Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
Location: Campeche Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2002, amended 2014
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul is home to one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in existence, as well as a vast network of protected tropical forests. The site covers an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers and contains more than 6,750 ancient structures, including pyramids, temples, palaces, and ball courts.
Prominent Features: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul is known for several prominent features, including:
History: The site of Calakmul was one of the most important Mayan cities during the Classic period (AD 250-900). The city was known for its extensive trade networks, as well as its military power. It was abandoned sometime in the late 10th century and remained largely unknown until the 20th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: Calakmul means "City of the Two Adjacent Pyramids" in the Mayan language, a reference to the two main pyramid complexes located on the site.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul varies depending on the type of activity and the age of the visitor. For example, a guided tour of the site costs approximately 600 pesos (about $30 USD) per person, while entrance to the site without a guide costs approximately 80 pesos (about $4 USD) per person. Discounts are available for children, senior citizens, and students with valid identification.
How to Reach it: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul can be reached by car or bus from the nearby cities of Campeche and Merida. The site is located approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of Campeche and 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Merida. There are also small airports located in nearby towns that offer flights to and from other parts of Mexico.
By Bus: There are no direct buses to Calakmul, but you can take a bus from Merida or Campeche to Xpujil and then hire a taxi or take a tour to Calakmul. Buses run daily from Merida and Campeche to Xpujil, and the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options near Calakmul are limited, but there are a few eco-lodges and cabanas available. The closest town with accommodation options is Xpujil, which is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Calakmul. Some recommended places to stay in the area include:
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Year of Inscription: 2002, amended 2014
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul is home to one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in existence, as well as a vast network of protected tropical forests. The site covers an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers and contains more than 6,750 ancient structures, including pyramids, temples, palaces, and ball courts.
Prominent Features: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul is known for several prominent features, including:
- The extensive network of protected tropical forests, which provides a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna
- The numerous archaeological structures, including two main complexes (Calakmul and El Mirador), each with several temples and pyramids
- The presence of the highest Mayan pyramid in Mexico, standing at 55 meters tall
- The well-preserved stucco masks and other intricate architectural features found on many of the structures
- The evidence of advanced water management and agricultural practices used by the ancient Mayans
History: The site of Calakmul was one of the most important Mayan cities during the Classic period (AD 250-900). The city was known for its extensive trade networks, as well as its military power. It was abandoned sometime in the late 10th century and remained largely unknown until the 20th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the site, which offer insights into the history and culture of the ancient Mayans
- The opportunity to climb the highest pyramid in Mexico and explore the numerous other structures
- Exploring the vast network of protected tropical forests and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, including jaguars, pumas, and howler monkeys
- Participating in educational programs and workshops designed specifically for children
Fun Fact: Calakmul means "City of the Two Adjacent Pyramids" in the Mayan language, a reference to the two main pyramid complexes located on the site.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul varies depending on the type of activity and the age of the visitor. For example, a guided tour of the site costs approximately 600 pesos (about $30 USD) per person, while entrance to the site without a guide costs approximately 80 pesos (about $4 USD) per person. Discounts are available for children, senior citizens, and students with valid identification.
How to Reach it: The Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul can be reached by car or bus from the nearby cities of Campeche and Merida. The site is located approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of Campeche and 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Merida. There are also small airports located in nearby towns that offer flights to and from other parts of Mexico.
By Bus: There are no direct buses to Calakmul, but you can take a bus from Merida or Campeche to Xpujil and then hire a taxi or take a tour to Calakmul. Buses run daily from Merida and Campeche to Xpujil, and the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options near Calakmul are limited, but there are a few eco-lodges and cabanas available. The closest town with accommodation options is Xpujil, which is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Calakmul. Some recommended places to stay in the area include:
- Chicanná Ecovillage Resort: This eco-lodge is located in the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the archaeological site. The lodge offers comfortable cabanas and bungalows, a restaurant, and tours to Calakmul and other nearby attractions.
- Hotel Puerta Calakmul: This hotel is located in Xpujil, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Calakmul. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
- Hekab Be Biblioteca: This eco-lodge is located in the small town of Conhuas, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Calakmul. The lodge offers comfortable cabanas, a restaurant, and tours to Calakmul and other nearby attractions.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque