Duplicating
Tour copied successfully!

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.03mi , Attraction : Plaza (Selfie spot)
Map Pin
C. 60 500, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
POI 1 Tour Image
Plaza Grande
Great.
You found me!
Let's begin!

You are standing at Plaza Grande, the heart of Merida!

This bustling square has been the city's focal point since its founding in 1542.

Surrounded by iconic buildings like the Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, and Palacio de Gobierno, the Plaza Grande is a perfect starting point to explore Merida's rich history.

Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere, watch the locals, admire the beautiful architecture and listen to the chorus coming from the large groups of birds resting on the tree branches around you.

Selfie tip: Look for the big, colorful “MÉRIDA” letters nearby—they make a perfect photo spot and a fun way to mark your visit.


The Plaza Grande is a testament to Merida's blend of Mayan and Spanish cultures, a place where history comes alive.

Fun fact: The Plaza was originally named Plaza de Armas and served as a military parade ground.

The treaty of Tzucacab, a treaty that ended the Caste War of Yucatán, was signed right where we are standing now.

Since then it has become a place of joy and relaxation.
If you're here on a Sunday, you might get to experience the "Mercado Domingo" – an open-air market with handmade crafts, local food stalls and art stands.


Let's walk up the plaza, to the north east corner, where you'll find a crosswalk, and cross the street to our right, getting us closer to our next point of interest.

Read More

  https://www.visitmexico.com/en/yucatan/merida/plaza-grande-merida
Place #2
Distance: 0.25mi , Attraction : Cathedral (Selfie spot)
Map Pin
C. 60 499, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
POI 4 Tour Image
Merida Cathedral - Catedral de San Ildefonso
We are now strolling along The Catedral de San Ildefonso, on our left, also known as Merida Cathedral.

This magnificent structure, completed in 1598, stands as one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, even the oldest according to some experts. It represents the fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures, a testament to Merida's complex history.

Fascinating fact: The cathedral was built by the Spanish, right on top of Mayan ruins, using stones from a remaining ruined structure of a Mayan temple and from Mayan pyramids.


Feel free to step inside if it's open, admission is free of charge. You'll find a serene atmosphere and impressive religious art.
Gaze upon the Renaissance façade, Moorish-style vaults, and twin towers - symbols of the era’s architectural fusion.

Many of its original treasures and artistic artifacts were looted in 1902, under the orders of General Salvador Alvarado, leaving it with a much more modest appearance, even up to today.


Notice the massive Christ of Unity, a wooden crucifix over 7 m tall on a 12 m mahogany cross—the largest indoor wooden crucifix in the Americas


Get a glimpse of the chapel of the legendary Cristo de las Ampollas, (Christ of the Blisters), a miraculous statue from the 17th century said to have survived fire, twice.

Despite suffering the looting mentioned before, additional damage during the 1915 Revolution, and even fires, including the loss of baroque altars and an organ, the cathedral retains its beauty and deep historical resonance.


When you're ready, continue down the street to the end of the block, in the same direction we were heading before we stopped for stories of the cathedral.

Read More

  https://www.visitmexico.com/en/yucatan/merida/cathedral-merida
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Plaza Grande
Map Pin Place 2 Merida Cathedral - Catedral de San Ildefonso
Map Pin Place 3 Casa de Montejo
Map Pin Place 4 Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán
Map Pin Place 5 Parque Hidalgo
Map Pin Place 6 Museo Palacio de la Musica
Map Pin Place 7 Teatro Peon Contreras
Map Pin Place 8 Parque de Santa Ana
Map Pin Place 9 Museo Palacio Cantón
Map Pin Place 10 Fernando Castro Pacheco Cultural Center
Map Pin Place 11 Paseo de Montejo
Map Pin Place 12 Monumento a la Patria



This is a premium tour, click below for complete access!

 
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.