Paseo de Montejo

Paseo de Montejo is the grand tree-lined boulevard that runs north from the Centro Histórico of Mérida, Yucatán, between Calle 47 and Avenida Colón. Laid out in the late nineteenth century and modelled on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, it was built to showcase the fortunes of the henequen, or sisal, barons, whose mansions line both sides. Wide central medians with mature trees, stone benches and statues give the avenue a European feel. Visitors walk or cycle past a series of grand houses in French, Italian and neoclassical styles, among them the Palacio Cantón, now the Museo Regional de Antropología, and several restored residences that now serve as banks, boutique hotels, restaurants and cultural spaces. Fountains, sculptures and the Monumento a la Patria at the northern end punctuate the route. The best vantage points are the broad pedestrian medians, where the mansions can be photographed through the trees, and the crossroads at Calle 47 and Calle 56A for views down the length of the avenue. Walking the whole stretch takes one to two hours with stops, and the 15 to 25 minute walk north from Plaza Grande makes it an easy extension of a day in the old centre. Early morning offers the coolest conditions and the softest light on the facades, while the middle of the day is hot and shade is patchy on the sidewalks. On Sunday mornings the road is closed to traffic for cyclists, joggers and pedestrians as part of the Bici-Ruta programme, giving a safer and livelier experience; bicycles can be rented from stalls along the route. Evenings are popular for dining and a stroll when the avenue is lit. The boulevard is open 24 hours and free to walk, though museums and restaurants along the way keep their own hours. Sidewalks are generally wide and shaded by trees, but heat in summer is intense, so water and sun protection are advisable. Traffic is heavy on weekdays, and crossings should be made at lights.