Unleash your inner "Indiana Jones" and venture out to visit San Manuel, Tizimín.
Hike through the trails of the low forest, discover virgin cenotes and unique caves alongside a monkey or two, the occasional snake, and (if you’re lucky) wild felines. All this in San Manuel, Tizimín.
This small town is home to fewer than 400 people. Located 50 kilometers from Tizimín, San Manuel offers interesting nature-oriented activities, like hiking tours to cenotes off the beaten path and walks into caves full of mystery and history. Be ready to let your inner explorer free, because these adventures are 100% Indian Jones style.
When you get to San Manuel (km 11), visit the “Museo Comunitario”. One of their key pieces is the “chocolatera,” a vessel used to drink chocolate. Research done by National Geographic and INAH led to the discovery of a ceremonial human skull, as well as ritualistic offerings dedicated to the underworld.
The adventure continues in the Maya forest of this region, but you have to go with a guide who knows the trails, and who can take you to explore cenotes and unimaginable natural treasures. Remember to take water, comfortable shoes and clothes, like a hat and sunscreen, because the hike lasts for several hours.
A little less than one kilometer from the main road of San Manuel, we walked in the forest until we reached the breathtaking “Kukulkán” cenote, named after the winding rocks which surround the water. While we were enjoying the view, a non-venomous snake slithered up a nearby branch, posing for photographs and, perhaps, giving us permission to be there.
We continued our trip by visiting the “Cueva del León,” (Cave of the Lion), a cavernous cenote that has gone dry. With lamplight, we discovered rocky formations and stalactites, making out figures in each of the formations. The journey continues, and if you’re lucky, you might run across spider monkeys and felines. 30 minutes later, the destination is a huge open-mouthed cenote, ideal for observation: a magical, hidden treasure.
San Manuel has a number of these secrets, with more than 100 cenotes of all kinds registered. You can see a few in a journey of more than six hours like me, or even an entire day, by staying in Tizimín or El Cuyo. Undoubtedly, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure.
Guided visits and reservations:
Erika Cupul
Cel. 986 111 6951
Cel. 984 108 0303
Photography by Violeta H. Cantarell and Andrea Mier y Terán for use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 365, in May 2018.
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