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"The White City," nicknamed for its signature white limestone and squeaky clean streets, is only 20 minutes from the beach and a day trip away from touristic hot spot Cancun, but a world apart from both. The capital of the Yucatan state, Merida is also the cultural and financial center of the region, with modern attractions like museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Rounding out the city's cultural draw is its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, and Vacation Enhancing tours There's much to see, do, touch and experience in Merida; we highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure that you don't miss a thing. All you'll have to do is show up and enjoy! chichen Itza One Day Excursion: The ceremonial center of the Itzae tribes, Mayan and Tolteca culture are the focal points of the "Mouth of the Well of the Itzaes." you'll marvel at the temple of Kukulcan, commonly referred to as the Castle; see the largest ball court in Mesoamerica; the Sacrifical Well; observatory; and the Temple of the Jaguars. uxmal & Kabah: Approximately 50 miles away from the center of town lies uxmal, the city that was "three times built." The Temple of the Sorcerer, rumored to have been built by a mythical dwarf in only one night; Quadrangle of the Nuns; The Dovecot; House of the Witch; Shrine of the Turtles; and House of the Governor are all yours to explore on this tour. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. MeRIDA 1 Av. Aviacion Circuito Colonias Periferico Periferico Periferico Calle 60 Paseo de Montejo Calle 50 Calle 59 Av. Colon Cupulas Aleman Av. Yucatan Calle 65 Calle 51 Calle 21 Av. 49 Calle 27 Jacinto Canek to Maya Beach to Uxmal to Chichen Itza M. C. Rejon International Airport 25 180 18 180 172 261 4 0 1/2 mile 0 1/2 km 1 PRESIDENTE INTERcONTINENTAL VILLA MERcEDES MERIDA oooo stay at one of the 127 renovated rooms in a beautiful 19 th century house. at the heart of the financial and commercial district of the colonial Merida, the Presidente intercontinental Villa Mercedes Merida is an exemploary choice in hospitality and service. Located 300 feet from Paseo Montejo, 1.2 miles from the historic center, and 20 minutes from the intercontinental airport. Merida 53 the meticulously restored plazas, cathedrals, and colonial mansions of the Avenue of Beaux Arts within its own walls. Here, visitors can learn to move in Vaqueria Regional styles or jarana folk dance against the sound of wind and brass instruments, a güiro, and timbales. Those seeking thorough authenticity can call for the bombas rhymes—short, clever banter exchanged between male and female dancers—in between songs. These traditions are only a small part of Merida's fascinating heritage. Isolated from other parts of Mexico due to its unique geography on the Five Hills of the ancient Mayan city of T'ho, Spanish is spoken with a distinctive accent, while Yucatec Maya adds further flavor for your ears. The cuisine is also diverse, representative of local culture merged with Caribbean, Mexican, European and Middle Eastern influences. Together, these distinctive traits lend themselves to the city's motto of orgullo de todos, meaning "pride of all." There is indeed much for residents to be proud of in this incredible destination they call home.