Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán region & a large bustling city with a historic centre.

The city, like much of the state, has heavy Mayan, French, British and to a lesser extent Dutch influences. Mérida has the highest percentage of indigenous people of any large city in Mexico with approximately 60% being Mayan.

Therefore, Yucatán language, food & culture is different from the rest of Mexico & Mérida is a great place to explore these.

When we first arrived, I will admit the city combined with heat, was overwhelming (just like arriving in London in mid-summer but hotter).  After getting our bearings & taking it slowly, you can see why the city gained its ‘cultural capital’ title.