Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in Mérida Mexico

Wayam Mundo Imperial

A New Way to Hotel in Merida, Yucatan, México

Gay Mérida Mexico

Gay Mérida, Mexico Travel Guide

Mexico remains high on our list of gay-friendly destinations. This warm and welcoming country is one to visit repeatedly to experience the full spectrum of its diversity.

Mérida is a popular destination, with an estimated 3.5 million travelers visiting each year. Its location on the gay-friendly Yucatán Penninsula makes it the perfect adjunct to a Cancun or Quintana Roo (Riviera Maya) beach vacation. In fact, by combining a trip to Mérida with these popular beach destinations, gay travelers will be rewarded with rich and authentic experiences. 

Mérida is a cosmopolitan city with a confluence of Mayan and Mexican heritage. The Mayan Civilization began around 2600 BC encompassed present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. During their 2000 year era, the Maya developed an understanding of the cosmos and mathematics, which brought significant technological advancements such as the calendar. They developed the most sophisticated writing system of the time, comprised of a logosyllabic script. Their prowess in art and architecture can be seen first-hand at the UNESCO-listed archeological sites.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th Century, the Maya structures were in ruin and overgrown by the jungle. It is thought that the Mayan Civilization declined after 900 AD because of overpopulation, overuse of the land and its resources, endemic warfare, and drought. Mérida got its name from its founder Francisco de Montejo, who founded the city in 1542 on the site of the ancient Mayan city of T'hó. T'hó means "5," representing the 5 Mayan temples that surrounded a vast plaza. Francisco de Montejo named the city "Merida of Yucatan" since it reminded him of Merida in Extremadura, Spain, with its Roman ruins.

Is Mérida gay friendly?

Si! Mérida is a rising star for the LGBTQ+ traveler. While there are many gay-friendly places in Mexico, Mérida is quickly becoming one of Mexico's gay darlings. LGBTQ+ travelers will feel most welcome strolling the historic downtown under the blue skies of this magical place.

The combination of its warm hospitality, exceptional hotels with exemplary service, inclusive culture, fantastic cuisine, fun bars, and clubs, plus plenty of opportunities to tour and drink in its Mayan archeological sites, from a centrally located destination, Mérida, is a must-visit during your next trip to Mexico!

What are the best hotels and resorts in Mérida, Mexico?

GayTravel has curated the best hotels and resorts for you. Our #1 recommendation is the first LEED-Certified Hotel in Mérida, Wayam Mundo Imperial, Av. Colon 508, García Ginerés, 97070 Mérida, Yucatán México.  We particularly admire most of this beautifully-designed contemporary hotel because they've taken every step to preserve the surroundings' natural beauty while implementing sustainable technology that preserves our environment.  This is quite a feat and quite a treat when you experience the unique blend of historical Mérida architectural elements with modern innovation and the tranquility of nature.  This kind of forward-thinking approach to hospitality is rare and appreciated by LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide.

Another wonderful attribute?  Wayam Mundo Imperial location is perfectly situated in the exclusive Garcia Ginerés neighborhood, the most sought-after area in Merida, Yucatan. Wayam is just a few steps from the historic Paseo Montejo, Yucatan´s International Congress Center, US Consulate Office, Spain Consulate Office, Salvador Alvarado Stadium, and Merida´s historic city center.

What are the best gay resorts in Mérida?

Mérida doesn't have "gay resorts" per sé, so you'll need to head to the beaches where you'll find the best gay-friendly resorts on Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

What are the best gay bars in Mérida, Mexico?

You will meet gay people throughout the city, and there is no one central location where the gay bars are located. However, the cantinas, gay clubs, and bars are plentiful.

Right now, service at bars is suspended because of the pandemic. Once things return, you'll want to sip a cocktail or two at the classic colonial house called casa chica. It is located on Avenida Montejo, 498 B x 45 y 47, Centro. Mérida. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

The most well-known club is Blue Gay Club, at Colon Avenue and Reforma Avenue (inside the Colon Cinemas). The club draws an eclectic crowd, and you'll have a lot of fun at this hot spot.

Is gay marriage legal in Mérida, Mexico?

Mérida, also known as the "White City" (a nod to its historic, white-stone mansions built by wealthy land barons along Paseo Montejo), is not a "white wedding city." Same-sex marriage is not yet recognized. However, progress is being made, and we look forward to when all of Mexico legalizes gay marriage country-wide.

What should I do when in Mérida?

You'll need plenty of time to discover all that beautiful Mérida has to offer. The best place to begin is to walk the Grand Plaza, where you'll see the home of Mérida's founder, Francisco de Montejo. Other buildings to note in the plaza are the church and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY), which stands beside it. The plaza is especially enjoyable at night when the temperature drops and when you can see shows by the Institute of Culture are performed to portray Yucatan heritage.

For Mayan history, artifacts, and culture, the Museo de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum) is located on Paseo de Montejo and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.

For local fine arts and crafts, The Museo Nacional de Arte Popular (National Popular Arts Museum).

For a history of the city and region, Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) on Calle 61.

For paintings and murals depicting Mayan history, The Municipal Palace.

For paintings and murals depicting the Aztec indigenous culture of central and northern Mexico, the Government Palaces.

Mérida's Nearby Sisal and Mani Each Named "Magical City"

The nearby towns of Sisal and Maní, are considered “Pueblo Mágico,” or Magical Towns as decreed by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR).  The last town on the Yucatan Peninsula to be included was Valladolid in 2012.  The only other city in the program is Izamal, designated a “Pueblo Mágico,” in February 2002.

Maní is 62 miles southeast of Mérida is where Maya culture is exemplified by its architecture such as San Miguel Arcángel, a church and convent that was built in the 16th century using the stones of pre-Hispanic Mayan buildings. In addition, Maní is renowned for its community of artisans dedicated to making and embroidering blouses, suits, and traditional huipiles garments, as well as its gastronomy. Visitors must try "poc chuc," a pork dish prepared in a citrus marinade and cooked over a grill.

Meanwhile, Sisal is a beautiful coastal town located within the municipality of Hunucmá, 30 minutes northwest of Mérida. It offers several eco-tourism options, as it is located between two natural reserves. As its name might suggest, Sisal was Yucatán’s main maritime port during the “Green Gold” boom era of henequen production. Like Maní, Sisal boasts unbeatable local cuisine.

A Magical Town is one that manifests its authentic tangible and intangible heritage even in modern times.

State of Yucatán Gets 2 New ‘Magical Towns’ with Designation of Sisal and Maní by SECTUR @pueblosmagicosdemexico @YucatanTurismo #StateofYucatan @ViistMexico

What else do I need to know about planning an amazing trip?

Location: The colonial city of Mérida is the region's capital situated on the western edge of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Yucatán Peninsula stretches into the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Getting There: From the U.S., you can fly to Mérida non-stop from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. From Mexico, you can travel to Mérida via Mexico City and Cancun. It's a 3-hour drive from Quintana Roo's beach resorts. Rather than drive, you could take a domestic flight to the local Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida Manuel Crescencio Rejón, which is just 5 miles from the city center.

Language: Spanish 

Climate/Weather: The climate is tropical, and it's typically hot. The hottest weather is between May and September. The coolest and sometimes breezy season is November through March. The rainy season is May through October with occasionally heavy, afternoon, tropical showers.

Currency: Mexican Peso

Time: One hour behind New York (EST)

Direct Dial Codes: To phone hotels in Mexico, dial 011 (international access) + 52 (Mexico code) + city code and local numbers in listings.

Entry Requirements: Passport

Vaccines: None

Safety: The Yucatán is generally safe. Violence is acute in areas adjacent to the border with the United States. Whatever their destinations, travelers to Mexico should check for Travel Warnings at the State Department's website, travel.state.gov. For health information, visit CDC.gov.

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