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Destinations

Discovering Yucatán: A Getaway to the South of Yucatán

26 december 2025

8 min. de lectura

Crafts, Caves, and Adventure: A Two-Day Getaway to Southern Yucatán

If you are one of those who believe Yucatán is only about beaches and archaeological sites, this 48-hour itinerary is sure to prove you wrong. The southern part of the state is the heart of textile crafts, delicious cuisine, and pure adrenaline deep within its caves. Get ready for a weekend full of contrasts, leaving Mérida for the Maya heartland and some of its Pueblos Mágicos.

Day 1: Artisans, Maya tradition, and ancestral flavor

The first day is a journey to the Yucatecan roots: the art of tailoring, living traditions, and unparalleled panoramic views.

8 am - Depart from Mérida

If you’re in Mérida, let’s head south for your first cultural immersion.

9 am - Tekit, Guayabera Capital

Visit a guayabera workshop: Tekit is one of the main protagonists of Yucatecan fashion. Browse the shops this beautiful town offers, and visit a workshop where you can witness the artisanal process behind the iconic guayabera shirt. Discover why this garment, known as the "dress shirt of Yucatán," is the perfect souvenir. And since you're already there, why not take one home?

12 pm - Maní: Magic, honey, and delicacies

The Pueblo Mágico of Maní offers you a double dose of culture and flavor:

Meet the melipona bees: Immerse yourself in Maya tradition with one of the local meliponicultores (melipona beekeepers). They will introduce you to the melipona bee, a native stingless species whose exquisite honey is prized for its medicinal properties and unique flavor.
Taste the delicious poc chuc: Don't leave without eating! Maní is famous for its exquisite cuisine, and its star dish is poc-chuc, pork marinated in bitter orange and charcoal-grilled. An experience your palate won't forget.

3 pm - Tekax: Views and colonial peace

From this moment on, Tekax will be the base point for your adventure; take the opportunity to check in to your preferred hotel, drop off your things, and perhaps refresh yourself before continuing the tour.

Visit La Ermita and the Church: Climb up to the Ermita de San Diego, located high on a hill. From there, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the town and the surrounding environment. Afterward, tour the imposing Church of San Juan Bautista, just across from the city’s main square.
Relax Downtown: Around the Church, you'll find the market, the main square, and countless antojitos (street snacks) you'll probably want to try. Take advantage of the fact that Tekax is one of the coolest spots in the state to enjoy a relaxed tour of this town and all the history hidden within it.

Day 2: Adrenaline, citrus, and crafts

The second day is for adventure lovers and shoppers.

9 am - Tekax: Underground adventure

Wake up your adrenaline in Tekax! Tekax is the Yucatecan capital of adventure, so you have plenty of experiences to choose from:

ATV adventure tourism: Rent an ATV (cuatrimoto) and explore the rural trails between the local attractions.
Visit the caves: Tekax is the gateway to the famous Sierra Puuc mountain range, which is rich in caverns and caves (grutas). Explore sites like Gruta Chocantes or the Kalmankaal, or Sartenejas II parks. In all of them, you can find different difficulty levels; be sure to tell your guide what you have in mind to choose the best option.
The sky is the limit: The three tourist parks in Tekax also offer extreme (but completely safe) experiences like ziplines, rappelling, and even an infinite swing.

1 pm - Oxkutzcab: The Orchard of Yucatán

Known as the "State’s Orchard," this city is the heart of our local fruit production.

Explore the traditional market: Get lost in the aisles full of fresh fruits and vegetables. This market is an explosion of color and aromas—ideal for buying exotic fruits at excellent prices.
Citrus grove tour: Visit a local orchard and learn about the cultivation of bitter orange, grapefruit, and mandarin—delicious fruits that are also essential ingredients in Yucatecan cuisine.

4 pm - Ticul: Art and footwear

Your last stop is in the pottery and shoe capital of Yucatán.

Shopping for clay artists and shoes: Ticul is the best place in Yucatán to buy ceramics and pottery, from flowerpots to Maya replicas. Furthermore, this city is famous for its enormous variety of footwear stores at excellent prices. Take your time to explore the different workshops and take home an authentic souvenir.

And that concludes our tour: with a suitcase full of crafts and a heart full of memories from an adventure through Southern Yucatán!

Essential Tips for Your Southern Adventure

Footwear: Essential! Bring closed, comfortable, non-slip shoes for the ATV and the caves, and sandals for the rest of the day.
Clothing: Light cotton clothing is your best ally. Bring a bandana or handkerchief (paliacate) to cover yourself from the dust on the ATV route.
Caves: Cave guides usually provide helmets with headlamps (mandatory for everyone who prefers not to crack their head against a stalactite), but the humidity will make you sweat: it's also a good idea to bring a handkerchief and plenty of water here.
Cash: As in any rural area, cash is essential for workshops, market purchases, and cave admission fees.

Ready to trade the sand for the clay and the waves for the skies of the Sierrita de Ticul? Southern Yucatán awaits you!

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 457, in January 2026.

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Author: Yucatán Today

Yucatán Today, the traveler's companion, has been covering Yucatán’s destinations, culture, gastronomy, and things to do for 37 years. Available in English and Spanish, it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content.