Luxury Yucatán Holidays

The capital of the state of Yucatán, Mérida stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and contemporary life. Boasting colourful colonial architecture, this city was founded on the ancient Maya city once known as Thó. A living museum of the Yucatán's storied past with grand plazas, markets and an array of galleries, museums, gourmet restaurants and cafes inviting exploration. Mérida’s welcoming vibe reaches its bright cultural scene where traditional gastronomy, dance, and music boom. Perfect for those looking to experience authentic Mexico.

Many holidayers also visit Mérida, Yucatán for its beautiful white sandy beaches. Visit the right beach at the right time and you may even see some flamingos! Feel a beach holiday in Mérida could be for you? Get in touch with our Holiday Experts to start planning today.

Confirmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uxmal is a genuine archaeological wonder. Its notable pyramid towers over the lush landscape – a symbol of the city’s cultural and spiritual importance – and showcases a collection of the most extraordinary ruins in the ancient Maya world. We highly recommend an expert guided tour of this magnificent site to walk you through its Puuc style grandeur and intricate geometric patterns and stone carvings.

One of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, recognised for its magical quality, the “Yellow City” is a charming town overflowing with history and, of course, colour! Its largely yellow painted architecture is a beacon for the intrepid traveller, inviting you in to explore its well-preserved heritage and local traditions. The most popular cultural site is the vast Convento de San Antonio de Padua, steeped in history! Built on top of a hill, originally a Mayan pyramid destroyed by the Spanish, the monastery’s stones were repurposed from the temple, identifiable by the unmistakable maze-like design.

The first capital of the region effortlessly weaves colonial history and Mayan heritage together. Meander through cobblestone streets with pastel-hued facades, and a historic city centre, taking in this captivating town. Beyond Valladolid’s cultural legacy, it is also a gateway to exploring several significant Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itzá, Ek Balam, and Cenote Xcanche, the latter only being accessible by bike.

An icon. This archaeological site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world and represents the ancient brilliance of the Mayan civilization. The focus is El Castillo, being the most famous construction – the stepped pyramid which served as a celestial observatory and ceremonial structure. Other points of interest aren’t to be missed from the Sacred Cenote to the Temple of the Warriors and the Great Ball Court. We recommend taking a private guided tour which offers expert insight with rich and profound context.

Mexico has put a smoking ban in place from January 2023. The ban prohibits smoking in both open and closed public spaces. Most hotels, however, have a designated smoking area. Please speak to your Travel Consultant regarding the smoking policy at your hotel and any questions you might have.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccinations are currently recommended. Mexico is regarded to have a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -6 hours.

The flight time from London to Mérida is 14½ hours via Houston, Texas.

The currency is the Mexican peso.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.