Tekax

Caves, colonial buildings, and Mayan pyramids are what make Tekax (tay-KAHSH) so special. Located in the southern part of the Yucatan, 78 miles below Merida, in the Puuc (hilly) region, you will find the village of Tekax lives up to its slogan of "one destination, so many options." Tekax, which means "The Place of the Forests," is one of those 'off the beaten track' places that has yet to be discovered and has so much to offer. And hard to believe, in 1845 Tekax was the capital of Yucatan.

Above: The San Juan Bautista Cathedral on the zocolo in Tekax.

The nearby caves that you can visit are Sabac-Ha, Los Chocantes, Oxpel-Hal and Actun-Hom. For the caves you will need a guide. We recommend Mr. Victoriano Duarte who can be reached at Calle 55 between 52 and 50 A.

The colonial buildings include the cathedral that is named San Juan Bautista and dates from 1609. The Ermita of San Diego is located at the southern end of town on a hill and only opens its doors on special holidays. It is a great place to get a good view and pictures of Tekax. You can also visit the Chapel of the Eternal Father and La Casa de los Tres Pisos (The 3-story house).

The Mayan pyramids are in Chacmultun which means "the place of the red ants". There are many other unrestored mounds all over the entire area.

From November 8th thru the 13th the village honors its Patron Saint during the San Diego de Alcala fair. During this village fiesta you will see masses, parades, bullfights, fireworks, dances and mechanical rides.

Tekax has hotels and restaurants to make your stay comfortable.

A unique architectural feature in the Yucatan, the three story house in Tekax is an interesting building and part of Yucatan history. Most colonial homes are very tall one story tall buildings. In the tropical climate, tall ceilings make for cooler homes. The unique three story house in Tekax has three very tall stories!

Presently owned by Luis Manuel Machain Peraza, the chronicler of the city of Tekax, he will gladly and proudly open his home to you so you can see it.

Above: The 3-story building in Tekax.

There are two staircases. Luis Manuel will take you up the regal, safe, strong stone staircase (note the hand painted wallpaper designs) to the second floor where he will then take you up the spiral stone staircase to the roof. Once on the roof (or from the street below if you are not able to enter the house) notice the Spanish cross and crown on the top of the staircase tower – very Spanish. Note the steps of spiral staircase – they are solid slabs of stone that were carved to form this lighthouse type staircase. Quite unique.

Above: The top of the staircase tower

The house is actually in a state of disrepair. Considering the history that it holds, we do hope that some government branch or restoration committee will see fit to include it in a remodeling program.

If he forgets to ask you to sign his guest book, ask him… he will so happy. He might even take out and show you the official flag of Tekax.

To enter, just knock on the door. Visiting this house is a unique opportunity to get behind the walls of family home. This is not a fancy remodeled place, but an authentic piece of history that houses a normal everyday family.

You can get to Tekax via rental car, bus or the collective transportation that is located on the San Juan Park in Merida (Calle 64 between 69 and 71.) If you drive yourself, you can take the Muna, Ticul, Oxkutzcab route or the new Mundo Maya Highway that goes from Merida to Mayapan and the Loltun Caves.

To read in Spanish click here