UMAN
Uman is a small city located approximately 19 miles southwest of Merida. It is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The city is surrounded by historic haciendas that made the region famous for its cultivation and production of henequen, also known as sisal. This fiber is derived from an agave plant that grows in the area and was used in ancient Mayan times to produce nets, ropes, and baskets. Today, it is used to make hammocks, clothing, and other items. Uman and its surrounding areas make for a great day trip from Merida or a unique and quiet lodging option for a getaway. Additionally, Uman is a wonderful place to begin exploring different areas, including the coastal town of Celestun.
What is there to do?
While there are not a great deal of activities to choose from inside the city of Uman, its surrounding area provides lots of spots to visit, and things to do, from visiting historic haciendas, and swimming in open cenotes. Here are some things to do and see in the city, and its surroundings.
Top Activities in Uman:
Relax in the City
Have a relaxing afternoon in Uman’s Central Park. This quiet park is the perfect location to take a break from the sun in the shade. And get a photo with the Uman letters in Uman’s Central Park.
Eat Local
Visit Uman’s market, Mercado Municipal de Uman, and walk around the fresh produce stalls, pick up some fresh fruit and veg. Stop at one of the food stalls and get a yummy breakfast or lunch.
Ride a Moto Taxi
Take a unique ride on one of the moto taxis.
Visit the Church
Visit one of the largest churches in southern Mexico, the Church of San Fransico de Asis.
Swim in a Cenote
Take a trip to one of the surrounding cenotes in the area - Cenote X’Batun, Cenote Sambula, Cenote Dzonbacal, and Cenote El Pocito are just some of the refreshing cenotes that you can take a dip in. Cenote Kankirixche, Cenote Chihuo-Ho, and Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche are also worth visiting and within driving distance.
Visit Old Haciendas
Visit the haciendas close to Uman - Hacienda Dzibikak, and Hacienda Hunxectaman.
Animal Shelter
Animal lovers should visit the animal shelter Evolucion Animal. Take a bag of dog food with you, and find out ways that you can help, and maybe even adopt a fur baby!
Explore Nature
Take a day trip to Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
Getting to Uman & Where to go After:
Uman is a city situated between the stations of Maxcanu and Teya on the Yucatan I Route of the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”. If you're traveling from Uman, you can easily reach Merida's city center or its International Airport on the Ie-Tram electric bus. Uman offers a small-town vibe, which is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of Merida. From Uman, you can visit Celestun, a beautiful coastal town, or travel east on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train” to explore more of the state of Yucatan, where you can find archeological ruins at Chichen Itza, and the colonial cities of Izamal and Valladolid. If you're looking to travel further, you can take the "Mayan Train" west to Campeche, or east to Cancun International Airport, where you can enjoy Mexico's white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean coast.