Coox Mayab

Co'ox Mayab (Spanish for “Let's go to the Mayab”) is a union of community tourism cooperatives committed to the sustainable practice of responsible, supportive, fair and conscious tourism throughout the state of Yucatan.

Merida, Mexico

ABOUT COOX MAYAB

Who are we?

We are a union of cooperative societies committed to the sustainable practice of tourism responsible, supportive, fair and conscientious in Yucatan. We promote:

A passenger car responsible that considers good tourism practices that reduce the impact generated by the activity.
A meeting solidarity solidarity that opens the approach to social reality and coexistence, promoting intercultural dialogue.
A retailer just where public and private institutions cooperate with local organizations to ensure an equitable distribution of the benefits generated by tourism.
A trip aware as an experience that contributes to personal growth, through the coexistence between the visitor, the locals and the biocultural heritage.

Why community-based tourism?

Community-based tourism is practiced in rural or indigenous contexts and its ultimate goal is to improve the living conditions of local communities. In these projects, community members are responsible for the planning, operation and management of tourism projects; The distribution of the benefits derived from tourism activities.

We believe in community-based tourism because, for the members, it is a way of to earn additional income without abandoning their daily activities, taking advantage of, preserving and revaluing culture and natural resources of its environment. All of this contributes to the local economy and ultimately is a tool for empowerment for communities to take ownership of their resources.

The visit to a community should be planned in advance, so that the hosts can organize themselves to combine their activities (traditional and tourist) and offer a quality service to visitors.

Our trips

Xíimbal (travel): Get to know our proposals for day trips, The most requested are designed for a faster and more efficient organization, with activities such as:
- Swimming in Cenote.
- Boat ride.
- Community Workshops.
- Interaction with native bees.
- Gastronomic Workshops.
- Sport Fishing.
- Visit to archaeological sites.
- Bike Trails.
- Birdwatching.
- Traditional Toys.
- Visit the Milpa Maya.
- Organic Orchards and Plots
Kaanbal (Learn) - Educational trips in Yucatan:
Specialized trips for groups of university students and professors looking for real learning scenarios, where the topics seen in the classroom are complemented with the different realities experienced in Yucatan, combining recreational activities in the cooperatives, animation dynamics and talks related to the topics of interest of the groups, both with members of the cooperatives and with academics and local authorities, making the trip a more enriching experience on a personal, professional and academic level.
Tsíikbal (coexistence) - Rural tourism in Yucatan:
Trips that offer an immersive travel experience to the rural Yucatan through nature and rural tourism activities, sleeping in different communities and getting a glimpse of local life as you travel along trails, canals, beaches, cenotes and archaeological sites throughout the region, experiencing the perfect combination of cultural and nature activities in the company of members of local cooperatives.
Kiiwik (meeting) - Logistics and Group Events:We offer experiences designed for groups of more than 20 people looking for a meeting space with durations adapted to each project. Enjoy comprehensive lodging, food and transportation services, with capacity to receive up to 50 people in our partner communities and more than 100 people in the city of Merida, designed especially for Civil Society Organizations (CSO), government institutions or companies, this service provides peaceful and disconnected environments that foster a deep integration among participants. Experience the perfect combination of professionalism and human warmth, facilitating teamwork within quiet and authentic spaces throughout the region.

Our Services

Agrotourism
Archaeology
Bird watching
Cabins
Camping
Mountain biking
Cultural
Ecotourism
Caving
Ethno-tourism
Nature excursions
Research expeditions
Local festivals / fairs
Observation of natural attractions
Ecosystem observation
Fauna observation
Nature observation
Wildlife observation
Geological Observation
Sport fishing
Preparation and use of traditional medicine
Educational programs
Interpretive Hiking
Craft workshops
Gastronomic workshops
Geological Tours
Gastronomic Tourism
Indigenous Tourism
Research trips

See development level Only for registered users.

Emerging

Visitor Ready

Market Ready

Export Ready

Contact

ALEJANDRO MONTAÑEZ GIUSTINIANOVIC

Manager

On the Map

Testimonials

Samuel Gaffney

Co'ox Mayab Cooperative offered a rich and nuanced understanding of the Yucatan Peninsula over an 11-day tour. They were attentive and accommodating, including organizing vegetarian meals throughout which is no small feat in Mexico. Highlights included field trips with local apiculture producers and artisans, and gaining fresh perspectives on places that are often treated as purely touristic. The guides were lovely, smart, thoughtful, and multilingual, which made the experience even more rewarding. I would thoroughly recommend Co'ox Mayab for anyone seeking a more reflective and responsible way to experience the Yucatán.

5/5

Becki Marcus

We had an incredible experience visiting the Yucatan and seeing a Cenote through Co'ox Mayab! Our amazing guide Ananeus explained to us that the experience is part of a network of Mayan cooperatives. He instilled a genuine love for the place he calls home and an awe inspiring experience of natural wonder. We heard many interesting stories en route. Afterwards we enjoyed a traditional heartwarming meal.

5/5

Melissa Douglas

Unfortunately the owner sends belittling nasty comments to strangers online also living in the Yucatan, to patronise and "gatekeep" - apparently she has superior knowledge to all of us whom have been living here for many years. This isn't a professional attitude if you work in the tourism industry and this wouldn't be a tour company I'd ever recommend.

1/5

Itzel Tapia Rocha

We recently took a community tour to Ek Balam with the agency and loved the experience. We opted to book transportation with them from Mérida to make things easier, and our driver was very friendly and punctual. Since it was practically a private tour, we enjoyed it even more. We visited the Ek Balam archaeological site and a cenote, but what we enjoyed most, and what we really wanted to see, was the community of Unajil. There, we learned how to make hammocks, embroidery techniques, and tortillas, all demonstrated by the community members. My boyfriend's family (French nationals) were very happy with the experience and greatly appreciated the activities. Thank you to everyone, and especially to our guide in the community, who was always very patient and understanding, even though not everyone speaks perfect Spanish. It's a very interesting project they're running, as this type of tourism isn't very popular in Yucatán, and it could greatly support Mayan communities and the preservation of their traditions. Many thanks to all the agency staff who were always very attentive from the moment we requested information until the tour itself. We definitely recommend them highly and they will be a great option for a future trip to Yucatan ✨.

5/5

Mariciana Zorzi

Traveling with Co'ox was the best choice; everything was organized, and the team is very committed and responsible. Community-based and responsible tourism, without a doubt! It's well worth it. A great experience I'll never forget!

5/5