Tizimin is a gateway to the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, so you might find yourself driving through this city. What things are there to do and see in Tizimin? You are in good hands because we have explored the area a great deal and we are going to put all the hidden treasure and things to see and do here so you can take advantage of the area when visiting.
Tizimín, Yucatan
We will be honest with you and tell you that most tourists do not spend the night in Tizimin because it is more a working city that is surrounded by ranches, rather than a full-on tourist destination. With that said, there are some interesting things to see, and it is not too touristy, so you can feel like you are getting a more authentic look at life in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Even though Tizimin is the 3rd largest city in the Yucatan, it is not that touristy compared to number two, Valladolid. Tizimin is only slightly smaller but lacks much of the tourist infrastructure that Valladolid has.
What is there to see in Tizimin?
Tizimín has a few things that are of interest to tourists.
- The main plaza in the center of town has recently been renovated to be a little more attractive. There are large trees and seating in the park. Around the park you can find the Tizimin letters, The main church, City Hall, and a few restaurants.
- Iglesia de los Tres Reyes Magos (Church of the Three Kings) is on the main plaza. This 17th-century colonial church is dedicated to the Three Wise Men (Reyes Magos), the town’s patron saints. The Tres Reyes Magos are central to Epiphany celebrations on January 6 (Día de Reyes). Children often receive gifts from the kings, and parades or festivals are held in their honor—especially in towns like Tizimín, Yucatan, where the celebration is one of the largest in the region. This is also when the fair is held, see below for more info about this.
- The Catacombs. This is not as dark and mysterious as you might think and not true catacombs, but rather a playful project someone made in their backyard. Just a few blocks from the center is the house that has an entrance to these carved out caves. See more in our article here about the catacombs of Tizimin.
- Parque Zoológico La Reyna. This small park with zoo is something that is good for young children. There are mainly local animals here. A small train offers rides though the park for a few pesos. The zoo is free and open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-5:00pm.
- The Feria de Reyes is the large annual fair. If you have not been to a fair in Yucatan State, you are in for a trip down memory lane. The Feria de Reyes has rides, farm animal competition, and all the fair food you remember as a kid. This fair highlights the local ranching traditions. The fair is held on the west side of town on the fairgrounds. During the same time there are other events in town like bullfighting. The fair takes place in January around the date of January 6th which is the Dia de Reyes. Each year the exact dates change a little, but if you are traveling around this time, you have a couple of weeks to see the fair.
What things are near to Tizimín to see?
In order of distance from Tizimín, here are some of the natural spots, mayan ruins and seaside towns that you can visit on an easy daytrip or less than a 1.5-hour drive from Tizimín.
Cenotes
Cenote Kikil & Cathedral with no roof
Just 10 minutes north of Tizimin on the 295 you find this open cenote. This is the closest cenote to town, but not the most beautiful in our opinion. One of the things that makes this area interesting is the old cathedral that is now a museum of sorts. The roof has collapsed, which makes for interesting photos. In the adjacent building there is a collection of local artifacts. There is a small fee for the entrance here. There are a few local food stalls nearby if you want a quick bite to eat.
Cenote Acancun
This cenote is about 30 minutes out of town between Sucila and Panaba. This cenote is about 50 meters deep and is semi closed. What is interesting is seeing the mid-day sunshine enter the cenote and light up the depths of this cenote. There is a jump at this cenote and areas to sit above the cenote. Here is a link to the Cenote Acancun Facebook page.
Cenote Armadillo
This cenote is also about 30 minutes outside of Tizimin near Sucila. This is a smaller cenote that is in a cave on a ranch. It is a nice cenote that usually does not have many visitors. Here is a link to the Cenote Armadillo Facebook page for more information.
Cenote Dzonotoch
This cenote is about 30 minutes west of Tizimín on the 176. the cenote is mostly enclosed and have clear water. There are a few other caves and things to see on this ranch as well. See our article about Cenote Dzonotoch here for more info.
Beaches to visit nearby
These areas are the more visited parts of the peninsula and probably why people are going through Tizimin.
Rio Lagartos
This is the main town of the three listed here. Rio Lagartos is a jumping off point for eco tours to see crocodiles and flamingos among other wildlife. The beach here is reached by small boat and the beaches are rustic with no services. Rio Lagartos is about 45 minutes north of town.
San Felipe
San Felipe is a small fishing village known for its colorful painted houses. This is a good place to go the beach or take some eco tours. The beach is accessed by small boat. You can find hammock rentals and palapas at the beach. On the weekend there is food service at the beach, otherwise take a picnic or eat in town. San Felipe is 50 minutes north of town.
Las Coloradas
Las coloradas is most known for the pink lakes which are actually salt producing ponds. This area is the second largest in Mexico but better known for tourists taking pictures of the pink water. There are several areas to access the beach here. There are no services at the beach. In town you can find a few local seafood restaurants which give you a good flavor of the place. Las Coloradas is 1 hour north of Tizimin.
Mayan ruins near Tizimin
Ek Balam
You probably have heard of these ruins since they are one of the top four ruins visited from the Riviera Maya. Ek Balam ruins are not as big or famous as Chichen Itza, but they are interesting and the last of the big four ruins that you can climb. You can enjoy these ruins with less people around and even take in the cenote located near the ruins. Ek Balam ruins are about 40 minutes south of Tizimin.
Kuluba ruins
Thes ruins are cool to visit because hardly anyone knows they are there. They officially opened to the public, but still are way off the radar. The ruins themself consist of a few buildings, but they are detailed and interesting. If you visit here, be sure to use bug spray. The ruins are in and around cow fields and there are many insects. See more in our Kuluba ruins article here. These ruins are about 40 minutes east of Tizimin.
Other attractions
Espita, a colonial Pueblo Mágico
Just about 30 minutes from Tizimín is the charming colonial town of Espita, Yucatan. This town recently became a Pueblo Mágico, which is a special designation of the Mexican government for places that hold cultural or other significance. This small town feature a lot of local traditions and is a peaceful place to visit. There are two good boutique hotels in this town that might even be a good option for exploring the area. See more in our article about Espita here.
Tahcabo town & ruins
Tahcabo is a small town south of Tizimin, near Calotmul. The town is very tiny and surrounds a church and ancient pyramid of the Mayas. The Church is interesting because it dates back to the 1500’s and is un ruins. Next to it looks like a mound but is actually a pyramid. These are the two random things to see in this town.
What are some good restaurants to eat at?
Here are two restaurants in town to check out and two that are just outside of Tizimín that are interesting to eat at. Since Tizimin is not a big tourist destination, many restaurants are local.
- Tres Reyes Restaurant. This is a real Yucatecan restaurant that serves up local dishes. This restaurant has been around for years and offers decent prices and a really local feel. The atmosphere is local, small snacks for the table. a good place to have a beer with your meal and enjoy the restaurant without air-conditioning. This iconic restaurant is right on the main plaza in town next to the AKI supermarket. Here is the link to the Tres Reyes Restaurant.
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Casa Makech is new to the restaurant scene in Tizimin. This restaurant is good for locals that want a nice place to eat and for tourists that want a nice setting and good options for eating. This restaurant has inside and garden dining options with a large international menu. For more about Casa Makech see their Facebook page here.
Restaurants just near Tizimin to eat at
- Cafe Estacion 1888. This restaurant is south of Tizimin on 295 in Calotmul. This roadside cafe is charming and offers a full menu of coffees, breakfast, light lunch items and wood fired pizzas on the weekend. Here is a link to the Cafe Estacion 1888 Facebook page.
- El Chaparral. West of Tizimin on the 176 road in Sucila is El Chaparral. This is about 15 minutes outside of Tizimin, so this can be a good option if you are coming or going from Merida or to one of the cenotes nearby. This is a lunch restaurant that is open Monday to Saturday. El Chaparral is a roadside restaurant that features a lot of local products from the nearby ranches. You can find local made cheeses or justa authentic hearty plates of food. This is not a good option for vegetarians, but good for foodies that like finding real food that you cannot find other places.
What hotels are good in Tizimin?
Since this is not a tourist destination, hotels tend to local, no frills and inexpensive. You can find hotels as chepa at $35 USD a night here. Just be sure when searching to make sure it is in town. The municipality is large, and many hotel websites will list hotels in the area, but they can be hours outside of town.
If you search on Airbnb you can find some ranches and places you might not think to stay at. Some options are good for people looking for something interesting and better than the hotels in the center of Tizimin.
Most people just pass through Tizimín for the day. Staying in the beach communities or in Valladolid will give you better options for hotels.
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