A trip from Isla Mujeres to Merida.

The visitors who come to Isla Mujeres for a week or two have plenty to keep themselves occupied, with the beach clubs, bars and restaurants and of course many come to the Island to relax and do absolutely nothing.

There are those who come for longer periods, and even for the winter months. Which must be quite attractive for someone living in Canada; there are parts of Canada where temperatures can drop to - 60 Degrees.

Given sufficient time, exploring Merida could be a good choice, one of the safest and most secure cities in Mexico, has a wonderful history. For anyone who doesn't have transport, getting to Merida is quite simple; it is just a matter of catching the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juarez, from there the Portillo, from where the bus to Merida leaves is ten minutes away.

Getting a taxi to the bus station is an option, but now there is an alternative, Uber is in Cancun. They can't pick up from the terminal, but they can from just down the road. As Cancun taxis don't have meter, getting an Uber can save all the arguing over price and it's considered a more secure way of travelling.

Once at the Portillo, which is where the ADO service goes to Merida direct, it is a four hour  bus ride. There are two option; the normal bus service and the more luxury service. The luxury service is more comfortable but there isn't an enormous difference.

The basic service is perfectly adequate, it's not like riding the chicken bus from Guatemala or Honduras to Mexico, many adventurous travelers and back packers have travelled on the chicken bus (pictured above), it is so crowded unless you are really quick, you don't get a seat. However, if there is a helpful bus driver he will pass out folding chairs to sit in the aisle. It is quite an experience. By contrast ADO is a nationwide very well organized and safety conscious company.

For those who have transport driving to Merida is another option. There are two routes, the motorway, which is exceedingly boring because the scenery doesn't change for the whole journey but nevertheless safe. The other option is the national route, which is interesting because there are lots of places to stop  to eat and buy local produce. It isn't however for the faint hearted; it's not particularly wide and everything cars and large trucks use this road and you can find yourself with an enormous truck driving a few meters behind you. If it rains it can become a bit dangerous.

Once in Merida there a some wonderful colonial buildings to see and the cathedral is a must to visit. There are lots of interesting street markets, where unlike Isla Mujeres they don't all sell the same produce. It  is a very secure place, where it is safe to walk around during the day, or late into the night. It's also relatively inexpensive; relative to Isla Mujeres that is.