Welcome to Mérida!
Over the past few decades, the field of physical activity and health has grown tremendously in Latin America, with Mexico being one of the countries experiencing more pronounced growth. Given this, in the past few years, ISPAH has been working closely with physical activity and health leaders in Mexico, with the hopes of bringing our congress to Mexico. We are excited to see these plans materialize through the ISPAH Congress 2026, which will bring our internationally renowned congress back to the Global South (after Rio 2014), emphasizing our commitment to scientific equity and global representation – at ISPAH, we walk the talk!
The ISPAH Congress 2026 will take place in Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán—one of Mexico’s safest, most welcoming, and culturally rich cities. Our decision to host the Congress here was guided by five key priorities.
1. Safety First
While some regions of Mexico have faced challenges related to crime and violence, this is not representative of the country as a whole. Mérida consistently ranks among the safest cities in the Americas, with safety indicators comparable to—and in many cases higher than—those of cities in Europe, Australia, the United States, and Canada. The city is widely known for its calm atmosphere, strong community life, and exceptional hospitality toward international visitors.
2. Affordable and Accessible
At a time when global economic shifts and changing tariffs are increasing the cost of hosting international events, Mérida offers a cost-effective and high-quality setting. Accommodation, local transportation, and congress logistics are significantly more affordable than in other potential locations—helping keep participation as accessible as possible for attendees from around the world.
3. An Authentic Mexican Experience
Hosting a congress in Mexico means embracing its extraordinary history, landscapes, food, and culture—and Mérida delivers it all:
- A walkable, picturesque, colonial downtown
- World-class cuisine
- Just a short trip (daytrip) from:
- Nature and ecotourism
- Ancient pre-Hispanic pyramids
- Caribbean beaches with an authentic Mexican atmosphere
4. Easy to Reach
Mérida is served by an international airport with direct flights to multiple cities in the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe, and convenient connections from around the world—making travel straightforward for global attendees.
5. A World-Class Venue
The Congress will be hosted at the Centro Internacional de Congresos de Yucatán, a modern, purpose-built facility featuring:
- State-of-the-art congress infrastructure
- Platinum LEED certification for environmentally sustainable design
- Multiple hotels and accommodation options within walking distance, many offering special ISPAH rates
Yucatán: Culture, Warmth, and Hospitality
Yucatán is known for its distinct identity, shaped by deep Maya roots and a rich blend of Indigenous and colonial traditions. Visitors often remark on the warmth, politeness, and generosity of local residents. Music, dance, food, and public life are central to daily culture—creating a welcoming environment for international guests.
Highlights In and Around Mérida
- The historic colonial downtown, including its multiple “palace museums”, and Paseo de Montejo
- Cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes) unique to the region
- Nearby archaeological sites, including Chichén Itzá and Uxmal
- White-sand Caribbean beaches within easy reach – Puerto Progreso, a laid-back beach-town with a very authentic Mexican atmosphere is less than an hour away with many ground transportation options to get there.
- Nature reserves and ecotourism experiences across the Yucatán Peninsula