Motul is named after its founder, Zac Mutul, who was a Mayan priest. Motul was founded at the eleventh century. Here was born Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a mexican politician, journalist, and revolutionary leader, who was Yucatan governor (1922-1924).

Felipe Carrillo Puerto is known for his social and educational work, but also for commitment with the welfare of the Mayan people, and for the confrontation with the Hacienda owners of Yucatan during the revolutionary period.

Motul church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and was built in the seventeenth century.

A traditional visit to the area is the market, where you can eat food like, "motuleños" eggs.