Tixkokob: Discover churches, crafts, and cenotes

Tixkokob offers a range of points of interest to consider when planning your trip: historic churches, hammock-making, market stalls, and cenotes amid lush vegetation. This brings built history and local craftsmanship into focus alongside a nature experience. Which of these aspects you give more weight to depends on the specific features of the town.

Churches and local history

At the center of Tixkokob is the Ex-Convento y Templo de San Bernardino, built by the Franciscan order. The Iglesia de San Bernardino de Siena in Tixkokob is a colonial church built in the 17th century. Two details can help you orient yourself: the Ex-Convento is in the town center and was built by the Franciscan order; the Iglesia is historically situated by its date of construction and colonial character. This lets you consider both the specific local connection and the historical period when exploring the town’s cultural history.

Market and hammock-making

Hammocks made from cotton or nylon threads are sold at the Tixkokob market. The styles include swing seats and models for lying down; braided chairs in various sizes and designs are also available. The specific selection may vary. When comparing items, you can look at the material and shape of the hammocks, and the size and design of the chairs. A seat model and a hammock for lying down suit different uses, while the braided chairs can be compared by size and style. These are concrete details to consider if you are interested in the different crafts on offer at the market.

In residents’ homes, hammocks are woven entirely by hand. If you would like to learn about how they are made, as well as their materials or shapes, you can ask a craftsperson to demonstrate the weaving process. This lets you explore two different aspects of hammocks: choosing a product and the craft itself. The demonstration is an opportunity you can request directly from a craftsperson.

A breakfast event at the market

The traditional breakfast event “Panucheando” was held for the first time in December 2024 in the plaza in front of the municipal market. Local families and tourists took part; the municipality invited people to attend on the following Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Unlike the market’s goods, the focus here was on sharing breakfast. The invitation applied to the Sundays after the first event. If you would like to plan your trip around “Panucheando,” check the current dates in advance.

Cenotes and nature

The cenotes of Tixkokob are unique freshwater sinkholes on the Yucatán Peninsula, surrounded by lush vegetation. They offer a refreshing and relaxing nature experience. Unlike the churches and hammock-making, this topic draws attention to fresh water and the surrounding natural environment. It offers a distinct nature-focused option alongside architectural history and local craftsmanship. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are more interested in historic buildings, textile crafts, market offerings, or the cenotes.

Discover more destinations: Carolina, Ticum, Tibolón, Yokdzonot, Uayma, Chelem, San José, Muna

For the broader travel overview: Yucatán.