Day 6      1/16/2024

Campeche, MX

Frank's Trip

CLICK on any image to enlarge - use mouse cursor to move enlargement it if doesn't fit area

Calakmul World Heritage Site...

This is a place you must WANT to go to to get there. I was in Campeche and it was a 4 hour trip by taxi on ordinary highways to get to the turn-off point. The only nearby towns are very small and also difficult to get to if one doesn't have a car.

From the turn-off, it is over a 2 hour drive (about 60 Km / 38 miles) through the jungle to get to the visitor center. To say this is out of the way would be a grand understatement. After going through the Visitor Center, it is about a mile and a half walk through the jungle to get to the beginnings of the site. There are lots of mosquitoes (what a surprise) and they're not shy about landing on a person. I was shocked that even though a number landed on me and I easily killed several (they're in no hurry to move), none bit me - no mosquito bites was a major (and pleasant) surprise.

Aside from the obvious importance of the archaeological site, Calakmul is also the 2nd largest nature reserve in the Americas.

I didn't see he whole archaeological site - not even close. I did see what I believe to be the main structures. It would have taken me another exhausting day to see the rest - at least. The overall archaeological site is about 7 sq. mi. with the core being about 2 sq. mi.

Jungle Life

The occelated turkey below was spotted during our drive through the jungle. A few other large birds and some monkeys were also glimpsed. Across one of the jungle paths the caterpillars below were making a migration.

< LEFT    &    RIGHT >
Chi'ck Naab Murals

Structure I

Structure I is the second tallest pyramid in Calakmul, after Structure II though it can appear taller because it is on higher ground.

Structure II

The Gran Plaza is the main plaza of Calakmul. It is surrounded by several structures, such as the famous Structure II. Structure II is a north-facing pyramid that is the largest in in the Maya world. The base measures 120 meters (390 ft) square and it stands over 45 meters (148 ft) high.

It was the symbol of power and authority in Calakmul, and the burial place of some of its rulers. Archaeologists have found nine tombs inside the pyramid.

My Taxi Driver: Victor Martinez

Structure III

Structure III is located on the edge of the Small Acropolis.

It’s a palace where one of the oldest lineages of the city lived. Two tombs have been found here, one of them with offerings (ceramic, jade masks) and plaques with hieroglyphic writings, indicating that the deceased was an important ruler.

This was a palace where a royal family of Calakmul lived. They were one of the oldest and most powerful lineages in the city.

Structure IV B

Structure IV-B marks the position of the rising sun at the equinox and was likely used in ceremonial rituals

Structure IV C

Structure IV-C marks the position of the rising sun at the winter solstice and was likely used in ceremonial rituals

Structure VI

Structure VI is the platform to view the sun rising over the three sighting temples to the east and the stelaes seem to be astronomical markers

Structure VII

Structure VII is a temple pyramid. The pyramid was topped by a three-room temple that possessed a tall stucco-covered roof comb. A patolli game board was carved into the floor of the outermost room of the temple.

Structure VIII

This seems to be one of the older structures and was designed on a North/South axis. Probably used as an early astronomical observatory.

Structure XI

Ball Court