Things to do in Espita

Espita is an attractive, small, quiet, colonial-era town in the east of Yucatan State and one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Magicos.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the area was home to the province of the Cupules. The town that we see today was established in the 16^th century, at around the same time as Valladolid to the south.

However, Espita’s heyday wasn’t until the 19^th century when the town was at the heart of a number of haciendas growing maize.

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During this period, many of the town’s most important buildings were built including the impressive Municipal Palace in the heart of town. Espita was even known as the ‘Athens of the Yucatan’ on account of its reputation as being a centre of culture and learning.

Alas, the second half of the 20^th century saw the collapse of the hacienda system and the prolonged decline of Espita. Wandering around town today, there are a still a number of abandoned buildings including, most poignantly, the town’s original hotel, now an atmospheric ruin just a short walk from the main square.

In terms of sites of interest and things to do, well, there really aren’t any of particular note. One can very happily and aimlessly explore the town in an hour or so but that is about it.

So why visit?

Many visitors to the area choose to stay in Valladolid (50kms to the south) and use the town, with its wide variety of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops as a base from which to explore the surrounding region.

Espita provides a somewhat similar option – minus the restaurants, bars and shops – and is ideally suited to those who prefer somewhere smaller, quieter and very much off the standard tourist trail.

From Espita, visitors can easily visit Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Tizimin, Izamal & Rio Lagartos not to mention a number of cenotes.

It also boasts a couple of wonderful accommodation options including our featured hotel, the lovely Casona Los Cedros.