The Puuc Route (puuc means "mounds") is a tour of archaeological sites that has undoubtedly become one of the favorite tours for locals and visitors to the Mexican Caribbean's Yucatan Peninsula alike.
Not only because Yucatan is one of the safest states in the country but also because of its excellent tourist offer that includes a cosmopolitan city. The state is considered the cultural and gastronomic capital of southeastern Mexico, has 19 archaeological sites open to the public, dream beaches, and, of course, eco-tourism and adventure activities that allow you to coexist with nature to the fullest extent.
This tour includes the archaeological sites of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labna, Oxkintok, Grutas de Calcehtok, and Grutas de Loltun. Throughout visitors will encounter fully restored structures, others in the process, and some that are still covered with grass, trees, and dense vegetation.
The latter are very similar to those found by the first explorers at the end of the last century. In addition, as you travel along this route, there are villages steeped in history, artisans and the best of Yucatan cuisine.
Kabah
Kabah is located a few miles southeast of Uxmal. Its name has been interpreted as "Lord of the strong or powerful hand." The importance of this city can be seen in the fact that the Maya, even after the Spanish conquest, mention it in the Chilam Balam, which is why it is believed that it was a site similar in importance to Uxmal.
The ruins extend on both sides of the road in a pervasive jungle area. It is located in the lower part of a valley, surrounded by hills of medium height, in which small temples can be seen at the top, where the main buildings of Nohpat and Uxmal can be seen from the horizon.
Sayil
One of the most important settlements in the Puuc area is Sayil since it was here that approximately 17,000 inhabitants were concentrated, which gives an idea of its size and distribution.
In contrast to most of the known names for pre-Hispanic sites, this one could have genuine antiquity. Sayal is built in a long valley, surrounded by low, sometimes steep hills. The locality presents a difficult prospect for human life due to the complete absence of surface water. For this reason, the Maya built many subway reservoirs or cisterns, known as chultunes, to capture and store rainwater.
Tekax Adventours
Tekax Adventours offers the experience of ATV tours for the whole family, groups of friends, or those who wish to spend an extraordinary moment with a lot of adrenaline. The experience of this ATV tour will allow you to enjoy archaeological sites, colonial buildings, flora, fauna, caverns, and Mayan villages. During the tour, guides will accompany you to the most attractive points of Tekax such as the historic center, the cathedral, the hermitage, and the walk along the trails.
Kaalmankal - Adventure Park
This park specializes in adventure tourism whose name "'Kaal Mankal" means a succession of gorges or breathers. The site stands out for its great variety of services, including rappelling, camping, and tour through the entrails of the Mayan world in its caverns. Also attractive is a ride on zip lines, which will allow you to appreciate from the heights the native flora and fauna of the Puuc Yucatan Route.
What is to be noticed in this park is the swing, located at the highest part of the hill, which not only allows you to enjoy the scenery but also provides the ideal setting for a unique photo session.
Grutas de Cristal
One of the first adventure tourism developments in the municipality of Tekax, is the Grutas Chocantes, a park located just a few minutes from the Historic Center of the city and part of Ruta Puuc Yucatan. In this site, a new world of natural rock formations called karst can be found in the subway part of the site.
These irregular forms of nature give rise to one of the most beautiful caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
On the surface of the cavern, you can feel the adrenaline when sliding on a zip line, always equipped with a helmet and harness to ensure the physical integrity of the visitors. You can also rappel in the Gruta del Toro, an ideal spot for photographs with views of the city of Tekax.
Grutas de Calcehtok
Adventure lovers will undoubtedly enjoy climbing in the Grutas de Calcehtok, just a few meters from the archaeological site of Oxkintok. In this adventure park, guests can trek and practice speleology and observation of the bats' exit, camping and climbing.
The Ruta Puuc Yucatan is a destination that captivates by maintaining a perfect warm climate
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