Ticul in Yucatan: let the pottery speak
Ticul is located 85 kilometers from Merida on federal highway #184, between the towns of Muna and Oxkutzcab. Its name comes from the Mayan word “ti” meaning “there” and “Culi” meaning “there I am settled”. The town of Ticul is today the most important pottery center in the state of Yucatan.
The city is quiet, its main square is guarded on every corner by large Mayan figures, which include the god of war, the goddess Ixchel, the god of rain and the Jaguar warrior among others, which embellish the place, but also help us not to forget our roots.
Ticul in Yucatan: What to expect
Called “The Pearl of the South”, this active town is located 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Mérida, in the Puuc region. It is part of both the Puuc Route and the Convent Route. Ticul is the perfect place to stay when doing either of these two tours. You will find things much quieter here than in Mérida. The 1, 2 and 3 star hotels are inexpensive and clean.
There are pots of all sizes, replicas of Mayan gods, stelae, masks, incense burners, urns and much more. You will also find samples of jewelry. In the back of the store you can also see the workshop with the artisans and the kilns.
What to do
Take a stroll through the center of Ticul and visit its plaza. Here you will find an incredible series of statues representing different Mayan gods (among them is the goddess Ixchel of fertility). While you are in the center, take the opportunity to buy some handicrafts or other local products. Among them you will find beautiful handmade shoes and various pieces of clay.
Try the local food
Taste the gastronomy of the region. Nothing better to recharge your batteries than a Poc Chuc, that is, a good plate of roast pork. Another delicious option is chicken ticuleño style.
Ticul in Yucatan: the famous pottery
Its pottery is well known in the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as throughout Mexico and abroad, since its pieces are manufactured with excellent quality and thousands of tourists from all over the world always take a Mayan replica, glyph or Mayan calendar, which the artisans of Ticul elaborate.
Within the pottery we can find a wide variety of articles in which stand out replicas of Mayan utensils and vessels, to vases with modern design, frogs, iguanas, suns, moons, Mayan mud huts, flamingos, turtles, toucans, the traditional piggy bank and much more.
How to get to Ticul
If you wish to travel to Ticul and do not have a vehicle. You can travel by combi (collective cab). The bus stop is located at Parque de San Juan on Calle 62 by 69, in downtown Mérida. The cost per person may vary but is no more than 30 pesos.
