Welcome to Motul, a small city located in the Motul Municipality in the Mexican state of Yucatán. This charming city is located just 44 kilometers (27 miles) east of Mérida and serves as the municipal seat. With a population of 21,508 people in the town of Motul and 31,547 in the municipality, Motul is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
History:
Motul has a rich history dating back to the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is said to have been founded in the 11th century by a priest named Zac Mutul and was ruled by the Pech family. After the fall of Yucatán’s central government in Mayapan in the 1440s, the Pech ruled a regional kingdom called Cehpech with its capital in Motul. With the Spanish conquest of Yucatán, Conquistador Francisco de Montejo made Motul a Spanish colonial town. Today, Motul has a Spanish colonial era Franciscan monastery with interesting frescos. Motul was granted the status of a city on 22 February 1872. It was also the birthplace of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a former Governor of Yucatán who was assassinated in 1924. In his honor, the formal name of the city of Motul was changed to Motul de Carrillo Puerto.
Things to Do:
Motul is a city full of surprises and there are plenty of things to do here. One of the most popular things to do in Motul is to try the local cuisine. Motul is known as the place of origin of the popular dish huevos motuleños (eggs Motul style). This delicious dish is made with fried tortillas, refried beans, fried eggs, tomato sauce, and cheese. It is a must-try for anyone visiting Motul.
Another popular attraction in Motul is the Franciscan monastery. This beautiful colonial-era building is home to some interesting frescos and is a great place to learn about the history of the city.
Motul is also a great place to explore the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of hiking trails and nature reserves in the area, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
Motul is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and beautiful countryside, it is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So why not book your trip to Motul today and discover all that this charming city has to offer?