It is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever uncovered. It is located in a 70 square kilometers area, in the southeastern part of Campeche, close to the Guatemalan border in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the second important American lung and the biggest tropical jungle in Mexico. It´s name means “mounds together, to the side of one another”. From the year 250 to 750 it was the center of the called Kingdom of the Head of the Snake, which joined several sites of the region of the low lands of the Mayan area, such as “El Perú”, “Two Basins”, “Orange”, and “Coral”, and had governance to places as far away as the basins of both River Usumacinta and Passion, and it is a very referred site in the political history of Peten, which was a region with a great extent within the Mayan world. Today, more than 7000 structures and 120 monolithic carved traces have been found which represent people wealthy dressed and also scheduled glyphs which give account of dates from 500 to 850 AC.
The Calakmul archeological zone became part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity in June 27, 2002. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally approved the appointing during the World Heritage Committee Session, held in Budapest, Hungary. With this appointment, Campeche became the sixth Mexican State to hold two UNESCO declarations, adding Calkmul to the fortified city of Campeche, capital of the State.
GREAT SQUARE
Starting from the Services Unit, a tour starts by several paths with plenty of vegetation until you get into the Great Square. This space is the governing axe of urban distribution of Calakmul, which since its beginnings, was determined by the great basement of Structure II. Around this public space, residential complexes of the wealthy and powerful were settled. The group of buildings that now demarcate the Great Square, kept for centuries its original position, and its configuration only changed talking about size, but keeping it as the center of Calakmul as a major city. Within this area there are, in the first section, Structures IV to VIII. STRUCTURE V is located in the east- west axe, dividing the Plaza and, jointly with Structure II, makes Second Section.
The main center of the city was based on a natural dome of approx 25 km2 in which center two great pyramids rose that dominated the jungle tops around a group of houses with its own patios and plazas. In one of those pyramids called structure two which rises 45 meters which makes it the tallest structure on sight. The Great Acropolis is an urban space designed with two areas, one for the ruling class and the other as a public space divided in two sections: in the north plaza dedicated for ceremonies and sacrifices, you can find different buildings : structure 13th with its annex along with section 14th and the ball game. In front of this residential unit, today called Plaza sur its main purpose was for public acts you can find different structures with a great quantities of stelae. The residential neighborhood was located to the west of the Great Acropolis and is formed by a serious of palaces that surround 14 patio and small plazas. The size of each building deeply depended upon the political and economic power of its inhabitants. In the extreme north two of this residential complexes have been explored: house 6 Ahaw and Utsiaal can. Some of them were housing projects amongst them you can find both the small Acropolis and the north Acropolis. Occasionally you can find before them structures that seem to indicate that in them lived a powerful family belonging to the Kingdom of the serpents head.
TIME AND TRAVEL DISTANCE
From Campeche City 290 km, 3:30 minutes
From Chetumal 235 km, 3:15 minutes
HOW TO GET THERE
To exit the City take the highway heading to Champoton, after 60 km cross the boardwalk to find the exit to your left to Escarcega.
Champoton is located on the boardwalk from the river. This place is known for having the best sea food gastronomy. The famous restaurant “Cockteleros” it is a must do of the Campeche`s gastronomy.
After traveling 90 km you will reach the city of Escarcega, in this town you can find several good restaurants that offer Mexican dishes, as well as “antojitos”(typical Mexican food). There are many affordable places and a variety of shops since this city is the most important commercial center from the region.
Heading left is the highway intersection found at the roundabout circle in front of the first class bus station, the traffic signs point the direction to Chetumal-Calakmul.
(It is important to consider filling up the cars gas tank since there are no gas stations close to Calakmul)
The Communications and Cultural Center for the conservation of Calakmul is located on km 20 which will be opening soon. From there on the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul starts, access in car is still allowed and there is only one way drive. It is important to drive carefully and do not to exceed the speed limit. After traveling 40 km you will reach the control patrol and the Instituto Nacional de Antrologia e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History), you have to pay an access fee to enter the place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Estimated time for the route: 2 to 3 hours
It is advisable to buy water and food before you leave town, since there are no close restaurants or shops at the archaeological site.
The last chance to refill gas tank is at Escarcega.
The closest hotels in the archaeological zone are located on the way to Xpujil being since the closest hotel is Puerta Calakmul situated 60 km from it.
www.puertacalakmul.com.mx
