From July until August is a good time for travel if you want fewer people around and temperatures that are usually around 18 degrees Celsius. However, there might not be as many events happening, and sometimes it can start raining unexpectedly. In Mexico City, you can visit some captivating places like La Isla De La Munecas. This place has a collection of many dolls with varied forms and sizes that are not necessarily pretty to look at. The background tale of this site is quite grim, which might be difficult for certain people to accept; however, those looking for an eerie kind of beauty will find it valuable. Walking in Barrio Alameda feels like exploring an outdoor museum full of art deco style. For advice, if you lack bottled water, try these cold drinks: Agua Frescas, Horchatas and Juice. Also, purchasing local handicrafts is preferable to getting generic souvenirs near the airport, as it helps the community. Are you interested in sampling some new cuisine? Escamoles, which are ant egg sacs, fried until they are warm and full of flavor; Tacos de Ojos, a type of taco made with cow’s eye and sometimes other parts from the head of the cow. And next comes the best part: Tequila and Mezcal. Both are made from the agave plant, and each has its unique taste and smell. I have a personal preference for Mezcal, yet I still enjoy Tequila very much.
Thanks all for the recommendations above.
Bumping this up as our plans are more solid. Six nights in Mexico City, two in Merida, then to Tulum. We hope to go to Uxmal from Merida on a day trip and poke around the ruins and beaches in Tulum.
If anyone has tour guide recommendations anywhere, that would be terrific.
Uxmal is terrific. Ek Balam is even better, imo, because you can still climb the ruins. One ruin in particular still has a section of original plaster.
The Anthropology museum in Merida is also terrific.
Awesome, thank you!
Zach, when are you coming to Mérida? I ask cuz it’s Inferno Time now. Going out hours 0100-1000 daily, maybe.
Let’s try to have a glass when you visit. I’m here full-time now.
Unfortunately our vacation is in August, so August. This is mainly why we have not planned for more time there. Just looked at the weather now and jesus!
I’ll ping you when we get closer to go-time.
August is rainy and nicer than now if you ask me.
The Tulum ruins are cool but I much preferred Coba. You walk through the jungle visiting the ruins, which were highly accessible and amazing to view. Climbing the pyramid gives you a 360 view of the surrounding area…and only 50 km from Tulum. There are also Cenotes in the area.
You’re welcome! I highly recommend both Uxmal and Ek Balam. Climbing up the steps of the Acropolis at Ek Balam, then standing face to face in front of a nearly perfect facade was truly amazing.
I’ve not been to Tulum but have heard it is more touristy than the others.
Oh, and try and squeeze in a cenote tour. Have fun and stay hydrated!
A question for you Glenn -
We spent a few days in Progreso a couple years ago, and while exploring the area - we found miles and miles (and miles) of abandoned oceanfront Mansions. Some of the most beautiful homes we had ever seen, and they WERE ALL ABANDONED. Do you know the story behind these abandoned mansions?
Thomas I don’t. We have seen them as well. I know some can be rented. If I don’t get back to PNW next May I’ll be looking to rent one to escape Mérida heat.
Just got to Merida today, and you ain’t kidding! Major downpour this afternoon that left many streets flooded with 5-6 inches of water. The rain brought down the temperature but man, it’s humid. Must be insane in May.
It rained much harder yesterday man. Let me know if you’re up for a glass somewhere.
Oh I know, I was writing about yesterday - crazy! Today was wet but no big deal. It rained daily in Mexico City as well and we have gotten into the afternoon groove with it. It is a beautiful night right now.
We’re doing a half-day trip to Uxmal tomorrow - let me see where we end up when we return.
Be sure to get a guide at Uxmal. Don’t get dengue there like I did.
Gulp. We are being driven there but without a guide proper. Any advice?
Hire a guide onsite. Your driver can set this up for you.
Thanks Glenn. I actually meant help with avoiding dengue, but in the end I think we got that covered - long pants and plenty of DEET!
Uxmal was amazing. We did not hire a guide; we brushed up on the history and symbolism before our trip and we fully enjoyed our time among the majestic ruins. Despite Sunday apparently being the busiest day of the week, there were not that many people there. We visited Teotihuacan when we were in Mexico City, and while that was also quite special we all preferred Uxmal.
We’re pretty pooped and are staying in tonight - thanks for the invite but we will have to grab a glass with you another time. 
Got in to CDMX at 6:00, dropped bags and took a hotel taxi to El Turix, as well. Packed a bunch of stuff to go, grabbed two margaritas from the hotel bar and crushed the spread in my room. Solid recommendation.
Went to Ling Ling (Hakkasan property at the top of the Ritz) at a friend’s suggestion for the views. Food was consistent with other Hakkasan experiences, but at 1/3 the price. Somewhat generic Asian fusion (good food tho) that you’d experience in any other large city.
Closed last night with Guzina Oaxaca (Polanco, iirc). Great food, even better cocktails, and out the door for $130. Appreciated the table-side salsa creation, and the guacamole was delicious. Would normally post pics, but just realized they’re all on my IG story :o