Calakmul

Location:

Calakmul is a Mayan archaeological site located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, in the state of Campeche, Mexico.

Description of the Place:

It was an ancient Mayan city that reached its peak in the Classic period, between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. The site covers about 70 hectares and is composed of more than 6,000 structures, including pyramids, palaces, plazas, and carved stelae.

History:

It was one of the main political and economic centers of the Mayan civilization, rivaling cities like Tikal in Guatemala. Its name means “two adjacent mounds” in the Mayan language, referring to the two large pyramids that dominate the site.

Visiting Hours:

The Calakmul archaeological site is open every day of the week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Significance:

Calakmul was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 due to its cultural and archaeological importance.

Entrance Fee:

The cost of entry to the Calakmul archaeological site is approximately $80 Mexican pesos for adults.

Features of the Place:

The main structures of Calakmul include the pyramids Structure II and Structure VII, which are two of the tallest structures of the Mayan civilization, reaching heights of over 45 meters.

Climate and Altitude:

Calakmul is located at an altitude of approximately 30 meters above sea level, in a region with a warm and humid climate.

How to Get There From:

To get there, you need to take a flight to the city of Campeche and then drive to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, which can take around 4 hours.

What to Do:

In addition to exploring the ruins, visitors can enjoy hikes through the jungle and observe the flora and fauna of the reserve, which includes species such as howler monkeys, jaguars, and macaws.

What is Most Characteristic:

The most characteristic features are its impressive architecture and its location in the middle of the jungle, which offers visitors a unique experience in the world of the Mayan civilization.

Where to Stay:

In the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, there are accommodation options, including eco-cabins and campsites, which offer a close-to-nature experience. Accommodation can also be found in the city of Campeche, which has a variety of hotels and lodging options.