Welcome to the land of the famed Melipona Bees, whose honey is considered to be highly medicinal and who have been of great cultural significance to the Maya for thousands of years.  The Yucatan is home to 17 different species of stingless bees – Meliponines - of which 4 species (that we know of) live at Quinta Kookix.  Our bee residents are pollinators, and as such, do not produce honey.  We are happy to point them out, and the entrances to several of their colonies are visible.  The Melipona beecheii, known locally as xunan kab, or royal lady bee, are the most famous and historically cultivated species, and is now endangered.  Local people are working on their behalves to create sustainable environments to protect their future.  We are delighted to be able to offer you access to a wonderful experience just 15 minutes from Quinta Kookix where you will be welcomed by a multi-generational family of Mayan Beekeepers who are cultivating both the xunan kab and Apis meliferas bees in the traditional manner.  Your experience includes a visit to see the bees in their hives at work (if you are nervous, you can forego the visit to the Apis meliferas bees, and visit just the stingless bees who are gently and friendly), an explanation of their methods, the sustenance of the bees, their production habits, and a visit to their honey tasting room, where they have 20 years’ worth of honey samples.  To round out your experience, you will be able to take your place at the table in their lovely traditional palapa and make your own fresh beeswax candle to take with you.  They have a small shop where you can buy the freshly harvested local honeys, which are seasonal, and many of their honey-based products such as pure Melipona honey, handmade honey soap, honey candy, bee venom gel, and several others. 

With advance notice, you can also be their guest for a traditional, homemade Yucatecan lunch. 
Advance reservations are requested please.