The Atlas Obscura Guide To Mérida

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Mérida, Mexico

Updated September 7, 2023

Unusual Attractions in Mérida

Maya ruins can be seen in the background.

Mérida, Mexico

Cenote Xlacah

One of the few places where you can visit a cenote and Maya ruins at the same time.

Mérida, Mexico

Los Rincones de Mérida

Iconic red and white plaques show the creative names invented to navigate the city streets.

Mérida, Mexico

Cenote Ka' Kutzal

A cenote sitting in the middle of a parking lot shows the Yucatán Peninsula at its most urbanized.

Mérida, Mexico

Roberina Sidewalk Adverts

These mosaic designs promise a cure for headaches, toothaches, and colds.

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Misnébalam, Mexico

Misnébalam

According to legend, this hacienda was abandoned because of a curse.

12 miles from Mérida

Seyé Municipality, Mexico

Fairytale Graveyard

A field of whimsical floats, where all of your favorite childhood stories have been put out to pasture.

15 miles from Mérida

A view of the Chicxulub impact site from space.

Chicxulub, Mexico

Chicxulub Crater

The meteor that sealed the fate of the dinosaurs landed at this site, one of the largest impact craters in the world.

16 miles from Mérida

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Cenotes 2

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Archaeology 1

Mosaics 1

Mayan 1

Urban Planning 1

Legends 1

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History 1

Names 1

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Plaques 1

Tiles 1

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Stories About Mérida

These industrious beetles can live up to a few years without food, and rarely need water, making them unfortunately easy pets.

The Living, Breathing Brooches of the Yucatán

The live, jewel-encrusted beetles called maquechs are tied to an ancient legend, but some worry for their future.

by Roxanne Hoorn

September 7, 2023

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Mérida

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Mérida, Mexico

Unusual Attractions in Mérida

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Mérida, Mexico

Mérida Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Mérida Activity

Stories About Mérida

The Living, Breathing Brooches of the Yucatán

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