Mérida, Yucatán — The White City ranked high in a Travel & Leisure “World’s Best Awards 2016” survey.
Mérida is the fifth most-favored city in all of Mexico, Central and South America, in the new poll.
Editors conclude that readers are showing a preference for the historic charm of colonial cities such as Mérida, as opposed to more touristy locales.
The prestigious international magazine Travel & Leisure reached out to readers from November 2015 to the end of February 2016. They replied that the capital of Yucatan is an unforgettable destination because of its impressive archaeological sites, beautiful handicrafts, excellent regional food and unmatched friendliness of its people.
Mexico dominates the top of the list.
“Five of Mexico’s cities made this year’s list, a stat at least partially explained by a fresh crop of notable hotels and resorts,” write the editors. “But it’s not typical resort destinations that captivated our readers in 2016. It was quiet, colonial cities like Mérida and inland destinations like Oaxaca that impressed travelers seeking Mayan archaeological sites, embroidered textiles, and regional food.”
Here are how “The Best Cities in Mexico and Central and South America” shakes out:
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Cuzco, Peru
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Mérida, Mexico
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Bogota, Colombia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Respondents voted for the best airports, hotels, islands, airlines, car rentals, spas, cruises and tour operators, among others, worldwide. Wylei, a digital marketing firm, collected and tabulated the answers.
“Between the local cuisine, the festivals, the hotels, and the vibrant communities, these cities find an insatiable audience,” T&L’s editors write.
In its overall worldwide list, T&L readers choose Charleston, S.C., as their favorite destination.
