Merida
 

How far is it to the closest beach from Merida? What sights are best? Is there much shopping? any other suggestions if visiting this area? I am going the end on July 2001.

We were in Merida a few years back, so my info may not be totally current. The only beach that I know of close to Merida would be in Progresso. It's not the best beach, but we enjoyed going out there for the day. We didn't swim, but had lunch and wandered around. <BR> <BR>There are numerous ruins not that far from Merida. The major one, Chichen Itza, would be about 1/2 way to Cancun, I think. We didn't go to Uxmal, but I believe it's closer to Merida. <BR> <BR>I remember my husband bought a wonderful panama hat - a real panama hat - in Merida.

Afraid my lunch is about over, so I don't have time to say much. Take a look at my travelogue at www.oneeyed.homestead.com. It includes a pretty extensive section on Merida and other sights. I assume you are talking about Merida, Mexico.

In re:poster #1-he is right. Progreso is the only beach close to Merida, around a 30 minute or so bus ride from Merida. Not crowded at all during the weekdays. You can have the beach almost all to yourself. A number of good seafood places to eat within a couple minutes walk from the beach. The busstation in Merida to Progreso is around a half a block away from the zocolo. The bus station also has buses running to the ruins of Dzibilchaltun, which is on the way to Progreso. The ruins of Chichen Itza are around a two and a half hour bus trip from Merida. The ruins of Uxmal are around an hour and a half away from Merida. Merida is a great little city. This August will be my eighth trip there. If you need any other info you can send me an email. I would be pleased to help if I can. <BR>Norman <BR>

We were in Merida 3 years ago. We went to Celestun, really to see the wildlife. The boat trip to see the flamingos was well worth it. Celestun has a beach - again not the best but pleasant enough and there are several beachside restaurants. We were there in February so it was fairly quiet. <BR> <BR>We found Uxmal much more pleasant then Chichen Itza, less developed and fewer tourists. But there are many much smaller archeological sites in the area, and some very interesting small towns, haciendas etc.