We flew from the enchanting city of Oaxaca to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula. Upon arrival, we checked into our Airbnb — a charmingly refurbished Mexican casa with a perfect blend of traditional and modern features, including a “western” kitchen that made daily life easy. The absolute highlight, however, was the fabulous pool that became our daily refuge from the intense heat.

Mérida is a large, bustling city popular with expats and widely considered one of the safest places in Mexico. While it has many attractions, we found its size and the extreme heat quite overwhelming. Exploring on foot was often unbearable, so taxis and Uber became essential.

One of the standout experiences of our stay was a day trip to the Maya archaeological site of **Uxmal**. We left early to avoid the crowds and had the site almost to ourselves. Uxmal, recommended by locals as far superior to the overly touristy Chichen Itza, completely lived up to its reputation. The elegant Pyramid of the Magician with its unique elliptical shape and the intricately carved Governor’s Palace were especially impressive.

Back in Mérida, we enjoyed strolling along the grand **Paseo de Montejo**, a beautiful promenade lined with opulent colonial mansions built during the henequen boom. We also visited a fascinating cocoa museum that explored the deep cultural and historical significance of cacao in the region, complete with chocolate tastings.

The relentless heat drove us to a wonderful local coffee shop that quickly became our favourite retreat. With its cool interior and excellent brews, it offered a welcome escape from the sun. Our Airbnb’s back garden also provided daily entertainment as we fed a friendly family of cats that visited regularly.