Mayan World Artesans Fair
Feb. 11-15th.
Artesans from all over Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize will converge on Merida to display and sell their work.
Ki-Huic Trade Show
Feb. 13 – 15th.
An international trade show where different travel related businesses in the Mayan World circuit hook up with International wholesalers and travel writers from the US, Canada, and Europe. Ki-huic means “market place” in Mayan.
“Nomadas”
A new alternative for accommodations in Merida. Affiliated with Hostelling International Youth Federation. Walking distance from the bus station. Beds ($7 U.S.) and private rooms also available. Hot showers 24 hours. Open kitchen. Beautiful patio. TV room with cable. Internet. Bike rentals. Tours. Clean, safe environment. Run by a friendly local couple who live on site.
E-mail: nomadashostel@hotmail.com
Web page: http://www.hostels.com.mx/h_merida.htm
“Silcer”
A new school for windsurfing and sailing, just east of Progreso Beach in a town called Chicxulub (pronounced cheeck-shoo-loob). Offers windsurf, kayaks, Sun Fish & Hobie Cat sailboats, and bicycles for rent. They also rent rooms and have a restaurant. The turn off to Silcer is just east of the gas station in Chicxulub.
The Mexico circuit for independent travellers usually includes a list of places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and often lastly, the tropical, southeastern state of Yucatan, where Merida is the capital city.
Some travellers, though, start in South America and work their way upward, Merida being one of their first major Mexican stops. As a result, whether you’re heading north or south when you reach Merida, you’ll likely find other travellers here who’ve already been where you’re going and will be ready to swap stories with you.
In general, accommodations are relatively expensive in Merida. If you’re coming to Merida from Chiapas or Guatemala, you need to prepare yourself for a slight shock of price increases. Of course, it’s still very inexpensive compared to areas like Cancun, Cozumel, or Isla Mujeres.
Money Transfers
For quick money transfers, your best bet is Western Union. The franchise in Merida is owned by a furniture store called Electra, next to Café Express on Calle 60, just north of the zocalo.
Medical Care In Merida
If you happen to be in Merida when you need medical attention, you’re lucky. The city is a center for physician training, and many local physicians have established relationships / admitting privileges with U.S. hospitals in Miami.
Patients requiring specialized care frequently come to Merida from surrounding states and countries. Centro Medico de las Américas is a first rate hospital, where you can find a specialist in any field. Clinica Merida is also very highly recommended.
The Author
Richard Wright is a Canadian who lives in Merida, where he runs an economical B&B called “Tranquilo“.
