Capital of the state of Yucatan, the historic city of Merida makes an excellent base for exploring the Yucatan's awesome Mayan treasures, eco tourism sites, and is also a fascinating colonial city destination in its own right. Merida lies only 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the western Yucatan gulf coast and the beach resort of Progreso.

This is one of Mexico's most hospitable and nostalgic colonial cities, even with a population of around over 1 million. Similar to the city of Oaxaca, Merida combines colonial-era architecture with a rich Indian heritage. Attractions center around the city's lovely zocalo, bordered by graceful buildings and shade trees. Many of the city's older buildings, dating back to the 17th and 18th century, have white and pastel exteriors. The city has been called the "White City" because of this fact.

Numerous museums and markets bring alive the area's fascinating Mayan culture, while surrounding the city are some of the world's most important ancient archaeological sites. The cities of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Sayil, Kabah, Labna, and Edzna are within a 160 km. (96 miles) radius of Merida.

Historically, Merida stands alone for it's unique variation of tropical colonialism. Like many other colonial cities, Merida was founded on the exact site of an existing indigenous ceremonial center. In colonial times it was a frontier outpost and commercial center.

Surviving a bloody rebellion by Maya descendants in the 1840's, Merida began a period of prosperity in the late 1880's as they were the world's leader in exporting henequén (used to make rope). That guided the city's development more toward Europe than Mexico due to the lack of rail and road links to the rest of Mexico.