Merida
 

We will soon be taking the bus from Cancun to Merida. Rumors about safety are flying around. We are wondering if it is safe to walk from the bus station to our hotel, which is about a mile away near the center of the city? Would we be better off to take a cab or should we just walk and enjoy the excursion?

I know what you mean about the safety rumors, or in our case the drug war stories. My SO was really spooked about the dozen headless bodies found outside of Merida last summer :eek: and wanted to stick close to Cancun. We ended up having to cancel due to unrelated issues, but I'm curious what the seasoned travelers' take is on the current situation there. I'm hoping the rumors are mostly sensationalism...

Merida Safety
 

I will be visiting Merida again next week with my husband and two small boys as part of our yucatan visit.
(its carnival!)

We rent a car when we travel, but would feel safe taking a taxi, and we have walked about on the streets of Merida at night, day, in crowded markets, etc. and never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

<Normal city security measures apply, for example I wear a small security pouch inside clothes with photocopy of passport, my creditcards, and cash for safety, as there are pickpocketers in any city and country, and a loss can cause delays if you are traveling and this happens!>

I think you have little to worry about in terms of drug/gang violence in Merida unless you are a member of one of those groups or engaging in illegal activity. (my opiniion) There is also a large and active expatriate community in Merida, and reading various forums and blogs, I get the general impression that even those who live there year round feel they have a good quality of life. http://www.yucatanliving.com/editori...in-yucatan.htm

saludos,
CTviajera

Well, we have been in Merida for almost a week and the experience has been terrific. We have been out at all times of the day and night, and have felt very safe the whole time. The people have been very friendly and the city has been incredibly enjoyable to explore. We have been very impressed.