Camino del Mayab

Camino del Mayab is a 110-km (68 mile) hiking and biking trail through the heart of historic Maya country in the jungles of Yucatán. The itinerary follows ancient Maya roadways, called sacbeob and passes near traditional Maya villages, deep cenotes will clear, cold water where you can swim and get a break from the jungle heat, as well as historic henequen haciendas that recall Mexico's colonial past. It is intended as a "slow travel" itinerary for travelers to experience Maya traditions and the natural wonders of the Yucatan.

The trail first opened in 2020 as a 86-km route (53 miles) but has expanded over the years, including an extension that takes it all the way into Merida (in the past, hikers started in a nature reserve outside the city). As of 2026, it is a 110-km route, mostly on historic Maya sacbeob, but with sections that are rural dirt backroads. Although surface roughness varies by section, the entire route is flat with no hills, so the biggest challenge is potentially high temperatures and very high humidity.

It is a tropical climate with hot temperatures all year-round. Even in winter months, day time highs can reach 40°C. The hottest month is May with average high temperatures of 43°C. Very high humidity is normal and rains particularly common in the summer months (June to October). Most days in the summer will experience a period of thunderstorms with heavy rain, but rarely will the rains persist.

The best time of year to hike or bike the Camino del Mayab is the winter period, which is referred to as the "dry season" in the Yucatan. Temperatures are usually a few degrees cooler in the winter, but cold temperatures should not be expected.

The trail is inland so does not experience coastal breezes, but most of the route passes through dense forest with shade to provide some relief from the hot sun.

Costs vary depending on length of your trip and what services you require. The most basic passport to the Camino costs about M$1000 (US$50). Most travelers will opt for guide services and additional support services. A 5-day "all in" package can cost up to M$15,000 (about US$800) and is the best deal for travelers seeking an authentic, meaningful experience with few logistical worries. The money supports the Maya communities.

The camino is managed by a Maya community collective. They operate an information office in Merida and can provide guides (recommended), arrange overnight stays (not always camping), transport luggage between overnight stops, and arrange meal stops in Maya villages. They can also arrange rental mountain bikes with fat tires for visitors who would rather ride than walk.

Office: Calle 64A #530 Colonia Centro, Mérida

Website: Camino del Mayab

Some hikers choose not to use the services of the Camino del Mayab community. Not doing so will make for a much more grueling experience because you'll have to pack camping supplies, food and large quantities of water and walking up to 25 km per day with 100 kg of gear on your back in a climate where 95% humidity and 95°F temperatures (35°C) is a recipe for trouble unless you are very fit and have trained for difficult conditions.

A traveler on one of the guided treks will carry only a small daypack because the heavy supplies are transported each day by van to the next campsite and local indigenous communities will supply meals along the way, avoiding the need to carry extensive supplies.

Hikers can prepare themselves by starting a heat-acclimatization and cardio regimen several weeks before the hike. Pack lightweight, quick-drying long clothes, at least 4 liters of water daily, a LifeStraw or similar filtration device can purify shaky water sources (like water from a cenote), and an old fashioned printed map would be wide as GPS navigation can be uncertain when you get away from urban areas with good cell coverage. Hikers using the guide services should follow the guide's advice about what to carry (but should still prepare themselves for the prospect of sweating profusely each day).

The nearest commercial airport is Merida International Airport (MID). See Mérida for more info about transportation options.

Most days begin with walking a section of the trail. Sections average about 20 km. Hiking begins early in the morning before the sun gets too hot and will typically include activities that involve natural explorations like a bird-watching walk or swimming in a cenote, or sometimes cultural immersion, like learning to cook typical Mayan dishes under the practiced eye of a village matron.

The route is intended to culminate in a visit to Mayapan, but due to an ongoing legal battle, the site is temporarily closed and an alternative nearby endpoint is a Mayan ceremony in an underground cenote.

Adequate hydration will be critical in Hot weather, so prepare to carry several litres of water. and avoid getting dehydrated.

You will be in the shade of jungle foliage during much of the day, but there will inevitably be places where you are exposed to direct sun. Wear hats or sunblock to protect yourself from the sun.

• Walking the Mayan Camino del Mayab - September 2025 in The Guardian
• How a jungle hike can help ailing Maya communities - April 2024 in National Geographic

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