Paseo de Montejo
Paseo de Montejo is Merida's most beautiful avenue, inspired by the magnificent Champs Elysees in France. Strolling along it, one can recognize details from the golden years when henequen gave the city, and the entire state, great wealth. Grand old houses, which once belonged to prosperous landowners, line the avenue from end to end displaying their Neoclassic and French Renaissance influences.
Several monuments to honor important figures in the Yucatan's history have been erected along Paseo de Montejo, but the most impressive is the famous Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland) a huge structure where the Colony, the Mexican Independence, Reform, and Revolution are represented.
Not everything on Paseo de Montejo is about the past, though. Contemporary structures such as hotels, banks, malls, restaurants, and the convention center, rise among the big old houses to give Paseo de Montejo a touch of modernity without leaving behind its distinctive romantic heritage.
During the day the Paseo de Montejo is busy with people rushing to work or school and visitors taking pictures or stopping to admire the old houses. By night, rent a horse-drawn cart to tour along Paseo de Montejo, enjoy the fresh air and the gorgeous view, while locals fill the restaurants, entire families visit the ice cream parlors, and friends gather at El Gran Cafe to have a cup of coffee and chat. Exploring Paseo de Montejo is a must while visiting Merida!
