Mérida

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is about four hours west of Cancun. Founded in 1542 over the Mayan city of T'Hó, it keeps one of the largest colonial centers in Mexico: the Plaza Grande with its cathedral, the Government Palace with its murals, the City Hall and the Casa de Montejo.

These photos show the arcades and squares of the historic center, the horse-drawn calesas, the double-decker tour bus, the folk dances of "Mérida en domingo" and the mansions of Paseo de Montejo lit up at night. Mérida is also the base for visiting Uxmal and the Puuc route.