Tekax comes from Mayan: Teʼ place, there, there and kʼáax, jungle, mountain, (from Mayan: Teʼ Kʼáax 'There in the jungle') There are no exact data about the founding of the town, but it is known that in pre-Hispanic times the region belonged to the jurisdiction of the Tutul Xiu, until it was colonized by the Spaniard Alfonso López in the 16th century.

The region corresponding to the current municipality of Tekax is considered occupied since pre-Columbian times when the development of the Mayan culture began in the Puuc area; This is attested to by the archaeological sites of Chacmultún, Canahaltún, Chunmul, Xkichmook, Chacchob and Chunconab, which are examples of the Puuc style, although some with influence from the Chenes of Campeche.

The indigenous town of Kax was valued on February 9, 1549 in favor of Don Francisco Bracamonte and Valdivieso.

Among the popular festivals are those of San Diego de Alcalá, from November 8 to 13, and that of the Virgin of Guadalupe, from December 4 to 15.

Archaeological: Chamultún, Chuncanap, Itzitz, Nocacab, Santa María, Tzulay, Xaya, Kinil, Tixhualahtun, Chacchob, San Diego, Ticum and Cotbé.