Free Tour of Mérida

This tour is operated by our partner Free Walking Tour Mérida.

Mérida may be the safest (and sunniest) city in Mexico, but it’s also one of the richest when it comes to stories. In just 90 minutes, join us on a vibrant journey through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula’s capital, where colonial charm meets deep-rooted Mayan legacy. From feminist milestones to conquistador mansions, explore centuries of history, culture and layered identities.

We begin at the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the first cathedral ever built on solid American soil — a towering symbol of Spanish conquest and one of Mérida’s most iconic landmarks. Just across the plaza, the Palacio de Gobierno invites us to step inside and discover the striking murals of Fernando Castro Pacheco, which vividly portray the Yucatán’s turbulent and complex past.

From there, we visit the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, a Jesuit church built with stones from the ancient Mayan city of Th’ó — a striking example of the colonial imposition layered over indigenous heritage. Our next stop is the grand Teatro José Peón Contreras, one of the few opera-style theaters in Mexico, which still hosts performances today under its stunning neoclassical dome.

We then pass the Universidad de Yucatán, a proud symbol of the city’s intellectual tradition and its links to early feminist movements. Finally, we wrap up our journey in the charming Parque de Santa Lucía, a leafy plaza known for its relaxed vibe, local serenades and cultural life — the perfect spot to reflect on everything you’ve seen.

Throughout this walk, you’ve stepped into a living tapestry of time, where ancient traditions blend with vibrant street life and every corner invites you to feel the heartbeat of a city that never forgets its past while embracing its future. Get ready to fall in love with Mérida.