Time seems to stand still in this sleepy town on the Yucatán Peninsula where colonial architecture flanks wide streets and Mayan ruins crumble in the tropical sun.
Maxcanú is a picturesque place that has managed to avoid tourist crowds. Visit and you’ll be rewarded with lively cultural experiences, fascinating historical sites and outdoor adventures.
Strap on a headlamp and follow your guide into the mysterious depths of the nearby Calcehtok Caves. One of the peninsula’s largest dry-cave systems, this underground world offers a welcome break from muggy outside conditions. Choose your tour based on how adventurous you’re feeling. Then walk, crawl, climb or slither through the tunnel system. See unusual rock formations, feel mud squish between your fingers and listen to the sounds of birds and bats swooping through the darkness. Artifacts found in this system indicate that locals may have used it as a shelter during times of war.
Wander through the remarkable ruins of Oxkintok and imagine what life was like in an ancient Mayan town. The large central plaza now lies silent, but was once the heart of a bustling commercial center thought to have existed since at least 350 B.C. Puzzle over the strange three-story labyrinth known as “Tzat Tun Tzat” and check out the stone carvings of human figures.
In town, spend some time exploring local architecture. Walk past traditional Yucatán palapa houses with quaint straw-thatched roofs. Photograph the magnificent façades of the Spanish colonial buildings.
Stay in one of the colorful haciendas that have been converted to hotels and enjoy the region’s old-fashioned hospitality. Sip a cool drink on a shaded front veranda and watch tropical birds emerge from the lush jungle setting.
Eat at the Maxcanú Market and enjoy a plate of traditional food, such as pork and black bean stew. Pick up fresh produce from the local stalls and practice your Spanish with the relaxed residents.
Drive or take a bus to Maxcanú in about 1 hour from Mérida. Rent bikes to explore the region. Visit and you’ll soon see why seasoned travelers rave about this laid-back spot.
