In case you've somewhat lost your exploration-mojo s, I offer three of my favorite day trips from Mérida for your delectation. All include an archaeological site and a cenote - because what better way to reacquaint ourselves with adventuring than by sampling Yucatán's finest offerings?
1. Exercise your muscles near the coast
Start your day early in a kayak with Sayachaltún Ecoturismo. There's nothing like kayaking for blowing away cobwebs first thing in the morning. Once on the water, head straight for the entrance to the mangroves to see the flamingos that often hang out around there. If you're not sure about doing the actual kayaking, don't worry, you can simply hire a boat with someone to take you around for an hour or so. There is a restaurant on site so why not replenish yourself here before heading off to continue the day?
Next, drive west on the highway that takes you to Progreso and take the Dzemul-X tampú exit, towards X'cambó archaeological site. At this wonderfully small and compact site, the Maya produced and traded salt, a vital commodity. I particularly love that salt continues to be produced here today.
Take an hour to stroll around the site before jumping back in the car to continue your drive towards Progreso. If you have time and energy, stop to photograph the flamingos that generally congregate and to check out the stunningly beautiful pink salt lakes in Xtampú, just outside the entrance to the site.
El Corchito is home to the only cenotes really close to Progreso. Here, you take a tiny boat across the Ria to a wonderfully verdant site. There are three open cenotes to swim in whilst enjoying the sounds of coatis chattering around you.
Contacts:
Sayachaltún Ecoturismo
Tel. (999) 230 8119
FB: Sayachaltún
IG: sayachaltun_ecoturismo
Salinera Xtampú
Cel. 991 107 8721
El Corchito Libramiento s/n Progreso
Tel. (999) 158 5155
Find over 20 family adventures in Yucatan here.
2. History and cenotes galore
If you're more into cenote fun than kayaking, then Homún plus a cultural stop at Acanceh could work for you. I like to stop in Acanceh on my way to Homún since I can't guarantee I won't be too tired for some climbing on my way back home.
Acanceh is one of the oldest Maya sites around. The older pyramid was built between 700 - 300 BCE and is decorated at the top with some incredible masks that are still visible I highly recommend letting a guide tell you about the site as they are full of fascinating facts about Acanceh as a continuously inhabited Maya town.
Head for the town plaza, park, and walk towards the very obvious pyramid to one side If no guide comes to take your money, look to the left where you'll find a tiny structure - pay there.
Now let's talk cenotes - for a "wild" and "untouched" vibe, head into the cenote circle. To get there, drive through Homún along Calle 19, and look out for a sign on the left indicating where to turn. This is kind of off-road driving, but your car will be fine. There are around 15 cenotes that are officially open to the public in this area. Some have restaurants attached, while others are just a swimming area.
The Santa Cruz cooperative along the road between the cenote circle and Homún offers simple meals in a delightfully laid-back setting.
If you prefer your cenote experience to have a little more infrastructure, then consider Santa Bárbara, a complex with many beautiful and different cenotes, a good restaurant, and a gift shop.
Contacts:
Parador turístico Santa Bárbara
FB: Santa Bárbara: Cenotes & Restaurant
IG: cenotesantabarbara
Cenote guide in Homún
Ángel
Cel. 999 239 3814
3. Climb and swim wild
(Mayapan is temporarily closed)
The third and final suggestion is Mayapán. Less than an hour from Mérida is this stunningly beautiful site that never ceases to amaze. The main pyramid, Kukulkán, is often compared to El Castillo, the principle structure at Chichén Itzá. There is plenty to see and climb here and there are rarely many others around, which makes it a great place to let imaginations run free.
When you've had your fill, drive towards the town of Telchaquillo, just across the highway. Here, you'll find a tiny cenote right in the main plaza. You can stop here for a quick dip or, if you're feeling brave, take the road towards three cenotes: Nayah, Suhem, and Noh-Mozón, just outside of Pixyáh.
Reaching the first two cenotes is easy, and you can get there on your own. Consider visiting Cenote Suhem if you're traveling with young kids or companions who aren't strong swimmers, as it has an excellent platform to enjoy the water comfortably.
But when it comes to Cenote Noh-Mozón, it will be much easier if you hire a guide in Pixyáh (usually someone on a motorbike who can show you the way). This remote and deep cenote is not for the faint of heart. First, you'll have to have faith and follow your guide to the very end (even if you start thinking it's all a trick). Then, you'll have to climb down the tricky stairs into the deep cavern! You won't regret it. I promise the cenote is a well-deserved reward.
Of course, you'll be starving by then, so make sure to pack a picnic lunch for afterward. Remember, you're in the middle of nowhere! What to bring: swimsuit, food, sunscreen, and water.
Contacts:
Cenote Suhem
Cenote, camping and meals to order
Lemuel Kú
Cel. 999 749 2458
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 394, in October 2020.
Photos by Cassie Pearse for use in Yucatán Today
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