Maxcanú: Gateway to Oxkintok & Calcehtok Caves
What Makes This Special
Southwest of Mérida, Maxcanú is a low-key base town with two heavyweight neighbors: the little-visited Oxkintok archaeological site (4 km east) and the Grutas de Calcehtok (X’Pukil) cave system (nearby via the Oxkintok road). In town, the red-stucco Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel anchors a leafy plaza, and local food traditions run from longaniza ahumada (smoked sausage) to abundant jícama from surrounding fields.
History
Maxcanú sits in the historical territory of the Ah Canul lineage. Nearby Oxkintok was a major Maya city occupied from the Preclassic into the Postclassic, and Maxcanú later grew with haciendas and agriculture (notably jícama). Today it’s the municipal seat and a convenient jumping-off point for caves, ruins, and Puuc-country drives.
Practical Information
- Entry/Access: Town and plaza are free to visit.
- Oxkintok (INAH): Daily 8:00–17:00 (last entry ~16:00). Entrance about $75 MXN. Mexican residents enter free on Sundays with official ID. Minimal services on site.
- Grutas de Calcehtok: Typically open 9:00–18:00; guided routes from ~1–6 hours. Expect ~$200–$250 MXN pp for basic tours (varies by route/season). Closed-toe shoes required; expect tight, slippery passages.
- Payments: Bring cash (MXN). Small shops and guides rarely take cards.
- Facilities: Central market eateries, pharmacies, basic services; restrooms at Oxkintok; changing areas at caves are basic/rustic.
- Accessibility: Flat town center; uneven sidewalks. Oxkintok has rough paths; caves require good mobility.
- Recommended Visit Length: 4–6 hours (Oxkintok + lunch) or a full day with caves.
What to Expect
Oxkintok ruins: A sprawling site split into groups (Ah Canul, Ah May, Ah Dzib) with distinctive Puuc features and the famed Satunsat (labyrinth). Shade is limited; interpretive signage is modest. Follow on-site rules regarding climbing and preservation.
Calcehtok caves: Community-guided spelunking through chambers with stalactites/stalagmites; routes range from family-friendly to strenuous crawls. Expect to get dusty—long pants and grippy shoes are best.
Town vibe & bites: Check out the red facade of San Miguel Arcángel by the main park, and hunt down longaniza ahumada at small producers or loncherías. Seasonal fruit stands often carry fresh jícama.
Getting There
From Mérida (≈55–65 km; ~1 hr):
- Bus: Frequent services from Mérida’s Terminal Noreste (Calle 67 #531 entre 50 y 52). Typical ride time about 1 hr–1 hr 30; fares are budget-friendly.
- Tren Maya: Paradero Maxcanú is active on the Mérida–Campeche corridor. Sample published fares Mérida Teya ↔ Maxcanú (Turista Local) have been listed around $80–$110 MXN. Check official booking for current schedules/prices.
- Self-drive: About ~60 km from Mérida via Hwy 180. Oxkintok is ~4 km east of town; caves are shortly beyond via the Oxkintok road.
What to Bring
- Cash (small bills) for entrance fees, guides, snacks
- Sun gear: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses; 1–2 L water
- Closed-toe, grippy shoes; long pants for caves; light gloves optional
- Small headlamp/flashlight (extra for caves), change of shirt
Tips & Safety
- Do ruins early, caves later: Beat the heat at Oxkintok in the morning, then cool down underground.
- Cave etiquette: Go only with local guides; follow safety briefings; avoid sunscreen/repellent before entering.
- At Oxkintok: Limited shade—carry water and wear a hat. Obey any do-not-climb signs.
- Cash-first region: ATMs are limited; stock up in Mérida or Muna.
Nearby Pairings
- Uxmal (≈40–50 km; ~40 min drive): Combine Maxcanú morning with a Puuc icon in the afternoon.
- Cenote San Ignacio (Chocholá; ~40–45 min from Mérida / en route): Closed-cavern cenote with amenities; an easy swim stop on the Mérida–Maxcanú highway.
Maxcanú: Gateway to Oxkintok & Calcehtok Caves
On This Page
Maxcanú is an easy base for Oxkintok’s Puuc-era ruins and the Calcehtok (X’Pukil) caves—plus a red-stucco church, smoked longaniza, and (now) a Tren Maya stop.
Our Take
"Maxcanú is your inland launchpad—quiet zócalo mornings, Oxkintok’s jungle temples, and Calcehtok cave adventures within a matte-yellow drive."
What Makes This Special
Southwest of Mérida, Maxcanú is a low-key base town with two heavyweight neighbors: the little-visited Oxkintok archaeological site (4 km east) and the Grutas de Calcehtok (X’Pukil) cave system (nearby via the Oxkintok road). In town, the red-stucco Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel anchors a leafy plaza, and local food traditions run from longaniza ahumada (smoked sausage) to abundant jícama from surrounding fields.
History
Maxcanú sits in the historical territory of the Ah Canul lineage. Nearby Oxkintok was a major Maya city occupied from the Preclassic into the Postclassic, and Maxcanú later grew with haciendas and agriculture (notably jícama). Today it’s the municipal seat and a convenient jumping-off point for caves, ruins, and Puuc-country drives.
Practical Information
- Entry/Access: Town and plaza are free to visit.
- Oxkintok (INAH): Daily 8:00–17:00 (last entry ~16:00). Entrance about $75 MXN. Mexican residents enter free on Sundays with official ID. Minimal services on site.
- Grutas de Calcehtok: Typically open 9:00–18:00; guided routes from ~1–6 hours. Expect ~$200–$250 MXN pp for basic tours (varies by route/season). Closed-toe shoes required; expect tight, slippery passages.
- Payments: Bring cash (MXN). Small shops and guides rarely take cards.
- Facilities: Central market eateries, pharmacies, basic services; restrooms at Oxkintok; changing areas at caves are basic/rustic.
- Accessibility: Flat town center; uneven sidewalks. Oxkintok has rough paths; caves require good mobility.
- Recommended Visit Length: 4–6 hours (Oxkintok + lunch) or a full day with caves.
What to Expect
Oxkintok ruins: A sprawling site split into groups (Ah Canul, Ah May, Ah Dzib) with distinctive Puuc features and the famed Satunsat (labyrinth). Shade is limited; interpretive signage is modest. Follow on-site rules regarding climbing and preservation.
Calcehtok caves: Community-guided spelunking through chambers with stalactites/stalagmites; routes range from family-friendly to strenuous crawls. Expect to get dusty—long pants and grippy shoes are best.
Town vibe & bites: Check out the red facade of San Miguel Arcángel by the main park, and hunt down longaniza ahumada at small producers or loncherías. Seasonal fruit stands often carry fresh jícama.
Getting There
From Mérida (≈55–65 km; ~1 hr):
- Bus: Frequent services from Mérida’s Terminal Noreste (Calle 67 #531 entre 50 y 52). Typical ride time about 1 hr–1 hr 30; fares are budget-friendly.
- Tren Maya: Paradero Maxcanú is active on the Mérida–Campeche corridor. Sample published fares Mérida Teya ↔ Maxcanú (Turista Local) have been listed around $80–$110 MXN. Check official booking for current schedules/prices.
- Self-drive: About ~60 km from Mérida via Hwy 180. Oxkintok is ~4 km east of town; caves are shortly beyond via the Oxkintok road.
What to Bring
- Cash (small bills) for entrance fees, guides, snacks
- Sun gear: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses; 1–2 L water
- Closed-toe, grippy shoes; long pants for caves; light gloves optional
- Small headlamp/flashlight (extra for caves), change of shirt
Tips & Safety
- Do ruins early, caves later: Beat the heat at Oxkintok in the morning, then cool down underground.
- Cave etiquette: Go only with local guides; follow safety briefings; avoid sunscreen/repellent before entering.
- At Oxkintok: Limited shade—carry water and wear a hat. Obey any do-not-climb signs.
- Cash-first region: ATMs are limited; stock up in Mérida or Muna.
Nearby Pairings
- Uxmal (≈40–50 km; ~40 min drive): Combine Maxcanú morning with a Puuc icon in the afternoon.
- Cenote San Ignacio (Chocholá; ~40–45 min from Mérida / en route): Closed-cavern cenote with amenities; an easy swim stop on the Mérida–Maxcanú highway.
Location
Plan Your Visit
Cash, water, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, headlamp, long pants for caves
Market eateries, pharmacies; basic restrooms at Oxkintok; simple facilities at caves
Do ruins early, hire certified cave guides, carry cash, hydrate