How far is Merida from port?

[melodystrother]

How far is Merida from port? I've read where this might be a shoppers paradise for Hammocks, tequila etc.

[hdawson]

Merida is 21 miles from Progreso. RT bus is $3.00. Probably the best quality and price would be in the Merida Mircado (central market). Cheap prices from street vendors get you a cheap hammock.

[WilliamLawson]

Merida is, as my esteemed colleague above points out, about 20 clicks from Progreso and easy to get to.

 

Cheap hammocks are everywhere, especially on cruise ship days. A hammock in the street in downtown Merida will cost you under 15 dollars but it is a cheap hammock, probably for one person that is adequate for your backyard summer swinging fun.

 

A better hammock, like the ones we sleep in here in Merida, can be bought at places like El Aguacate downtown and those can run you up to 200 dollars. Made of softy silky thread, these are tightly woven and are "matrimonial" size, which means two people could sleep in them. Highly recommended for hot climates! :)

[WilliamLawson]

For your alcoholic needs, I recommend visiting COVI, a dedicated wine and liquor shop located in different points around the city; the nearest one on Prolongacion Montejo, near the "Burger King Fountain".

 

There you will find a wide variety of good and medium quality tequilas; I suggest picking up a bottle of Herradura Reposado which is a smooth, aged sipping tequila that will tickle your throat and make you feel warm and fuzzy all over.

 

They also carry the mini and half liter sizes of many popular types of drink.

 

Don't forget to check out Xtabentun (shtah-ben-TOON) a locally made by Aristi (with local honey) liqueur great for after-dinner sipping. It is clear and licorice/anis flavored.

 

:)

[hdawson]

William, I enjoyed ushering two families (10 total), of home schoolers, around the historical area last week. The short visit just reconfirmed my love for Merida. Was sorry that Cafe Havana no longer roasts coffee beans from Chiapas in the restaurant. I had planned to stock up. One of my plans was to show them the level of sophistication of Merida by showing them the Teatro Jose Peron Contreras "opera house". A very active concert theater with five levels of balcony seating. The guard graciously let us in and even turned on all the lighting. So typical of how accomadating the folks of the Yucatan are.

[WilliamLawson]

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

So sorry I missed you! What a momentous meeting that could have been: like a boxing poster, Dawson Meets Lawson in a heavyweight coffee drinking match!

 

Anyway, back now and listening to about a hundred birds making a racket in my back yard jungle - my wife poured a box of stale Cheerios out there and they are having a field day!

 

Do advise when you are coming back this way!

[Warmer Climes]

When we were in Merida a few years ago we bought a good hammock and it has been fabulous. We paid about 200 bucks for it and it was well worth it. I can't remember the name of the shop but it's a place that is like a cooperative of Mayan craftsmen.

 

And you, hdawson, helped me figure out how to take the bus from Progresso.

 

Barb

[airlink diva]

How far is Merida from port? I've read where this might be a shoppers paradise for Hammocks, tequila etc.

 

Hi Melodystrother! I found Merida to be a wonderful town and would suggest anyone to head there for the day.

In April I purchase a few items in Merida. Near the church I purchased some rosary beads for $1. I get so many "Where did you get that?" or "They are so pretty!".

My friend and I met a college student and we went shopping about three or four blocks away from the tourist spots. It was like night and day! This is where the regular folks shop. We had fun in a small store purchasing blouses and haggling.

I also purchase a hand woven tablecloth for my mother. The design is one of a kind and it a rather heavy one. It was fun being escorted to a chair and the owner pulling out his wares for me to pick out!

Now for the bus ride part! The bus was like an older Greyhound. Very clean and a/c. We caught the bus at the main station in Progreso. Along the way prior to leaving Progreso the bus made stops at various places. We didn't see any signs,but the people knew where to catch the bus! The ride into Merida took close to a hour.

Now on the return trip, may I suggest that you give yourself extra time. We returned to the bus station around 1:00 p.m. The first bus was full and we waited for the next bus (they run about every 15 minutes). The bus quickly filled and by the time we left Merida (the bus made several stops) it was standing room only! It took about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get back.

Both I and my friend enjoyed the bus ride. We got to be like locals and it was fun. I always travel like this but this was my friend first time on a cruise and out of the country and she still rave about our day in Merida.