Maní is located southeast of the city of Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula, and among its many charms, one of the most special is Pachpakal, also known as a Maya Solar, home to the Living Museum dedicated to the Melipona bee.
This place is unique in the region and is an example of a traditional agricultural microsystem, where every member of the De La Cruz family works to conserve their land, each dedicating themselves to different practices.
Pachpakal is an educational space that promotes knowledge of the Maya solar. It begins with a guided tour to learn about the elements that make up each part of the Solar and their importance in relation to all the others.
The tour includes the meliponary, which houses the Kaab Cuatro Living Museum. Here, you can learn about 6 of the 17 species of stingless bees (meliponines) found on the peninsula, as well as the properties, uses, and benefits of their honey.
At Pachpakal, breakfasts, meals, and gatherings are offered by reservation. What is prepared and served is 70 to 80% produced in the Solar, while the rest comes from local producers and seasonal products. The food is fresh, freshly harvested, and an excellent example of local cuisine.
You can also sign up for workshops on transforming melipona honey into products such as soaps, creams, and shampoo, as well as other Solar products including preserves, pickles, sauces, and delicious artisanal ice creams made with seasonal fruit.
If you are interested in starting your own meliponary, you can sign up for workshops on breeding and managing the melipona beecheii bee and learn all the care and processes required to protect this wonderful species, which is sacred to Maya culture.
Don't miss a visit to Pachpakal when you go to Yucatán. There is also a Temazcal and a camping area for those who want to experience life and work in community with the family and other visitors to Maní.
Community-based tourism is a central focus of this project, inviting all travelers to immerse themselves fully in the site's community dynamics.
In addition to getting to know the family home, Pachpakal invites you to spend time with the rest of the system made up of local plants and animals. Book your visit or stay with José at +52 997 128 7200
