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Ticul
Referred to as the Pearl of the South, this bustling city is located
60 miles south of Merida in the Puuc region. It is on both the Convent
and Puuc Route circuits. Ticul
(tee-COOL) is the perfect place to stay when you explore either
of these routes. You will find life a lot more relaxed here than
in Merida. The one, two and three star hotels are inexpensive and
clean. Check our list of hotels
for addresses and services offered.
Ticul is a producer of all the wonderful red clay planter pots that
you see in the area. It is also known for fine leather shoes that
are designed and made here in town. Most of these businesses - clay
and shoes - are home-based workshops where you will find the entire
family working. Stop in and they will gladly allow you to wander
around. If you decide to buy something you can't carry, they know
the packaging and mailing procedures to get your goods home to you.
Above: Pots made in Ticul
You will also find a mixture of culture in Ticul. You will see the
old - the Cathedral, colonial buildings, thatched roof Mayan homes
- and some new - the open-air stage by the Cathedral. Notice the
many statues of Mayan gods and heroes that are located around town
made by Arte y Decoración Maya.
Driving in Ticul can be confusing with all the narrow one-way streets,
but it is small enough that you can't get seriously lost. Ticul's
streets are numbered with even numbers going
north and south and odd numbered ones going east and west.
You will find hotels, restaurants, a market, a telegraph office,
banks, pharmacies, medical assistance, internet e-mail services,
and tricycle taxis for hire here in Ticul.
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Above: this fountain in Ticul makes
an offering of the potter's craft.
A group of enthusiastic business people have gotten together to
promote tourism in Ticul. They have formed a group called No-Jol
which is planning tours to haciendas, ruins and cenotes. Look for
information from them in town. Places that are easy to visit using
Ticul as a base include Dzan, Santa Elena, Sacalum, Mani, Oxkutzcab,
Mama, and Chapab.
Refer to our Ticul
map for more information.
Below: four-foot tall pots
are fired in a kiln at one of the family-operated workshops.
For more about Ticul pottery, see our article on the local artisans of Ticul.
To read in Spanish click here  |
