The Story Behind the Steps

Meet Your Local Host

Hi, I’m Fernando

For over seven years, I’ve been guiding visitors and sharing the culture of this city I love. To me, a perfect walk in Mérida is completely unhurried—just relaxed, great conversation, and catching the breeze in the shade.

I skip the textbook speeches to give you the real deal: the stories and secrets hiding in plain sight.

By the end, you’ll leave with a warm welcome, my personal checklist of the best Free museums, galleries, and daily cultural events most tourists miss.

Why a Free Tour?

I like to think that history and culture belong to everyone. These walks are just my way of sharing a bit of the hometown I love.

Since it’s a donation-based experience, you are completely free to decide what the tour was worth at the end. Honestly, just seeing you enjoy and fall in love with Mérida is the best part for me!

“Let’s walk, explore, and uncover the magic of Mérida together.”

    
 
 
         
   Jason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent walking tour! He’s very knowledgeable about the history, what to do, and where to go for free in the downtown area. I recommend taking this tour your first or second day in Mérida, it’s very beneficial!
  
 
        
   Susan Racine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fernando gave us a terrific tour of the historic district helping us to understand the dynamics of the Spanish colonization of the area.  His cheerful positive spirit kept our group engaged.  We really appreciated the restaurant recommendations and the tips about free exhibits and events.  Highly recommended.
  
 
        
   Ella Rogers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fernando was great! Very funny super knowledgeable. The tour covered everything from history, recommendations (for food and for entertainment), to geology and geography, to almonds. He took care to ensure we were always in the shade as well where possible and his recommendations really helped us out during the rest of the day - even looking at the art and knowing more about the story behind it
  
 
        
   Megan Crouse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We enjoyed Fernando's tour this morning very much. He is very pleasant, knowledgeable and answered any questions participants had. The tour is an easy pace with a lot of information. If you can do this sooner in your trip than later you will benefit from some of his suggestions of places to eat and visit.
  
 
        
   Scott W. Ballew 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Informative, well paced, hits highlights and some ancillary information that’s colloquial.  Great job and worth the time and effort.
  
 
        
   Marta Chiesi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fernando gave us a very entertaining and interesting introduction to the history of Merida, he’s nice and very prepared!
  
 
        
   Mel Webster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guy. Really passionate about Merida and helpful introduction to the city centre and it's culture including food. Very kind to individuals in the group. Highly recommended.
  
 
        
   Julie M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fernando is full of energy and smily, giving his perspective of the city and the culture. We learned a lot and got many tips for the rest of our trip in Merida. Thanks !
  
 
        
   Kay Moisan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great tour with Fernando, super friendly guy and knows a lot about the history of the city, we learned a lot. Thanks Fernando also for all the tipd you gave, super useful!!
  
 
        
   tobias keser 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fernando is an awesome guide, who talks about the meridian history like a professional story teller. I got a real good idea about the history, but also about present events. A big plus is the personal recommendations. All in all a must do, when you visit Merida!

Why a Free Tour?

Reviews from guests on Fernando’s Mérida walking tour