Oxkutzcab “town three times founded” or “place of the breadnut tree, tobacco and honey” is an agricultural center located in the southern part of Yucatán, 100 km from Mérida, in the state’s “citrus belt.” Founded in 1550 by the Spaniards after the fall of Mayapán, that in those days was ruled by the Tutul Xiu family, today it has over 30,000 habitants, mostly all of Maya ancestry.

It’s an ideal place to spend the night when you want to do the Convent Route one day and the Puuc Route the next, as it is located in the heart of both. By staying here, you will save time, money, and energy; and see a lot more. Oxkutzcab is also an interesting place to use as a base to really get into and see the southern part of the state. You can sleep in Oxkutzcab at the Hotel Puuc, then continue on the next day.

It is an authentic Maya city, where part of the economy is focused on the cultivation of tropical fruits like citrus fruits, sapote, avocado, mango, papaya, mamey, huayas, sugar apples, and plums. You will find all the services including hotels, restaurants, medical services and more, as well as many sights of interest.

Things to see:

San Francisco Convent (1790 – 1851), San Esteban Chapel (1872), The Virgin Pilar Hermitage (1697), the former train station (1947), the wonderful citrus market, filled with delicious aromas, and Hacienda Tabi.

Puuc Route:

Loltún caves, Labná, Xlapak, Sayil, Kabáh, Santa Elena (mummies), Uxmal.

Convent Route:

Acancéh (Maya pyramids, churches), Tecóh, Telchaquillo, Mayapán (Maya pyramids), Tekit, Mama, Chumayel, Teabo, Tipikal, Maní and Oxkutzcab.

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