ARCHAEOLOGY
Near Merida you can visit spectacular archaeological zones such as Uxmal, Chichen Itza and
Dzibilchaltun, which were built during
the Classical Period (400-800 AD) and Post-Classical Period (1300-1521 AD). At those sites
you can admire the architectural grandeur of Mayan culture.
Dzibilchaltun – One of
the oldest Mayan cities in the northern Yucatan
region. It’s most important structure is el Templo de las
Siete Munecas (the Temple of the Seven
Dolls). This archaeological zone, which covers about
17 sq. km (nearly 7 sq. mi), also has an ecotourism
park and the Museum of
the Mayan People. Open daily
from 8:00 to 6:00. Located 14
km (9 mi) north
of Merida on Highway 261.
Ake – From the
middle of a huge square known
as the Gran Plaza, you can gaze at the
main buildings where the ruling
class once lived. Particularly impressive is a limestone road, called a sacbe, which stretches
32 km
(20 mi) and used to
link the city to Izamal. Open
daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Uxmal – This archaeological
zone, located 80 km
(50 mi) south of Merida
on Highway 261, has palaces of majestic
architecture. The city has 15 groups of buildings, including
the Adivino Pyramid, an impressive structure
that is 35 meters
(115 feet)
tall, and the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s
Palace), considered one of the
most beautiful constructions of Mesoamerica. Don’t miss out on the magical
experience of Uxmal’s sound and
light show. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Chichen Itza – Considered one of the most
important capitals of Mayan culture, here you can admire spectacular constructions such as El Castillo (The Castle) and the
Kukulcan Temple, El Observatorio (The
Observatory), the Caracol and the largest
ball court discovered in the Mesoamerican region. There is also
the Sagrado sinkhole, which is 30 meters
(100 feet)
wide in diameter. Located 121
km (75 mi) east
of Merida on Highway 180. Open daily from
8:00 to 6:00.
