Welcome to Espita Yucatan

Mention Espita, and most people will admit they have never heard of it, much less visited. Yet this quiet town preserves some of the most authentic traditions of the Yucatán, offering visitors a genuine window into regional culture and daily life in Mexico. Espita welcomes guests with warmth and sincerity, inviting them to spend a few days exploring its surroundings, absorbing its atmosphere, and experiencing its heritage—free from the overly touristic environments found elsewhere in the region.

Since tourism is not a major industry in Espita, it might seem daunting to plan a visit and try to figure everything out. Many people drive into small towns like this and think there is nothing to see or have a hard time trying to figure out where to go and what to see. We have you covered! We have prepared a video that tells you what to see in and around Espita, where is good to stay and places for all three meals for your visit to Espita. 

Our Everything About Espita Video

The Pre-Hispanic Past of Espita

In the ancient past this was an area of Maya inhabitants, and it was a Maya city complete with temples.  All of the Maya temples were used to construct the colonial structures starting from the 1520’s. Yet the countryside to this day is dotted with Mayan ruins. On an interesting note, buildings that have the square stones exposed on the corner give homage that they were originally carved by Mayas in the past. You will see this on a few buildings in town.

The very name, Espita, is a Mayan word (Xpitha) that means “the place of little water”. This refers to the fact that there are not many cenotes or natural access to water. It was not until wells were made that people had good access to ground water. Today you can see many wells around town, many on street corners.

A town for real people, not tourists

One thing you will notice is that there is not one tourist store here. Unlike small colonial cities like Valladolid and Izamal, Espita is not on a main tourist route. Even though it is close to Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, it is not on the route from the major tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya or Merida.

This however should not prevent you from visiting. This town offer a real working town where people go about business each day and a place where traditions live. The outside world is not as imposing here. The deep Maya roots and country life live on in the dress of people and the festivals. One of the more popular times is from December 19-January 2 when all of the town comes out for festivals.

What to see in Espita

San Jose Church

The Church of San Jose is in the center of town and the most identifiable building in Espita. Step inside to see the high ceilings and modest center of worship for the town. This is usually open early mornings and late evenings to visit. Note: Many things in Espita close from 1:30pm-4:30pm including the Cathedral.

The exact age of the church is not known. It has been rebuilt and repaired and mostly is a church from the mid 1700’s. It is very similar to on the one in Valladolid. The church bell of Espita is about 940 years old and has a unique ring to it, which is still used today. 

The Market

The small market is charming to see especially in the morning as people go about shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables. You will also see fresh meat hanging and you might just be transported back intime when markets were fresh. the best time to visit is in the mornings daily and especially on Saturday and Sunday when more people are in the market and there is more energy in the center of town. 

At small tables you will find many products grown or made in Espita. Many of these things have influences the local recipes and diet of the people of Espita. 

Visit the Main Park Called Melcor Ocampo

The main park in Espita has mature trees that shade visitors and benches to sit and watch life go by. There is a bandstand in the center of the park, and it is here where many of the towns culture events and celebrations take place. In the main park are large letters that spell out ESPITA. This is a good photo opportunity. 

To check for local events and celebrations, the City Hall of Espita Facebook page is a good source of information. 

Take a Taximoto Tour

Next to the park and also by the market you can find the iconic taxies of Espita. They are called taximotos because they are half a motorcycle and half cart for riders. These are the main taxis of the town and cost 10 pesos to anywhere in Espita. You can ask any driver to take you around Espita. A possible tour itinerary is: leave the main park and go past the honey store. Here you can see local products and buy some honey. Pass by the old train station which is now a second cultural center for the town. Then stop by the town cemetery which dates back to the late 1800’s. You can get out and walk about the cemetery to see the graves and colorful way people celebrate death. The take the taximoto back to the center. A driver will charge about 60-100 pesos depending on how many stops and how long the tour lasts. 

What Espita lacks in museums and tourist attractions it makes up in real life living and charming moments that you encounter while walking around. Many of the homes have gardens with fruit trees as well as turkeys and chickens. Visit some of the side streets around the center square and you never know what you might see.

Cenote Atun-toh

This is the only cenote in the town of Espita. It is located just outside the center on Rancho Santa Maria. The cenote is a 4 minute walk from where you park. This cenote is in a cave and has steep steps down into it. There are lights in the cenote and the owners will guide you. The cenote itself is very small, but what makes it special is the private experience you will have while there. It is also interesting to see the Maya artifacts that were found in this cave. 

Since this cenote is not open all the time, a reservation is needed so the owners can arrange a visit. You can text a message to 986-866-7991. It is best to text in Spanish or at least use google translate if you do not speak Spanish. The cost is 150 pesos per person. 

What to see around Espita

Since there are some good boutique hotels in Espita, you might want to use Espita ss a base and explore some of the local area. We have made a guide with map to show you all the things locally to do and explore. You can find our article on Espita daytrips here. 

Where to stay in Espita Yucatan

In recent times there have not been too many places to stay in Espita. This is changing as more people discover the area. There are several inexpensive posada guesthouses, Airbnb’s, and cabins on the outskirts of town and the two boutique hotels in Espita. 

Posadas

Posadas are small family run hotels that offer basic accommodation. Most of the time they are about $30-$40 USD a night. These posadas are not on hotel booking sites. So you do need to call the numbers to make a reservation. 

• Posada Paola is a small guest house just south of the church. Phone: 986 116 6122 Facebook page. 
• Posada Georgina is another small and basic hotel with good value. This is near the entrance of Espita from Calotmul on the east side. 986 100 3968
• Posada San Jorge is another small guest house. This is just on the south side of the church as well. Phone: 999 711 6636 Facebook page. 

Boutique Hotels in Espita

These two hotels offer our readers a 10% off if you book directly with them. Use their websites listed below to contact them and reserve. Use the code VisitEspita when asked for the discount code. 

• Casona Los Cedros is a boutique hotel that will change the face of tourism in Espita. It opened in December of 2020. This is a beautiful place to spend some time exploring the area. The hotel is designed by a French architect and has 9 rooms. Also on the property is the Casona Restaurant that has all three meals a day. The hotel is a tranquil spot in the center of Espita with an infinity pool. You can also see their Facebook page here to search for upcoming events and special meals at the Casona Restaurant. 
• Boutique Hotel Casa K’acaya is a 6-room boutique hotel in the center of Espita. It offers great quality and a laid-back feel. Meals are available on request, and this small hotel makes a great spot for families or small groups. The owner is a Spanish interior designer and this shows in this hotel. 

Places to eat in Espita

Espita does not have many restaurants to eat at so planning ahead is key to making your stomach happy. it also will allow you to enjoy some really good authentic food. We have included the opening times and best time to visit each place. 

Restaurants in Espita at the boutique hotels

Casona Restaurant in the Cedros Boutique Hotel is open daily for all three meals. Reservations are recommended because sometimes there are special events. Making a reservation the day before also helps them source local ingredients, so you have fresh meals, and all the menu is available. Below is a dinner menu, ask for the current menu when you contact them. Check for availability by calling or sending WhatsApp to 986-114-3220.

Casa K’acaya Hotel also is open to the public daily from 8am-11am, 2pm-5pm, and dinner is available 8pm-10pm. Below is the lunch/dinner menu. It is good to call ahead so the restaurant can be prepared. Their number is 986-114-2633

Where to eat in Espita

If you are not eating at one of the boutique hotels here are some options in Espita. 

Breakfast

In the market you can find salbutes, panuchos, tortas, juices, fruit plates, and queso birrias (a taco with cheese and birria). Just a few blocks out of the center is Rauls taco restaurant. On the google maps it is labeled MKTacos. There are about 8 different tacos you can get with handmade tortillas. There are very limited drink options. 

Lunch 

In the market you can visit the corner where two women cook a menu of the day. Plates are about 70 pesos each and you get some really good authentic food. The place is very small and has a counter to eat at or you can get take away. 

El Tio Chepi is a nice family run restaurant outside fo the center (see our map below). This restaurant is open from 12 noon to about 2 pm when they start to run out of food. This restaurant is open from Monday to Friday.

Dinner

The market is going to be a good option again for getting some basic local foods. You can find sopes, tacos, and tortas in the evening in the market. The market opens around 6:30pm and closed up around 9pm. 

on Tuesday nights in the main park is when locals set up tables to sell food. Most things are only 15-20 pesos each. There are no gourmet options but just local food that you can enjoy in the park. 

If you do what pizza there is a place just two blocks from the church. The Poch Pizza Restaurant on Calle 27 is open at 7pm at night. The pizza is pretty good and there are a lot of options (most with ham).

Our map of Espita

All of the places mentioned in this article are on this map for you. We hope you enjoy visiting.

How to get to Espita

Most people out exploring the Yucatan this deep will be driving. If you are driving here most people come from the 295 road that goes from Valladolid to Tizimin. The road from Calotmul is a narrow country road with some speed bumps, so take it slow and watch out for them.

Public transportation to Espita

Here is how to get to Espita if you are not driving.

• From Valladolid you can take any Tizimin bound bus and get off in the town of Calotmul. From there you can take a taxi from the taxi stand there or wait for the colectivo van that comes from Tizimin enroute to Espita. A taxi is about 80 pesos and colectivo about 40 pesos from Calotmul to Espita.
• From Tizimin you can take the colectivos that are parked by the Electra store behind the main Cathedral.
• From Merida and Izamal there is a Noreste bus that passes in the morning on a daily basis.
• If you are going to Valladolid you can catch the Noreste bus from the bus stop direct once daily. This is approximately at 10am. You can ask in the bus office for a ticket and current time.
• Leaving Espita you can also catch a colectivo to the 295 road. These colectivos are parked next to Super Willys supermarket. These leave to Tizimin or you can take them to Calotmul and then wait for a bus going to Valladolid.

Weather in Espita

When most people hear “the Yucatan” they think hot weather. It is true most of the days are hot, but Espita has a secret. There is a large, wooded area around Espita that creates a microclimate. The days are the same as other areas, but the temperature drops in the night lower than other areas. To see some great charts of weather for Espita, check out this weather website. 

What is in the area to visit?

If you are in the area of Espita you can enjoy some of these places to visit.

• Valladolid is the largest nearby town to visit. It is also colonial and has more things to see.
• Tizimin is slightly smaller than Valladolid and is less touristy. It does offer a few attractions and options for eating. 
• Tizimin is a similar size city to Valladolid but lacks a tourist infrastructure. There is however one interesting things to see there beside the main cathedral. It is the catacombs of Tizimin.
• Cenote Dzonotoch is about 25 minutes from Espita. 
• The nearby small town of Tahcabo has a very old church and Maya ruins to see.
• Ek Balam Mayan ruins are the largest ruins nearby.
• Cenote Xcajum is about 35 minutes from Espita. 
• Cenote Hubiku is in the town of Temozon. This is a large cenote you can swim at and visit the buffet restaurant.
• The colonial city of Izamal is to the west of Espita. Taking the backroads there will take you through quiet countryside.

Have you been to Espita Yucatan before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below, we would love to hear from you. Also if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments below. 

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Mr.Yucatan

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