The House of the Native Trees
The source of Campeche's iconic headwear is a cave outside of Calkini and a first step into the region's illustrious forested heritage and a chance to gaze at a sky you've never quite encountered like this.
La Casita de los árboles nativos (House of the Native Trees) is a small local community center in Bécal, Campeche. About 15 minutes north of the Tren Maya station at Calkini, the town is tiny and surprisingly well-known for the local museum and a fountain in the shape of the hats that come from here.
The Casita may be even better known. They welcome guests from all over the world who come for a surprising number of unique activities:
Typical tours start with the traditional chaya leaf drink, and an exploration of the best known trees endemic to the area. Guests end up in the orchards, to discuss farming, and ancient agro-forestry. This part even includes some of the legends and tales of these forests. Before sunset, the group moves into a traditional Maya-style dwelling, to learn about construction and traditional living. Now armed with some knowledge of local timber and forestry, you get a lot more out of it.
When the night sky is fully ready, guests can use telescopes to better understand the Maya relationship with the stars and local agriculture. By this time, people from the community will be serving dinner from the K'óoben brick stove with lots that is fresh from the surrounding gardens. The whole thing is sustainable and unforgettable.
For guests who make a reservation, La Casita will send a car to the train station to pick you up. Calkiní is about 15 minutes to the south, and it is a frequent stop for buses from both Campeche and from Mérida.
Contact:
Maestra Cessia Esther Chuc Uc
Fundación Chilibitos de Bécal
Benito Juárez, Bécal, Campeche, Mexico, 24934
Tel: 999 256 8363
jmaas@fad.unam.mx
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