All about Helados Santa Clara in Mérida, Mexico (2026)
Updated:
May 29, 2025
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Author: Tobias
Helados Santa Clara operates a long–standing ice cream parlor on the ground floor of the Gran Hotel in Parque Hidalgo, Mérida. Known for dairy–based frozen treats and traditional Mexican flavors, it remains a favorite refreshment stop in the city center.
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
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Quick Facts: Address & Details
📍 Address:
C. 60 496-Nº 342, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
☎️ Phone:
↔️ Distance:
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💵 Price Level:
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1.7 km from Casa Loltún
Within the city
No entry fee
High (Upscale)
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• Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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First-Hand Insights on Helados Santa Clara
I’ve loved ice cream my whole life. I don’t really have favorite flavors – I just like trying something new every time. So I guess you could say I’ve earned a bit of expertise 😄
Helados Santa Clara is a classic ice cream parlor known for its creamy textures and traditional flavors. In Mérida’s city center, you’ll find it at Parque Hidalgo, tucked into the ground floor of the historic Grand Hotel de Mérida.
You can enter Santa Clara directly from the front of the building, or through the hotel’s main entrance – it’s immediately on the right as you walk in. Either way, it’s a cool and inviting stop right in the heart of downtown.
You can grab a seat right in front of the ice cream shop or relax on a bench in nearby Parque Hidalgo, next to the Iglesia de Jesus and just a block from Plaza Grande – perfect for people-watching in the shade.
The ice cream is delicious, with around two dozen flavors to choose from.
Where to Find Helados Santa Clara in Mérida
The latest Helados Santa Clara is located in the Mercado Gastronómico (Gastronomic Market) of the Grand Parque La Plancha.
There are three more locations in the north of Mérida, including the Gran Plaza Mérida and La Isla Mérida Malltertainment shopping center.
What Do I Recommend?
Of course, recommending just one type of ice cream doesn’t make much sense, as everyone has their own taste. That said, I found Vino Tinto con Frutos Rojos (red wine with red berries) especially delicious.
However, it's not exactly cheap – a cone with two generous scoops costs 132 pesos, at least that was the price in 2024 when I last visited Helados Santa Clara at the Grand Hotel de Mérida. Other locations might be more affordable, but I can't say for sure.
More Top Ice Cream Spots in Mérida
Apart from Santa Clara, I can recommend two other great ice cream shops in Mérida.
Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón is Mérida's oldest ice cream shop. One of its locations is on Paseo de Montejo, and it's known for its homemade sorbets made with natural ingredients, offering flavors like guanábana, mamey, and maracuya.
A must-try is the Champola, a refreshing drink made by blending fruit sorbet with milk. Over the years, El Colón has become a local favorite and a must-visit spot for anyone in Mérida.
And there's also the very good Pola Gelato Shop, founded in 2014 by four friends passionate about ice cream, is located just one block east of Parque de Santa Lucía in Mérida. It’s now one of the most popular gelato shops in the city.
It is known for its homemade ice cream, sorbets, and waffles, with flavors that change regularly. Highly praised by travel guides like the Michelin Guide and WestJet Magazine, Pola Gelato Shop is also a must-visit for anyone in Mérida.
Online Resources
Santa Clara, by the way, is a nationwide chain and brand owned by Coca-Cola. Although there is no official website, you can still find Santa Clara on Facebook, and the Santa Clara Instagram Account.
Image Source (main image): ©Sharon Hahn Darlin, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link
The picture was modified (resized, image improvements)
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General Tips for Getting Around
💡 Here are my quick dining tips:
Comida (big meal) is around 2 and 4 pm.
Dinner starts late – usually after 8 pm.
Tip 10–15% – that’s the usual standard.
Book popular restaurants in advance.
Don’t rush – slow meals are normal.
Street food stalls are usually cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is Helados Santa Clara located?
Helados Santa Clara is located in Mérida’s city center at Calle 60 No. 496, between Calle 57 and 59. It’s near Plaza Grande and several other downtown landmarks, making it a convenient stop during city walks.
🧭 How far is Helados Santa Clara from Casa Loltún?
Helados Santa Clara is 1.7 kilometers from Casa Loltún in Colonia García Ginerés. It takes around 6 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot via Avenida Colón and Calle 60.
💰 Are prices at Helados Santa Clara reasonable?
Prices at Helados Santa Clara are slightly above average for Mérida, with premium ice cream offerings. Single scoops start around Mex$ 50, and specialty sundaes or beverages can cost Mex$ 90 or more.
👍 Is Helados Santa Clara worth visiting?
Yes – Helados Santa Clara is worth visiting for its rich flavors and reliable quality. It’s a popular stop among both locals and tourists exploring downtown Mérida.
🎯 What can you get at Helados Santa Clara?
The shop offers high-quality ice cream made with traditional Mexican ingredients. Visitors can enjoy cones, cups, milkshakes, paletas, and seasonal specials, with flavors ranging from vanilla and mango to tequila and cajeta.
📆 When was Helados Santa Clara established?
The Santa Clara brand dates back to 1924 in Mexico, but the branch in Mérida’s city center has been operating since the early 2010s as part of the national expansion.
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