Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is a colorful colonial city known for its relaxed pace and its reputation as one of the safest places in Mexico. It has a growing number of modern dental clinics and a large community of American and Canadian residents. It’s a good choice if safety and a calm recovery are your priorities.
Getting there
Fly into Mérida International Airport (MID), which has nonstop flights from a handful of US cities and many connections through Mexico City. Cancún is about a four-hour drive away if you find better flights there.
Documents
You’ll need a valid passport to fly to Mexico and back. Mexico records tourist permits (FMM) on arrival by air. Keep any paperwork you’re given until you leave.
Dental care in Mérida
Mérida’s clinics serve both locals and the city’s sizable expat community, and many dentists speak English. Popular treatments include:
Where to stay
- Centro: the historic center, full of restored colonial houses turned into boutique hotels.
- Paseo de Montejo: a grand boulevard lined with mansions, cafés and hotels.
- North Mérida: modern area near many clinics, malls and private hospitals.
Things to do while you recover
- Paseo de Montejo and the Centro: evening strolls, plazas and free cultural events.
- Cenotes: natural swimming holes nearby. Ask your dentist how long to wait after surgery before swimming.
- Uxmal and Chichén Itzá: famous Maya ruins within day-trip distance.
- Progreso: a Gulf Coast beach town about 40 minutes north.
Safety in Mérida
Yucatán is one of the few Mexican states the US State Department currently rates “Exercise normal precautions,” its lowest advisory level. Use the usual city precautions and read the current State Department advisory before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mérida safe for dental tourists?
Yucatán has the State Department’s lowest advisory level, and Mérida is popular with North American retirees.
How long should I stay?
Five to ten days for most treatments.
When is the best time to go?
November to March. April and May are very hot, and summer is hot and humid with rain.