City in the Mexican state of Yucatán
Photo: Rubén Naíl, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tekax is a small town in the southern part of Yucatán. It is a Mayan community in an area of dense tropical jungle. Travelers will enjoy the colonial historic town center, an abundance of biodiversity, caving, hiking and exploring 1,000 year old Mayan archaeological sites. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.
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Small chapel in an enclosed compound on top of a hill. The chapel was built in 1645 when an image of San Diego de Alcala was found in a nearby well, taken to the church, disappeared, then somehow re-discovered on top of the hill. Locals took it as a sign that San Diego wanted a shrine built, so they built the Hermitage. A festival honoring San Diego takes place each November. The hill is about 80 meters high and a stone staircase climbs the hill (careful, the stones can be slick). Excellent panoramic views are afforded at the top.
St John the Baptist Church
The town's main church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1564. It is an imposing baroque stone structure built of stone and red brick. Inside are elaborate mosaic tile floors, rows of carved columns, pastel walls with old biblical paintings and iconic statues. It is an impressive structure and a tranquil spiritual retreat.
Parque Benito Juarez (Zocalo)
Pleasant town square with stone walkways set around a central obelisk, iron park benches, plenty of shade trees. Many photo spots nearby of colonial buildings, the church, archways and more.
Ruins of a Mayan city, about 6 km southwest of the town. The city was part of the Tutul Xiu dynasty, which is better known for larger sites like Uxmal and Kabah. Combis and taxis will take you there. Buildings were constructed of pink granite with Puuc architecture. Buildings cluster in four groups: Chacmultún, Cabalpak, Xethpol, and Centra. Groups were built on hilltops. Some buildings contain faded murals similar to those found at Bonampak. The city reached its peak during the 10th century AD and was abandoned by the 15th century.
Mural Alley
In keeping with Mexico's muralist tradition, the town has a pedestrian block with colorful murals painted by local artists. Some portray historical events while others celebrate the region's natural splendor.
Cave system on the edge of town. Offers two cave expeditions, one requiring about 2 hours and a more extreme tour requiring about 7 hours along a 7 km tour route that departs at 9am (don't be late). Rapelling is available in the Gruta Toro, there are hiking trails to a lookout atop the mountain, and a canopy zipline tour is available.
Cozy deli-style restaurant next to the Hermitage. Serves regional Yucatecan cuisine, mostly simple dishes. Full bar with good margaritas and other cocktails. Ample parking available.
Casual family-style restaurant in an outdoor palapa. Regional Yucatecan cuisine with some traditional antojitos (light food).
Comfortable, casual restaurant with an outdoor patio dining area and an eclectic international menu that included burgers, pastas, and tasty mezcal cocktails and micheladas.
Casual seafood restaurant with full bar.
The hotel is a bit dated, but rooms are generally clean and have cold air conditioning but no seat on the toilet. Outdoor swimming pool available. Street parking.
Traditional hotel next to the Hermitage. Rooms are rather basic and though they have air conditioning, they lack hot water. Flaky WiFi.
Comfortable, modern hotel with rooms set around a central courtyard with large outdoor swimming pool. On-site restaurant available. Mellow house dogs will follow you to your room.
The town's traditional marketplace was renovated and updated in the early 2020s. Vendors fill two floors with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, grocery items, and local crafts. The second floor features a terrace where visitors can sit and enjoy food and drink outside while taking photos of the plaza and scenery.
By car
From Merida, drive south on Carr. Mérida-Chetumal (federal highway MEX-184) for 120 km. The road is in good condition and easy to drive. The trip will take about 90 minutes.
By bus
ADO has frequent buses to Tekax departing from Merida TAME (Merida Unica). Buses depart every hour on the hour.
The historic downtown area (Centro) is easy to get around on foot, but would be more fun by renting a bike.
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