9 Reasons This Colonial Mexican Town Should Be on Your Bucket List

Get the Full StoryThe colonial town of Merida is a far cry from the tourist-clogged beaches of Cancun. There are no midday body shots, reveling spring breakers, or sprawling mega-resorts here. But Merida has a spirt all of its own. For one, it s the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, built over 500 years ago on top of a thriving Mayan civilization called Tho. It has been home to sisal barons, the French upper crust, and Mayans struggling to find their way following the arrival of the Europeans. Now, it s one of the safest cities in Mexico, and was even voted the Cultural Capital of the Americas, thanks to its diverse panoply of art, architecture, and food. Sure, it s four hours west of the powdery beaches in raucous Cancun, but it s worth a spot on your Mexico bucket list. Here are nine reasons you should consider spending a few days in Merida on your next trip south of the border.

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