TIXKOKOB
Tixkokob, (pronounced ‘Tish-ko-kob’) is a hidden treasure situated in the heart of the henequen (sisal fiber) region of Yucatan, to the east of the state's capital city of Merida. This delightful small town is renowned for producing high-quality hammocks and textiles. Additionally, there are numerous smaller towns and villages in close proximity, as well as historic haciendas that you can visit and stay in.
The region where Tixkokob is located is famous for its henequen production. Henequen, also known as sisal, is a fiber derived from an agave plant that grows in the region. Since ancient Mayan times, this fiber has been grown and employed to produce nets, ropes, baskets, and is still used today in the production of hammocks, clothing, and other items.
What is there to do?
This peaceful and delightful town is an excellent place to take a break while traveling to or from Merida. There are many haciendas nearby that offer accommodation and tours for visitors who are interested in learning about the production of sisal and its various uses. The town is also famous for its production of hammocks and other textiles. You can stop by and pick up some souvenirs, or if you're interested in seeing how hammocks are made, you can also request to see the production process. The town is located in the heart of Yucatan's natural green area, which means there are plenty of nature-based activities to do such as swimming in refreshing cenotes, learning about the production of honey, and more. If you’re passing through, or staying for a night or two, here are some things to do and see.
Top Activities in Tixkokob:
Visit a the Archeological Site of Ake
Just 20 minutes drive from the main town you will find the archeological ruins of Ake. This lesser-known, less-visited site is a great spot to visit for those interested in the history of the region.
Take a Refreshing Swim
Take a refreshing swim in Cenote Aketzali, a small and quiet cenote in Tixkokob. Or travel 11 miles from Tixkokob to the Cenote Ayun Nah.
Go Shopping
Buy a handmade hammock, and if possible ask the producers about the production of hammocks, to see if you can see one being made at one of the town’s hammock shops – Hamacas Mezeta, and Hamacas el Kayche.
Visit Hacienda San Antonio Millet
This 16th-century hacienda that once produced henequen now serves as a hotel that provides a day pass to visit.
Breakfast in Motul
Go to the nearby town Motul, approximately 17 miles from Tixkokob, for breakfast, and try the town’s famous dish ‘Huevos Motulenos’.
Honey Production
Learn about the process of extracting honey at Meliponario Najil Kaab. Learn about the melipona bees, and how they produce their honey.
Getting to Tixkokob & Where to go After:
Tixkokob is located between the stations of Merida, Teya Station, and Izamal on the Yucatan I Route of the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”. If you’re coming from Merida, Tixkokob is only a 10-minute ride from Merida’s Teya station (accessible from Merida City and Merida’s International Airport on the electric bus, Ie-Tram). From Tixkokob you can also take the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train” to the colonial cities of Izamal (the Yucatan’s beautiful yellow city) in 27 minutes, and Valladolid (the cultural and historic city, surrounded by cenotes, and close to the archeological site of Chichen Itza) in 1 hour 45 minutes. If you’re looking to visit Mexico’s Caribbean coast and relax on white sand beach, you can get to Cancun from Tixkokob in 4 hours and 10 minutes on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”. Tixkokob is a perfect day trip, or great for staying for a night or two in one of its nearby haciendas.