Motul

Motul de Carrillo Puerto, is a remarkable and beautiful little town just east of Mérida. Not exactly a suburb, people are more likely to arrive from Mérida than from the Tixkokob station on the Tren Maya. The station is about a half hour to the southwest of the city center. 

The town is remarkably bright, clean, and looked after. In the startlingly clear air of Yucatan, it seems to shine that much more brilliantly. The town is named for Zac Mutul, a 10th century Maya priest who is associated with the first ruling dynasty in the town. Much later, Felipe Carillo Puerto was born here, and his name was added to the town name in 1924. He had been long famous as a governor of Yucatan, for his progressive policies and for his leadership during the Mexican Revolution. 

The town is still home to the giant monastery begun in 1567. And visitors stroll in the shadow of the monastery even today although the town church is dedicated to San Juan Bautista. But arguably, the town is still most famous for the Cenote Sambulá. 

Inside a little cave on the south side of the town, the cenote is some 30 meters long and eight wide. People visit as if it is but another park in the city, but the magic is palpable everywhere around. 

Motul is also famous for the huevos motuleños, meaning simply Motul Eggs. These are fried eggs served over re-fried black beans on a fried tortilla. A salsa usually accompanies the dish and a side of ham or  plantains bulks the whole thing out. As a breakfast, most visitors will find it essential.  

The Tixkokob station is increasingly the front door for Motul. But buses are arriving from all over, especially from Mérida. A taxi from the station to the very center of town takes only about 10 minutes.