We took a tour a couple of days ago that brought us to Izamal, where we explored the Convento San…read moreAntonio de Padua. The monastery was founded in 1549 by Franciscan friars, and when the building's construction began a few years later, it was erected on top of a pre-hispanic, Mayan structure (Paphol-Chac). The building was completed in 1561 (later additions were made). The open atrium of the monastery is still today second in size only to the atrium at the Vatican. Most of the stone used to build the monastery came from the ruins of Paphol-Chac. The monastery was painted yellow when the rest of the city was, and it's a stunning building - and great to photograph! They are preserving and restoring some original frescos on the building, which you can see when you walk up to the exterior. You may walk into the church and other areas of the monastery depending on the day and time of your visit. Pope John Paul II visited the monastery in 1993, and there is a statue of him outside the monastery. Definitely worth a visit to explore and photograph if you're in Izamal!

We have been living in Merida for a bit and am so glad that we finally took a day trip to Izamal…read more It was pouring rain most of the way but once we arrived, the rain stooped and we had some sunny skies. Our visit was centered around the convent and to have lunch. The grounds of the convent and the inside of the church are beautiful - do not miss a visit if you are in the area

Yesterday we had a tour of Merida from our friendly and competent guide, Emilio…read more He took us through the old town square and told us about its history. We then walked through the cultural center of town where he told us about the legends and fables of the area. Finally, he ended the tour in one of the lively town squares where he gave us information about what's happening in Merida today. The tour was free- they just ask for a tip at the end. At no point was Emilio pushy about tips (he didn't even ask about it), he was genuinely grateful for the pesos we gave him at the end. We highly recommend this tour and hope that Emilio has great success in his endeavors.

We took the free walking tour through central Merida with Sofia as our guide. They meet daily in…read morefront of the cathedral at 9:30 am. She was super informative and fun and the pace was perfect for our group of people of all ages. She talked about the history of the cathedral and the people of the Yucatán from colonial times through the Mexican revolution to today in modern times. The tour is free but she accepts tips! I highly recommend this tour for anyone's first visit to Merida.

Enjoying our visit, but questioning why we prepaid at a $60 rate when it's only $40 to book at the…read moreport? And yes, both of the groups bought the all inclusive beach club with blue wrist bands. $40 - great value $60 - would have be better if the other alcohol and menu items were included Guess our next visit we will wait and book at the port - also while the buffet menu references fish - there was none when I asked was told not today

Great option for cruise port calls, but beware the exchange markup at the beach house". Uva was a…read moregreat guide and the itinerary they put together is just enough to see natural and ancient points of interest without being in a car all day. Wonderful setup getting to a for an early dip before the crowds arrive...first ones in! Mayan market place ruins were enough to give a flavor of the ancient ways. The salt ponds were cool and we brought back pink salt. "Beach house" has a nice setup, but really no beach. Drinks and food were great, but at cruise ship prices ($12 margs and $20 taco plates). Didn't go for the all inclusive and I was fine with these prices until I went to check out and they tacked on an additional 18% to the exchange rate for a credit card. No exchange rate posted and absurd with the food and drink prices they are charging. Had I known, I would have used cash, but not given that information...be aware.

Visit Jan 2021 Museum is closed…read moreCenote is closed because of COVID. Too many people visit here would be no way to manage social distancing in the cenote Within Merida city limits Go early and have the place to yourself and beat the heat Can climb the other pyramids- not the one you seen on the postcards Like others have said. Read up on what you are looking at and you don't need a guide If you've been to the big two (uxmal and chichen itza) this site is much smaller but well worth the visit

Love this place. Very interesting. A lot of walking. Will take future visitors there in the future.read more