Maní, “The Place Where it all Happened”

To dive into Yucatán is to set out and explore sites, revisit history, enjoy its beautiful landscapes, and watch how life unfolds in communities such as Maní, “The Place Where it all Happened.” Given its architecture and tradition, it’s considered a gastronomic, historic, and cultural destination.

With a population that uses the Maya language daily, it’s common to stumble upon women wearing Huipiles, probably made with their own hands, as well as kids and men riding their bikes offering a lively, colorful picture. That’s Maní, a well preserved Yucatecan landscape.

The Convent Route

Strategically located in the Convent Route, the San Miguel de Arcángel church and former convent is one of the big attractions there. This site is known for being where Fray Diego de Landa ordered the burning of many documents and Maya statues in what is known historically as the “Auto de fe.”

Dating back to approximately 1549, this convent is one of the oldest in the region, and is considered a prime example of vice regal architecture. It was built with stones from Maya buildings, as are most of the churches from that time were.

Its main features include long corridors with simple walls, cloisters, a water wheel and garden, murals, carved stone details, and in the main altar, as well as a framed altar piece covered in gold and dedicated to San Miguel Arcángel. Its grand atrium is impressive making it easy to imagine the outdoor ceremonies that took place here.

Mani was a site of great importance during the Spanish Conquista. Its church was built after the ones in Campeche and Mérida.

Multicolored embroidery

Get to know the local artisans’ weaving and embroidery work that decorates blouses, Huipiles and Ternos this is done by hand or on a sewing machine. Sometimes, , hand stitching is combined with machine work, resulting in complex, beautiful, multicolored pieces.

Near the main square and in front of the former convent, you’ll find stores where you can appreciate and purchase these as well as other handcrafts.

The Place to eat Poc Chuc

This emblematic Yucatecan dish is also one of Mani’s greatest attractions. The great flavors of this dish, as well as the addition of hand made tortillas, red onion, and Aguas Frescas, have turned this community into somewhat of a foodie destination. Enjoy exquisite Poc Chuc at the restaurant Principe Tutul Xiú or at La Conquista.

Maní, your next destination!

Hot to get there

By car: From Mérida, take the highway towards Cancún. Keep going until you reach the Chetumal exit. Follow the road and take the Teabo exit until you reach Maní.

By bus: Terminal Noreste has many departures throughout the day.