For hammocks, take the Tren Maya from Mérida to Tixkokob in under 30 minutes
Despite being only a 40-minute drive from Mérida, the town of Tixkokob does not attract many tourists, which is a shame as it has plenty to offer—including the nearby archaeological site of Aké.
Tixkokob’s origins can be traced back to the pre-Columbian era when it was part of the province of Ceh-Pech.
The town’s name, derived from the Mayan language, translates to “Place of the Kokob serpent.” After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Tixkokob became part of the encomienda, a colonial system that granted Spanish conquistadors control over Indigenous populations and their land.
Though Tixkokob was once known as a major henequen production hub, the town has become associated with producing quality hammocks at almost any price point over the past few decades. One of the nice things about shopping for hammocks in Tixkokob is that haggling is unnecessary, as prices are usually clearly marked.
The town’s colonial-era church, with its ornate facade and stunning interior, is a prominent feature of the town center. The church houses a collection of religious artifacts and paintings that offer insights into the town’s religious history, emphasizing the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
In addition to its historical sites, Tixkokob is surrounded by natural beauty. The nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, offer swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. The lush forests and rolling hills surrounding the town provide a serene setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.
The town also has a particularly charming cemetery, worth checking out for those interested in contemporary muralism and folk art. Be respectful of locals at the cemetery who are visiting their dearly departed.
Tren Maya trial route
Another thing that Tixkokob has going for it: This is the first stop on the Tren Maya route from Mérida to Cancún, allowing folks to check out the train without venturing too far away.
Best of all, tickets are inexpensive because this leg of the trip is short. To make a full day of it, continue just one more stop to Izamal and then take local transport to Tixkokob on your way back to Mérida.
Once at the station, several options exist to get into town, including motorized tricycles known as trici-taxis and colectivos, basically vans.
Since you will not find any fancy restaurants or lodging in Tixkokob, your best bet is the town’s market for a bite. The fare on offer is basically what you would expect; cochinita pibil, relleno negro, panuchos, and salbutes.
Despite its proximity to Mérida, Tixkokob has retained its identity and is worth visiting, even for a day trip.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
