All about Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon in Mérida (2025)

Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón, often called "El Colón", is the closest location to Casa Loltún, right on Paseo de Montejo. This family-run shop has been a beloved institution in Mérida for generations.

Founded in 1907, it holds the title of the city's oldest and most famous ice cream parlor, serving up refreshing treats for well over a century.

Their homemade sorbets, made with natural ingredients, are the highlight, but you’ll also find traditional pastries like cookies and meringues.

What makes it special?

The sorbet is served in a signature bowl, shaped like an upside-down cone, adding a fun twist to the experience. The best way to enjoy it? Scoop from the rim in a circular motion.

And if you're indulging on a particularly hot day, be warned - it’s a race against the melting ice!

Occasionally, a tourist bus pulls up in front of the ice cream parlor, and within moments, several employees rush out carrying large trays of ice cream.

They pass them through the bus windows, and soon, the tourists are enjoying their ice cream without even stepping off the bus.

Selection of Sorbets

The selection of sorbets isn’t vast, usually offering around ten flavors. However, some feature fruits native to Yucatán, including

• mango,

• anona,

• guanábana,

• guaya,

• mamey,

• pitahaya, and

• maracuya.

You might also come across classic Mexican flavors like tamarind and elote.

If you’re unfamiliar with them, tamarind has a sweet and tangy taste, making it a refreshing and slightly tart option for sorbet.

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is an unexpected but delightful ice cream flavor, blending the natural sweetness of corn with a creamy texture and a touch of cinnamon or caramel.

Of course, there are also more familiar flavors like strawberry, pineapple, banana, orange, lemon, coconut, and chocolate. And don’t be surprised if you don’t see any ice cream at the front counter – it's stored in the back rooms to keep it perfectly chilled.

Champola

A must-try in Mérida is Champola, a refreshing drink made by blending fruit sorbet with milk.

Originally from the Caribbean, this creamy yet fruity classic has become a local favorite. At Dulcería y Sorbetería, one of the city’s best spots for traditional sweets, it has been a staple for generations.

You can choose from a variety of flavors, including tropical options like mamey, guanábana, and maracuyá, as well as more familiar ones like strawberry and coconut.

The texture is silky smooth, and the milk enhances the sorbet’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Traditional Mexican Sweets

Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón is not only famous for its ice cream but also for its wide variety of traditional Mexican sweets.

Among the favorites are Pionono de Crema, a soft rolled sponge cake filled with sweet cream, and Sopa Borracha, a rum-soaked sponge cake often enjoyed during celebrations.

If you’re a fan of coconut, Coco Horneado is a must-try, a baked coconut treat with a slightly caramelized texture. For something uniquely Yucatecan, Atropellado offers a rich and sticky mix of fruits and syrup, a beloved classic in the region.

Another highlight is the Polvorón de Chocolate, a crumbly chocolate shortbread cookie that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.

Illustrious Guests

El Colón has welcomed many distinguished guests, among them were;

• several former presidents of México,

• Queen Sofia of Spain,

• the former First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy,

• the world-famous pilot Charles Lindbergh

• and many more.

Of course, the Colon has also been awarded the Travellers' Choice by TripAdvisor.

Additional Locations

There are five locations in Mérida (some are simply called El Colon):

In the city center

• Paseo de Montejo (No. 474A - one block north of Palacio Cantón)

• Plaza Grande (Calle 61, No. 500 x Calle 62)

North-west of the city center:

• Plaza Dorada (Calle 50, No. 143 x Calle 15 and 19 Col. Pensiones)

Ant 2 locations are in the north of Mérida:

• Gran Plaza Mérida (Calle 50 Diagonal 460 Fracc. Gonzalo Guerrero)

• Francisco de Montejo (Calle 51, No. 329 x Calle 24 Col. Xcumpich)

In the Surrounding Area

Directly across Paseo de Montejo, you'll find the popular Márago Coffee.

The café offers a wide selection of specialty coffees, a diverse breakfast menu, as well as salads, burgers, and desserts, making it also a great choice for any time of day.

Must-Visit Ice Cream Shops in Mérida

If you're looking for great ice cream in Mérida, besides El Colón, there are two other fantastic spots I highly recommend.

One of them is Helados Santa Clara, a well-known ice cream parlor located right in the city center at Parque Hidalgo, on the ground floor of the Grand Hotel de Mérida.

It’s a great place to take a break, enjoy a scoop, and watch the lively scene by Iglesia de Jesus. With around two dozen flavors to choose from, they also have a location inside the Mercado Gastronómico at Parque La Plancha, plus three more in northern Mérida.

Another must-visit is Pola Gelato Shop, just one block east of Parque de Santa Lucía. Founded in 2014 by four friends with a passion for ice cream, it has quickly become one of the city’s favorite gelato spots.

Pola is known for its homemade ice creams, sorbets, and waffles, with flavors that rotate regularly. It has even caught the attention of travel guides like the Michelin Guide and WestJet Magazine, making it a very popular stop.