Meeting Site Location

Address: Hotel NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo: C. 60 346, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatán. Locate the venue by searching "Hotel NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo" on www.google.no/maps.

The Convention will be held in the NH Collection Mérida - Yucatán Room, which is located within the Paseo 60 cultural center. Paseo 60 includes two hotels, a variety of restaurants, beautiful open spaces, and the "Casa Manzanero" museum.

Paying in Mérida

Debit & credit cards (mostly MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted in restaurants, convenience stores, and established businesses.

However, many markets, small stores, and street vendors primarily accept cash, although, as Mérida is a tourist location for Americans, they generally accepts both Mexican peso (MXN) and US dollars (USD).

Public transportation mainly uses cash and only accepts mexican peso. We recomment having at least $500 MXN ($30 USD) in cash on hand daily.

You can get Mexican pesos in many exchange stores in the arrival area at the airport, or in any bank or ATM within the city. They're widely available, but we suggest looking for a branch of Banorte "the strong bank of México", Citibanamex, or BBVA.

Arriving to the Convention Venue

If you're flying into the Mérida International Airport, the easiest way to get to the center of Mérida is by taking an airport taxi, which might charge between $150-200 MXN ($9-12 USD) depending on your destination.

Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber (or other taxi apps like DiDi or InDrive) typically costing $100-150 MXN ($6-9 USD). Note that you may have to walk approximately 10 minutes from the airport to this location for pickup, as they're not permitted directly at the airport terminal.

Another alternative would be to take the 701 Bus (Airport Route), which charges $45 MXN ($2.7 USD) and departs every 30 minutes from 5am-11pm from Mérida International Airport to the city center. If you're staying at the NH Collection or the City Express, you want to be dropped off at the Fiesta Americana and walk 7 minutes to your hotel.

Here's a summary:

Attendees staying at the NH Collection or City Express enjoy complimentary free parking. Others can park at the Paseo 60 facility at $20 MXN per hour.

Accommodation

The PA has made group reservations with three hotels for your convenience. To book your stay, please use the booking code provided below and book directly with the hotel of your preference.

If these hotel reservations are fully booked when you try, you can easily find another hotel in central Mérida with the Trivago.com hotel portal. However, this is a high season period, and we have been told that this week is especially busy.

Map & Transport in Mérida

The best map application for México is probably Google Maps, and there are several alternatives regarding transportation in Mérida.

Importantly, many central landmarks (like the Monumento a la Patria or the iconic road of Paseo de Montejo) are at a walking distance from the convention's venue. Nontheless, as we'll mention later, it can be quite hot in Mérida.

The bus transportation in Mérida is managed by "Va y Ven" ("Come and Go") with a one-time paid smart card for $25 MXN ($1.5 USD), and each trip costing $12 MXN ($0.70 USD).

However, for convenience, we recommend ride-sharing apps like Uber, DiDi or InDrive, which are especially suitable for international visitors.

Weather & Environment in Mérida

Please consider that on a day with a clear sky in the middle of August, the temperature can be quite high, often reaching upwards of 34°C (93°F) during the day. The humidity might add to the heat discomfort, so lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable. Also, the sun can be particularly strong, so wearing sunblock, hats, and sunglasses is recommended for protection.

The region can have mosquitos, especially during the wetter months. It's advisable to use insect repellent regularly and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings. While Mérida is generally low-risk for mosquito-borne illnesses, it's always wise to check with health professionals for any recommended or required vaccinations well in advance of your travel.

Events and Attractions

Members of the PA Arrangements committee are organizing an event August 21-22, 2024 at the Paseo 60 facility, just prior to the PA convention: 1st Mexican Meeting on the Expansion of Consciousness, which will provide real-time translation to English. The event will feature activities such as: Scholarly and public outreach presentations about psi Theoretical workshop: Modeling parapsychological phenomena AI-based avatars & software designed for psi research Homage to the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of Dr. Jacobo Grinberg

Security in Mérida

Mérida is the capital city of Yucatán, the safest state in México. The city's center, especially, is known for its safe and vibrant environment, even after dark. Streets are well-lit and bustling with activity, hosting a variety of welcoming restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. The warm hospitality of Mérida's residents further adds to the sense of security and community in this charming city. With its lively and welcoming atmosphere, the center of Mérida offers a delightful and reassuring experience for all who visit.