Yucatán highlights the historic sites of Ucú and Itzamkanac

The municipality of Ucú, west of Mérida in the Mexican state of Yucatán, is noted for its Mayan name meaning “the seven moons.” Visitors can reach the town in about 25 minutes via the Mérida‑Tetiz highway and enjoy its central church, nearby historic haciendas and natural scenery that contrast with the nearby urban growth.

Nearby, the archaeological complex of Itzamkanac (also called El Tigre) was once the great capital of the Chontal Maya’s Acalán‑Tixchel region. Although only a few of its five plazas have been restored for public access, the site includes large stepped pyramids, altars, a ballcourt and architectural influences from Petén, Teotihuacán and central Mexico. Itzamkanac is historically significant as the place where Hernán Cortés executed the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc in 1525, yet it remains little‑visited by tourists.

Both locations illustrate the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Yucatán’s lesser‑known historic towns and Maya ruins.