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Merida Fast facts
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.
Accommodation
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".
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On January 1, 2000 Merida became the official Cultural Capital of the American Continent. The "Cultural Capital" awards have been given to European cities for some time, but this is the first year for cities in North, Central, and South America to participate. There will be about 3000 cultural events this year.
New Years 2000 in Merida was marked by four large celebrations, at the pyramids of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Dzibichaltun, and one big urban bash in the main plaza of downtown Merida.
At 12 midnight in the main plaza, many people could be seen eating grapes... This is part of a Mexican ritual in which twelve grapes are eaten, one for each 'gong' of the Cathedral bell, as the clock strikes midnight. One grape is eaten for each month of the new year and as you eat each grape you can make one wish!!! There was live Latin music coming from seemingly everywhere and nearly everyone was dancing in the streets. Quite a night....
News & Special Events in January
January 6th is the 457th anniversary of the founding of Merida. Yucatecan singer, Armando Manzanero will give a free concert that night in front of the Cathedral.
Autoprogresso, the busline that brings people from Merida to the beach at Progresso every day, just added 30 new, comfortable buses to their fleet. This is great news for beach lovers. The old buses left a lot to be desired...
You can now scuba dive in the sacred Mayan cenotes. For $95, a local company called "H20 World" will guide you through two cenotes. The price includes the gear, two dives, and snacks. Departures are daily at 9:00am, and you should make reservations a day in advance.
The charter airline AEROCARIBE, which connects many sites in the Mayan World, is adding a new flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. This will be great addition to the current route (Yucatan, Chiapas, Belize, and Tikal, Guatemala).
Kyoto: a great new place to go for fresh sushi, maki rolls, tempura, and saki. A little bit of Japan in Merida. Located in the north of the city along Prolong Montejo.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
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