Dzibanche Voyage Tips and guide

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Dzibanche is a Mayan archaeological site in the coastal state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a large site that spawned the Kaan dynasty, which would one day rule large areas of the Yucatan peninsula, including its capital city, Calakmul.

Dzibanche is a large site, covering an area of more than 40 km², that once had a population of about 40,000. It includes several large pyramids in four main groups of structures. A Mayan highway, called a sacbe, leads to another nearby (10 km) large Mayan site called Ichkabal. Dzibanche is regarded as having architecture typical of the Peten style. The site is set amid tropical jungles where monkeys hang from the trees and brightly colored toucans yearn for Froot Loops. Although Dzibanche is a large site, it is somewhat remote and is less visited than popular Mayan sites along the coast. Travelers who like exploring "off the beaten path" will appreciate the quiet tranquility of Dzibanche.

Dzibanche was established around 300 BC. At the time, the new city was called Kaanu'l. It went through a growth spurt between 300 AD and 600 AD, which corresponded to the rise in power of the Kaan dynasty. As the Kaan's power grew, so did its hunger for territory, eventually leading to incursions into Tikal territory and skirmishes, culminating in Dzibanche's victory over Tikal in 562. In 636 AD, the clan divided with some members moving west to settle in Calakmul. Calakmul eventually became the capital of the Kaan dynasty and Dzibanche went into decline until the 11th century, when it was abandoned.

It is usually hot and humid in Quintana Roo. The driest months are November through May, which are also the coolest and most pleasant. The rainy season is June through October but rains are usually brief morning showers with sunny afternoons. The area does get hit by a hurricane every year or so, so you might want to buy trip insurance if you come in late summer to early fall.

The most convenient airport is Tulum International Airport (TQO ^IATA), although Cancún International Airport could work too (it's just a longer drive). A closer airport is Chetumal International Airport (CTM ^IATA), but it receives mostly flights from Mexican domestic airlines.

From Cancún or Tulum, take the Tren Maya to Bacalar. From Bacalar you can take a taxi to Dzibanche or rent a car. It is an 85 km drive from Bacalar to Dzibanche, which will cost about M$600 by taxi (you can probably negotiate a round trip for a reasonable price).

From Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Felipe Carrillo Puerto or Tulum, drive south on highway MEX-307. You will pass through Bacalar. Continue on MEX-307 until it ends at highway MEX-186. Turn right (west) on MEX-186 and continue as described in the next paragraph.

From Chetumal, drive west on highway MEX-186 for 50 km to the town of Francisco Villa. Turn right (north) onto Carr. Francisco Villa - Graciano Sanchez for 25 km. Watch for signs to the archaeological sites Dzibanche or Kinichná. Turn right and continue about 15 km to the archaeological zone.

The site gates are open daily from 09:00 to 15:00. Admission to the site is M$80 per person. An additional fee is charged for video cameras. Local Mayan guides can be hired at the visitor kiosk. As of 2024, the local ejido began charging a separate fee to enter their lands.

It's an archaeological site, so you should plan to do a lot of walking.

• Temple of the Captives - contains a hieroglyphic stairway with intricately carved risers naming some of the city's noted captives

• Temple of the Cormorants - partially collapsed structure that is thought to have been 30 meters high, it housed a royal tomb and was surrounded by an open plaza

• Temple of the Lintels - known for its carved wooden lintels, which have been interpreted as historical records of important events in the 6th century, such as the rise in power of important figures

• Temple of the Owl - impressive pyramid built in the 5th century as the final resting place of a female ruler of the Kaan dynasty. Archaeologists found a number of treasures here including jade masks and black coral jewelry

• K'inichna' Pyramid - monumental pyramid with a three-level acropolis

• Tutil Complex - a series of hieroglphic friezes tell of the death of Uneh Chan and a series of skirmishes with nearby cities.

There are no restaurants at or near the archaeological zone. The best restaurants in the area are in Bacalar though cheap eats can be found in Chetumal and Xpujil.

No lodging is available at the site, however, many hotels can be found in Chetumal, Bacalar, or Xpujil.

• Coba
• Tulum
• Kohunlich
• Chetumal
• Xpujil