Calakmul

travel wonder in Mexico

Why
Calakmul
is special

Calakmul (kah_lock_mool') was one of the largest, greatest and most sophisticated Mayan cities, yet was not discovered by modern man until about 75 years ago.

Tips & insights

on Calakmul in Mexico

Calakmul's grandest pyramid is named Structure II (see photo above). It is as high as a modern 16-story building.

You can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle stretching to the horizon. However, the stone steps are steep and have short treads.

Calakmul was discovered during an aerial survey in 1931 - and excavation did not commence until 1985. Today, much remains uncovered.

This city-state was at its peak from about 500 to 850 AD. It likely had a population of 50,000.

Archaeologists learned a lot about Calakmul's ancient history by deciphering upright engraved stones (stelae), such as the one in the photo above.

I would hesitantly recommend Calakmul to anyone without at least a basic knowledge of Mayan history and archaeology. Unlike in popular Mayan sites like Tikal, Palenque and Chichen Itza, it is not a sightseer's paradise. You and your camera see little of the ruins as you walk around because much of the jungle growth has yet to be trimmed back.

And there is no airport. You have to take a four-hour ride over so-so roads from Campeche, the nearest city.

This archaeological site lies inside a vast biological reserve established to protect jaguars and other endangered species.

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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications