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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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