The Convents Route in Yucatan
The Convents Route is an extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path, itinerary that crosses the central-western part of Yucatan, passing through some of the most magnificent colonial convents and various Mayan villages. It is also intertwined with the Ruta Puuc, where you can explore Mayan archaeological sites and some beautiful cenotes.
Most of these churches were built by the Franciscans who reached this part of the world in 1524, to evangelize the local population.
This is the perfect route for those who want to immerse themselves in the life and traditions of less touristy Mexico and learn about the history of the Yucatan.
TICUM
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| Ticum church |
Not much information can be found about the Ticum church, but it was the first one we came across while driving from the Caribbean coast to Uxmal, and we loved it. It has the typical charm of the abandoned places where nature has gradually integrated with architecture.
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| Ticum church |
TEKAX
The parish of San Juan Bautista, located in the center of the municipality of Tekax, has at least four centuries of history, and it is just 40 years 'younger' than its convent, which was one of the first Franciscan buildings in that part of Yucatán.
San Juan Bautista church, Tekax
An inscription engraved on one of the stones indicates that the old convent was built in 1564, as reported by Fray Alonso Ponce, who visited the place in 1588. It was a small house without a cloister, several cells and a room for the Blessed Sacrament, and also had five chapels.
The parish of San Juan Bautista, located in the center of the municipality of Tekax, has at least four centuries of history, and it is just 40 years 'younger' than its convent, which was one of the first Franciscan buildings in that part of Yucatán.
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| San Juan Bautista church, Tekax |
An inscription engraved on one of the stones indicates that the old convent was built in 1564, as reported by Fray Alonso Ponce, who visited the place in 1588. It was a small house without a cloister, several cells and a room for the Blessed Sacrament, and also had five chapels.
YOTHOLIN
This church, dating from 1751, has a peculiar façade that includes space for 16 bells in four rows, testifying to the care involved in its construction.
Some researchers report that it was initially dedicated to San Buenaventura, but its inhabitants and other specialists point out that it was in the name of San Francisco de AsÃs. The confusion, apparently, is due to the similarity between the two saints.
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| Yotholin church |
MANI
Easy to say that Manà is one of the most representative and important places on the Convents Route in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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| Mani convent |
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| Mani convent |
It was in this place that Fray Diego de Landa asked for the destruction of hundreds of traditional objects and documents, to convert the natives. Later, when he became aware of his mistake, he started writing to document everything he had observed before ordering it destroyed.
CHUMAYEL
Chumayel is mainly famous for being the place of conservation of some of the 9 books of Chilam Balám, the sacred book of the Maya.
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| Chumayel church |
The church of this town, marked by the distinct architecture brought by the first Spaniards, is equally famous because inside it contains a revered Black Christ.
MAMA
Another of the emblematic places of the Convents Route of Yucatan, which is known for its fine bell tower and its altar, as well as its back garden, which we recommend not to be missed.
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| Mama church |
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| Mama church, interiors |
TECOH
Few places in the world can enjoy the privilege of combining history, culture, and natural beauty; Tecoh is one of those places.
Here it is possible to visit a church and a convent dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, built on the basis of a Mayan pyramid.
The 17th-century church contains an impressive altar, a sculpture of the Virgin covered in gold foil, and paintings depicting biblical passages.
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| Tecoh church |
The last week of May, Tecoh hosts the Hammock Festival: an unmissable event!
ACANCEH
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| Acanceh church |
Acanceh is a colorful Mexican city that impresses with its architectural mix.
In the central square are the Great Mayan Pyramid and the Palacio de los Estucos, with masks dedicated to the God of the Sun, and the Parish of Our Lady of the Nativity with the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The church, dating back to the 16th century, is distinguished by its yellow structure and its still working clock.
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| Acanceh pyramid |
The park hosts a statue of a deer, which honors the native name of this city (Acanceh means "deer groan") and it's the perfect place to stop for a break and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this town.
TIPS AND INFO:
1. The ideal would be to combine the Convents Route with the Puuc Route, in a circular itinerary of a couple of days, although it is also possible to do it as we did, driving from the Caribbean coast to Merida with a stop near Uxmal.
2. Most of the churches have a schedule from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon and admission is free, although the hours are not always observed.
3. Keep in mind that the visits will not take you more than 20-30 minutes each.
4. The best way to explore this route is by car.
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