Built more than 450 years ago on the site of the ancient Mayan city of T'ho , Merida is the social and economic center, as well as the capital of the state of Yucatan .

“The White City ”, as it is often called, probably derives its nickname from the wite-washed facades of colonial-era buildings. Though the name could have easily derived from the traditional garb of locals – the pleated guayabera shirt worn by men in and lacy huipil dress worn by women.

Merida 's downtown area features a large, tree-shaded central square. The city's main boulevard, Paseo Montejo, is home to impressive European-style mansions whose pastel shades and elaborate trim are reminiscent of lavishly iced wedding cakes.

Merida retains its colonial charm and has a laid-back tempo that delights visitors. It makes good base from which to explore the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen-Itza and Uxmal . Pink flamingo sanctuaries and swimmable crystal-clear cenotes (sinkholes) are some of the natural attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula that are easily accessible form Merida . Some of the cenotes are found in caves with centuries-old stalactite formations.