Camino del Mayab 2026: How to Join La Gran Caminata from Mérida

The Camino del Mayab is a long-distance walking and cycling trail running through the hacienda and cenote country south of Mérida. In July 2026, it will host the first edition of La Gran Caminata, an organised endurance walk with two options: 110 kilometres over four days or 60 kilometres over two days.

This is not a gentle sightseeing walk. The longer route includes three stages of 27 kilometres or more, camping between stages and long hours outside during Yucatán’s humid summer season.

For prepared walkers, it is an unusual chance to cross rural Yucatán on foot, following old railway lines and country paths through working communities rather than moving between attractions by car.

La Gran Caminata takes place from July 23 to 26, 2026. The shorter 60 km challenge runs on July 25 and 26.

Registration currently starts from MXN $2,000. Food is not included, and several equipment and transport details should be confirmed with the organisers before paying.

Camino del Mayab at a glance

• What it is: A community-based network of walking and cycling routes south of Mérida
• Full trail network: Approximately 130 km
• Gran Caminata route: 110 km from Mérida to Tecoh
• Event dates: July 23–26, 2026
• Short challenge: 60 km on July 25–26
• Starting point for the full route: Parque de la Ermita in Mérida
• Finish: Tecoh
• Format: Self-paced and largely autonomous, with marked routes and event support
• Accommodation: Designated camping areas
• Food: Available for purchase in communities, but not included
• Return transport: Tecoh to Mérida is included
• Official information: La Gran Caminata registration page

Details can change as the event approaches. Check the official page again before arranging hotels, flights or equipment.

What is the Camino del Mayab?

The Camino del Mayab is a regional trail system connecting Maya communities, cenotes, former haciendas, nature reserves and old transport routes in the countryside south of Mérida.

Parts of the route follow former narrow-gauge railway lines once used by the henequén industry. Other sections use rural tracks, village roads and paths through low Yucatecan forest.

The official project currently describes a network of around 130 kilometres, created through 39 community ecotourism initiatives in 14 communities. It can be explored through organised multi-day hikes, cycling trips, shorter excursions and private group itineraries.

The important distinction is that the Camino del Mayab is the wider trail network, while La Gran Caminata is a specific organised event using a 110 km route within that landscape.

Map of the Camino del Mayab walking and cycling network south of Mérida

Map: Camino del Mayab and EcoGuerreros Yucatán.

What is La Gran Caminata 2026?

La Gran Caminata is a new multi-day walking challenge running from central Mérida to Tecoh.

It is designed as an endurance event rather than a race. Participants move at their own pace, using trail signs and the Camino del Mayab navigation system. Daily starts are permitted between 6 am and 7 am, and the route closes at 5 pm.

There are hydration and control points, first-aid support and an assistance vehicle. However, the organisers describe the walk as autonomous. You should be capable of navigating, managing your pace and looking after yourself between support points.

The walk also operates under a “zero footprint” principle. Participants are expected to carry out waste, respect community spaces and avoid damaging vegetation or leaving disposable equipment behind.

The 110 km route

The full challenge is divided into four stages:

The first day begins in Mérida, but the route soon moves into the rural south of the municipality. From there, walkers pass through the hacienda belt and communities associated with the wider Camino del Mayab network.

The stage distances matter more than the total number. Walking 31 kilometres once is demanding. Walking another 21, 31 and 27 kilometres on consecutive days requires much more preparation.

You should expect sore feet, accumulated fatigue, limited privacy at camps and an early start every morning.

The 60 km route

The shorter challenge covers the final two stages:

• July 25: Cacao to Mucuyché — 31 km
• July 26: Mucuyché to Tecoh — 27 km

This is described as a 60 km option, although the published stage distances add up to 58 km.

The two-day route is the more realistic option for many active visitors, but it should not be treated as an introductory hike. It still requires close to 30 kilometres of walking on consecutive days.

Before registering, ask the organisers exactly how participants in the 60 km event will reach Cacao on the first morning. The main event page confirms the starting stage but does not clearly explain whether transport from Mérida to Cacao is included.

Which challenge should you choose?

Choose the 110 km challenge if:

• You already walk or hike long distances regularly
• You have completed back-to-back walking days before
• You are comfortable camping for several nights
• You can manage blisters, heat, rain and fatigue without constant assistance
• The physical challenge is an important part of the experience

Choose the 60 km challenge if:

• You are fit but cannot commit to four full days
• You want a demanding weekend rather than a longer expedition
• You can already walk 25 to 30 km in one day
• You want to test yourself before attempting the full Camino later

Consider a guided trip instead if:

• You mainly want to see cenotes, haciendas and communities
• You prefer included meals and camping equipment
• You want a guide with you throughout the route
• You are visiting Yucatán for the first time
• You do not want to organise food, equipment and daily logistics yourself

The Gran Caminata is not the best option if your main priority is relaxed sightseeing.

Walkers following a forest path on the Camino del Mayab

Photo: Camino del Mayab / Andrea Cinta.

What is included with registration?

The current registration information lists:

• An official commemorative shirt
• A 2026 Camino del Mayab passport
• A medal for participants who complete the challenge
• A participation certificate
• Baggage transfer between stages, limited to 2 kg
• An assistance or sweep vehicle
• First-aid support
• Hydration and route-control points
• Designated camping spaces
• Community coordination and permits
• A closing event
• Return transport from Tecoh to Mérida

The luggage limit is particularly important. Two kilograms is not enough for a normal camping pack, spare shoes and several changes of clothing.

Ask whether your tent and sleeping equipment are carried separately, whether equipment rental is available and whether the 2 kg limit applies only to a personal overnight bag.

Do not assume that camping equipment is included. The event page provides camping space but does not list a tent, sleeping mat or sleeping bag among the inclusions.

What is not included?

According to the current event information, meals are sold in the communities but are not included in the registration price.

You should budget separately for:

• Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks
• A tent or rental equipment
• Sleeping equipment
• Personal walking gear
• Transport to the start of the 60 km route, unless confirmed otherwise
• Accommodation in Mérida before and after the event
• Travel or activity insurance
• Personal medication and foot-care supplies

Carry cash in small denominations. Rural food stalls and community businesses may not accept cards, and mobile signal is not reliable enough to depend on electronic payments.

Traditional food served along the Camino del Mayab

Photo: Camino del Mayab / Andrea Cinta.

How to register

Registration is handled through the official Camino del Mayab website.

1. Open the La Gran Caminata event page.
2. Select either the 60 km or 110 km challenge.
3. Review the current price and payment options.
4. Complete the payment.
5. Fill in the participant registration form linked by the organiser.
6. Save your payment receipt and registration confirmation.
7. Contact the walking team to confirm equipment, food and transfer arrangements.

The event is currently advertised from MXN $2,000, but the final price can depend on the challenge and payment arrangement. Group discounts and instalment promotions may also be available.

For direct questions, the official walking support number is +52 999 269 3007 and the listed email is info@caminodelmayab.com.

International visitors should confirm whether instructions, safety briefings and navigation material are available in English.

How hard is the walk?

The terrain around Mérida is generally flatter than mountain hiking, but that does not make the event easy.

The main difficulty comes from:

• Long daily distances
• Heat and humidity
• Limited shade on some rural tracks
• Consecutive walking days
• Wet or muddy surfaces during summer rains
• Camping rather than sleeping in a hotel
• Blisters and foot swelling
• Carrying water and personal equipment

July falls within Yucatán’s rainy season. Heavy showers can arrive quickly, but long periods of sun and heat are still common.

Go early, keep your pace steady and do not treat the cooler first hour as an invitation to walk too quickly. Fatigue built up before midday will be difficult to recover from later.

How to train for La Gran Caminata

Begin with ordinary walking rather than gym-based fitness alone.

A sensible preparation period should include:

• Gradually increasing weekly walking distance
• At least one 20–25 km training walk
• Consecutive walking days
• Practice in warm or humid conditions when safe
• Walking with the shoes and pack you will use
• Testing socks, blister tape and hydration products
• Time on unpaved paths rather than treadmills alone

For the 110 km event, aim to complete at least one weekend with long walks on both days. Your body needs to learn how it feels to begin another stage with tired legs.

Do not arrive with new boots. Use footwear that is already broken in and has been tested over several long days.

What to pack

Keep the event’s 2 kg baggage-transfer limit in mind and confirm how camping equipment will be handled.

Useful items include:

• Lightweight, breathable walking clothes
• A wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• High-protection sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A refillable water system
• Electrolyte tablets or powder
• Lightweight rain protection
• A waterproof bag for your phone and documents
• Broken-in trail shoes or walking shoes
• Several pairs of reliable walking socks
• Blister tape and basic foot-care supplies
• A small headlamp
• Portable battery pack
• Quick-drying towel
• Personal medication
• Cash in small notes
• Swimwear, where cenote access is part of the programme

Avoid heavy cotton clothing. Once wet, it dries slowly and can become uncomfortable during a long stage.

A walking pole can help with balance on muddy paths, although the route is not a mountain trek.

Getting to the start

The 110 km event begins at Parque de la Ermita, on the southern side of Mérida Centro.

The park is easy to reach by taxi or app-based car service from most central hotels. Staying in Centro the night before will make the early start easier.

The route finishes in Tecoh, southeast of Mérida. Return transport from Tecoh to Mérida is included in the registration.

For the 60 km challenge, confirm the meeting point and transfer arrangements in writing. Do not assume you should drive directly to Cacao, as parking and vehicle collection could be difficult during a point-to-point event.

A rental car is not necessary for participating in the organised walk. It may be useful for companions exploring the area, but they should not attempt to follow the walkers on rural tracks without permission.

Where to stay

Stay in Mérida for at least one night before the event.

A hotel or guesthouse in Centro works well because the full route starts at Parque de la Ermita. You will also have easier access to pharmacies, outdoor shops, supermarkets and restaurants while making final preparations.

After the walk, consider keeping one additional night in Mérida rather than arranging immediate onward travel. Even experienced walkers may be tired, dehydrated or dealing with sore feet.

This is not the best event to combine with a flight or a long drive on the evening it finishes.

Can families join?

The 60 km and 110 km challenges are better suited to trained adults and older, experienced young walkers.

They are not suitable as an ordinary family day out. The distances, heat, camping and autonomous format make the event impractical for most younger children.

Families can still experience the Camino del Mayab through shorter community excursions, cenote visits and guided weekend programmes. These provide more time for swimming, food and local activities without the pressure of completing 30 km in a day.

Other ways to experience the Camino del Mayab

You do not need to complete La Gran Caminata to explore the trail.

The Camino del Mayab also offers guided multi-day departures with transport, meals, guides, accommodation, entrance fees and camping equipment included.

Current scheduled options include:

Two-day guided walking trip

The guided weekend walk is a better introduction for visitors who want support throughout the route.

Scheduled 2026 departures currently include:

• August 8–9
• October 10–11

The listed price is MXN $5,600 per person.

Five-day guided walking route

The longer guided programme explores more of the trail while including meals, local guides, accommodation and equipment.

Scheduled departures currently include:

• September 11–15
• October 30–November 3
• December 11–15

The listed price is MXN $14,900 per person.

These cooler-season dates may be more comfortable than the July endurance event.

Three-day cycling route

Mountain-bike departures are currently scheduled for:

• September 18–20
• November 20–22

The listed price is MXN $11,500 per person.

Private group trips and shorter day excursions are also available. Check the official guided experiences page for current availability.

Swimming in a cenote during a Camino del Mayab journey

Photo: Camino del Mayab / Andrea Cinta.

Why the community model matters

The Camino del Mayab is not simply a route laid over the countryside. It links community tourism businesses, food providers, local guides, cenote operators and small accommodation projects.

The organisers state that 80% of income from their guided multi-day experiences goes directly to participating communities.

For visitors, this means the trail works differently from a conventional resort excursion. Meals may be served in homes or small community spaces. Accommodation can include cabins and camps rather than standard hotels. Timing may be slower, and facilities can be simple.

That is part of the value of the experience, but it is better to understand it before booking.

Buy food locally, follow community instructions and ask before photographing people or private property.

Is La Gran Caminata worth joining?

For a well-prepared walker, La Gran Caminata offers something difficult to find elsewhere in Yucatán: a genuine point-to-point journey through the inland landscape.

Most visitors experience the state through separate day trips by car. Walking between communities creates a different sense of distance and place.

The event is particularly well suited to:

• Distance walkers
• Trail and endurance enthusiasts
• Travelers interested in community tourism
• People who have already visited the major ruins and cities
• Residents looking for a serious local challenge

It is less suitable for:

• Travelers short on time
• Anyone expecting hotel accommodation
• Visitors who have not trained for long distances
• People uncomfortable with heat or camping
• Families looking for a relaxed cenote excursion
• Travelers who mainly want photography and sightseeing stops

The 60 km option is shorter, but it is not easy. The guided two-day programme is the better choice when cultural access and practical comfort matter more than completing a distance challenge.

How to support or get involved without walking

There are several ways to become involved without registering for the full event:

• Book a guided Camino del Mayab departure
• Join a shorter community excursion
• Arrange a private group walk or cycling trip
• Buy meals and services from participating communities
• Ask the organisers about volunteering or event support
• Share the official event with local walking and cycling groups
• Contact the project about institutional, conservation or community partnerships

Do not arrive at camps or route-control points without checking first. Access may be managed for safety, community privacy and event logistics.

Final planning advice

Register only after you understand the daily distances and camping arrangements.

The most important questions to ask are:

1. Is transport to Cacao included for the 60 km challenge?
2. Do participants bring their own tent and sleeping equipment?
3. Is camping equipment carried separately from the 2 kg baggage allowance?
4. What food will be available at each overnight stop?
5. How much water should each participant carry between stations?
6. Is accident or activity insurance included?
7. What happens if a participant cannot complete a stage?
8. Are event instructions available in English?
9. Where and when are shirts, passports and route materials collected?
10. Are there age or medical declaration requirements?

La Gran Caminata is one of the more demanding new ways to experience inland Yucatán. Prepare properly, confirm the unclear logistics and treat the route as an endurance event rather than an extended day trip.

For quick questions about fitting the Camino del Mayab into a wider Yucatán itinerary, use the free Yucatán Guide WhatsApp assistant. Travelers who want a real person to check transport, hotels and recovery days can use Human Trip Support or the Trip Plan & Booking Portal.