The city is just 30 minutes from Cancún by plane airport code (MID), or 195 miles (3.5 hours) by car. The old hemp capital of the world. Before plastic and nylon took over, this area supplied most of the hemp used to make rope and other items. Because the city was cutoff from the rest of Mexico, the wealthy land owners went to Europe and France in particular for their culture. The Paseo Montejo is the Champs Elysees of Mexico. This city is the gateway to Mexico's Mayan archaeology. Good shopping, historical sightseeing and friendly people make this a very interesting place to visit.

It offers easy access to most major archaeological sites and other colonial towns.The Mayan cities of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Sayil, Kabah,Izamal,
Valladolid and Edzna are within a 2 hours drive of Merida.

There is much for Merida's visitors to experience, from both the old world and the new. The heart of the city is home to the pristine Plaza Mayor, surrounded by breathtaking examples of colonial architecture. Nearby, the Catedral de San Idelfonso towers above the Plaza. One of Mexico's oldest churches, the Cathedral was built between 1561 and 1598 and was constructed from the stones of a demolished Mayan temple. Many Mayan glyphs are still visible in the ancient stonework, and provide an interesting fusion of both ancient and colonial cultures.

On the Plaza's north side, visitors will find the Palacio de Gobierno, prominently featuring the vibrant murals of Fernando Castro Pacheco that depict Yucatan history. To the west, the Palacio Municipal dates back to 1542 and boasts a handsome clock tower, while the majestic Casa de Montejo, the former home of the Montejo family, is now home to an area bank.

For a glimpse of some of the city's most opulent colonial treasures, your clients can pay a visit to Paseo Montejo, an eight-block, tree-lined boulevard designed to model the Champs Elysees. Canton Palace, an Italian Renaissance-style building, was once home to Yucatan's governors. The structure is now home to the fascinating Museum of Anthropology and Natural History, which houses a thorough collection of Mayan artifacts.

Other attractions in Merida include Centennial Park, which opened in 1910. A perfect destination for families, the park offers an artificial lake, open-air theater, zoo and children's area. The Park of the Americas also offers a plethora of possibilities, including a monumental Mayan-style fountain, exhibition hall, library, open-air theater and gardens.

Sporting fans will delight in watching an authentic bullfight at the Plaza del Toros.

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