Thursday, June 14, 2007

 

Merida, Mexico, Lodging

Mérida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. It is located in the northwest part of the state, about 35 km (22 miles) from the Gulf of Mexico coast. In 2003 the population was about 793,000, ranking 11th among the most populous Mexican cities.

Mérida is served by Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport.

Merida is located in the Northwest part of the state of Yucatan, which occupies the northern portion of the Yucatan peninsula. To the east is the state of Quintana Roo, to the west is the state of Campeche, to the north is the Gulf of Mexico, and far to the south is the state of Chiapas. Yucatan has a very flat topography and is situated very near sea level. The land outside of Merida is covered with smaller scrub trees and former henequen fields. Almost no surface water exists, but several cenotes (underground rivers) are found across the state.

Merida itself is centered around a downtown centro typical of colonial Spanish cities. The street grid is based on odd-numbered streets running east/west and even-numbered streets running north/south, with calles 60 and 61 bounding the Plaza Grande in the heart of the city. The more affluent neighborhoods are located to the north and the most densely populated areas are to the south. The Centro area is becoming increasingly popular with American and other ex-pats who are rescuing and restoring the classic colonial structures.

Mérida is nicknamed The White City, both for a common color of its buildings and the fact that the residents keep the city particularly clean.

Merida was named after the Spanish town of the same name, originally (in Latin) Augusta Emerita. It is located in the approximate epicenter of the Chicxulub Crater. Mérida served as the American Capital of Culture in the year 2000. The city is full of exquisite art galleries as well as the inevitable tourist shops. The main thoroughfare, Paseo de Montejo, is lined with original sculpture by up-and-coming local and foreign artists, as part of an exhibit.

Mérida and the state of Yucatan are somewhat isolated from the rest of the country, and it shows in many things. The conquistadors found the Mayan culture to be incredibly resilient, and their attempts to eradicate Mayan tradition, religion and culture had only moderate success. Many inhabitants today are Mayan descendants. The surviving remnants of the Mayan culture can be seen everyday, in speech, dress, and in both written and oral histories. It is especially apparent in holidays like Hanal Pixan, a Mayan/Catholic Day of the Dead celebration. It falls on November 1 and 2 (one day for adults, and one for children) and is commemorated by elaborate altars dedicated to dead relatives. It is a compromise between the two religions with crucifixes mingled with skull decorations and food sacrifices/offerings.


Merida, Mexico, Lodging Accommodations:

Merida is located in Mexico. Search, find, choose and compare our list of luxury five star Merida, Mexico, resorts, comfortable four star Merida, Mexico, hotels, clean three star Merida, Mexico, lodges, convenient two star Merida, Mexico, inns, and budget one star Merida, Mexico, motels to find rooms available for lodging accommodations in Merida, Mexico. Book a Mexican hotel room and make reservations in Merida, Mexico.

Don't forget to consider what options you will have for shopping in Merida, Mexico. Local activities may include scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and mountain climbing near Merida, Mexico.


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