Negrita, El Cardenal, Eladio's and the neighbourhood ones, with their atmosphere, the free food and how to behave.
September 25, 2026A guide to Yucatán's Magical Towns: Izamal, Valladolid, Maní and Sisal compared by distance from Mérida, character, what to see and which kind of trip each one suits.
Which cenotes you can visit using the Maya Train from Mérida: which ones are near each station, how to do the last stretch and how to build a car-free day of cenotes.
The itinerary to do Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labná from Mérida in a single day: the order, opening times, how long at each site and where to eat on the way.
Guides for those thinking of moving, buying or investing.
The list of paperwork when you move to Mérida: change of address, voter ID, water and power, schools, Yucatán plates, and the extra steps if you arrive from abroad or with pets.
The arrival of capital, foreigners and digital nomads pushed prices up in central Mérida. What gentrification is, which neighbourhoods are changing and what's being done.
The real maths to decide whether to rent or buy in Mérida in 2026: down payment, monthly payment, capital gains, opportunity cost and when each option makes sense.
The calendar of Yucatán's festivals and traditions, January to December: Candelaria, Carnival, Hanal Pixán, the guilds, the Chichén equinox and the vaquería season.
Where Yucatecan bombas come from: roots in the Spanish couplet, the rhythm of the jarana, the henequen-hacienda vaquería, and why this oral tradition hasn't died.
A guide to Yucatán crafts by town: hammocks from Tixkokob, embroidered hipiles from Tenabo, Ticul pottery, Dzityá woodcarving and filigree jewellery, with prices and tips.
Every Yucatán beach sorted by how far it is from Mérida: from Progreso 30 minutes away to El Cuyo three hours out, with the character of each and how to get there.
Holbox Island is an idyllic spot near Mérida, just 240 kilometres away. It's one of Yucatán's best beaches. Frequently asked questions for a first visit.
Live in Mérida and discover the 9 most popular beaches. All have first-class infrastructure and lodging, plus calm, clear waters.
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Which cenotes you can visit using the Maya Train from Mérida: which ones are near each station, how to do the last stretch and how to build a car-free day of cenotes.
The list of paperwork when you move to Mérida: change of address, voter ID, water and power, schools, Yucatán plates, and the extra steps if you arrive from abroad or with pets.
Where to have a good breakfast in Mérida: the Yucatecan morning dishes, the markets, the kitchens that open early and the old favourites, with what to order at each.
A guide to Yucatán crafts by town: hammocks from Tixkokob, embroidered hipiles from Tenabo, Ticul pottery, Dzityá woodcarving and filigree jewellery, with prices and tips.
The itinerary to do Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labná from Mérida in a single day: the order, opening times, how long at each site and where to eat on the way.
The arrival of capital, foreigners and digital nomads pushed prices up in central Mérida. What gentrification is, which neighbourhoods are changing and what's being done.
Every Yucatán beach sorted by how far it is from Mérida: from Progreso 30 minutes away to El Cuyo three hours out, with the character of each and how to get there.
The real maths to decide whether to rent or buy in Mérida in 2026: down payment, monthly payment, capital gains, opportunity cost and when each option makes sense.
A dictionary of Yucatecan Spanish: 60 everyday words and expressions, many of Maya origin, with their meaning and an example so you don't get caught out.