Get ready to see caves and crystal formations, hike, camp, rappel, zipline, and much more at Parque Kaalmankal, Las Sartenejas or at Las Grutas Chocantes.

Tekax has over 200 caves and several of them can be visited. At each one, guides provide you with all the necessary safety equipment: knee-pads, helmet with headlamp, gloves, and of course a personal guide. It’s important that you wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, because it’s really worth “getting in there” and experiencing the adrenaline of the world that lies beneath us. The caves were mainly used for transformation and purification ceremonies, and later were used as trenches during wars.

 

 

Las Sartenejas, a World Beneath

It includes four caves: Murciélagos, Trincheras, El platanal, and Ix’tmait, at these last two you can rappel down 12 m and 30 m respectively. Inside you will find rock and mineral formations, small water reservoirs…a whole world beneath our feet. The site has bathrooms and showers available for visitors; you can also camp and hike in the surrounding area.

Chocantes, Surprising Crystal Formations

Known as the crystal caves, this site is known for its impressive calcium carbonate cascades. You can zoom by on their 200 m long zipline or look down 170 m from their viewpoint.

Parque Turístico Kaalmankal

This is a place to experience nature, adventure, and Maya culture. Practice your skills by climbing, ziplining, or hanging from the pendulum, and visit nearby caves. This place is ideal for families travelling with kids and seniors.

Chacmultún, a Site That’s Full of Surprises

Located just 10 km from Tekax, it has a ballcourt and three groups of buildings you can visit: Chacmultún with its main palace and murals; Cabalpak with an open terrace; and X’ethpool, the tallest of all. It is well-known for its red-hued stones, columns, engravings, and Puuc-style decoration. The site is located on top of “hutz,” or hills that are approximately 8 m high. The views are memorable.

There are several places to eat and stay if you decide to spend the weekend. You’ll also find hotels, apartments, and independent Maya cabins  in Oxkutzcab (30 minutes away), and Akíl (15 minutes).

Editorial by Violeta H. Cantarell
Fotografía de Ralf Hollmann, Cassie Peare y Óxsar Góngora para uso en Yucatán Today

 

 

Directory

Municipal Tourism Office
Entry to palacio Municipal

Chocantes Caves
FB: Grutas Chocantes
Cel: 9971 17 27 56

San Marcelino
FB: Chultún San Marcelino
Cel: 9971 32 88 66

Kaalmankal Ecotourism Park
FB: Parque Ecoturístico Kaalmankal
Cel: 9971 07 64 08

Las Sartenejas
FB: Gruta las Sartenejas II
Cel: 9971 22 00 54, 9994 42 62 05

Photography Museum
Calle 50 x 59, right on the corner
Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 1 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm, Sun. 9 am – 1 pm

“Mujeres mágicas de Tekax” handcrafts (beside Museo de la Fotografía)
Monday – Friday 9 am – 1 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm

Chacmultún Archaeological site
Every day 8 am – 5 pm, $55 pesos

Places to eat

Peregrina Restaurante
FB: Peregrina Restaurante

Huinic de la Ermita (a un costado del acceso a La Ermita)

Esta entrada también está disponible en: ES