Colonial squares, Maya ruins and swimming cenotes around the relaxed, colourful capital of Mexico's YucatĂĄn. Here's what MĂ©rida is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Bring a plug adaptor that takes flat two-pin plugs. Mexico stamps the number of days you can stay in your passport, so check GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
November to March is the best time to go, warm and mostly dry, with highs around 29 to 33°C. April and May are the hottest months, often reaching 35°C or more, so plan sightseeing for early morning. The rainy season runs from about June to October, usually with short afternoon storms, and September is the wettest month. Hurricanes are possible in late summer and autumn.
The city's main square, with one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, the colourful Palacio de Gobierno and shady benches.
A grand boulevard of mansions built in the henequen boom, now museums, cafés and restaurants. Lovely by bike on a Sunday morning.
One of the finest Maya cities, with the tall Pyramid of the Magician and carved palaces, about an hour's drive south.
The famous Maya pyramid of El Castillo, about two hours away. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the coach tours.
Swim in clear underground pools in limestone caves and sinkholes, scattered through the countryside around the city.
A fishing village on the Gulf coast where boats take you out to see flamingos in the mangrove lagoon.
The 'yellow city', with a huge convent, ochre-painted streets and Maya pyramids right in the town.
There are no direct flights. Connect through a US city or Mexico City to MĂ©rida's airport, or fly direct to CancĂșn and take the bus, the Tren Maya or a hire car west.
They're different. MĂ©rida is a historic city with ruins, food and cenotes close by, while CancĂșn is a beach resort. Many people combine the two.
Four or five days covers the city plus day trips to Uxmal, a cenote and CelestĂșn. A week lets you add ChichĂ©n ItzĂĄ and Izamal.
November to March, when it's warm and mostly dry. April and May are very hot, and summer brings afternoon storms.
Put MĂ©rida on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.