The Original

MEL House & Garden Tour

The city of Mérida has the third largest collection of colonial homes in Latin America, surpassed only by the historic centers of Havana and Mexico City. These centuries-old residential treasures are being rescued from ruin as Mérida’s Centro enjoys a renaissance.

Satisfy your curiosity! The Mérida English Library tour is a walking tour, showcasing a wide variety of homes and gardens in Mérida’s Centro Histórico The properties we tour are located within a ten-to-twenty minute walk of the Mérida English Library, and include houses of various styles, sizes, and ages.

The House & Garden Tour is a “must do” for visitors and residents alike! It’s informative and fun!  The weekly cost is MX$400 for MEL members and MX$500 for non-members.  MEL members who plan to tour over several weeks can purchase an six-session partial season pass for MX$2000.  These passes are transferable to other MEL members but NOT REFUNDABLE.

The Tours take place every Wednesday beginning November 8 and continuing through the end of March. We usually gather at the library, but on some tours we meet in a neighborhood park. Check this website often for up-to-date information.

  • 9:00 AM - The library's doors open and registration begins

  • 9:30 AM - Our volunteers present an informative orientation to give you a unique perspective about the region and its character

  • 10:00 AM - The walking tour departs from the library

  • The tour ends around noon

Each week we plan to visit three homes from a variety of eras, including many from the Colonial and Art Deco periods. From modest to the mansion, colonial ruins to modern masterpieces, under construction and fully renovated, we’ll show you the ongoing revitalization of Mérida’s historic downtown.

Come prepared with curiosity, enthusiasm, and sensible shoes for Centro's uneven sidewalks!

We encourage you to return for more than one tour! We make a concerted effort to rotate properties so that you won’t see the same house twice in the same month.

Preregistration and prepayment are not required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially in January & February. Space is limited, so we advise you reserve your spot during these busiest months. Registrations can be cancelled and refunded until 24 hours before the tour; after that they are NONREFUNDABLE.

Send us an email for more information.

PLEASE!! FOR THESE TOURS OF PRIVATE HOMES

NO PETS OR ANIMALS • NO SMOKING