<strong>Mérida, Mexico: </strong>The capital of Yucatan state is a fantastic place to explore Mayan and Spanish culture. The San Ildefonso Cathedral (pictured) is one of the oldest in Latin America.
Mérida, Mexico: The capital of Yucatan state is a fantastic place to explore Mayan and Spanish culture. The San Ildefonso Cathedral (pictured) is one of the oldest in Latin America.
Shutterstock
<strong>Municipal Palace:</strong> Exploring Mérida on foot is a great way to get to know the city's Spanish colonial architecture. Start at this building, The Municipal Palace in the main square.
Municipal Palace: Exploring Mérida on foot is a great way to get to know the city's Spanish colonial architecture. Start at this building, The Municipal Palace in the main square.
Shutterstock
<strong>Uxmal: </strong>This and other Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan are easy to visit from Mérida, either on your own or with a tour group.
Uxmal: This and other Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan are easy to visit from Mérida, either on your own or with a tour group.
Shutterstock
<strong>Paseo de Montejo:</strong> Many wealthy Spaniards lived in mansions along the Paseo de Montejo.
Paseo de Montejo: Many wealthy Spaniards lived in mansions along the Paseo de Montejo.
Shutterstock
<strong>Gran Museo del Mundo Maya:</strong> Learn about the region's history at this striking, modern museum.
Gran Museo del Mundo Maya: Learn about the region's history at this striking, modern museum.
Shutterstock
<strong>Progreso Beach</strong>: Less than an hour's drive north of Mérida is this gorgeous beach along the Gulf of Mexico.
Progreso Beach: Less than an hour's drive north of Mérida is this gorgeous beach along the Gulf of Mexico.
Shutterstock
<strong>La Chaya Maya: </strong>This beloved local restaurant is a great place to sample Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).
La Chaya Maya: This beloved local restaurant is a great place to sample Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).
Courtesy La Chaya Maya
<strong>Rosas y Xocolate: </strong>This boutique hotel on Paseo de Montejo is one of the best design destinations in the city.
Rosas y Xocolate: This boutique hotel on Paseo de Montejo is one of the best design destinations in the city.
Courtesy Rosas y Xocolate
<strong>Rosas y Xocolate: </strong>On a hot day, nothing's nicer than the hotel's pool.
Rosas y Xocolate: On a hot day, nothing's nicer than the hotel's pool.
Courtesy Rosas y Xocolate