Chiquila to Merida tickets

About the journey from Chiquila to Merida

As the gateway to lovely Isla Holbox, Chiquila is the mainland port you must pass through on your way to and from the island. 

Once you've gotten your fill of powder-white beaches and stunning sunsets on Holbox, Chiquila is your launching point for discovering the other attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula, like the colonial city of Merida.

With a lively town square, excellent museums and access to fabulous local cuisine, Merida is a great place to literally taste the best the Yucatan has to offer.

Fortunately, making the journey from the laid-back beaches of Holbox to the urban streets of Merida through tiny Chiquila is a breeze. It will take 4-5 hours to get there by land or less than half an hour by air. 

Unmissable things to see and do in Merida

With a population of about a million, Merida is no tiny village. This means you'll have plenty of things to see and do in town. Here are some of the top things to see in Merida:

1. Explore the heart of the city: Merida's central square, or Zocalo, is home to some of the city's most important buildings, like the Municipal Palace, Governor's Palace, and an impressive cathedral. This place also comes alive with locals and street vendors selling delicious food.
   
   

2. Take in local culture at a museum: Merida has a rich history that stretches back to pre-Columbian times, and it has a ton of museums. As the name would suggest, the Great Museum of the Maya World is the top draw, with many exhibits covering the area's native history and culture. 

Pro tip: the museum is free for locals on Sundays, so steer clear unless you like being caught up in the crowds.

3. Enjoy a car-free Sunday morning: For a few hours every Sunday morning, visitors and locals can partake in an event called Biciruta. This is when the scenic Paseo de Montejo goes car-free, allowing visitors to admire the area's beautiful architecture by bike, skates or on foot. It's a great way to engage with the locals and take in the colonial vibe of the city.
   
   

4. Dance and eat the night away: Merida comes alive after dark, with lots of venues to fill your evenings. The Zocalo fills with people out for a stroll, and the street food options reach another level. Take in a free performance on select evenings at Santa Rosa Park, or buy a ticket for a show at one of the city's stately old theaters. 

If it's a party you're after, head to the Zona Norte, where the clubs and dance halls keep the party going all night long.

What can you expect when traveling from Chiquila to Merida?

Chiquila is a small town mostly used as a jumping-off point to get to Isla Holbox. If you opt to travel by bus, you will depart from the small station near the coast and travel southward into the flat jungles of the Yucatan.

From there, you will catch the Carretera Costera Del Golfo — the main highway crossing northern Yucatan. It will bring you through more jungle, past the outskirts of Valladolid and Chichen Itza, and all the way to Merida.

If you decide to take a flight, you'll see that same jungle unfold below you for the brief time you'll be in the air. Either way, the ride is filled with lots of green.

How to get from Chiquila to Merida

To cover the approximately 310 kilometers (193 miles) between cities, you can either hop on a quick flight or take a bus. Here is some helpful information about both options:

By Air

If money is no object, and you don't mind having to get all the way to Cancun Airport (IATA code CUN), you have the option of taking a very short flight to Merida. In this case, the flight time is just 25 minutes. Departures are once a day. 

You'll arrive at Merida International Airport (IATA code MID) in the southeastern part of town.

Considering the extra cost of a ticket (prices start at $200) and the two hours of driving time it will take you to get to the airport, this isn't an efficient way of getting there. However, it is a rather scenic one.

Bus

Taking a bus is the most economical option (prices start at $35) for getting from Chiquila to Merida. There are one or two departures daily, depending on the day, with travel times ranging from 4.5 to 5 hours.

Buses will have air-conditioning, reclining seats and a restroom on board. If you get chilled easily, bring a light jacket or hoodie to help you stay comfortable.

Passengers are permitted to bring one large bag, a small roll-aboard (up to 21 kg combined weight), and one handbag per person. 

Pickup is at the ADO Chiquila bus station. 

Buses will arrive at the ADO Tame station or the ADO Terminal Alterna Paseo 60, a little north of the main square.

When is the best time of year to visit Merida?

For the best touring weather, December through March offers moderate temperatures and lower-than-usual humidity.

If you come in January, time your visit to take in Merida Fest — a celebration of the city's founding. 

Merida has its hottest weather in April and May. 

From June through November, you can count on high humidity and the greatest chance of rain.

Keep in mind that as is the case in other parts of Mexico, the city can get crowded (with prices to match) during holiday periods such as Christmas, Holy Week (around Easter) and Day of the Dead (late October/early November).

How many days do I need in Merida?

Two days should be enough to take in the city's main sights. 

Make sure to leave yourself at least one night in town to enjoy the festive vibe that takes over after dark and sample at least one street taco (or two, or three, or four).