Since the Chef's Table Netflix documentary in its BBQ edition starred in the Mayan town of Yaxunah with Rosalía Chay Chuc, one of the magnificent local chefs, they have taken a step forward in notoriety.
I am deeply happy that your good work for years is bearing those blessed desired fruits. Sometimes it takes an important look to discover you, and then word of mouth does the rest. For years we have enjoyed Yaxunah, and will continue to do so. A place where we always feel very welcome.
Yaxunah It is a great stop on your way to savor Mayan culture and history by visiting the archaeological zone, the community museum, the artisan workshops and enjoying the Lol Há cenote. You'll love it ?
9 ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES IN YAXUNAH
One of the most interesting and complete visits of the current and ancient Mayan world can be done in the town of Yaxunah. This interesting Mayan town brings together interesting places for the traveler who likes the authentic.
Yaxunah is a gem, let's try to keep it that way respecting the locals by being polite and respectful. We leave you a video where they explain the activities they offer in the community
1- COCHINITA PIBIL IN YAXUNAH
Almost forced to taste this delicious Yucatecan delicacy accompanied by its handmade tortillas. Delicious, no more to add. The documentary 'Chef's table: BBQ' has placed them for many visitors on the gastronomic map of Yucatán.
You can participate in the activity of making the cochinita and learn first-hand how to cook this delicacy, or just taste the dish. They offer variety to their visitors, it depends on you.
2- WORKSHOP WEAVING HAMMOCKS
Learning to weave hammocks or buy a fine thread hammock is another of the activities to do during your visit. The Mayans sleep in a hammock, the making of hammocks is part of the Mayan people, of their culture.
If you have never tried a hammock, treat yourself?
3- BULL HORN WORKSHOP
What is that bull horn? Formerly the Maya used the turtle shell to make ornaments, if something we have not changed from the beginning of our existence, it is that we like to look handsome. Vanity is inherent to the human being, without a doubt.
Today it is forbidden to hunt turtles, so they use the bull's horn, similar in appearance in the finish to the old turtle ornaments. The truth is that what they make is very beautiful, buying directly from the artisan is always a good thing.
4- WOOD CRAFTSMEN
Strolling through the town it will be easy for you to see wood craftsmen. It is a town where 80% are artisans, luckily they can continue with their trades. Many sell in the archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá, so remember when you visit that many of these vendors are locals looking for a life.
The locals are friendly, you can surely chat with them and learn about their culture.
5- SIMPLY WALK
Like most towns, its main space is the large square, where the Palace and the church are usually found. The church of Yaxunah, as we often see in these lands, its roof collapsed but it is still in use.
You can also walk to the cemetery, talk with the locals, sit in the square and do nothing, which is to do a lot. In these places I entertain myself, I really like them.
6- COMMUNITY CENTER OF YAXUNAH
Years ago they created a Community Cultural Center, pride and base to receive foreigners. In this place different cultural aspects of the Mayan population are shown, they sell their own crafts and protect pieces found in the vestiges of the ancient Mayan city of Yaxunah.
7- ACTIVITIES IN THE MILPA
From the tourist Parador they carry out different activities so that you know their culture. One of them is to visit the Mayan cornfield at the hand of Don Francisco, who transmits his wisdom of the field, from the importance of offerings, to the types of corn that are grown in Yucatan.
Good proposal for those interested in learning from people dedicated to planting their entire lives. The journey opens wonderful windows for us.
8- YAXUNAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
Yaxunah is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Yucatán. Its proximity to Chichén Itzá, and its main role as a commercial route between the Caribbean coast and the interior makes it a more than relevant place. Yaxunah is linked to Cobá by a 100 kilometer road.
Can you go by bicycle from the Yaxunah tourist Parador where they rent bikes?
9- CENOTE LOL HA
The precious natural treasure of Yaxunah, the cenote Lol Ha delights the visitor. A refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters is always a pleasure.
The crystal clear waters and blue of Lol Ha are mesmerizing. It is easy to see birds here, from buzzards to the iconic toh bird.
If you want to carry out activities in Yaxunah, live together and prepare a cochinita pibil, get to know the milpa or stay the night, contact Parador Yaxunah, at least one day before
WHERE TO SLEEP IN YAXUNAH
At the Parador Turístico de Yaxunah they have 3 well-equipped cabins where you can stay. In a luxury sleep in this silence field for those who want new experiences on our trip. Really getting out of our routines and awakening another inner self is part of traveling.
Another accommodation option is to sleep in the village in hammocks in private rooms with bathroom. I have personally tried both options, depending on your tastes. Ask in the hammock workshop, in the same parador or in the community center.
They all help you with kindness. Some villagers are not fluent in Spanish, so speak slowly and simply.
Ccontact with Parador Yaxunah, at least one day before
COMMUNITY CENTER OF YAXUNAH
El town of Yaxunah it does not reach 600 inhabitants. Yaxunah means town or green house. Towards 1931 they began to populate it, the old people of the place say that the huano of the houses did not dry it, and the roofs of the houses were green.
In this video made by people from the community you can see part of their story, I thought it was great to share it. This video arises from the film workshops coordinated by Sebastián Labaronne, with the support of the Yaxunah Community Cultural Center and Grace Bascope
El town of Yaxunah It is nourished by various cultural encounters where foreigners participate. It is one of the Mayan towns where you can stay and have a cultural interaction. Those people conducive to exchange that authentic travelers want to immerse themselves in other cultures are looking for. Several cultural immersion programs in Yaxunah.
# Yaxuná comes from / ya'axun / «Royal tile» (Cotinga amabilis) and / ja '/ which means «water», and in its / -a' / form it is commonly used as a suffix for the name of places where there is a body of water . Yaxuná = Ya'axuna '= Wash of the tiles.
- Memo Kantun (@KantunAjaw) April 30, 2019
Give yourself the opportunity on your way through these Mayan lands to venture a little further and visit towns like Yaxunah. You will surely have a beautiful coexistence.
Yaxunah, towns
LOCATION: Yaxunah It is located 22 km from Track, population near Chichén Itzá.HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Yaxunah is served by collective transport from Piste and other smaller towns that are communicated by collective taxi and vans.
COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER PRICE: 25 mxn
ACCOMMODATION: there are cheap lodgings in a hammock for 150 pesos and the Parador Turístico has 3 double bed cabins and a hammock. Private bathroom in each of them. they are in 500 pesos the night.
WHAT TO BRING? Comfortable and light clothing, and hat to cover your head. Protect yourself from the sun and insects, and do not forget your swimsuit to enjoy the cenotes.
Good way,
- Offers on flights international and national ..
- Find the accommodation with the best offers from Booking.com.
- Stay with airbnb and get 25 € discount.
- Contract activities, tours and excursions organized.
- Rent a car with the indispensable and necessary best discounts.
- Secure your transfers of arrival or departure to the airport.
- Travel safely with IATI and take advantage of 5% off.
If you prefer, you tell us your idea of the trip and together we organize it.
Yaxunah is not to be missed. The town is what Sandra says ... and more. The lodging in the tourist Parador is perfect and the people, charming. You have to book to have a cochinita pibil or tamales. The men and women of this Mayan community elaborate it meticulously while they explain it to you and invite you to participate. Then they bury it in the pib, this traditional underground oven in Yucatan. While it is cooking, they offer you an interesting tour through the cornfield and you can also bathe in the cenote. And all for $ 700 (about 30 €) The reservation is with Orlando, a great craftsman and ejido president.
A curiosity of the quiet town of Yaxunah is that there are no stores selling alcohol, so there is never a fight in the streets.
Knowing this Mayan community was an authentic, unforgettable experience. Thanks Sandra for discovering me.
Estimat Joan, I am very happy that you enjoyed this special place.
Sure your comment helps and encourages other travelers to get to Yaxunah and be able to live and learn from the hand of the people of the community. I have not tried elsewhere a sikil p'ak 'as rich as in Yaxunah, like the cochinita pibil. I celebrate your stay at Yaxunah, thank you very much for writing and recommending them 🙂
Salut Joan, see you soon.
Hello Sandra. I love your blog. We are going this summer to travel freely around the Yucatan Peninsula and you have served me as a total inspiration to see the most authentic side. I wanted to ask you the contact with the Parador or the responsible person to contact them. and be able to see possibilities. Many thanks and best regards
How nice Victoria, how happy I am. Of course I pass the number of them, I recommend you try the cochinita pibil with them, they teach you how to prepare it. They tell you about activities they offer and prices. I send you mail. Have a fantastic trip around here, anything you know.
Good way,
Hello Sandra, some friends come to visit Yucatan and when reading your blog I thought it was an excellent idea to take them to this incredible place. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with information on how to contact the person in charge of the hostel and with whom I contacted to do the tour of the cornfield. Thanks in advance.
Hello Ayola, you will surely be delighted with the place, tomorrow I will write to you by mail and send you the contact. Recently I was there and I enjoyed once again the delicious cochinita pibil. They offer several experiences, they inform you 🙂
Enjoy a lot, best regards.