Mérida (Mexico)



A short distance — yet seemingly a world away — from the rowdy, touristy beach resorts of Cancún and Cozumel that make up the Yucatán of cliché, Mérida is the cultural center of southern Mexico, boasting a panoply of excellent museums and attractions, a vibrant street life, and a wealth of historic colonial-era architecture (centered on the Plaza de la Independencia in the center of town) that's second only to Mexico City on the national scene.

Understand
The capital and largest city of Yucatán state with a population of just under 900,000 (2015), Mérida is a city of contrasts. You will find elegant hotels, restaurants and malls in the northern part of the city. Downtown, there are hotels and restaurants to suit every budget. A large central market and numerous small shops are found all around the main plaza. Mérida has a rich cultural life which also reflects its diversity. Many free concerts, performances and other events are held daily.

The city was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in the 1540s on top of a centuries-old Maya city called T'ho. The palatial home of the family of conquistador leader Montejo can still be seen on the south side of the Zócalo or main square. Here and there bits of ancient Maya stonework can be seen reused in Spanish Colonial era buildings in the old part of town.

From the later 1800s to the 1920s, Mérida enjoyed prosperous boom times fueled by the henequen or sisal plant harvest, which made Yucatán the rope maker to the world. Progressive Mérida had electric trams and street lights before Mexico City. The wealthy constructed the grand Pasejo Montejo avenue north of the old town, inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris. With the development of artificial twines the sisal boom ended, and Mérida slowed to a more sleepy provincial capital until development picked back up in the late 20th century.

The city's ambiance is colonial and the climate is tropical. The daytime temperature varies; in January, it is about 24°C (75°F) and in June, about 35°C (95°F). To beat the heat, most people are busiest in the mornings. They have lunch and siesta, then go back to work for a few hours in the late afternoon. The cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico drift into Mérida in the evenings and this is when many of the residents spend their time outdoors. You can see them visiting and talking as they stroll along the streets, sit in the plazas or dine in the many sidewalk restaurants.

From Mérida, it is easy to take day trips to a vast array of destinations: archaeological sites, ecological parks, typical villages, caves, beaches, colonial missions and more. Take your time and really explore the Maya sites, walk for miles along the Gulf of Mexico, attend a village festival, photograph the wildlife, crawl through a cave or swim in a cenote.



By plane

 * Sala A - Concourse A: American Airlines/American Eagle, Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect, United, Westjet (Seasonal).
 * Sala A - Concourse A: American Airlines/American Eagle, Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect, United, Westjet (Seasonal).


 * Sala B - Concourse B: Magnicharters, TAR, Tropic Air, VivaAerobus, Volaris.

A taxi stand with fixed rates is just outside the baggage claim; pay the fare beforehand at a booth. ADO also has a stop in the island in front of the arrivals doors for a direct bus to Hotel Fiesta Americana and CAME (two separate routes).

City buses offer a cheaper and more frequent option: 79 Aviación (Rt#132) bus makes a round trip from the airport to Calle 60 at 69 in the city center. From the airport you will have to go out to the main road (Calle 23). The bus will be going towards the northwest or the right along Calle 23 and than a right turn or NE on Hwy 261 (Uman-Merida) where the official bus stop is at. You can also hail the bus along Calle 23. From the city center the bus picks up along Calle 69 between 60 & 70 This bus passes by CAME & TAME bus stations and Parque San Juan. The bus departs every 15 - 30 minutes until 21:00, and costs around M$8 (pesos) (Jan 2022).

Cancún International Airport is the largest airport in the region, with a wider range of domestic and international flights. From Cancun International Airport, Grupo ADO offers direct bus service to Merida 2-4x daily (4 hr). At other times take a more frequent bus from Cancun International Airport to the downtown Cancun bus station and transfer to another bus to Merida. A Tren Maya train station in the Cancun Airport offers frequent train service to Merida. You could also rent a car and drive along Hwy 180D (3 hr).

By train
Tren Maya is a new intercity rail service throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. It provides comfortable, affordable service several times per day from beach resort areas like Cancun and Tulum as well as from cities like Chetumal and Campeche. There are two daily departures towards Cancun and two towards Campeche and Palenque. Tickets can be purchased in the station or on the official Tren Maya web site.

The Va y Ven (public bus system) IE-TRAM (electric bus) La Plancha-Teya line connects the ADO Paseo 60 bus station with the Teya Train Station. Unlike other Va y Ven buses, you do not need a Va y Ven transit card to ride this bus: you can purchase a tourist ticket at the train station or the Paseo 60 bus station for M$45 (as of 2024).

By carpooling
You can check for shared rides on Blablacar. These are the approximate prices as of January 2022: • Campeche – M$170 • Cancun – M$260 • Playa del Carmen – M$270

By bus
There are several bus stations in Mérida. The most important is the Terminal de Autobuses Mérida (TAME). First and second class buses of the ADO company arrive here. The old Central de Autobuses (CAME) is permanently closed.

Main bus station
On the ADO website and app this terminal is called "Mérida Centro Historico". It is centrally located. Serving first class buses are ADO, ADO connect, ADO GL and ADO Platino. ADO Platino is the highest class of service with free instant coffee packs in the back with hot water along with your choice to choose a single seat by yourself on the left side of the bus, and TVs on the back of every seat allowing you to choose an array of movies and TV shows, some even in English. ADO GL is a step down without the extras but some more legroom than the regular ADO buses.

Clase Europea operates first class service to Chetumal via Jose M. Morelos and Bacalar along Hwy 184 & 293.

Second class buses operating here are OCC, Mayab, ATS, Oriente and TRT bus lines.

Alternative ADO terminals
The other ADO terminals are further away from the centro historico and have fewer departures. Still it can be worth to arrive here, if your accommodation is nearby.



Taxis and colectivo

 * From and to Valladolid : Colectivo vans leave Valladolid from the crossing next to the ADO bus station every hour and/or when full for a 2 and half journey. In Merida the station is located on the Calle 32 between Calle 63 and 65. M$160 (Nov.23)

On foot
If staying in the older central part of town, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance for those who don't much mind walking in the tropical climate.

By e-hailing
Uber, Cabify and Didi cover the city.

Uber may be difficult to use if you pay by credit card, drivers do not like this payment method. If you switch to cash payment you'll be picked up a lot sooner.

Didi does not show the payment method up front for the driver, so it is easier to get a ride. But, be aware that you may more easily get bad ratings if you don't tip/have paid well for the ride.

By bus
The Yucatán government established a modern public bus system in Mérida in the early 2020s, Va y Ven (Come and Go), and the city is now served by both public Va y Ven and private buses. To find a ride to your destination, both Moovit and Google Maps cover the city.

Va y Ven
Va y Ven operates a network of traditional (though quite modern) buses as well as electric buses (which look like trams without the rails) called the IE-TRAM. Route maps for the buses and the IE-TRAMs are available online. Va y Ven buses do not take cash. Instead, you must purchase a rechargeable Va-y-Ven Card for M$25 at one of these locations: You can also recharge your card at any of these locations. The standard (non-IE-TRAM) Va y Ven bus fare is M$12 per ride (as of 2024) with transfers allowed, while the IE-TRAM fare is M$14.
 * Va y Ven vending machines – located at the Palacio de la Musica
 * Oxxo stores (good luck – they're almost always out of them)
 * Súper Akí stores
 * Dunosusa stores
 * Willys stores

Private buses
Many privately-operated buses service the outlying suburbs. Most routes radiate outward from a 4-block area east of the Zócalo, on Calles 56 and 58 between Calles 59 and 63. Destinations of routes are painted on the windshields; if in doubt you can always ask the bus driver. For visitors the most useful routes will be those heading up Paseo de Montejo from the centro – these depart from, and will have 'Paseo de Montejo' and/or 'Altabrisa' marked on their windshields.

Most bus stops are not marked, but many buses can be hailed from points along the route. To get off, simply say (or yell) 'baja!', and the driver will pull over at the next opportunity. A single ride costs M$8 (Jan 2022, no transfers); pay the bus driver directly on entering. Buses generally operate between 05:00-21:30 during the week, with less frequency on Sundays and holidays.

By taxi
Taxis are numerous and reasonably priced. Most taxis do not use a meter, and it's best to agree on a fare before getting in. Taxis marked 'taximetro' use a meter and tend to cost a bit more – make sure that the driver does not switch the meter to the night ('noche') rate if you are traveling during the day.

By bicycle
Mérida is surprisingly bicycle-friendly outside of the centro. Bicycles can be rented from a number of shops.

On Sunday mornings the city holds the weekly Bici Ruta (literally Bicycle Route), when from 08:00-12:00 the entire lengths of Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60 are closed to motor vehicles. This popular event is open not only to cyclists, but to rollerbladers, skateboarders, runners, and those who simply want to enjoy a pleasant stroll with no noisy traffic. For those who don't own their own bicycles, they can be rented from a temporary (open Sundays only) near the Monumento a la Patria on Paseo de Monteo, as well as from  (also on Paseo de Montejo,, M-Sa 09:00-22:00, Su 08:00-15:00).

By horse-drawn carriage
An especially note-worthy type of transport in Mérida is the calesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage used continuously since colonial times. Carriages can be picked up along Calle 61 by 58 and 60 (on the north side of the cathedral), and head up Calle 60 and return down Paseo de Montejo. A typical tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes narration, costing about M$350.

By rental car
Most major car rental companies maintain counters at the airport, and also have offices on the ground floor of the Hotel Fiesta Americana and/or in the centro. All rentals include mandatory liability insurance, but this may not always be included in quotes and may lead to confusion if you are shopping around.



Orientation
The streets in most of the parts of interest to visitors are in a rough grid with numbers for street names. Even numbered streets run from north to south, with the numbers increasing as you go further west; odd numbered streets run from east to west, with the numbers increasing as you go further south. This makes it easy to tell how many blocks away from something you are (just remember to divide by two when counting blocks in the same direction). Addresses are commonly given as either intersections of two streets, or stated as on a street between two cross streets. For orientation in the old part of town, remember the Cathedral and Zócalo (main square) are at the corner of 60 and 61 ("Calle 60 x 61").

See
There is much to see in Mérida, a city of a million inhabitants that is over 400 years old. Besides the Centro Histórico, where most tourist attractions are located, there are many charming neighborhoods, shopping malls and parks. Progreso and the Yucatán Gulf Coast are only thirty minutes away to the north.

Free Walking Tours
The city tourist office offer two excellent free walking tours in English and Spanish departing from the tourist office modules listed above at 9.30am and 6.30pm respectively. A tip of M$100-200 per person is appropriate. More details here

Paseo de Montejo
A beautiful, tree-lined street, lined with houses developed by the henequen-industry barons. It's a great place to walk in the evening. Have a dish of ice cream, look at the renovated mansions – an especially interesting villa is the (No 473). A romantic treat is renting one of the horse-drawn carriages, called calesas, that will drive you up and down the grand boulevard. You can catch a calesa at the Plaza Grande and take a trip down Paseo de Montejo and back.



Cultural activities
The ayuntamiento (city hall) sponsors many cultural events during the week, free of charge. Almost every night visitors and residents alike can enjoy outdoor concerts or dances in one of the many downtown parks and squares. Sunday afternoons at the Plaza Grande (at and around the main square) are a particular treat, and perhaps the most charming time in Mérida. The streets around the square are closed to vehicles, and the locals dress up to go for strolls to see and be seen. Brass bands and dance orchestras hold free concerts, and couples dance – if you're not shy, consider joining in, or ask a local to teach you the steps to a local dance like the jarana. Street vendors sell a variety of refreshments.



Festivals

 * Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) The city sponsors a Festival de las Animas (Festival of the Souls) starting the weekend before the official Day of the Dead and is claimed to be one of the best in Mexico. Most of the big processions are on the Friday and Saturday nights before November 1-2. There are also tours of the central cemetery most evenings.
 * Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) The city sponsors a Festival de las Animas (Festival of the Souls) starting the weekend before the official Day of the Dead and is claimed to be one of the best in Mexico. Most of the big processions are on the Friday and Saturday nights before November 1-2. There are also tours of the central cemetery most evenings.
 * Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) The city sponsors a Festival de las Animas (Festival of the Souls) starting the weekend before the official Day of the Dead and is claimed to be one of the best in Mexico. Most of the big processions are on the Friday and Saturday nights before November 1-2. There are also tours of the central cemetery most evenings.
 * Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) The city sponsors a Festival de las Animas (Festival of the Souls) starting the weekend before the official Day of the Dead and is claimed to be one of the best in Mexico. Most of the big processions are on the Friday and Saturday nights before November 1-2. There are also tours of the central cemetery most evenings.
 * Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) The city sponsors a Festival de las Animas (Festival of the Souls) starting the weekend before the official Day of the Dead and is claimed to be one of the best in Mexico. Most of the big processions are on the Friday and Saturday nights before November 1-2. There are also tours of the central cemetery most evenings.

Other activities
Those who have time to spend several months in Mérida, will also encounter many opportunities to become a volunteer – helping women, children, the disabled, the elderly, the sick and the illiterate. Places to volunteer include Save The Children for helping children in need and AFAD for helping unwanted dogs and cats find health and new homes.

If you are interested in learning Spanish, learning about Latin America and learning more about yourself in the process, Mérida is an excellent place to do so.

You can book these decent hotels in the center for 3 hours: • •  •  The prices are as of January 2022.

Maya ruins
Several important archaeological sites are close to Mérida. Many moderate sized sites, such as Dzibilchaltun and Mayapán, are an easy day trip. The largest, Chichen Itza, is somewhat further and much more extensive – while a day trip visit from Mérida can be (and often is) done, if you want to see the whole site without being rushed, Chichen is better visited in two days with an overnight stay. Fans of ancient Maya architecture can also find staying overnight at Uxmal worthwhile, since it has a night-time light & sound show, and the following day one can visit the nearby smaller ruined cities of, and.


 * is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, present-day Mexico. The main edifice, the Castillo or Pyramid of Kukulcan, was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
 * is one of the interesting sites on the Ruta de los Cenotes itinerary, with prominent cenotes (sinkholes leading to significant caves). Buses to Cuzamá depart from Terminal Noreste (Calle 67 btw 50 and 52, listed above under 'Get in'). Buses from this station also head to Mayapán, Izamal, and Rio Lagartos.
 * is a large pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It is 78 km south of Mérida, Yucatán, or 110 km from that city on Highway 261 towards Campeche, Campeche). ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) offers buses to Uxmal that leave at 06:00, 9:05, and 10:40, and come back at 15:20 and 17:00 (also one around 12:00). Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses Mérida (the main 2nd class bus station described under 'Get in'), M$55 one-way.
 * is a large pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It is 78 km south of Mérida, Yucatán, or 110 km from that city on Highway 261 towards Campeche, Campeche). ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) offers buses to Uxmal that leave at 06:00, 9:05, and 10:40, and come back at 15:20 and 17:00 (also one around 12:00). Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses Mérida (the main 2nd class bus station described under 'Get in'), M$55 one-way.
 * is a large pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It is 78 km south of Mérida, Yucatán, or 110 km from that city on Highway 261 towards Campeche, Campeche). ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) offers buses to Uxmal that leave at 06:00, 9:05, and 10:40, and come back at 15:20 and 17:00 (also one around 12:00). Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses Mérida (the main 2nd class bus station described under 'Get in'), M$55 one-way.

Other attractions near Mérida

 * is the port city directly north of Mérida. The beaches aren't quite as nice as the famous ones on the peninsula's east coast in Quintana Roo, but have the advantage of being only 40km (30 miles) north of Mérida. Progreso also has restaurants specializing in fresh local seafood. If you don't want to spend your whole day at the beach, you can combine a visit to the ruins of Dzibilchaltun in your day trip, since it's just off the highway between Mérida and Progreso. Buses to Progreso depart from the Terminal Auto-Progreso (Calle 62 No 524 between 65 and 67, listed above under 'Get in') daily every 10 minutes from 05:15-21:00, with a journey lasting 55 minutes. It costs M$21 (Jan 2022) and the buses are air-conditioned.
 * . The coastal town of Celestún is 90km west of Mérida. Almost 90% of the world's wild pink flamingos spend the winter in Yucatán, and the largest group of these are in the mangrove marshes around Celestún. Take a boat tour in the park for to see great flocks of pink in the trees and flying in the air! The town of Celestún has a couple of restaurants serving fresh seafood on beaches that offer better sunsets than Cancun.
 * is a small city about 70km east of Mérida. In ancient Maya times and the Spanish colonial era it was one of the largest cities in Yucatán, leaving impressive historic architecture. Buses to Izamal can be picked up at Terminal Noreste (listed above).
 * are only 43 miles away. The oldest and most well known building of Oxkintok is the Tzat Tun Tzat, Mayan for labyrinth or place in which one may be lost. Built in three levels on top of each other, its interior forms a maze of long, narrow rooms, connected by small gates and narrow stairs. The Calcehtok served as shelter for the Mayan people during the Caste War. You must have a guide to enter the cave. Rates generally run about M$200 an hour. This large complex of over 30 connected caves offers 4 different tours of varying lengths. Walking and climbing through the cave can be rough, so be sure you are wearing good shoes and are willing to work a bit to see the stalactites, stalagmites, natural formations, and Mayan artifacts.
 * Homún is located in the heart of the Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica Anillo de Cenotes an area that contains a lot of cenotes. This village is perfect to see many beautiful Cenotes that are off the classic Yucatan vacation and you might even find yourself having the cenote for yourself. You can either drive to the different cenotes or take a collectivo from Merida - M$32 and then rent the service of a mototaxi to take you to a few cenotes around - M$300 for the moto ( up to 4 people) not including the entrance of the cenote. (Nov.23)
 * are only 43 miles away. The oldest and most well known building of Oxkintok is the Tzat Tun Tzat, Mayan for labyrinth or place in which one may be lost. Built in three levels on top of each other, its interior forms a maze of long, narrow rooms, connected by small gates and narrow stairs. The Calcehtok served as shelter for the Mayan people during the Caste War. You must have a guide to enter the cave. Rates generally run about M$200 an hour. This large complex of over 30 connected caves offers 4 different tours of varying lengths. Walking and climbing through the cave can be rough, so be sure you are wearing good shoes and are willing to work a bit to see the stalactites, stalagmites, natural formations, and Mayan artifacts.
 * Homún is located in the heart of the Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica Anillo de Cenotes an area that contains a lot of cenotes. This village is perfect to see many beautiful Cenotes that are off the classic Yucatan vacation and you might even find yourself having the cenote for yourself. You can either drive to the different cenotes or take a collectivo from Merida - M$32 and then rent the service of a mototaxi to take you to a few cenotes around - M$300 for the moto ( up to 4 people) not including the entrance of the cenote. (Nov.23)

Buy
ATMs with low withdrawal fees in the center are BanCoppel, Banjercito, Banco Azteca and banamex.

For buying groceries in the centro, there are minimarkets (tiendas), Oxxo, extra – and the big supermarkets, and a Soriana right next to it. Also available are the mid-sized supermarkets Dunosusa and Waldo's.

Crafts
There are hundreds of stores in downtown Mérida. In and around the Plaza Grande, the large plaza in the Centro directly across from the cathedral, it is common for street salesmen to engage passersby in friendly small talk, by telling them some historical facts about the surroundings. The conversation will quickly turn to recommendations of shops selling hammocks, guayaberas, handcrafts, jewelry, etc. The items sold in stores that use street salesmen to find customers tend to be highly overpriced. While there are honest and hardworking street salesmen, as a general rule, the best shopping strategy is to browse stores without the assistance of any street salesmen and to never allow a street salesman to bring you to a store. Since street salesmen work on commission, tourists are usually charged higher prices if they are brought into a store by a street salesman or other street guide.

A wide range of outstanding artesanias can be found here. Mérida is a great place to pick up a good quality hammock. However, be aware that many people selling hammocks in and around Mérida will try to get the highest price they can from a tourist. A good hammock costs between 300 and 800 pesos, not dollars. The tighter the weave, the better the hammock. You should always insist on unfolding and viewing a hammock before buying it.

There are plenty of hand-crafted things to buy in the shops along Calle 56A.



Traditional clothing
The Yucatán is also famous for its guayaberas, to the point that the shirts are also known as the camisa de Yucatán (the shirt of the Yucatán). Locally-made huipils, the traditional garment worn by Yucatecan women, and jipijapa hats (aka Panama hats) are also popular items for sale. As with hammocks, quality varies widely.

The street salesmen who offer to bring tourists to stores that sell traditional clothing almost always accompany or direct people to stores that offer the double whammy of low-quality guayaberas and huipils at high prices. (Most such salesmen work on commission, which explains their aggressiveness.)



Other items
Cuban cigars are also a common item being sold by street vendors, but beware: many 'Cuban' cigars sold on the streets of Mérida are excellent fakes that are manufactured elsewhere. True Cuban cigars can be found in Mérida, but they are sold mostly in established tobacco shops with solid local reputations. To be sure of getting a genuine 'Cubano', don't look for bargains from street vendors and instead try real tabaquerias.



City center

 * . The central food market which offers street-food. This is a good place to shop for local specialties, including queso mennonito, an unpasteurized cheese made in the nearby Mennonite community. (updated Jan 2022)
 * Every evening a family sells and has been selling tamales there for decades, which are cheap, fresh and absolutely delicious.
 * (Zócalo). On Sunday afternoons the streets around the Plaza are closed to vehicles, and the square comes alive with craft vendors as well as street food stands serving traditional Yucatecan dishes. Those vendors offering full meals have their own shaded outdoor seating available. Snacks can be enjoyed on the many benches in the plaza, which is also a great place for people-watching. (updated Jan 2022)

Near the city center

 * . It has a good range of food stalls serving Yucatecan food, with shaded seating.

Drink
Look for a drink called agua de chaya, often simply called 'chaya'. It's a cool, green, mildly sweet and very refreshing juice made by pressing a spinach-like vegetable.



Connect
Free wi-fi is available in all plazas, including the Zócalo (Plaza Mayor). Additionally, many hostels, hotels, restaurants and cafés now offer free wi-fi for their patrons. Otherwise internet cafes are ubiquitous and typically charge around MX$20 pesos per hour (USD$1).

Telcel offers 5G mobile service throughout the city. You can acquire a Telcel SIM card at the at the corner of Calles 56 and 59.

Stay safe
Mérida is a relatively safe city; however visitors should beware of pickpockets and keep their bags secure. If in spite of these precautions you fall victim to theft your best course of action will be to contact the Policía Turística (Tourist Police),. Tourist police officers wear blue and white uniforms, and many speak English. They can be easily found in the center around the Plaza Grande, and along the Paseo Montejo.

The tourist police also maintain two assistance booths in the centro: one in (corner of Calle 60 and 59), and one in  (corner of Calle 60 and 55). Both stands are open daily 08:00-20:00.

Stay healthy
Mérida has one of the best hospital networks in Mexico, and receives patients not only from Mexico but from neighboring Guatemala and Belize as well as from the United States. Cooperation with the medical establishment in cities like Houston has helped to develop a comprehensive network for medical care, with many private clinics meeting and even exceeding standards in Europe and the US.

Public hospitals can provide urgent care, but facilities are basic and staff are unlikely to speak English. For visitors who are not confident with their Spanish, private hospitals and clinics offer a good alternative. Many doctors can speak some English, but nursing staff and receptionists will likely not.



Consulates

 * 🇧🇿 Belize
 * 🇨🇺 Cuba
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * 🇺🇸 United States

in the south:

 * Campeche – 180 km - From the ADO "centro histórico" bus station in Mérida, buses leave almost every 30 minutes for the two and a half-hour drive to Campeche, which costs between M$190 (2nd class but comfortable) and M$350 for ADO bus booked last minute (Nov.23).
 * Palenque - 530km -  From the ADO "centro histórico" bus station in Mérida, ADO buses leave three times daily (1 daytime, 2 overnight) for the ~9 hour trip, costing M$1004 (Nov 2023)

in the east:

 * Valladolid – 160 km
 * Cancún – 310 km
 * Playa del Carmen – 290 km
 * Cozumel – 320 km
 * Tulum – 260 km

in the south-east:

 * Bacalar – 350 km
 * Chetumal – 390 km
 * Mahahual (Costa Maya) – 380 km

By airplane:
There are direct low-cost flights from Mérida for example to Oaxaca, Mexico City, Veracruz and Tuxtla in Chiapas. From the Tuxtla airport to San Cristobal de las Casas.