Quinta Kookix Experiences
Angela Damman Studio
We are honored to be able to arrange a private tour of the remarkable artist Angela Damman´s studio, which is not open to the public. Angela´s work is the creation of highly artisanal and original pieces using the Henequen plants which are native to the Yucatan. Their story is a long one, but Angela has reimagined it, using the traditional techniques in modern interpretations, whilst supporting the continuation of traditional processing, dyeing and weaving techniques. Her project supports over 60 women in the surrounding communities – not only economically but enabling the continuation of their artistic heritage. Part of the over 6,000 Henequen plants which we grow here at Quinta Kookix were our housewarming gift from Angela and her husband Scott. They, like we, believe that this is one of the most special places on the planet to be able to live, and that our contributions to our communities are very important. Read more about Angela - https://angeladamman.com
Archeological Expeditions
We are delighted to be able to offer you the services of Dan Griffin, your own private Indiana Jones. A 20 year resident of the Yucatan, Dan Griffin´s interest in archeology came late in life, and quickly became a passion. At the age of 52, he moved permanently to the city of Merida to pursue his passion. Having studied archeology with the University of Leicestershire, Dan then worked in the field under the aegis of Tulane University.
He has worked on several archeological sites in the Yucatan, Campeche and Belize, both in excavations and site mapping, in several cases living in remote pueblos for months at a time. We are delighted to be able to offer you the services of Dan Griffin, your own private Indiana Jones. These expeditions led to a great interest in the people and of this beautiful region, their cultures, architecture and folklore. Dan is another of us who is happy to share his experiences and knowledge with those wishing to explore and understand better the magic of the Yucatan and can take you on adventures to unexcavated sites in the jungles of the Yucatan by special arrangement, an unbeatable way to experience the archeological richness of the Yucatan. Some of my most memorable times as an explorer have been with Dan, including a trip into the remote jungles of the southern Yucatan, Belize and Guatemala with Bill and Ann Frej, tracing the steps of the famous 19th century archeologist Teobert Maler for their beautiful book Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler, (Peyton Wright Gallery, Publisher/University of Oklahoma Press, Distributor). Should you wish to stick close to home base, Quinta Kookix is located only a 10 minute drive from the archeological site of Xcambo, which was an important Mayan commercial port city from the Early through Late Classic periods, 250AD through 900AD. The site is located adjacent to the Mangrove forests of the northern Yucatan and the salt flats of Xtampu. The city provided salt and salted fish throughout the entire Mayan Empire for centuries, making it an important commercial center. The excavated and restored portion of the site is intimate in size, and very beautiful. It also houses a miniature Catholic church built atop one of the pyramid bases, a unique feature, which is host to the annual festival of the Virgin of Xcambo. In addition, we are located less than an hour drive from the site of Dzibilchaltun, one of the oldest sites on the Yucatan peninsula.
Advance reservations are required
Botanical Expedition with Carlos Trejo
Spend a half day with noted native plant specialist and botanist J. Carlos Trejo Ph.D. to investigate the local plants of this unique ecological zone which is comprised of a thorn forest, a true Savana and the Mangroves closer to the Gulf Coast. Your outing could be a leisurely walk to view the many endemic and native species at Quinta Kookix, including the numerous medicinal plants found in our gardens, or for the more adventurous, a trek out into the local forest around us or the Savana just to our north (this is a seasonal trek subject to the flooding during the rainy season).
About Carlos…a native of the Mexican Yucatan, J. Carlos Trejo Ph.D. is a biologist and scientist who is the Founder of the Mexican Association of Arboriculture Yucatan Chapter (AMA Yucatán), and was the Founder and Head of the Urban Tree Department for the City of Merida, Yucatan for six years as well as having honed his craft at the prestigious Institute for Regional Conservation in Florida. With expertise in regional botany including plant naming and the regional history of botanical science, he focuses on rare and relatively unknown species and has identified five new species of trees in Puerto Rico. In addition, he develops databases, public botanical internet pages, as well as educational Facebook groups in both the Yucatan and Puerto Rico. Carlos is deeply interested in sharing his extensive knowledge, and has given countless lectures to a broad audience from local Kindergarten children to fellow scientists and botanists from as far away as the Canary Islands. His work and teaching encompasses the use of native plants in their environments for both gardeners and landscape architects, as well as lecturing at universities. Carlos believes as well that art is a wonderful vehicle for the engagement of people into the botanical sciences, and works with artists to incorporate the technical and academic aspects of botany into creative projects. Tracing and unraveling the histories of native plants and forgotten botanists is another of his passions. We are proud to have several hundred of the native Agave Sisalana plants at Quinta Kookix which had nearly disappeared when Carlos established a program to revive them in the Yucatan. Conservation en vivo, Viva Carlos, Viva Yucatan!
Quinta Kookix serves as a perfect starting point for the region´s call to adventure, the embodiment of Luxury Adventure Travel. Filled with unique experiences for the intrepid and curious traveler, we look forward to sharing the bounty of this remarkable area with you, offering trekking, wildlife viewing, water sports, cultural exploration and delicious cuisine. Drawing upon a decade of living in the Yucatan, we have developed friendships with many experts in their fields – Archeologists, Botanists, Photographers, Artists, Ornithologists, Architects, Chefs, Vaqueros, Fisherman - people who share our love of this place and all that it has to offer, and are willing to share their passion and skills with you. We are unique in what we offer, a thinking man´s visit to this glorious place, the Northern Yucatan.
Angela Damman Studio
Birding in the
Yucatan
Cooking at Kookix
Open Water Ojos de Agua
Savana Trekking
Yucatecan Piib
Archeological Expeditions
Botanical Expedition with Carlos Trejo
Flying Fishing in the Yucatan
Photography Workshop with Bill Frej
Star Gazing
Art of Relaxation
Costa Esmeralda
Laguna Rosada
Plantel Matilde
Yucatan on Horseback
Laguna Rosada
Located just 10 minutes north of Quinta Kookix is the stunning Laguna Rosada, a striking natural phenomenon situated between the Mangrove forests and the Gulf of Mexico. The lagoon is famous for its occasionally vibrant pink waters, a result of the high salinity and the presence of specific microorganisms and algae. This natural wonder is part of a larger network of salt flats and lagoons in the region, which have been used for salt production for millennia by the ancient Maya and the present-day residents. The area is also a habitat for a wonderful variety of bird species, including Caribbean Flamingos, Great Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Pelicans, Gulls and many more, which are often seen feeding in the shallow waters. While visible from the road, we can make arrangements for you to be taken out into the Laguna in a small, motorless pole driven skiff to visit or you can rent a kayak to visit closely with the native flora and fauna. Your ride is typically an hour, and includes a cruise inside the Mangrove forest, a crucial and beautiful ecosystem for the planet. Hop out in the warm knee-deep waters and coat yourself with the mineral rich mud for a natural spa treatment! The best times of day are the very early morning and the sunset hour.
Advance reservations required.
Open Water Ojos De Agua
For a remarkable and unique to this part of the Yucatan experience, accompany us on a half day trip to the edge of the northern Biosphere to experience the phenomena of the Ojos de Agua, or freshwater springs, that feed directly into the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico. Ride out into the gulf in a fishing Panga, a Mexican fishing boat, for a short trip to visit these marvels and hop overboard to swim in the shallow waters around them. Afterwards, we visit an open cenote set in the Mangroves, where you can swim as well. For those looking for a more complete visit to this unique environmental zone, we can add an additional hour to the tour to include a ride into the estuary, filled with native bird life.
Savana Trekking
A little-known ecological wonder lies just 10 minutes north of Quinta Kookix, the Savana. Located in the zone to the north of the Thorn Forest belt and merging into the Mangroves on its northern side lies a true Savana which stretches to the western edge of the Yucatan and to the east to the center of the state. It lies under immense, wide-open skies and is filled with wild grasses, the occasional oasis, completely different flora – wild orchids, bromeliads, cacti, palms, and numerous wildflowers endemic to this microenvironment. Then there are the wild horses…not every visit, but often enough. Take a morning to visit this beautiful wild place with our local guides who have grown up here and learn the names in Maya of many of the plants, of which many have medicinal uses. We set out at 6:00am and return around 9:00am for a hearty ranch breakfast. Please note that this is a seasonal experience as it floods during the rainy season.
Star Gazing
The night sky is awash with stars and planets, with virtually no light pollution in our northern sector. Let us set up our powerful telescope for you to see Saturn´s rings or follow the trajectory of Venus as it moves towards the eastern horizon. For those of you staying in Casa Henequen, we would be delighted to set up the Fogata (Campfire) for you and provide the marshmallows! With enough advance notice, we can make arrangements with our friends from the Astronomical Society of the Yucatan to come out and guide you on a Stellar Experience.
Art of Relaxation
Treat yourself to a soothing massage in the privacy of your casita or on your private patio, as weather permits. We are delighted to count Alejandra and Gabrielle, who offer a personalized massage experience, with customized pressure. Their massages include aromatherapy.
Relaxing Massage – 50 Minutes
Anti Stress Massage – 50 Minutes
Foot and Leg Massage – 25 Minutes
Couples Massage – 50 Minutes
Advance Reservations Required Please
Yucatan on Horseback
Discover another side of the northern Yucatan on horseback, riding through Henequen fields with a stop for a fresh lemonade or the Monte, as the forest is known, on well trained horses with guides. Your adventure begins at the beautiful Hacienda Zamna, a 15 minute drive from Quinta Kookix. Rides of an hour around the Hacienda, four hours to visit the ruins of a neighboring Hacienda, or for the adventurous and more experienced Horseman, ride all the way to the northern coast and you will be driven back. Reservations required at least two days before you would like to ride.
Birding in the Yucatan
The Yucatan peninsula offers a unique bird watching experience, with a variety of habitats, including dry forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, which support over 400 species of birds, more that 40% of the total birds in Mexico. many of which are endemic. It is also a stopover site for many migrating species. Visit the thorn forest and Savana adjacent to Quinta Kookix, as well as the nearby Mangrove forest and stunning Laguna Rosada which is the seasonal home to hundreds of Caribbean Flamingos. On foot or in a pole driven skiff, the variety and beauty of endemic, resident and migratory species here is remarkable. Or you can simply relax on at Quinta Kookix with our guides and your breakfast to experience the wonderful variety of species that visit us daily. As most bird watchers know, the show is best at dawn! Your private tour includes guides, binoculars, transportation, as well as refreshments and snacks.
Advance reservations are required.
Costa Esmeralda
A short 10 minute drive takes you to the Costa Esmeralda, the Emerald Coast, of the northern Yucatan. Lovely white sand beaches with the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico await. As members of the Kokomo Club de Playa, we can assist with reservations at the club, which has a seaside restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, featuring local Yucatecan beach fare including fresh Ceviches and Aguachiles as well as a full bar. Kokomo also serves dinner on the member´s terrace. Kayaks and Paddle Boards are available for rent, and there is a seasonal Kite Surfing school just a short walk down the beach.
Flying Fishing in the Yucatan
The norther Yucatan Coast offers great fly fishing in a virtually unknown area, offering seasoned anglers and novices alike a fresh experience. From peak summer action to off-season opportunities, our fly fishing tours along the Yucatán coast offer anglers consistent tarpon action. Explore mangrove lagoons, coastal flats, and open waters while targeting both juvenile and giant tarpon in Mexico with experienced local guides specializing in sight-fishing techniques.
A top destination for adult resident tarpon, with certain bays also serving as nurseries for baby tarpon. Protected waters allow tarpon to thrive year-round while barracuda, jacks, blue runners, and bonitas patrol the channels.
We work with one of the only outfits specializing in our unique area and are happy to make arrangements with them for your experience. Gear - don’t worry — if you don’t have everything, they can provide high-quality rods, reels, lines, and flies, just let us know in advance. But if you prefer to bring your own, here’s what they recommend:
Along the open waters and deeper channels of the Yucatán coast, the fish are bigger, stronger, - and demand heavier gear.
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Rods: 10 and 11-weight fly rods for battling powerful tarpon in rougher conditions.
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Lines: Sinking tip lines to get flies down quickly into the strike zone.
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Leaders: 60 and 80 lb leaders for abrasion resistance against tough jaws and gill plates.
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Flies:
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Tan shrimp patterns with bead chain or dumbbell eyes.
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Dark Clouser Minnows with bead chain or dumbbell eyes.
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Baitfish patterns in black & red, and black & purple.
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Hooks: 2/0–3/0, stout enough to hold against prolonged fights.
A day´s fishing includes 8 hours with soft drinks, with their bespoke craft beer available for purchase. Don´t forget hats and sunscreen – the sun is strong here. Let us pack you a picnic lunch!
For the serious angler, Beto and his team offer fly fishing adventures along the southwestern coast of the Yucatan as well as in Campeche. We are happy to put you in touch with him for those interested.
Photography Workshop with Bill Frej
Bill Frej is an award-winning photographer and author who will offer customized photography workshops for photographers at all levels. Bill began his career as an architect and later served as an international development specialist with the Agency for International Development(USAID), living in Indonesia, Poland, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan and traveling extensively in Nepal, Pakistan and Central Asia and, most recently, Mexico and Guatemala. Always with his camera at his side, he has been photographing indigenous people and their environments since the 1970s, documenting the changing lifestyles and architecture of many of the world’s unique and ancient cultures. His photography captures the stunning high peaks and remote mountain ranges of Asia, as well as the cities, living cultures and religious ceremonies in the faraway regions of the Great Himalayan Range, ancient Peru, Cambodia and Thailand, and the jungles of Guatemala and Mexico.
Bill’s first book, a fine art photography book on Maya ruins and an early Maya explorer and photographer, Teobert Maler, Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler, (Peyton Wright Gallery, Publisher/University of Oklahoma Press, Distributor) was released in 2020. This book has been the recipient of fourteen major awards, including Best Photography Book of 2021 from the Independent Press Award, the International Book Awards, the Foreward Indies Award and the National Indie Excellence Awards; and Silver Medals from the Prix de la Photographie Paris, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, IPPY Independent Publishers Award, and the Moscow International Foto Awards. His second book, Seasons of Ceremonies: Rites and Rituals of Guatemala and Mexico, published by the Museum of New Mexico Press in 2021, is the recipient of fourteen major awards, including five Photography Book of the Year awards. His third book, Travels Across the Roof of the World: A Himalayan Memoir, published by George F. Thompson Publications in October, 2022, has been the recipient of two Silver Medals from the Budapest and Tokyo International Foto Awards and the Silver Medal from the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. His fourth award-winning book, published by the Museum of New Mexico Press in October 2023 is Blurred Boundaries: Perspectives on Rock Art of the Greater Southwest, with the renowned archaeologist Polly Schaafsma. Bill’s latest book, Unforgotten: Ancient Cities from a Distant Past presents 200 black and white photos of 124 ancient cities in 25 countries across the world. It was published by George F. Thompson Publications in 2025.
Bill is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Merida, Yucatan. He has visited nearly 200 Maya ruins in Mexico and Guatemala and has led photography workshops throughout the Maya world.
www.williamfrejphotography.com
Advance reservations; required, subject to availability
Cooking at Kookix
As fans of great food, we would be delighted to arrange for you to have a cooking class with our local chef, D0ña Lidia. Lidia is our guest chef frequently here at Quinta Kookix, and she cooks delicious traditional Yucateca fare in the manner taught to her by her mother and grandmother. For your class, a lunch menu will be created by you along with Lidia, and your day will start with breakfast at the nearby Mercado de Motul (the market of the town of Motul, about a 25 minute drive from us…). You will enjoy Huevos Motuleños at the famous Doña Evia upstairs at the market, then head downstairs for shopping. After coming back to Quinta Kookix, the next several hours will be spent in the kitchen here with Lidia and Bruno (who can translate for those who need it,) cooking up a storm! Your table will be awaiting you to enjoy what you have prepared for a leisurely lunch on the patio. Advance reservations are requested, with a minimum of 4 people. Provecho!
Yucatecan Píib
Enjoy a renowned culinary tradition of the Yucatan peninsula, one which dates back to 3000 BCE, and allow us to prepare a Pib for you. This cooking method has deep pre-Hispanic roots, symbolizing a connection to ancient traditions the land, and its fauna and flora. Here at Quinta Kookix, we have a dedicated Pib pit, where a variety of local foods can be prepared using a fire built with wood from our land - ja'abin, chukum, chaká are several of the types of wood used – to which stones are added to create the underground oven. The food is wrapped in Banana leaves from our trees, and covered with aromatic leaves from our trees, and is then covered with soil, and cooked for hours. The most famous of these dishes is Cochinita Pibil, for which the juice of our own Sevile Oranges is used as a marinade. Due to the complexity and cooking times, a minimum of four guests is required.
Plantel Matilde
Plantel Matilde, designed by Mexican artist Javier Marín, is located in Sac Chich, Yucatán, on land formerly used for henequen cultivation. This workshop was conceived as a place of inspiration and meditation, as well as a sculpture studio. Construction was overseen by architect Arcadio Marín.
The monumental scale of Plantel Matilde, with its 70-meter square base and 12-meter-high ceilings, responds to and satisfies two needs: first, to harmoniously house Javier Marín's large-format sculptures, and second, to function as an observatory with a 180-degree view, a nod to the ancient Mayan inhabitants of the peninsula, renowned astronomers.
Plantel Matilde is a work that aligns with Javier Marín's aesthetic principles. As in his sculptural and pictorial work, the ideas of process and accident are present here, as are the marks left by the passage of time, the intervention of others, and the imprint of the work itself. Matilde Plant is a work in continuous progress, a functional sculpture, devoid of ornamentation, that dialogues with the artist and his work, with its environment and time, which leaves its patina on its surface.
We are delighted to be able to make arrangements for a guided visit to this remarkable place, as well as to the Barro de Sac Chich, Javier Marin´s project in the community which produces highly artisanal ceramics, showcased in a marvelous gallery adjacent to the property.
Your visit will included a beautiful home made lunch on site with a multi course menu. An hour drive from Quinta Kookix, it is a very special way to spend a day. Subject to availability with advance notice required.
