Unearthing the Hidden Gems: Calakmul, Mexico
Exploring the Concealed Mayan Sites of Calakmul in Mexico
Listen up, fellow adventurers! This ancient Maya city deep in the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula is a total off-the-beaten-path find and one of my top picks in Mexico!
Most tourists never make it to the remote ruins of Calakmul, hiding away near the Guatemalan border, due to its hidden location. But don't be deterred, my compatriots, for it's just the kind of place Indiana Jones himself would seek out!
So, hop on a long, dedicated journey to experience the real deal, the true "Jungle Book" of Mayan archeology!
Location, Location, Location
First things first, Calakmul is smack-dab in the Mexican state of Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its remote location requires a substantial trek to reach, making it the perfect hideaway for those wanting to stray from the touristy path.
Gigantic Ruins Galore
The vast ruins of Calakmul sprawl across a whopping 2 square kilometers (0.77 sq mi). Many areas have been left un-exhibited, giving it a genuine explorer feel. The scarcity of visitors guarantees a "real-life Indiana Jones" kind of adventure.
The Maya Kingdom
This ancient metropolis housed around 50,000 inhabitants and was the capital of a colossal regional state. The Calakmul kingdom boasted 20 neighboring cities, like La Muñeca, Naachtun, Sasilha, and others, all part of a population estimated to be over 1.7 million!
A Brief History
This impressive city was rediscovered and named by a biologist in 1931. In Maya, Calakmul means "two adjacent mounds," which suits the two main pyramids perfectly. Thought to be a rival of Tikal in Guatemala, Calakmul eventually fell to Tikal in 700 AD and was eventually swallowed by the jungle for centuries.
The Calakmul ruins and surrounding jungle were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Exploring Calakmul
Imagine climbing steep, narrow pyramids, careful not to fall from the precarious steps barely wider than your foot, surrounded by some of the tallest structures in the Maya world! Don't worry about the potential danger—tumbling from the heights would be nothing short of a disaster!
Not only can you climb the pyramids, but Structure 2 holds the title for the highest and largest structure in the Maya world. Royal tombs containing artifacts such as jade masks have been found within.
Other highlights include the Mayan ball court where athletes tossed a rubber ball (symbolizing the sun) into a small stone circle without using their hands or feet. Quite a challenge!
You'll also find loads of intricate stone stelae, some still boasting their original color pigments.
The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
The ruins reside within the massive Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, covering 2,792 square miles of protected jungle. Here you can spot Ocellated Turkeys, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Baird's Tapir, Tucans, and maybe even the elusive Jaguar!
The best time to spot wildlife is early morning or late afternoon during the drive to the ruins.
Getting There
Reaching Calakmul is quite an expedition, involving several transportation methods due to its isolated location. But fret not, brave adventurers! The experience is absolutely worth it.
Renting a car is the most straightforward way to get there using services like Discover Cars, which search both local and international car rental companies. From Cancun, it's a 6-hour drive, while Tulum is 4 hours away, and Campeche is just 4 hours from Calakmul by car.
If a rental car isn't in the cards, opt for buses that run from Campeche and Tulum to Xpujil via ADO Bus Service. Once in Xpujil, hire a pricey taxi for the one-hour journey to the ruins. The taxi driver will wait while you explore for a few hours.
Camping in the Calakmul Biosphere
For an unforgettable experience, camp within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. A few campgrounds offer tents for rent, and the campsite I've visited multiple times is called Campamento Yaax Che. Just be prepared for a loud night with noisy howler monkeys screaming from the treetops.
More Tips & Safety
Plan to spend at least 4 hours exploring the ruins, if not more. Be sure to gear up with plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, comfortable, secure shoes, and Mexican Pesos, as many places do not accept credit cards. Most importantly, stay safe and enjoy this remarkable journey to the heart of ancient Maya civilization!
Want to extend your Mexican adventure? Check out these captivating articles:
- Ready to party like there's no tomorrow in Mexico? Here's why Cancun should be on your bucket list.
- Road-tripping along the Riviera Maya? Discover my favorite hidden gems in the Yucatan.
- Save money on your travels with my comprehensive guide to budget travel in Mexico.
- Stay safe during your travels with these essential safety tips.
Talk Soon,
[Jessie]
P.S. Have questions about Calakmul or other Maya ruins? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to discuss!
Venture beyond the common tourist trails to uncover the hidden gems of Calakmul, a site perfect for those seeking an authentic, Indiana Jones-style adventure!Pairing the exploration of its colossal ruins with the diverse wildlife within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve makes Calakmul an unrivaled experience in Mayan archeology and travel.
