Maxcanu in Yucatán: a pretty little secret

Arriving in Maxcanu in Yucatan, after driving comfortably for 70 minutes on the federal highway, it is striking to see a town much larger than others in the area. In fact, it has a population of close to 25,000. It is one of 106 municipalities in the state of Yucatán and is made up of several of the surrounding towns and former haciendas (now comisarías, each with the remnants of a past henequen operation).

Maxcanu in Yucatan: what to do

Put a flashlight on your head and follow your guide to tour the mysterious Calcehtok Caves. This is one of the largest dry cave systems on the peninsula and offers a break from the humidity outside. Choose your tour according to the type of adventure you desire. Then walk, crawl, climb or slide through the tunnel system. Observe unusual rock formations, feel the mud between your toes, and listen to the sounds of birds and bats in the dark. Artifacts found in this system indicate that the inhabitants of the region may have used it as a wartime shelter.

 If you bring your own vehicle, you can stop in a few towns along the way. Chocholá can be your first stop, it has a colorful and recently renovated main square, a very cool church and a friendly atmosphere. Anyone you greet will smile back with a hello. Chocholá is also home to the extravagant Hacienda Chablé and the highly touted cenote San Ignacio.

 What to expect

Believe it or not, there is traffic in Maxcanú and a good number of tricycle cabs, so drive with caution. The main plaza looks like a park and has many trees offering shade. It is even larger than the Plaza Grande in Mérida. There is a lot of economic activity nearby, from the sale of cell phone accessories to grocery stores and tlapalerías (hardware stores). You will also see a watermelon stand in the plaza, with an additional selection of pineapples if they are in season. Buy one or two, they are good value and delicious.

There is a temple dedicated to Our Lady of Carmen, built in the seventeenth century and two chapels, the first in honor of St. Michael the Archangel and the second to the Three Crosses, as well as three Exhaciendas called Santo Domingo Kochol, Granada and Santa Rosa.