Travel Guide of Calakmul in Mexico by Influencers and Travelers
Calakmul is a Maya archaeological site in the Mexican state of Campeche, deep in the jungles of the greater Petén Basin region. It is 35 kilometres from the Guatemalan border. Calakmul was one of the largest and most powerful ancient cities ever uncovered in the Maya lowlands. Calakmul was a major Maya power within the northern Petén Basin region of the Yucatán Peninsula of southern Mexico.
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Pictures and Stories of Calakmul from Influencers
2 pictures of Calakmul from Neven Myst, , and other travelers
- Calakmul - Mayan pyramid into the woods ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Neven Myst | ©Unsplash
- The stairs entrance on the top part of a Calakmul pyramid ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Neven Myst | ©Unsplash
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Map of Calakmul
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🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏰 Ruins spotsLearn More about Calakmul
What if you went to discover Calakmul, a famous Mayan archeological site, located in the state of Campeche, in the south of the Yukatan peninsula? A powerful, rich and developed city: Nicknamed the "Kingdom of the Serpent", the site is rich in history and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains 117 steles carved in honor of the kings and their Mayan wives, as well as murals representing scenes of daily life belonging to this ancient civilization. The heart of the site extends over 2km and contains the remains of more than 1000 constructions. Around, on a surface of 20 km, the site maps 6250 structures. Witness of the advanced technology and the Maya, the site is surrounded by a water network composed of channels and of huge tanks. Calakmul is also considered as the 2nd green lung of America and as the biggest tropical reserve with 180 000 km2 of jungle. A city in the center of the jungle: This ancient archaeological city, one of the most powerful, has sheltered life for more than a millennium before being abandoned to nature. Surrounded by jungle, Calakmul rises 56 meters high and is full of rich and diverse flora and fauna. The site counts more than 235 species of birds and it is possible to observe crocodiles, jaguars and boas constrictors. A city to visit and discover: Close to the Guatemalan border, but 5 hours away from Campeche, Calakmul is still little visited by tourists. To visit it, there are now 3 itineraries: a short one (2 hours), a medium one (3 hours) and a long one (4-5 hours). They lead through different parts: Chan Chi'ich, Chii'k Naab, the Great Acropolis, the Great Square and Structure II, Structure I, the Small Acropolis and Structure III. Near Calakmul is the Bat Cave, a place not to be missed! Every day, around 5 pm, thousands of bats come out in a spectacular flight. A show that can only be seen in two places on the planet: here and in Malaysia. In a few words, Calakmul is: jungle, an archaeological site to visit, fauna and flora to observe and bats to film.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Calakmul
To get to Calakmul, land at Campeche airport, the archaeological site being located in the state of Campeche.
From the city of Campeche, it is a 300 km (about 5 hours) drive. The most convenient way to get to Calakmul is by car. You can either rent one or go on an organized tour.
If you rent a car, fill up your tank in Escarcega (147 km from Campeche on the way to the site) because you will not find any other gas stations until you reach Xpujil.
5 hours of driving plus the visit to the ruins of Calakmul can be a lot in one day, so you may want to find accommodations closer to the site like Xpujil.
It all depends on how much time you have and what you want.
When you arrive at the site, maps are available. If you wish to take a guide, it is possible for a maximum of 4 people for a price of about 400$ MXN.
So you have 3 possible ways more or less long. For the shortest way, it lasts on average 2 hours, the second one lasts about 3 hours and for the longest one count 4 to 5 hours.
Where to Stay near Calakmul
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