Things to do with kids in Mérida

Things to do with kids in Mérida

1. See

   Casa de los Montejo

   The 1549 palace of Montejo the Conquistador. His descendents lived here until 1978. Although the building was extensively remodeled in 1850, some of the original architectural features remain. The ground floor has been converted to commercial use (a Banamex bank with handy ATMs), but the restored interior of the building is open to visitors during banking hours. If you miss an opportunity to have a look inside, the elaborate facade on the outside is alone worth the visit. Elements of the facade include the Montejo family coat of arms, as well as figures of Spanish Conquistadors standing on the heads of conquered native Maya – a graphic illustration of the new order the Conquest imposed.

   Tue-Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-14:00·Free

2. Eat

   Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón

   Established in 1907, this family-run establishment specializes in delicious sorbets and meringue-filled pastries, perfect on a hot afternoon. Sorbets are in a slew of exotic flavors, including perennial favorites coconut, mango, pineapple, and limón. Outdoor seating is in a prime spot for people-watching.

   Daily 08:00-23:00

3. Do

   Dzibilchaltún

   The site has been continuously occupied for thousands of years. Its most famous structure is the Temple Of The Seven Dolls (El Templo de las Siete Muñecas), so named because of seven small effigies found at the site when the temple was discovered under the ruins of a later temple pyramid by archaeologists in the 1950s. On the spring equinox the sun rises so that it shines directly through one window of the temple and out the other. The temple is connected to the rest of the site by a long sacbé. The other major feature of Dzibilchaltún is its cenote, which is used as a swimming hole by local residents year round; it is the first stop on the Ruta de los Cenotes. Also on the site are the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish church, as well as a museum displaying Mayan artifacts from the site and the region.

   Daily 08:00-17:00 (site), Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00 (museum)·M$68 (adults), M$39 (Mexican adults, non-Mexican children under 12)

4. See

   Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

   Opened in 2012 and located in a building clearly inspired by the Beijing National Stadium (aka 'Bird's Nest'), the museum has a large permanent collection of Mayan artifacts as well as a number of interactive exhibits.

   Wed-Mon 08:00-17:00·M$150 (foreign nationals), M$100 (Mexicans/residents), M$25 (children/students/seniors)

5. Do

   Hacienda Sotuta de Peón

   A former sisal plantation which has been restored and opened up to the public. Sisal, the rope made from the fibers of the henequen plant, put Mérida on the map in the 1900s and made millionaires out of many landowners of that time. The rope came to be known by the name of the port town, Sisal, where it was shipped from to places around the world. Henequen was (and still is) planted throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The industry crumbled after about 30 years for various reasons, leaving many haciendas in ruin. Today many of those haciendas have been restored, and Sotuta de Peón is an example of one which can be visited without spending the night.

   Daily tours at 10:00, 13:00·Tour only M$430/215 (adults/children), Combo (transport, tour and lunch) M$870/460 (adults/children)

6. Do

   Hacienda Yaxcopoil

   Another good example of a hacienda kept in a state of arrested decay as a museum.

   Mon-Sat 08:00-18:00, Sun 09:00-17:00; by appt·M$75 (adults), free (children)

7. See

   Museo Regional de Antropología

   Palacio Cantón

   The regional archaeology museum is housed in one of the grandest mansions from Mérida's boom time, showcasing ancient Maya artworks and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits. Completed in 1914, the building originally served as the governor's mansion and is worth seeing in its own right.

   Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00; last admission at 16:40·M$48 (adults), free (students/children/seniors/disabled/children under 13); free admission on Su for Mexican nationals and foreign residents

8. See

   Quinta Montes Molina

   Casa Museo

   Another of the Paseo's grandest old mansions is also a museum, still owned by the original family. 40-minute guided tours of the lavish interior can also be booked by appointment.

   English tours: Mon-Fri 09:00 11:00 15:00, Sat 09:00 11:00; Spanish tours Mon-Fri 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00, Sat 10:00 12:00·M$60 (adults), M$40 (children)

9. Buy Not mapped

   Guayaberas Presuel

   Family-owned and one of the oldest and most respected outlets on the Yucatán — one that does not employ street salesmen. Known in Mérida for its own brand of high-quality guayaberas and huipils, it counts members of the Mexican Supreme Court, telenovela actors, and other prominent people among its clientele. Also sells Mexican handcrafts, jewelry, T-shirts, and other items. One of the owners of the store, Cristina, is the daughter of the company's founders and speaks fluent English.

   Daily 10:00-18:00·Prices are reasonable and clearly marked, from M$30 for small handcrafts to over M$1,000 for high-quality guayaberas (for men) and huipils (for women)

10. Eat Not mapped

    Tamales at Monumento a la Patria

    Every evening a family sells and has been selling tamales there for decades, which are cheap, fresh and absolutely delicious.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Mérida (CC BY-SA 4.0).