The Puuc + Two Magical Towns: A Route

Monday

Explore Centro and Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, and make sure to try one of the city’s wide, modern culinary offer; check our restaurant directory to get your appetite going. After lunch, head to the newly-minted Magical Town of Tekax and enjoy the spectacular view from the Ermita (hermitage) of San Diego de Alcalá on top of the hill.

Tuesday

Use our article “Tekax: Yucatán’s Newest Magical Town” to put together an adventure-filled day. You can go from above the canopy to the furthest depths of the underground caves. Cool off at the Cielo y Selva Tekax hotel pool—your mind and body will thank you for the break.

Wednesday

Today we’re heading off to another Magical Town, but one very different from Tekax. Maní and its historical convent await to shed light on some of the turmoil of Yucatán’s colonial past. Make sure to schedule your guided tour and to request the tour be extended to the Xcabachén caves and its fateful legend. You can’t leave Maní without trying Poc Chuc and visiting one of its stingless bee farms: U Lu’umil Kuxtal, Lool Ha or U Naajil Yuum K’iin. But call it an early night, as a full day awaits tomorrow.

Thursday

Be the first to enter the Labná archeological site for the day at 8 am sharp, and enjoy having the whole place to yourself. By getting an early start you’ll ensure fitting in this site along with Xlapak and Sayil without rushing, and still be done in time for lunch in Ticul. Now, Ticul is the Yucatán capital for shoes and pottery; make sure to take some time to tour some workshops and maybe do some shopping.

Friday

This is the day we’ll reserve (literally, as bookings are required) to visit the Ko’ox Túukul Ko’ox Boom (let’s think, let’s paint). Remember, you don’t have to be an “artist” to make or appreciate art; let your creativity flow with José’s guidance, and learn about cultural expression from a contemporary Maya perspective as it’s being carried out to this day.

Saturday

Let’s go back to the Puuc route at Kabah and Uxmal; it’s just as important to get an early start today, so you can beat the crowds and the summer heat. This means you’ll also have plenty of time to let yourself be surprised by everything the chocolate eco-museum, Choco-Story, has in store for visitors. But save the chocolate bars you will surely be buying at the end for after lunch. Santa Elena offers a handful of lunch options that you can then combine with its museum, which, in spite of being known as the Mummy Museum, has a fascinating exhibit on the Puuc region and the Maya Social War, also known as Yucatán Caste War.

Sunday

After a busy day, a laid-back visit to one of Yucatán’s many restored haciendas will feel like a gift from heaven. On the way back to Mérida you can visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peón for a tour (which includes a stop for a cenote swim) and then enjoy an outstanding regional meal, either there at the end of your tour, or in Hacienda Temozón Sur, in nearby Abalá.