Discover the Magic of Sisal, Yucatán: A Complete Guide to Visiting this Enchanting Town

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Sisal, one of Yucatan’s seven Magical Towns, is a small paradise hidden in the southeastern part of the country. This charming town emerges from cienagas, mangroves, and a calm sea with crystal-clear waters, ranging in tones from emerald, green to turquoise blue, perfect for indulging all your senses.

What can you do in Sisal, Magical Town?

Located on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Sisal exudes tranquility, giving the impression that time is moving at a slower pace. This unique splendor allows you to pause and reconnect with yourself, meditate, relax, walk along its docks, ride a bike, stroll through its white sand beach, swim, take a boat tour, snorkel, and engage in many other activities.

Here’s a complete guide that includes how to get to Sisal, which is part of the Hunucmá municipality in Yucatán, as well as a list of things you can do, discover, and enjoy.

Visit the Beach

Visiting Sisal’s Magical Town and strolling along its beaches is an experience like no other. Walking on the warm sand beneath your feet, which is intermittently bathed by the waves of the sea, while the gentle breeze caresses your face and plays with your hair, is a sensory delight that allows you to immerse yourself in a journey within to calm your mind or clarify your thoughts.

Afterward, it’s only natural to swim in its tranquil turquoise waters, take sunbathing breaks on the sand, appreciate the sunset as the day ends, which provides a spectacular backdrop with reddish glows. If you want to prolong this magnificent view, you can set up a campsite on the beach and marvel at the starry night sky.

Enjoy a Picnic on the Water

You can also enjoy Sisal in a different way by having a picnic amidst its crystal-clear waters, like on Isla Columpios, where you can savor a delicious meal while surrounded by warm water with a deep turquoise hue and your feet relaxing on the soft sand of the sea. There are tour operators that offer this experience in Sisal for 1,500 pesos per person, in an eco-friendly way without using plastic or disposable materials. They will transport you in a chalana canoe and it must be done in groups; of course, your taste buds will also enjoy the experience.

Are you a nature lover?

Then Magical Sisal, Yucatan, is the perfect destination for birdwatching, especially to spot pink flamingos that inhabit the waters of the wetlands, thanks to the abundance of insects, shrimp, plants, and algae that provide them with food.

To get up close and personal with these beautiful birds, you’ll need to book a guided tour, which costs between 2,000 and 2,150 pesos. Some tours even include meals.

But Sisal has much more to offer than just flamingos. Visit Casa Carlota, a historic hacienda where Empress Charlotte stayed on November 22, 1865, when she first set foot in Mexico. This charming house is surrounded by a large rectangular courtyard with arches and a unique design from the era.

Take some time to relax at the Charcas de Sisal Mirador, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets while spending quality time with your loved ones or friends. This peaceful spot is perfect for calming your mind and recharging your batteries.

For the more adventurous types, there’s kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, and fishing to explore the mangrove forests of Sisal. The cost of the tour starts at 600 pesos per person, and you can even join a shared trip with at least two people. You’ll get to see diverse wildlife like crocodiles, coral reefs, and a variety of fish and marine animals.

If you’re interested in history, take a walk along the Fuerte de Santiago and Muelle Sisal, where pirates once threatened the town’s commercial port during its golden era. The fort dates back to the 16th century and features eight cannons and stone trenches. You can even join a guided tour to learn more about Sisal’s fascinating history.

Last but not least, let’s talk about beaches! Sisal is located in Hunucmá, one of Yucatan’s eight coastal municipalities, surrounded by the Reserva Estatal de Ciénagas y Manglares de la Costa Norte de Yucatán and the Reserva Estatal El Palmar. The beach offers a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico.

How to get to Sisal, Yucatán from Mérida

There are two options to get to Sisal from Mérida. The first option is by car, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Once you reach the Periférico in Mérida, take the exit towards Umán and follow the highway to Tetiz.

After Hunucmá, take the federal highway 281 and you’ll arrive in Sisal. You can also use Google Maps for directions.

Alternatively, using public transportation

The second option is by public transport. The taxi collective site (located on Calle 65 with 64 in the Centro neighborhood in Merida) doesn’t have a direct route to Sisal, so you’ll need to transfer buses. The fare is 30 pesos and the journey takes around 50 minutes, departing from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm Monday to Saturday and until 8:00 pm on Sundays.

In Hunucmá, get off at the bus terminal located in front of the main park and then cross the park to find the combi stop for Sisal. The second part of your journey takes around 20 minutes and costs 20 pesos, departing from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Instagram-worthy spots in Sisal

– The beach and pier: Enjoy the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with medium waves and warm white sand. It’s a perfect spot for photos and videos.

– Cenote Dzul Ha: Take pictures or videos of your snorkeling adventure amidst the crystal-clear waters and colorful fish.

– Reserva Estatal El Palmar: Capture stunning shots of the mangrove forest, arched by a natural bridge.

– Fuerte de Santiago: Take photos with the cannons and trenches in this 16th-century fort.

– Casa Carlota: Admire the beautiful architecture and take pictures in the spaces that once hosted Empress Carlota of Habsburg.

Where to stay in Sisal, Yucatán

You can find accommodation on Airbnb with ocean views or just a few meters from the beach. Prices range from $750 to $1300 per night.

One option is Casa Kinich, located at Calle 12 number 307. This small hotel has four bungalows with all amenities, including private bathrooms and kitchenettes. It also features a small pool and garden, just a few blocks from the beach. Prices start at 1,500 pesos per night. Make sure to book in advance by calling 55 4940 1728.

Food options

? Well, this Magical Town has plenty of options for restaurants that will delight your taste buds with seafood at reasonable prices!

You can try:

– El Comanche: averaging around 250 pesos per meal.

– La Palapa de Soco: averaging around 285 pesos per meal.

– El Muelle de Sisal: averaging around 350 pesos per meal.

But before you indulge in the local cuisine, let’s take a step back and explore the rich history of Sisal.

This town was once one of Mexico’s most important ports during the colonial era and has been a major fishing hub on the Yucatan Peninsula even before the Spanish conquest.

It wasn’t until 1810 that the port of Sisal, originally known as Santa María de Sisal, opened its doors to cargo ships from Havana.

One notable event in Sisal’s history is the visit of Empress Charlotte, who arrived on November 22nd, 1865, after departing from Veracruz two days prior. She documented her journey by writing: “We walked on a carpet of white shells to the house where we would rest…”. This quote refers to her stay at the Hunucmá hacienda, built in the 19th century and showcasing the era’s henequen boom, also known as “green gold”. Since December 2020, Sisal has been recognized as a Magical Town of Yucatan, with archaeological remnants from its Mayan past blending seamlessly with its natural reserves.