"GREAT SOUTHERN MAYAN RUINS”

Chacchoben :

Only 8 km from Buenavista and 65 km from Mahahual, taking the road 293 to Chunhuhub and Mèrida, at the 8 km, we find the archaeological zone. Chacchoben was founded in 200 BC. In the beginning of the first millennium it had an important phase of development which ended approximately in the 8 century. A couple centuries later the city was abandoned, only to be repopulated shortly before the Spanish conquest. The remaining of the city are scattered over an area of roughly 70 hectares. Excavations begun in 1994 and in september of 2002 the site was opened to the public. Without any reference for the name, the archaeologists gave the city the name of the near village. It can be visited Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00.

Kohunlich :

It is a fascinating archaeological zone because of its interesting history and also because its natural beauty and surrounding nature. It has been estimated that the city was founded in 200 BC. With the passing of centuries it has increased in power and size. The city continued its expansion during the post-classic period, but suffered a sudden collapse around the 1.200 AD and was practically unpopulated ever since. Although its existence has been known for many years, only in 1992 the excavations begun so it could be opened to public in 1994. To get there you have to take the federal road 186. 57 km from the capital of the state and 150km from Mahahual this archaeological zone is situated. It is open every day from 8:00 to 17:00.

Dzibanchè :

At first glance, more than a mayan city, it was a highly developed urban zone with various groups of buildings within an area with a perimeter of less than 6km. Like Kohnunlich, Dzibanche was founded around 200 BC. Four of five centuries later it began its sudden rise, which culminated in the classic mesoamerican period. From the XI century this city was abandoned. To get there you have to return to the federal road 186 and turn east to Chetumal. After 2 km you take a left to Morocoy. Pass Morocoy, 2 km after take a right. After 5 km, if you are not already lost, you should see the entrance to the ruins of Dzibanche and Kininchna. All archaeological zones are open every day from 8:00 to 17:00.

Kinichná :

Although it was a secondary site to Dzinbanche, to which it was a lot smaller, the archaeologists have given the site its own name that means ‘’house of the Sun’’. These ruins are located 2 km north of the same entrance of the ruins of Dzibanche.