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An update from Evaneos
Mexico

Merida and the colonial cities of Yucatán

If you set aside time to go to the region Yucatán during your trip to Mexico it is advisable to not restrict your stay exclusively to Mayan culture and playa culture. You can also discover real marvels when visiting the colonial cities .

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A jump to Merida

If you wish to set aside a few days of your visit of Mexico to visit the colonial cities of Yucatan, you can for example start with Merida which is nothing short of an adventure into the capital of the region. Previously named "the white city", it has unfortunately lost its silver splendour now. It has long since abandoned its immaculate white for a sad grey. However, despite this, it's not just a matter of considering it a simple base for visits of the surrounding places. Give it the chance of showing its colonial heritage.

Go to the Zócalo, admire the old cathedral dating from 1598 then launch into the discovery of the Casa de Montejo, the theatres: Peón Contreras and Merida, Ermita Santa Isabel, of Parque Santa Lucís, of the beautiful Paseo Montejo with the beautiful façades of the rich abodes, of the Palacio del Gobierno or the museums: Canción Yucateca, Macay or the regional of Antropología.

The real interest in Merida lies in its sense of party. Every Sunday the roads are closed to vehicles and amongst are organised in folkloric dance shows and concerts. The ambiance filled with summits during the carnival which develops every year exactly 40 days before Holy Week.

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The other colonial cities

Outside of Merida, there are also very pretty colonial cities to visit.

Izamal is one of these. This little village doesn't lack for charm. The ideal is to take the time to roam the streets and to stay until the sundown when the rays compliment the white and yellow façades. This moment is magical

Very near to Chichén Itzá, Valladolid is superb and you can visit at your leisure and relaxed pace because it attracts very few tourists. Its geographical situation gives it the role of being perfect for leaving on a discovery of the peninsula. When waiting, make the most of being able to discover the place itself. These roads bordered with façades in pastel colours are to be admired during a beautiful walk. You will also discover the convent and the San Bernardino church of Siena which dates from 1552, the Artesanías market, the San Roque museum and the beautiful Cenote Zaci.

The most beautiful city of the peninsula is without any doubt Campeche. It is so beautiful that it has even been registered into the World Heritage of UNESCO. On the outskirts of the city you can admire the remains of this unique fortified city of Mexico. Going into the town you will discover beautiful paved roads with coloured facades in pastel tones. The promenade promises to be superb. In the evening don't hesitate to go to the Zócalo to see the agreeable hustle and bustle and admire the superb cathedral of Santa Isabel. In over a hundred visits like the Puerta del Mar or the Puerta de la Tierra, you definitely shouldn't miss the museum of Mayan archeology. The collections presents unique pieces. All in all, the museum is superb.

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David Debrincat
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