Digital Nomad Trip Report: Mérida

Quick Facts about Mérida for Digital Nomads

Introduction to Mérida

Welcome to my digital nomad trip report for Mérida. I can imagine any expats or nomads currently living a nice blissful life in Mérida under the radar, stumbling across this blog and thinking… you bastard, the secret is out.

Mérida is incredibly under the radar in the nomad world and it’s honestly my favourite so far.

For content: I don’t like super-big cities like CDMX, it’s a great city but it’s just too big and too busy, just crossing from one barrio to another is a day out in itself.

Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and is home to a population just shy of 1 million, versus 9 million in CDMX.

For most tourists, Mérida is more of a gateway city as it’s home to an international airport, and serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Yucatán Peninsula, including nearby cenotes, Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá and Uxm al, and coastal destinations such as Progreso and Celestún.

With that in mind, I wouldn’t recommend Mérida for a holiday, but as a long-term nomad destination if you’re looking for a toasty winter, this is the spot. However I would imagine that it’s probably uncomfortably hot in the summer.

But why do I love Mérida so much? It’s one of the safest cities in México, conveniently located for exploring eastern México and Central America, with a low cost of living, not overrun with tourists or nomads, and home to an amazing park called Gran Parque La Plancha – complete with trails, an artificial lake, an outdoor gym, a huge covered food hall and a very cool interactive train museum that would send Francis Bourgeois spiralling. It’s simply a lovely, really liveable city.

The only drawback is that you might struggle to build a typical nomad community here. So, if you want to mingle with other nomads and be part of a like-minded community, you’ll be out of luck. However, if you can speak Spanish and want to integrate properly, you’ll be absolutely fine – the people of Mérida are incredibly polite.

How to Travel to Mérida

Mérida is well-connected but how you arrive to The White City is all dependent on where you’re coming from. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll likely arrive from Cancun (closer) or Mexico City but you can arrive direct to Mérida but the options are limited.

1️⃣ Fly to Mérida International Airport (MID)

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) is located approximately 10 km (6 miles) southwest of downtown Mérida. It offers a range of domestic flights from all over México and limited international flights from the US, Canada and strangely, Guatemala City (which is what I did).
For most of you that are flying, you’re likely to touch down in Mexico City (MEX) where you can fly onwards to Mérida with Aeroméxico, Volaris or VivoAerobus or if you’re landing in Cancun, which is considerably closer, you can connect with Aeromar, or take an ADO Bus to Mérida.

Once you’re at the airport there’s an airport bus (blue bus called Va y Ven, you’ll see them everywhere) and I think it was about 50 pesos. Personally, the last thing I want to do once leaving an airport in a new city is f*ck about with a bus, so just book a taxi from one of the official counters inside the arrivals hall and be on your merry way. Or you can try Uber or DiDi, but I did struggle to secure a ride, but might’ve been peak time.

2️⃣ Travel by Train via the Tren Maya

The Tren Maya is a new railway system designed to connect key destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula. Mérida’s station is about 6 km east of Mérida in the Kanasín Municipality. The station is connected to downtown Mérida by bus providing a convenient link to the city center.

The train connects Palenque to Cancún and it’s super posh, passing through cities like Campeche, Mérida, and Valladolid. It was only launched in 2024 and they still have a lot more stops to add in Quintana Roo, so keep an eye out.

3️⃣ By Bus

Mérida is accessible via an extensive bus network, with services connecting it to various cities across Mexico. I travelled all over México from CDMX right across to Mérida with ADO and I can’t recommend them highly enough. You can book tickets online via ado.com.mx and it’s all very straight-forward.

Main Bus Terminal:
Terminal de Autobuses de Mérida (CAME): Serves as the primary hub for long-distance buses, offering routes to and from major cities.

Where to work as a nomad in Mérida

As a digital nomad destination, Mérida is pretty under the radar. There’s nothing in the way of co-living spots and only a small handful of hostels have co-working spaces (I recommend Hostik which has a nice little secluded co-working area). There are a few co-working spaces, but most are in the north of the city, which is home to upscale neighbourhoods and modern shopping centres. The difference between the south and north of Mérida is like stepping into an entirely different country.

The only co-working space that’s relatively central, that I know of, is Conexíon 60, which I would highly recommend. Day passes are only $220MXN (~£8.50) with concessions for longer commitments.

There are a few other alternatives a bit further north, which I’ll cover in a future blog, so subscribe to be notified when it comes out.

Does Mexico have a digital nomad visa?

Last updated FEBRUARY 2025 It certainly does – the Temporary Resident Visa is available for remote workers wishing to stay in Mexico for longer than the 180 days allowed under a standard tourist visa. The “economic solvency” rule under the Temporary Resident Visa will allow you to stay for 1 year (renewable) providing you can demonstrate sufficient income from employment or pension, or capital.

Based on official sources, here’s what you need to know:

• The visa is initially granted for 1 year, with the possibility of annual renewals up to a maximum total of 4 years
• Applicants must apply at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico
• Proof of financial solvency is required:
  • Investments or bank statements demonstrating a balance of at least ~£55,258.16 during the past 12 months (as at 1/1/25)
  • OR Stable employment or pension with monthly income free of taxes greater than £3,315.48 during the past 6 months (as at 1/1/25)
• Whilst remote work for a foreign entity is permitted, the visa does not authorise employment with Mexican companies
• Possess a valid passport or travel document with a minimum of six (6) months’ validity and in good condition
• Submit a completed visa application form accompanied by two recent passport‑sized photographs
• If applicable, include a letter from your employer or client confirming your remote work status and outlining the nature of your employment
• Pay the relevant consular fees as determined by the official schedule

Full details can be read on the Mexican Embassy for the UK’s website

Where to Stay in Mérida

A general rule of thumb for Mérida is that the further north you venture in the city, the fancier it gets – north is uptown and south is downtown. My favourite area of Mérida is around Parque La Plancha, which opened at the close of 2023 and is described above. It’s actually two connected parks: Gran Parque La Plancha, home to the museum, lake, and food market; and the smaller Parque La Plancha, home to the trails, dog park, and the old train station. The park is in the Centro barrio, a huge and varied part of Mérida.

If I were to pick just one spot in all of Mérida, it would be Calle 47. There are a few Airbnbs available, like this one, this one and this one.

Within Mérida, the main barrios to know are: Centro Histórico, Santiago, Santa Ana, Itzimná, and Montes de Amé.

Is Mérida safe for digital nomads?

Mérida is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in México. The only real danger is being hit by erratic Uber/Didi drivers.

It is not only one of the safest cities in México, it consitently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, it really is that good: CEOWorld Magazine recently ranked Mérida as the second safest city in the Americas, following Quebec City, Canada, and 30th in the world.

I found it one of the most pleasant experiences in México and can strongly recommend it.

That said, as a foreigner, always exercise caution. Being unfamiliar with an area means you might not have your wits about you – a safe experience for one person doesn’t guarantee overall safety.

What’s the food scene like in Mérida?

As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida offers a unique cuisine that blends Mayan traditions with Spanish influences. While you can find local dishes you won’t see elsewhere, if you’re craving tortas, tacos, and quesadillas, you’ll still be well catered for.

Must-Try Dishes

• Cochinita Pibil: A Yucatán classic. Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote paste, cooked in banana leaves and typically served with tortillas.
• Panuchos and Salbutes: Street food favourites. Tortillas stuffed or topped with ingredients like refried beans, turkey, lettuce, and avocado.
• Sopa de Lima: A zesty chicken soup flavoured with lime and crisp tortilla strips.
• Papadzules: Often referred to as “Yucatán enchiladas,” these tortillas are filled with boiled eggs and topped with pumpkin seed sauce and tomato salsa.
• Marquesitas: Rolled crepes served crispy – commonly enjoyed with Nutella and cheese. Sold by street vendors throughout Mérida.

Must-Try Eateries

• Emplumado – A hidden gem for creative dishes and great service, often ranked #1 on Trip Advisor with a contemporary twist on Yucatecan cuisine.
• Yerba Santa – Located on Paseo de Montejo, one of Mérida’s most upscale settings. Ideal if you want to impress and experience European-style pricing.
• Picheta – A rooftop restaurant with views of Plaza Grande and the Cathedral, highly recommended for sunset cocktails.
• NOSU – A trendy Japanese restaurant known for excellent ramen.
• MUGY (Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca) – Both a restaurant and museum, offering a killer cocktail list and uniquely Yucatecan cuisine.
• Taquería La Lupita – The top spot for budget-friendly street-food, a firm favourite among locals.
• Rancho Da Picanha – A Brazilian steakhouse offering something a little different.

What to do in Mérida

Mérida has its fair share of museums, markets, and activities, but the surrounding areas make it an exceptional base for digital nomads.

Izamal: The Yellow City

Known as “La Ciudad Amarilla,” Izamal features vibrantly painted buildings, blending Mayan ruins with colonial architecture. It’s about an hour’s drive from Mérida, with colectivo options available.

Progreso: The Beach Getaway

This coastal spot is known for its malecón, though over-tourism has given it a resort-like feel reminiscent of Costa del Sol. It’s ideal for those who prefer soulless beach resorts.

Celestún: Flamingos and Mangroves

Located about 90 minutes west of Mérida, Celestún is famous for its biosphere reserve – home to thousands of pink flamingos and other wildlife. A boat tour through the mangroves is a must (note: flamingo season is November to March).

Haciendas and Cenotes

The Yucatán province is dotted with restored haciendas and stunning cenotes perfect for day trips. Recommended spots include:

• Hacienda Yaxcopoil: A well-preserved hacienda that offers a glimpse into colonial history.
• Cenote X’batun and Cenote Dzonbacal: Two quiet, pristine cenotes near San Antonio Mulix, ideal for swimming or relaxing.

Uxmal and the Puuc Route

Less crowded than Chichén Itzá (which is best avoided), Uxmal is one of the most beautiful Mayan archaeological sites with intricate carvings and well-preserved structures.

Sisal: The Secret Beach Town

A quieter, more authentic alternative to Progreso, Sisal is a charming fishing village with calm waters and soft sands. Enjoy the beach, explore the historic lighthouse, or take a boat tour through nearby mangroves.

Looking for more recommended spots? Check out my Mérida Google Map, here.

When to visit Mérida

I’d definitely recommend visiting during the cooler months which are from October to February. Whereas the summer months are unbearably hot and very wet and humid. March and April can also be pleasant, though temperatures are pretty toasty.

Favourite haunt

Have a guess? Parque Plancha. Enough said.

Staying Active in Mérida

Mérida offers a variety of trails at Parque Plancha, with well-signposted routes up to about 3.5km in length. Additionally, Parque del Poniente provides a simple 0.5km loop, and Parque de las Américas is ideal for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

The city has also added over 100km of cycle paths in recent years and runs a bike-share program called En Bici, although the bikes are fairly basic and there is talk of the programme being discontinued.

Want to see more? View my postcards from Mérida, here.