Merida

Once celebrated as the "Paris of the West," Merida, located on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, is a modern day combination of Spanish and French colonial influences, blended with a Mayan heritage. Parisian styled sidewalk cafes and 16th century Spanish courtyards remind you of yesteryear. Visit the Centenario Zoo, the Archeological Museum or the three story mercado. A short drive from the city are the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal.