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Town in the Mexican state of Yucatán
Photo: Joanygg90, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Maxcanú is a small city in the western part of the state of Yucatán in southern Mexico. It is a town with colonial charm and a large Maya population. Several Mayan archaeological sites, large and small, are within easy day-trip distance from Maxcanu.
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Zocalo
Beautifully maintained large central park area with a children's playground, flowering gardens, and park benches along walkways below towering shade trees. Popular place for vendors, especially on festival days.
Chan Chochola
Former henequen hacienda from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the architecture is unlike any typical Mexican haciendas in that it was built to resemble a medieval European castle, complete with tower turrets and slate roofs. The hacienda is in poor repair but is a photogenic spot with great local history behind it. About 5 km by moto-taxi from Maxcanu.
Zona Arqueológica de Oxkintok
Oxtintok is part of the Mayan Puuc region, known for its hilly terrain and distinctive architecture. This is a very lightly visited site that offers limited tourist facilities (thankfully including clean flush toilets). Hiring one of the Mayan guides to show you around is a great way to really understand the history of the place (though most guides speak only Spanish (or Mayan)). The site dates from about 600 BC and was occupied up until the early 16th century. Some of the structures featured distinctive columns adorned with carved sculptures.
Karst caves next to the Oxkintok archaeological zone. Guides are required to enter the caves and they can be hired at Oxkintok.
Casual food and drinks. The burgers are recommended.
Casual family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Yucatecan food such as poch chuc. The ceviche is recommended.
Casual palapa style restaurant serving regional Yucatecan dishes such as pok chuk. Cold beer and micheladas.
Historic 17th century hacienda, restored and operated as an upscale luxury boutique hotel. Rooms feature period furnishings and original woodwork and floor tiling, but modern plumbing fixtures and amenities. On-site restaurant features regional Yucatecan cuisine. Spa services available with outdoor swimming pool. Botanical garden on site. Pet friendly.
By car
From Mérida, drive southwest on federal highway MEX-180 for 65 km.
By bus
From Mérida, Autobuses SUR operates several daily buses to the nearby town of Kopomá (about 10 km from Maxcanu). Autobuses TRT operates one daily bus on that route.
By train
Taxis are your best choice, especially since major Mayan sites (like Uxmal) are as much as an hour away from town. A rental car can be useful since driving in the Yucatán is generally easy and safe.
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Mérida · International · MID
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