The Convents route

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You must not miss this adventure, because you will get to know the heart of Yucatan, with its temples, churches and convents. This will take you one day, because each visit takes an average of 40 minutes.

Acanceh

Its main attraction is the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three Cultures Square), where traits of pre-hispanic, colonial and present times are found. The temple dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Natividad (our Lady of Nativity) stands out, as well as the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It is located 26 km southeast of Merida

Tecoh

Here you can visit a church and a convent dedicated to the Virgin of the Asunción. Built over the base of a Mayan pyramid, the church has large quantities of carved stone, an impressive altar and many paintings. Located 34 km southeast of Merida.

Mayapán

Also known as Bandera de los Mayas (flag of the Mayas), the walled city of Mayapán is considered to be the last great Mayan capital, and even though it doesn’t have big buildings, over four thousand archaeological structures have been discovered in this zone. Located at km. 45 in the Merida-Acanceh road.

Tekit

A prosperous town where you will find the Parish of San Antonio de Padua, with its images of saints in all its niches. It looks like a museum, the altar is quite modest. Located 64 km southeast of Merida.

Mama

Its temple and former Franciscan convent have in its front a beautiful bell tower that is to be admired, there is also a closed atrium, on of the most famous in the zone. Located 71 km southeast of Merida.

Teabo

Known for two representative sacred constructions: the Parish and Ex-convent of San Pedro y San Pablo, built during the XVII century. Inside, an altarpiece with two caryatid columns stands out, and the Capilla de Indios dating from 1617. Located 84 km away from Merida.

Chumayel

Place of Seeds, cradle of one of the most important documents, the Chilam Balam, sacred book of the Mayas. In this town you can see the Templo de la Purísima Concepción (temple of the purest conception), built in the XVI century. It’s a clear example of religious architecture of medieval crenelated style, taken to Yucatan by the first Spanish to arrive.
Inside the temple a black wood Christ of special interest is found. Located 80 km away from Merida.

Maní

Religious site of great importance that still conserves impressive examples of its enigmatic past, such as the Templo del Convento de San Miguel Arcángel (temple of the convent of Saint Michael archangel), founded in 1549. Also worth of attention is the open chapel, it was the first built in Yucatan and its size rivals that of the temple. Behind the convent’s noble walls, the old orchard still stands, carefully grown, as well as the remains of the old water wheel. Located 96 km away from Merida. In this town you must visit the Restaurant Príncipe Tutul Xiu of regional food.

Oxcutzcab

Place of the Ramón, tobacco and honey, founded by the Mayan group xiú, after they abandoned the city of Maní. Its temple of San Francisco de Asís was founded in 1581 and finished in 1699, according tot he inscription in its front. Inside you can see the main altarpiece of salomonic columns and the niche with its sculpture. On the side there is the cloister. Don’t forget to visit the market and taste some juicy and tasty fruit, which is why this place is known as Yucatan’s Orchard. Located 109 km away from Merida.

Ticul

Known as the Pearl of the South, located 100 km away from Merida. You will find an architectural mix ranging from the Cathedral, the colonial buildings, and Mayan houses. There are clay businesses with workshops where you can see the work being done. There are hotels, restaurants, a market, and tricytaxis to travel around town.

Muna

New Water, a town that houses the Temple and ex-convent of the Asunción, built in the XVII century. Its side belfries are quite interesting, with three bodies each, and the front gable end as well. There is a craft center in the main square. Located 64 km away from Merida.

Umán

Noisy Road, where you can visit the magnificent Parish of San Francisco, a former Spanish convent of the XVI century. Of imposing proportions, its front is made of quarry stone with three attractive Gothic arches and its pairs of pilasters; the front is unfinished. You may visit the market or take an ecological taxi to tour the place. Located 18 km southwest of Merida.

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