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I Never Liked Traveling to Mexico--but This City Made Me Fall in Love With It

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 14:53 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Why Mérida, Yucatán, Turns Even the Most Skeptical Travelers into Fans

Travel + Leisure’s recent feature, “I never liked Mexico, but Mérida made me fall in love with it,” takes readers on a personal journey that transforms the author’s preconceived notions about Mexico into a wholehearted celebration of the Yucatán capital. While the piece is written in a conversational, first‑person tone, the underlying narrative is a powerful testimony to how one city can rewrite a whole country’s image. Below is a 500‑plus‑word synopsis of the article’s key take‑aways, interwoven with contextual details pulled from the links it cites.

1. From Clichés to Authenticity

The opening paragraph immediately confronts the reader with the author’s candid admission: “I had never been a fan of Mexico.” That dislike was born out of a handful of stereotypical experiences—overcrowded beaches in Cancun, the buzz of tourist traps in Los Cabos, and the lingering sense that much of the country seemed “southern and untamed.” The writer even recalls a particular night at a beach bar where “the music was too loud, the service too rushed, and the place seemed to forget that people were there to enjoy themselves.”

The article then sets the stage for the “Mérida moment” by pointing to a series of links that contextualize the city. One link leads to Travel + Leisure’s “Mérida: A Cultural Treasure” guide, which outlines Mérida’s colonial heritage and modern‑day reputation as a “hidden gem.” Another directs readers to the “Yucatán’s Cenotes” feature that explains how the city is surrounded by a network of sinkholes, each a natural marvel.

2. A City That Marries Past and Present

Mérida is presented as a city that feels both timeless and fresh. The author walks through the heart of the historic district, where the wide avenues of Paseo de Montejo are lined with 18th‑century mansions and the iconic Mérida Cathedral stands as a testament to the city’s religious and architectural legacy. The writer describes the “gorgeous arches, the stately columns, and the gentle hum of conversations that echo in the plazas.” A quick detour into the Museo Casa de Montejo offers a glimpse into the colonial lifestyle, while the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo showcases the city’s contemporary pulse.

The article also highlights the vibrant local markets—especially Mercado Lucas de Galvez—where vendors sell everything from fresh cochinita pibil to panuchos and salbutes. The author recounts sampling street food under the shade of banana‑leaf‑topped stalls, noting the freshness of the ingredients and the subtlety of the spices. For readers unfamiliar with Yucatán cuisine, a link is provided to a dedicated Food + Travel page that explains the cultural importance of dishes like sopa de lima and queso de bola.

3. The Allure of Cenotes and Ruins

One of the most transformative parts of the article is the author’s exploration of the natural wonders just outside the city. The author takes a day trip to Cenote X’batun, a deep blue sinkhole that invites swimming, diving, and photo‑ops. The piece emphasizes that the cenotes are not just “tourist attractions”; they are sacred sites with legends that have been passed down through generations. The author shares a short anecdote about a local guide who explained how the Yucatec Maya believed the cenotes were portals to the underworld, thereby giving the experience an added layer of mystique.

The article also touches on the proximity to Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, two UNESCO World Heritage sites that can be visited in a day trip from Mérida. The writer’s narrative is peppered with images of the jaguar‑shaped Temple of the Jaguar and the “enigmatic” step‑stone pyramids. The accompanying link to the “Top 10 Must‑See Mayan Ruins” article offers a more detailed guide, including travel tips such as the best times of day to visit and how to avoid crowds.

4. People, Safety, and the Spirit of Mérida

A critical part of the transformation in the article is the people. While the author’s first trip to Mexico left him feeling wary of scams and rough neighborhoods, Mérida offers a different vibe. The writer notes that locals are “friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their culture.” A quick side‑story about a local family who hosted a dinner for the writer, complete with homemade huitlacoche tacos, showcases the warmth of Yucatec hospitality.

The author also addresses safety—an issue that often deters travelers. Through a link to Travel + Leisure’s “Mexico Travel Safety Guide,” the article reassures readers that Mérida consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Mexico, with a low crime rate and a robust local police presence.

5. Nightlife, Festivals, and Modernity

While the article has a serious tone, it never loses its celebratory spirit. The author finishes by exploring Mérida’s nightlife, from chic rooftop bars overlooking the Palacio de Gobierno to vibrant music venues featuring son jarocho and cumbia. A link to the “Mérida Nightlife Guide” points to some of the best venues for drinks, salsa dancing, and live performances.

The writer also highlights Mérida’s role as a cultural hub, especially during events like the Mérida International Festival of Music (FIM) and the Festival de la Pila. These festivals showcase local and international artists and serve as a testament to Mérida’s thriving arts scene. A quick look at the “Yucatán Festival Calendar” article reveals the timing of these events, which can help travelers plan their trip to coincide with a cultural celebration.

6. A Complete Turnaround

The article ends with a heartfelt reflection: the author acknowledges that his initial “dislike for Mexico” has been replaced by a genuine affection for Mérida. He concludes, “Mérida is not just a city; it’s an experience that redefines how you view Mexico as a whole.” The piece is peppered with links to related articles—like the “Best Day Trips from Mérida” guide and a “Mérida Accommodation Guide”—ensuring that readers have all the information they need to plan a trip that captures the essence of this enchanting city.

In Summary

Travel + Leisure’s article offers a compelling narrative of transformation that is underpinned by a wealth of factual and experiential details. By combining personal anecdotes with informative links to culinary guides, historical overviews, and practical travel tips, the author paints a vivid picture of Mérida as a city where history, nature, and hospitality converge. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who has previously felt hesitant about visiting Mexico, this piece serves as both a guide and an invitation: go to Mérida, and you may find yourself falling in love with Mexico just as the author did.