Free Biking in Mérida: Get the App!
Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán, has launched a new, eco-friendly way to explore its beautiful streets and cultural landmarks. With the En Bici program, locals and visitors alike can enjoy free access to bicycles for touring Mérida at their own pace. This government initiative is designed to make the city more accessible, reduce traffic, and promote an active lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know about Free Biking in Mérida.
Discover Mérida with En Bici
En Bici provides easy and free access to bicycles across Mérida. This bike-sharing program, backed by the city government, has quickly become a popular way to travel, especially for short commutes or leisurely rides through Mérida’s historic and scenic areas. En Bici stations, known as “Bici Estación,” are conveniently located near popular sites and neighborhoods, making it simple for riders to pick up and drop off bikes.
Free Biking in Mérida. Places to Visit
Biking offers the perfect pace for exploring Mérida’s main attractions. Start with a ride down Paseo de Montejo, the city’s grand boulevard lined with beautiful colonial mansions, charming cafes, and boutique shops. A visit to Plaza Grande (the main square) is also a must. Here, you can admire the stunning architecture of Catedral de San Ildefonso, the Palacio de Gobierno, and the Casa de Montejo.
Another top destination is Parque de las Américas, a peaceful green space with fountains, shaded paths, and lush greenery. For those interested in history and art, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is easily accessible by bike and offers fascinating exhibits on the Yucatán’s Mayan heritage.
Yucatán Delicacies to Try
After biking around, you’ll want to sample some of Mérida’s famous cuisine. Head to a local market or traditional eatery to try cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork marinated in citrus and achiote, or panuchos and salbutes, corn-based snacks topped with meat, lettuce, avocado, and pickled onions. Another classic is sopa de lima, a flavorful lime-infused chicken soup. For dessert, treat yourself to marquesitas, a crispy, rolled-up crepe filled with Nutella, caramel, or cheese.
Free Biking in Mérida. How it works
Using En Bici is simple and convenient. Here’s a quick summary of how it works:
- Download the En Bici App and create an account.
- Log in to your profile, ensuring your Bluetooth is activated.
- Select a bike from the nearest Bici Estación and scan the bike’s QR code to unlock and start your ride.
- When finished, go to a Bici Estación to return the bike.
- Follow the app’s instructions to finish your trip and manually lock the bike.
With En Bici, Mérida opens its streets to everyone, encouraging a healthy and environmentally friendly way to experience the city. Whether you’re interested in history, local cuisine, or leisurely sightseeing, biking through Mérida offers a memorable way to see all this enchanting city has to offer.