A return to the past visiting an old hacienda? Admire and buy a hammock with vibrant colors made by artisans from the region? Or have tripe for breakfast with a homemade touch at the market? Of course, we are talking about what you can do during your visit to the town of Tixkokob (“Place of Vipers”).
Just 25 km from Mérida, taking the exit to Tixkokob on Periférico to the east, this town is located that hides important moments in the history of Yucatán, especially the era of splendor of the “green gold”, henequén.
Colors, Natural Beauty and Stunning Architecture!
It is a place full of colors, natural beauty and impressive architecture. You can visit the main park surrounded by low walls with the characteristic central kiosk, on one side the main church dedicated to San Antonio and the Government Palace. Be sure to visit the former convent of San Bernardino, which dates back to 1591, and the former train station. In addition, Tixkokob is part of the cenote belt of the Yucatan Peninsula.
In the municipal market you can enjoy all kinds of traditional food, snacks and the great variety of flavors that these typical places offer. If you like to try food originating from the places you visit, try to gain energy with a very hot tripe broth; a black filling or how about a poc chuc, all with homemade seasoning.
Between Threads and Racks
The history of Tixkokob is linked to the manufacture of hammocks. From the entrance to the market you can find all kinds of hammocks, made of cotton or nylon thread, swing or sleeping type, in vibrant or combined colors, as well as chairs made of different sizes and styles. As an inheritance of a great tradition, the residents have the wooden frames and needles in their homes to make the hammocks by hand. You don't sleep in bed here, I assure you! Be sure to ask an artisan if they can show you how to do this weaving, you will be surprised at the agility they develop when weaving.
Extend your visit!
Other attractions to visit are the farms of Aké, Kanyunyún, Nohchán and Santa María Chí. Each of them contain unique stories and their buildings have seen decades pass, first with a livestock orientation and later dedicated to the henequen sector. Currently, several operate as hotels or tourism sites. If you like photography, you can definitely take advantage of your stay.
A highly recommended visit in Tixkokob is Aké, located 8 km towards Tahmek. It has an archaeological site, which stands out for its columns and esplanades; and an old henequen hacienda, of the same name, which is in operation. You can visit the center of the hacienda, the chapel and several rooms that function for social events.
Being a factory that continues to produce henequen yarn, you can appreciate the different moments from the drying of the fiber that is extracted from the plant, through the process to convert it into yarn of different thickness and size, quite an experience! In addition, you can live with deer in the farm that is on the farm.
Tixkokob also has other magnificent haciendas to visit such as San José and San Antonio Millet.
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