Hola! This is a new series I’m starting where I explore a new place in Mexico and talk about my adventures! Today, I’ll recount my trip to Tekax with my wonderful novia. Let’s get to it!
Highlights:
- Small community-based town
- Sight-seeing & Exploration
- Budget-friendly
Tekax
Two hours south of Merida resting in the southern part of Yucatan lies this treasure of a city, Tekax (Teh-kahsh). A home to over 25,000 people (based on the 2010 census), this city is a beautiful historic place full of architecture, caves, and wonderful areas to hike. We came here by colectivo but you can also get here by bus through ADO. There are many things to do here within the city or nearby, Here is some activities we got into on our weekend trip.
Grutas Chocantes
This was my favorite part of the trip. A short taxi ride south of the city we came to a nature site where you can experience hiking, cave exploring (spelunking), and zip-lining.
Shout out to our awesome tour guide Alejandro. He began by leading us to the reception area where you can grab snacks, water (you’ll definitely need it), and your helmet with a flashlight attached for the cave exploration. When we were ready he led us to the cave and we began our descent down. Inside, we climbed down deeper and deeper finding crystal formations, stalactites, and stalagmites decorating the cave. When we were at the deepest part we sat down on the ground while he told a story of the Mayan tribe who inhabited the cave centuries prior. If you’re up for some adventure, I definitely recommend this.
Next we headed to the zip line. At the top of the zip line platform you can see the beautiful town and surrounding forests for miles. I had one of those moments where I’m just sucked into the beauty around me. The zip-line itself was a ton of fun rappelling fast to the other side above the the trees and trail below. I took in more sights at the end platform as I waited for my girlfriend to zip back to me.
Afterwards, we hiked to another small cave opening before going back to the reception area to close out our tour.
The total price was $400 pesos for each person for a group of two (price decreases with a group of 4 or more per person).
Ermita de Tekax
On the way back to the city we took a mototaxi to Ermita de Tekax. I love the beautiful arch and stairs you’re welcomed with leading up to the chapel. At the top we saw the small chapel (unfortunately we couldn’t explore inside), a picnic area beside it, and a nice gazebo behind it. Here, we got another view overlooking the city.
Mercado
Tacos de carne asada that I proceeded to devour
The mercado in Centro resembles your traditional Yucatan market with small sit-down diners to eat and local sellers selling their meats, fruits, and vegetables. I had some great tacos de carne asada and mango with chamoy before we left the city.
This trip refueled my motivation to explore more of all Mexico has to offer including its smaller towns. I wrote about it in another post about not having to always travel big. If you’re in Mexico, hop in a colectivo and go & explore a safe small local town. There’s a wealth of culture and nature to soak in so go explore!
Happy and Safe Traveling,
TBG
Inside a small cave we explored during our hike.
Stalagmites and Stalactites within the cave
Overlooking the city on top of the zip line station.
Entrance to the ermita
Ermita de Tekax
Ermita picnic are overlooking the city
