Hidden deep in the Mexican rainforest, to the south of the state of Campeche and a few kilometers from the border with Guatemala we find the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul. This majestic pre-Hispanic center was hidden for more than 1,000 years, until its discovery on December 29, 1931 by the biologist Cyrus Lundell, who would name it Calakmul. A word of Mayan origin that means “two adjacent pyramids”, in reference to the two large structures that crown the surrounding landscape from their 50 meters high.
Since then, little by little this city has revealed its greatness and secrets, becoming a place where Mayan history, nature and culture merge to amaze those who visit it; something that was recognized by UNESCO, by declaring it on July 4, 2002, as a cultural heritage of humanity.
Currently considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, it is made up of five architectural complexes, scattered over 70 square kilometers and connected to each other by beautiful causeways. In them you can find more than 6,000 structuresarranged around a large central plaza that stands out as one of its main attractions, due to the significance it had in the Mayan culture, representing its most sacred space.
Another attraction in Calakmul is the great acropolisa residential area for the ruling class, where in addition to palaces, such as the residential unit of Utsiaal Caan and Wac Ahau Nah, you can also see the famous sacrificial stone, a ball court and a high wall of approximately 8 meters high, which is presumed to have been raised to defend the city.
Given the number of monolithic monuments, a detail that is not overlooked are the stelae. With a total of 117, it becomes the Mayan archaeological zone with the largest number of stelae. Acquiring a higher level of importance, since fragments of Mayan history are recorded in them that have helped to decipher a large part of its mysteries.
Secondly, The “sacbé” or white path also takes on special relevance, a network of sacred roads, which connect plazas and Mayan temples. In Calakmul, 15 of them have been identified so far, of which the most important is sacbé 5, since thanks to its 40 kilometers it connects Calakmul with El Mirador, in the Guatemalan Petén region.
In addition to the presence of important archaeological remains, its value is incalculable as it forms part of the Calakmul biosphere reserve. Home to various species of flora and fauna, among them 18 mammals in danger of extinction, which inhabit 720 thousand hectares of jungleconsidered the second vegetable lung of the American continent.
Without a doubt, the Mayan civilization left us great legacies and the ancient city of Calakmul is one of them. Therefore, we invite you to discover through its architecture and imposing nature, the greatness and charm of a civilization that still hides many mysteries.