Tekax: The Adventure Starts Here

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