Westjet flights to Merida
Jul 25th, 2015, 10:06 AM
#1
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Westjet flights to Merida
Apologies if this has already been discussed. Westjet has just introduced direct, non-stop flights between Toronto and Merida from December to April. I jumped on them immediately and we're booked for 2 weeks in February. We got a great deal - $435 CAD each. Now I'm just looking for a place to stay. It's been years since we were in Merida so I'm definitely looking forward to it!
Jul 25th, 2015, 10:48 AM
#2
Never having flown Westjet before, I just tried to see what they had to offer from my own departure city. Put in my airport, SMF, and the appropriate dates, then Merida, only to be told I can't get there from here or words to that effect. It seems to me that a decently designed website would block Merida from the list of destinations offered on the drop-down menu, if they don't offer the route.
I have seen on the route map that if I enter my airport, that menu shows only flights to Canada, and for Canadian airline it makes sense. But not my idea of a good winter getaway. I envy you your direct flight, Susan, but you probably deserve it more than I do. I'll give it another try next time Canada calls my name.
I have seen on the route map that if I enter my airport, that menu shows only flights to Canada, and for Canadian airline it makes sense. But not my idea of a good winter getaway. I envy you your direct flight, Susan, but you probably deserve it more than I do. I'll give it another try next time Canada calls my name.
Jul 25th, 2015, 12:05 PM
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Yes, Westjet is a Canadian airline. We had a dreadful winter last year - the worst I can remember in Toronto - and unfortunately it was the one winter we were spending in Toronto 
Didn't want to make that mistake again! I can't get away for more than 2 weeks unfortunately but in February, I'll take anything!
Didn't want to make that mistake again! I can't get away for more than 2 weeks unfortunately but in February, I'll take anything!
Jul 25th, 2015, 03:48 PM
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You might want to consider visiting the Ruta Puuc from Merida, and if you do, you might consider spending a night at the Flycatcher Inn:
http://flycatcherinn.com
http://flycatcherinn.com
Jul 26th, 2015, 10:55 PM
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When I visited Merida I stayed in Nomadas Hostel, it was the best (it even came with a pool!)
www.nomadastravel.com/
I did a day trip to Celestun, it was about a two-hour bus ride there. It was great seeing hundreds of flamingoes with the sunset in the background. There are local buses but remember to queue early, if not you'll be left standing for the entire ride without a seat, squeezing with everyone else.
www.nomadastravel.com/
I did a day trip to Celestun, it was about a two-hour bus ride there. It was great seeing hundreds of flamingoes with the sunset in the background. There are local buses but remember to queue early, if not you'll be left standing for the entire ride without a seat, squeezing with everyone else.
Jul 27th, 2015, 06:14 AM
#6
That's great news! I was in Merida a few weeks ago and flew into and out of Cancun because it's a hassle to get to Merida from Buffalo (as well as being very expensive). Great future option to drive to TO and take a non-stop flight! Have fun in Merida. It was my first time there and I loved it.
Jul 27th, 2015, 11:13 AM
#7
What a great deal! There's a poster on the FB group who owns several rental properties in Merida - here's a link to one of them - you might just want to connect with her for more info.
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/806254?locale=en
We spent a week in the area (didn't get to Merida - sadly) driving from Cancun to Uxmal and then back - loved the area and driving was great.
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/806254?locale=en
We spent a week in the area (didn't get to Merida - sadly) driving from Cancun to Uxmal and then back - loved the area and driving was great.
Jul 27th, 2015, 04:54 PM
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Re: Celestun: Time of year can be a critical issue here! As I understand it, the vast majority of these flamingos migrate between Celestun and an area near Progreso, and the main spring transition is in April. So when I visited Celestun in April of 2008, most of the flock had just departed. It was still very impressive -- but what I saw were hundreds of flamingos, not thousands. On the other hand, I was one of the only people who were not from Celestun who I saw that day.
Aug 1st, 2015, 11:20 AM
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I looked back at my 'travel history' and realized it was 20 years ago that I visited Merida. I can't believe it was so long ago, and we're quite excited about going back again. We'll be there 2 weeks, and I've already found a plac to stay through AirBnB.
Aug 2nd, 2015, 03:41 AM
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Merida has not changed that much, I must say... and it is the best thing ever, I would not want it to change... EVER. This has got to be the most vibrant, friendly Mexican city I have the chance to visit. On our winter escapes in Quintana Roo. we always end up in Merida for a week. Food, culture, theatre, excursions (Ruta Puuc), festivals, shopping and friendly and I MEAN FRIENDLY. In my mind, this is what the REAL Mexico is all about. We will be there again this winter... guarantied 
Aug 5th, 2015, 06:07 PM
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February is my absolute most favorite month down here. The days are sunny and warm (without being too warm) with cool nights (not too cool) and there's always a perfect breeze.
In regards to flights - MmePerdu, when are you coming down and where from? Merida is adding quite a few flights within the next 6 mos or so.
Check Miami, Houston and Mexico City connections. Also know that the bus ride from Cancun is quite nice if flying into Merida doesn't work. They keep talking about a ferry from Tampa but none of us are holding our breaths.
In regards to flights - MmePerdu, when are you coming down and where from? Merida is adding quite a few flights within the next 6 mos or so.
Check Miami, Houston and Mexico City connections. Also know that the bus ride from Cancun is quite nice if flying into Merida doesn't work. They keep talking about a ferry from Tampa but none of us are holding our breaths.
Aug 5th, 2015, 07:31 PM
#13
I've made plans now for Oaxaca. Started planning a few weeks ago when there was a direct Aeromexico flight to Mexico City from my home airport, Sacramento, and booked. Shortly afterward they cancelled the direct flight so now I've got changes in both Guadalajara & Mexico City. Bummer. Next time, wherever I go, I'll try another airline.
Aug 5th, 2015, 07:39 PM
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Oaxaca is another wonderful place.
Cancun to Merida on the 180D toll highway takes about four hours. It amazes me how they've constructed the highway so that there's almost nothing to see. You have exits at Valladolid (I'm a big fan) and Chichen Itza.
If you can wait until 2018, supposedly there will be high-speed rail between Merida and Playa del Carmen, with an extension to Cancun. That will cut the travel time to about 2.5 hours. So they say ...
Cancun to Merida on the 180D toll highway takes about four hours. It amazes me how they've constructed the highway so that there's almost nothing to see. You have exits at Valladolid (I'm a big fan) and Chichen Itza.
If you can wait until 2018, supposedly there will be high-speed rail between Merida and Playa del Carmen, with an extension to Cancun. That will cut the travel time to about 2.5 hours. So they say ...
Aug 5th, 2015, 08:34 PM
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I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. There are plenty of things to see once you get off the highway. There's just so little to see while you're riding down the highway. It's like you're riding through a tunnel ... without the tunnel.
Aug 6th, 2015, 06:04 AM
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Jeff, It is indeed a long boring ride. I always look forward to stopping half way for some food at the pit stop. The first place you see in the gang of eateries and stores has amazingly good and cheap tacos.
As for the speed train, it unfortunately got voted down.
That's not saying that it won't happen eventually because the middle class in Mx is rapidly growing.
Chichen Itza - Don't rule it out entirely. You have to get there in the morning when the gates open.It's really the only way to enjoy the place before the masses and vendors get there. Some decent cenotes nearby, as well.
That said, I do like Uxmal better.
As for the speed train, it unfortunately got voted down.
That's not saying that it won't happen eventually because the middle class in Mx is rapidly growing.
Chichen Itza - Don't rule it out entirely. You have to get there in the morning when the gates open.It's really the only way to enjoy the place before the masses and vendors get there. Some decent cenotes nearby, as well.
That said, I do like Uxmal better.
Aug 6th, 2015, 08:09 AM
#18
We laughed that we could play cards on that drive.
We stayed near Chichen Itza and were at the gates at 8am when it opened (in peak season February). We have many pictures without a single person or vendor so it's really the way to go.
We also very much enjoyed Ek Balam which you can still climb.
We stayed near Chichen Itza and were at the gates at 8am when it opened (in peak season February). We have many pictures without a single person or vendor so it's really the way to go.
We also very much enjoyed Ek Balam which you can still climb.
Aug 6th, 2015, 11:06 AM
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I thought the train was still a go. Thanks.
Don't forget in planning excursions that, for half the year, the state of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Holbox) is an hour later than the state of Yucatan (Merida, Valladolid, Uxmal, Izamal, Chichen Itza).
Don't forget in planning excursions that, for half the year, the state of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Holbox) is an hour later than the state of Yucatan (Merida, Valladolid, Uxmal, Izamal, Chichen Itza).
