Why Authentic Maya Culture Still Thrives in Maya Ka’an
From floating down old trade canals to sharing meals with Maya families, visitors to Mexico's newest Community Tourism Destination can experience the Yucatán's ancient ways.
Founded in 2014 by Maya families in Quintana Roo, the region of Maya Ka’an is a sustainable alternative to the resort corridor on the Caribbean coast. It has become one of Mexico's most meaningful places to experience Indigenous culture, which is why in 2026, the Mexican government named it one of the country's first three Community Tourism Destinations—sites where the National Tourism Development Fund is partnering with local organizations to develop a more robust tourism infrastructure.
The opening in 2024 of Tulum International Airport has also made the area more accessible, and the launch in 2023 of the Tren Maya, an intercity railway, makes it easier to reach inland Maya communities. At the heart of Maya Ka’an is the 1.3-million-acre UNESCO-listed Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which can be reached by road, canoe, or on foot. You’ll spot wildlife, share home-cooked meals with local families, paddle tranquil waterways, and discover centuries-old traditions.
(See all 25 of the destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2027.)
When to Go
Maya Ka'an offers community, cultural, nature, and wildlife experiences in all seasons and is worth visiting at any time of year. The most favorable weather conditions for wildlife observation, boating, and community visits are from December to August. September through November brings rain and the risk of hurricanes, but you’ll be rewarded with lush landscapes, vibrant ecosystems, and fewer visitors.
What to Do
Wander Muyil and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve:
Begin at the 2,000-year-old limestone temples and pyramids of the Muyil archaeological site before exploring Sian Ka'an, where mangroves, lagoons, and wetlands shelter hundreds of bird species, crocodiles, manatees, and other wildlife.
Discover History in Tihosuco:
One of the oldest towns in Quintana Roo, Tihosuco was a key site in the 19th-century Caste War, one of the longest Indigenous uprisings in the Americas, which saw the Maya fight the white and mestizo elite for their land, rights, and cultural survival.
Slow Down in Small Towns:
In the remote, rustic fishing enclave of Punta Allen, you’ll find a community that is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, living life at an appealingly languid pace. Boat through the Ascension Bay Reserve in search of dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and tropical birds. In the village of Señor in central Quintana Roo, you can spend the day with Maya hosts learning their traditional farming and cooking methods while listening to stories passed down through generations.
Experience a One-of-a-Kind Wildlife Spectacle:
Kantemó, a small town in western Quintana Roo, is best known for the Cave of the Hanging Snakes. At dusk, hundreds of the reptiles hang on the cave walls waiting to hunt bats as they emerge into the night. Guided experiences nearby include kayaking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Getting Around
The closest airports to Maya Ka’an are the Cancún International Airport and the Tulum International Airport, which connects to the Tren Maya. The train offers direct access to Maya Ka’an without having to navigate highway traffic. If you want to visit harder-to-reach forests, lagoons, and small towns, rent a four-wheel drive or hire a guide. In most villages you can also rent a bike or enlist a three-wheeled mototaxi to get around. Bring cash, as most businesses do not accept credit cards or digital transactions.
