In the charming neighborhood of La Ermita, Hotel Cigno weaves together Mérida’s rich history and vibrant modernity, offering a unique experience that invites exploration of the city from a refreshed perspective.
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state, Mexico, is a city rich in history and culture. Founded in 1542 on the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, Mérida stands out for its colonial architecture, vibrant museums, and lively plazas. The city is an ideal starting point for exploring the region, with nearby attractions such as the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, as well as the stunning Gulf of Mexico coast. Mérida is also known for its unique cuisine, which blends Mayan flavors with colonial influences, offering an unparalleled culinary experience. Hotel Cigno, a cozy boutique hotel with only 10 rooms and suites, serves as the perfect starting point for a weekendgetaway in Mérida.
DAY 1
The day begins at Cocina Vidente, the hotel’s restaurant. Inspired by recipes from various regions of Mexico, the chef offers a cuisine that embraces comforting home flavors, always using the freshest seasonal ingredients. A dish of Valladolid eggs with longaniza sauce, cilantro flowers, and Kalamata olive powder provides the energy needed for the day’s first activity: a bike ride through the picturesque La Ermita neighborhood, followed by a stroll through the stunning city center. During the tour, participants can marvel at architectural treasures such as the ancient Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the majestic Palacio Cantón, which houses the Museo Regional de Mérida, and the charming colonial mansions. A must-try: savoring a marquesita, the traditional local dessert consisting of a crepe filled with queso bola and cajeta.
In the afternoon, there are endless options for immersing oneself in history and culture. Highlights include the newly opened Palacio de la Música, which pays tribute to Mexican popular music, and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which not only immerses visitors in Mayan cosmology but is also a modern architectural marvel worth exploring. Upon returning, Cigno has a secret waiting to be discovered: Aljibe, a cozy speakeasy-style bar with a carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and signature cocktails. A perfect place to toast to a day filled with memorable experiences.
DAY 2
The day starts with a walk along the iconic Paseo Montejo, a renowned avenue featuring local businesses such as art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques showcasing the best of contemporary Mexican design.
Later, the day invites immersion in the living history of Mayan culture by visiting a local family to share their gastronomic traditions. In the intimacy of their kitchen, an authentic exchange of flavors and ideas takes place, culminating at the table. But before enjoying the meal, there is no better way to build an appetite than by swimming in a cenote, refreshing oneself in a unique and natural way. The Cigno team takes care of organizing every detail.
The evening concludes back at Cocina Vidente. Dishes like the catch of the day with green mole, sautéed corn kernels, watercress, verdolagas, and spring onions remind us that home flavors can evoke deep memories and create new ones with those we cherish most.
ABOUT CIGNO
Located in the popular Barrio de la Ermita in Mérida’s Historic Center, Hotel Cigno is just a few meters from La Ermita de Santa Isabel. The grand 19th-century mansion’s architecture offers a vernacular sophistication experience with elements that pay homage to the past and legacy of the ancestral cultures of the Yucatán Peninsula. In its 10 rooms and suites, guests enjoy comfort in a tranquil and unpretentious atmosphere. The lodging experience is complemented by the culinary offerings at Cocina Vidente, where authentic local flavors are showcased, and the outstanding wine selection from the Aljibe cellar.
