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Calakmul: Mexico’s Premier Maya Ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Legendary Background

Calakmul was created for deities and inhabited by men, in the rainforest of Campeche. It is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site.

 

By setting foot in Calakmul you are not just exploring an archaeological zone, you are privileged to be entering the largest tropical rainforest in Mexico, since 70% of its territory constitutes a Protected Natural Area.

 

What can you do in Calakmul?There are several routes by which to explore this vast rainforest, and activities are organized by the surrounding communities. The tour of archaeological zone is a must, with its stelae and 147-foot-high main structure, which is quite a challenge to climb. Other expeditions take you along trails inhabited by jaguars, spider monkeys and an enormous variety of birds. If you prefer, you can spend the afternoon taking workshops, either on Mayan cuisine or hammock weaving.

 

Camping is also offered near the archaeological zone, or tours on horseback to visit the sacred caves, home to ceramic and skeletal remains. Not many people are aware of the other six archaeological sites within Calakmul, such as El Hormiguero and Río Bec, which can be reached by ATV or bicycle, in order to observe the mascaron ornaments there.
Tourist Attraction
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    It’s believed that the first Toluca valley settlers, and surroundings such as Teotenango, were of Otomí origin, established at Tetépetl hill slopes, 15 minutes away Toluca. Little is known about them. However, it has been discovered that those who had the greatest presence were the Matlatzincas (“those who make nets”), named so by Aztecs because of the wide use they made of net. From this culture remains the Zona Arqueológica de Teotenango (archaeological zone of Teotenango)—stands out for

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    Protected by the very god Quetzalcóatl, you’ll be able to admire the gigantic stone Atlanteans who watch over what was once the most important Toltec city. Find the Zona Arqueológica de Tula in the historic center of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo (entering through Actopan and taking Calle Del Tesoro). Venture to explore this city’s vestiges that until date is a reliable example of its majesty, very much in keeping with its cultured and prudent people; even the great lords’ sons from near and far

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    Declared a World Heritage Site, the archaeological zone of Xochicalco was an ancient ceremonial center and fortified city that had its heyday between 650 and 900 AD, right between the fall of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tula. On the hills that form the archeological site, two great basements stand out. The first is known as the Piramide de la Serpiente Emplumada (Feathered Serpent Pyramid), decorated with profuse high reliefs on its sides. There are eight snakes that symbolize the god Quetz