If you’re looking for a different kind of getaway, this two-day getaway through Yucatán has it all: a touch of history, delicious food, beautiful cenotes, and surprising towns. Start at the henequén hacienda of Sotuta de Peón, then enjoy a buggy ride through Homún, passing by unique churches, markets with pyramids in the background, and adventurous nighttime tours. Ready to discover another side of the state? Here’s how to do it.
Day 1
- Henequén tour at Sotuta de Peón
- Stroll through Tecoh’s Centro
- Night tour with Acanceh Experience
- Where to stay:
- Hacienda Sotuta de Peón (Tecoh)
- Viatura Hacienda Xtojil (glamping in Timucuy)
- Galopina (boutique hotel in Seyé)
There’s no better way to kick off your escape through Tecoh than at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, a 19th-century henequén hacienda where the past comes to life. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the entire henequén production process—the fiber that, during its golden years, earned the nickname “green gold” for Yucatán. The tour takes you through the grand main house, the machine room, the henequén fields, and ends with a dip in Cenote Dzul-Ha, a perfect, easy-access cenote for kids and older adults alike. Hungry? The hacienda’s restaurant is a solid option to recharge. After lunch, make your way to Tecoh’s Centro.
Tecoh, known for its hammocks, lively market, and bright yellow town hall, is a great spot to continue exploring the area. A must-see stop is the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption. As soon as you step through its lovely, modest yellow façade, your eyes will be drawn to the main altarpiece—and for good reason: it features four paintings attributed to Miguel Cabrera, one of the most important painters of colonial México (then known as New Spain).
The Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Tecoh is part of the Route of the Convents, an excellent way to dive into the heart of Yucatán. Discover all the churches along this route in our article: The Convent Route
Interestingly, these paintings weren’t always recognized: it wasn’t until 1985 that the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) identified them as Cabrera’s work, which really wasn’t all that long ago. Take a moment to admire the main altarpiece and the side ones before heading over to Acanceh.
When you arrive in Acanceh, one of the first things you’ll notice is how modern-day México blends with its pre-Hispanic remains and colonial architecture. That contrast is exactly what makes this place so unique. Although hundreds of Maya remnants have been found here, the most impressive ones are the Pyramid of the Masks, the Observatory, and the Palace of the Stuccoes. Make sure to visit before 5 pm, when archaeological sites close for the day.
Once night falls, the adventure kicks off. Acanceh Experience by Wayak offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the town under the stars, riding an ATV with the cool night breeze in your face. This nighttime tour includes several key stops, such as the main square and an abandoned hacienda, where you’ll also enjoy a delicious dinner in an unexpected setting. The experience combines history and culture with a taste of adventure, the best of both worlds.
After a day like that, you’ll be more than ready to crash. Luckily, there are plenty of options to rest depending on what you’re looking for. Stay in Acanceh, or choose to sleep in one of the area’s charming nearby towns. You can stay right at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, go glamping under the stars at Viatura Hacienda Xtojil, or treat yourself to a peaceful night at the Galopina boutique hotel in Seyé.
Day 2
- Breakfast in Acanceh
- Eknakán
- Buggy tour with Buggoz
- Lunch: Hotel Santa María
It’s an early wake-up call, but totally worth it; there’s no better or more authentic breakfast than one from a local market. The Acanceh market has something extra special: while you’re digging into a taco or a cochinita pibil torta, you’ve got the Pyramid of the Masks right in the background. What more could you ask for?
After breakfast, make a quick stop in Eknakán. If you think all churches in Yucatán look the same, get ready to be surprised. This town is home to one of the state’s few neo-Gothic churches: the Church of San José de la Montaña (Saint Joseph of the Mountain). With its pointed towers, the church is not only stunning from the outside—it’s highly Instagrammable.
Once your gallery is full of gorgeous shots, head to Homún, where it’s time to tap into your adventurous side. You’re in for a super fun experience: cenote hopping in buggies with the team at Buggoz. The tour includes stops for swimming in three different cenotes and a visit to an old henequén hacienda, all while cruising through jungle trails and dirt roads in your own buggy. Yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds.
After all that water and excitement, you’ll have worked up a serious appetite, just in time for the last stop of the trip: Hotel Restaurante Santa María. Their menu features classic Yucatecan dishes. My favorite dish was queso relleno, a guaranteed hit. And if you’re too tired to head back home, don’t worry—Santa María is also a hotel, perfect for ending the day with a great meal and a well-earned rest.
Bon voyage!
Tecoh in one day
- Tour at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón
- Lunch: Sotuta de Peón / Restaurante Los Cotorros
- Tecoh
- Night tour with Acanceh Experience
Add-on options
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 451, in July 2025.
Check out more quick getaways in Yucatán:
- A Getaway to Izamal and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Chichén Itzá and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Río Lagartos and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Tekax and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Telchac Puerto and its surroundings in two days
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