Get to know the Magical Towns of Yucatan

The magical towns of Yucatan are perfect if you are looking for peace, tranquility and the best of the local culture. Their people, gastronomy and versatility make them ideal destinations to enjoy as a family or as a couple. Below we list the Magical Towns of Yucatan with our best tips and recommendations to visit them.

🚘 Rent a car in Mérida, Yucatán

 

Espita, Yucatan

Its colonial past is imprinted in each of its majestic buildings. Its food preserves the traditional Yucatecan flavors and its people will make you feel at home, that's right, Espita, Yucatan.

What to do in Espita, Yucatan?

Visit its main church and Historic Center

Perfect places to appreciate the colonial architecture and learn about the local history and culture.

 

Refresh yourself in Cenote X-Batun 

It is not directly in Espita, but you can get there in about 20 minutes by car. It is a must-see destination for locals due to its proximity. 

 

Go shopping at the Municipal Market

Take a sabucan and head to the market. A mystical place to try fresh fruits, antojitos and local products.

 

What to eat in Espita, Yucatan?

As in any other Yucatecan town, Cochinita Pibil is a must. Also try their famous Poc chuc: marinated and grilled pork, served with corn tortillas and salsa. And Relleno Negro, one of the favorite dishes in the region.

 

Izamal, Yucatan

Izamal, the famous "Yellow Town" full of pre-Hispanic and colonial Mexican history, is located 55 minutes from the Yucatecan capital. Izamal is also known as the "City of Three Cultures" for its rich history that spans from pre-Hispanic to colonial times. Izamal is the perfect destination to explore the architecture, culture and gastronomy of Yucatán. 

What to do in Izamal, Yucatan?

Visit the San Antonio de Padua Convent

This 16th century Franciscan convent was built over a Mayan pyramid and is an architectural and historical jewel and a must-see when visiting Izamal. Get your camera ready, because its architectural beauty framed by the landscape of the famous "Yellow Village" will give you some enchanting panoramic views.

 

Tour the Main Plaza and Leaded Streets

This is the best way to enjoy the genuine beauty of Izamal.  Enjoy Izamal's colonial charm by strolling through its main square and cobblestone streets, all painted a vibrant yellow color. In its streets you will find the best of local delicacies, stores and even art galleries.

 

Dare to climb Kinich Kakmó

It is a Mayan pyramid located in the center of the city and can be climbed to have a panoramic view of Izamal.

 

What to eat in Izamal, Yucatan?

As in all of Yucatán's Pueblos Mágicos, you can find a great variety of food, either in the market or in local restaurants. Prepare your stomach to taste the best dishes of the region such as Poc chuc, Queso relleno, Papadzules and more. For dessert, we suggest you try a refreshing yucca ice cream.

 

Mani, Yucatan

Its name in Maya means "Place where everything happened" or "Manik". Maní is a perfect destination for lovers of Maya history and culture, with its colonial convents and delicious Yucatecan cuisine.

What to do in Mani, Yucatan?

Visit its religious architecture

Like the Convent of San Miguel Arcángel, this 16th century Franciscan convent is one of the oldest in the region and boasts impressive colonial architecture.

The Church of San Miguel Arcángel, next to the convent, is an example of the fusion of Franciscan architecture with Mayan elements.

 

Learn about its ancestral honey production process

In Maní there are more than 30 meliponarios in the municipality, an ancestral activity inherited by the Mayas for the cultivation of melipona bees, a race of bees without stingers (that do not sting), that "domesticated" the Mayas and that produce a honey with a great amount of medicinal uses.

In addition to the process, you will learn about all the arduous work that the region has done to protect them, since this type of bee has been in danger of extinction.

 

Get to know the X'manikté art

It is a textile art, X'manikté means "everlasting" and refers to the eternal. It is one of the oldest embroidery techniques in Yucatan.

 

Visit the Cenote XCabachen of Mani

It is located in the heart of Maní. According to the legend of the cenote of Maní, the place was sacred for an important reason. They say that when the world is coming to an end, and water is scarce, the cenote of Maní will be the only place in the world where we will be able to find streams of water.

 

Visit the Cenotes of Hacienda Mucuyché

They are located 45 minutes from Maní by car. The visit consists of a guided tour where they tell the history of the hacienda and what was the main activity of the town.

Within the surroundings of the hacienda are two cenotes, one of the favorites in Yucatan. It has a pool perfect for cooling off after the tour.

Reservations are required on the hacienda's website to enter, so we recommend that you reserve in advance to ensure a place during your stay.

 

What to eat in Mani, Yucatan?

Poc Chuc is the star dish of this town, so don't hesitate to try it, it is pork marinated Yucatecan style and grilled, served with corn tortillas and salsa. For dessert, Yucatecan sweets such as marzipan, cocadas and papaya candy are a must.

 

Motul, Yucatan

It is located about 30 minutes from Merida and is the perfect destination to enjoy the authentic tranquility and beauty of a Yucatecan village.

What to do in Motul, Yucatan?

Visit the main park

Ideal to spend an afternoon experiencing local life and enjoying a quiet atmosphere. All around you will find a variety of local snacks such as marquesitas, ice cream and Yucatecan sweets.

 

Visit Motul's House of Culture

It is perfect for learning about local history and culture.

 

Enjoy Cenote Sambula

Although it is not directly in Motul, it is close by and easy to get to from town. It is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip in Mayan lands.

 

What to eat in Motul, Yucatan?

Do yourself a favor, and go to the market for breakfast, as early as you can, and order some huevos motuleños. For lunch you can choose from cochinita pibil, panuchos and other local delicacies.

 

 

Tekax, Yucatan

Visiting Tekax, Yucatán, offers you an authentic experience of the region with its rich culture and natural beauty.

What to do in Tekax, Yucatan?

Visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

A beautiful site with historic architecture, it is the architectural icon of Tekax.

 

Spend the afternoon in Tekax's main park

Stroll through this park to experience local life and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. All around you will find a variety of local snacks such as marquesitas, or Yucatecan sweets, as well as handicrafts and local culture.

 

Calcehtok Caves

If you like adventure and are not claustrophobic, this place is perfect for you. Although not directly in Tekax, these nearby caves are fascinating to explore, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It has an extension of 5 caves where you can walk through narrow tunnels, climb with ropes, slip through dark and muddy areas, and observe the natural wonders and treasures of Maya pottery they hold.

 

What to eat in Tekax, Yucatan?

Phew, what not to eat? You can brighten up your day with a hot sopa de lima, a traditional Yucatecan dish consisting of roasted chicken or turkey with citrus broth and lime wedges, typical of the region. You will also find in the center and in the market several traditional food stands with relleno negro, salbutes, panuchos and more, and for dessert a good marquesita, a must.

 

Valladolid, Yucatan

Visiting Valladolid, Yucatan, is an enriching experience due to its rich history, colonial architecture and proximity to important archaeological and natural sites. Here are some recommendations:

What to do in Valladolid, Yucatan?

Refresh yourself at Cenote Zaci

Located in the center of Valladolid, it is an open cenote that offers the opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters.

 

Visit the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

An impressive 16th century Franciscan convent with a fascinating history and panoramic views from its bell tower.

 

Visit the Municipal Market

Explore the market to sample Yucatecan delicacies such as dogfish empanadas, cochinita pibil, and more.

 

Get to know the Church of San Servacio

A colonial church located in the center of Valladolid, with impressive architecture and a serene atmosphere.

 

What to eat in Valladolid, Yucatan?

The lomitos de Valladolid are something you can't miss, they say that even if they are made elsewhere in Yucatán, they will never taste like the original ones made in Valladolid. There is also the longaniza de Valladolid, traditionally smoked longaniza, known as the best longaniza in Yucatán, which is used to prepare various stews such as eggs, tacos, with potatoes, lomitos, lentils and much more. 

 

Sisal, Yucatan

Visiting Sisal, Yucatan, offers you a quiet and authentic experience on the north coast of the peninsula, an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, nature and the opportunity to explore the local culture of a Yucatecan coastal town.

What to do in Sisal, Yucatan?

Enjoy afternoons at the beach to remember

Its calm waters and the privacy of its pristine beaches allow you to enjoy beautiful picturesque afternoons with your family, partner or alone along the entire length of its beaches.

 

Go fishing

In its harbor you will find a great variety of boats, with fishermen ready to take you to the open sea, to specific areas to practice fishing. During the fishing you can ask for a traditional Yucatecan ceviche, to live the whole Yucatan fishing experience. On the way back, there are several services, often provided by the fishermen's families who are dedicated to cooking the catch of the day, either stewed, fried, or breaded, as you prefer. A unique local experience, the best way to get to know the region.

 

Stroll through the mangroves

In Sisal you will find several options for mangrove tours. You will be able to get even deeper into the flora and fauna of the region. You will be in total contact with nature as you navigate in kayaks through mangroves and saltwater canals. When you reach the ojo de agua you can take a break in its crystalline waters and/or snorkel.

 

What to eat in Sisal, Yucatan?

You can taste all the fresh fish and seafood dishes of the region, such as fried fish, ceviche, seafood soup, or dogfish or shrimp empanadas. You can also find all the traditional food of Yucatán in its markets, and of course, the Cochinita Pibil, which is a must.

 

Average spending per day for tourists visiting the Magical Towns of Yucatán

The average expenditure per day may vary, depending on food, lodging, and general additional expenses, but it is estimated to be between US$30 and US$100 per person.

 

Best Time to Visit the Magical Towns of Yucatán

In general, it is recommended to visit Yucatán during the dry season, which runs from November to April, when the months are cooler and temperatures are more pleasant for the region.

We hope you enjoy your stay in the region and get to know some of the Magical Towns of Yucatan. Always stay hydrated and don't forget to prepare sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun of the region.

🚘 Rent a car in Mérida, Yucatán