We don’t need to tell you that, in our opinion, every corner of Yucatán is filled with magic. However, the Mexican government has a program that formally recognizes villages proven to be characterized by certain features (traditions, history, nature, food, etc.) that make them unique; Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) are villages that are well worth a detour.
Last July, a new wave of Magical Towns was announced, and it’s no surprise that Yucatán has three wonderful new ones to boast: Espita, Motul, and Tekax. These, along with Izamal, Valladolid, Sisal, and Maní, make for a total of seven Magical Towns in Yucatán.
The factors that determined the inclusion of these three villages as Magical Towns are many, and each one deserves its own article. Espita, for example, was once considered the Athens of Yucatan due to its cultural wealth, and Motul has long been known for its undeniable contribution to Mexican gastronomy and its role in our local history.
In this edition, since we were already heading south of the state to take you on a tour of the Puuc region, we’re re-introducing you to one of these three new Magical Towns: Tekax. This historic village, whose name in Maya (Ti’ K’aax) means “there in the jungle,” hides even more magic than first meets the eye. The lush greenery, the views from its hills, the architecture and history of both its parish and former convent dedicated to San Juan Bautista, its charming Ermita…each of those factors that will leave its mark on your heart, but keep in mind that they could very well be overshadowed by the splendor of its caves and underground geological formations.
Perhaps it is because of the caves and the feelings they evoke that Tekax developed (and practically perfected) a natural vocation for adventure tourism. In addition to spelunking and hiking, you will find various options for zip-lining, rappelling, ATV and bicycle tours, and much more.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s also its Maya legacy: Tekax, as mentioned above, is located at the easternmost end of the Puuc region. Just seven kilometers away you’ll find Chacmultún, one of the seven archeological sites in the Puuc that’s open to the public. Although it is one of the lesser-known sites (or perhaps because it is), it is an exploration experience worth including in your itinerary through this area. Ready to find out more more? Our article about Tekax awaits for you, and our special feature on the Puuc route too. Let the magic continue!
By Alicia Navarrete
Communicologist born circumstantially in México City, but who says “uay” since 1985. Life has allowed me to see the world, which in turn has allowed me to discover how much I love the place where I live
Photography by Natalia Bejarano Calero, Óscar Góngora, Javier Arroyo, Violeta H. Cantarell, Fernanda Tuz, @sergio______7, and Yucatán Today for use in Yucatán Today.
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