Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso) Tours and Activities
Officially known as the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, this grand church was built between 1561 and 1598, on the site of a Mayan temple (and adding insult to injury by using its stones as part of the construction material.). Merida’s cathedral is the second-oldest in the Americas after the one Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It was designed and built by the same architect who constructed the even larger one in Mexico City.
This cathedral has a far different look than most of the “shock and awe” churches of New Spain as it was ransacked and robbed of its treasures during the Mexican Revolution, in 1915. This makes it a unique one to visit for its spare elegance and structural beauty. It is dominated by stone columns, arches, and the crucifix behind the alter, a twenty-five foot tall birch wood sculpture.
This cathedral has a far different look than most of the “shock and awe” churches of New Spain as it was ransacked and robbed of its treasures during the Mexican Revolution, in 1915. This makes it a unique one to visit for its spare elegance and structural beauty. It is dominated by stone columns, arches, and the crucifix behind the alter, a twenty-five foot tall birch wood sculpture.
Address: Mexico
Admission: Donations Appreciated
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso)
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Merida Street Food Walking Tour
85
Get acquainted with Yucatecan specialties on this street food tour of Merida. Walk with a local guide to Merida’s main market plus a seafood restaurant and gelato shop. Sip fruit juices and sample plenty of local dishes, not limited to empanadas, tamales and seafood tacos along with ‘cochinita pibil’ (slow-roasted pork) and ‘panuchos’ (tortillas stuffed with refried black beans). Delicious!
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From
$50.91
From
$50.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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The Best of Merida Walking Tour
Discover the best Walking Tour of Yucatan! How old is the capital of Yucatan? What happens with the Mayans who were living there? Enjoy the cultural and iconic attractions of interest. Merida has so many great locations, each with its own fascinating tale.
You will see the most important Merida sights: From Plaza Grande at the historic center to Paseo de Montejo, an avenue full of color.
Discover the local and authentic side of one of the oldest cities in Mexico, located at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.
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From
$467.54
From
$467.54
Mike&Duck Walking Tour Merida
12
This experience is a walking tour, in the most emblematic buildings of the Merida´s Heart, during the tour you will feel that you return to the past by learning more about the history of the city and the buildings that are visited during the Tour.
Besides talking about these important places, we will also talk about cenotes, the importance and creation, Mayan Aluxes, Equinoxes and much more!
I will share personal stories and some urban stories.
* If you can't see availability for a date or time, feel free to ask me.
* Morning tour only for Spanish language.
* Evening tour only for English language.
* Morning tour (breakfast available).
* Evening Tour (No Breakfast but includes surprise gift).
* Both Tours (includes Typical Mexican Sweets).
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From
$24.00
From
$24.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Half Day Tour in Merida
Merida, the American capital of culture on 2 occasions, is a tourist and cultural destination that every experienced traveler must know and enjoy by the hand of a native guide proud of its roots.
Through this guided tour you and your companions will discover why Merida is a city full of cultural riches.
You will marvel at the warmth of its inhabitants and the great gastronomic variety that this city offers to make it a place that you will not easily forget.
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From
$74.99
per group
From
$74.99
per group
Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
With our walking tours, you’ll skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local’s eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Our local guides (Lokafyers) are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since Lokafyers are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. By the end of the tour, you'll feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay.
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From
$31.17
Price varies by group size
From
$31.17
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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