Chacchoben is a Mayan archaeological site in the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is popular with cruise ship tours from the port of Mahahual.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]The site was settled around 500-200 BC though the temples date from about 700 AD. Early settlers built homes in small clusters close to the site's two lakes, Laguna del Ocho and Laguna de Chacchoben. The pyramid temples and platforms were built around 700 AD, but then large-scale construction stopped, although the town continued to be lightly inhabited up until the time of contact (early 16th century). The town had become a large settlement by about 360 AD when it was a magnet for spiritual ceremonies.
Architecture
[edit]The structures are organized in three groups that correspond to functional areas of the city, such as a religious center, etc. On site maps, the groups are called Gran Basamento, Los Vias, and Group II. Their style is similar to Peten sites (such as Tikal) and the construction materials are more similar to those used in Maya sites in Belize than it is to sites in the northern Yucatan.
Only a small part of the site has been explored and restored. Numerous hills draped with jungle vines hide more temples and structures waiting to be explored by future generations of archaeologists.
Climate
[edit]It's always hot and humid in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, except when it warms up, then the temperatures become damn hot.
Get in
[edit]The nearest airport is Chetumal International Airport (CTM IATA). The nearest large airport is Tulum International Airport (TQO IATA.
By bus
[edit]From Tulum, Mayab buses depart every 4 hours for Limones, which is 4 miles from the Chacchoben Archaelogical Zone (10 minutes by taxi). The trip takes 2 hours and tickets cost M$140.
By train
[edit]From Cancun, Tulum or other cities, take the Tren Maya to Limones-Chacchoben. Taxis and shuttle buses are available at the train station to take you to the ruins.
- 1 Estacion Tren Maya Limones-Chacchoben. Clean, modern train station with service throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancún International Airport, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Tickets available on the Tren Maya website.
Fees and permits
[edit]The INAH site entrance fee is M$140.
The site is open daily from 08:00 - 16:00.
Get around
[edit]Walk. Trails are cleared and well marked with occasional giant tree roots poking up like serpentine monsters.
See
[edit]Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]There is a stand at the site selling fresh fruits and tamales. A better selection of food will be available in Limones.
- 1 La Palapa, Federal highway 307, Limones. Tu-Su 08:30 - 17:00, closed M. Casual seafood restaurant. M$150.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]There are no hotels or other lodging close to the ruins, but the town of Bacalar is a few miles south with spectacular lakes lined with hotels, hostels, and small restaurants.