Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Archaeological Sites in Chiapas
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Arqueología Chihuahua
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Chacchoben was established as a collection of small villages on the lakeshore around 300 B.C.
It is the largest settlement detected in the lake region of Southern Quintana Roo.
When visiting the archaeological site you can enjoy the surrounding landscape, with the presence of toucans and songbirds, sapodilla and fig trees, white cedars and mahogany trees, a beautiful combination that results in a unique landscape.
Must see Buildings
The remains of the archaeological complex cover about 70 hectares.
Chacchoben
Temple 24
The first structure that can be observed is Temple 24, a massive step-pyramid that reveals, for its architectural details, a probable relationship with other Mayan cities of Petén and the skill of the ancient workers in the fine use of concrete between the layers of stone.
Gran Plaza (Great Plaza)
The next important complex is the the Great Plaza what it used to be the center of the city. It is divided by a broad thoroughfare and the ruis show some stalls from an ancient market and some elongated platforms used as residences of the upper class, though many are covered with vegetation.
A large number of censers from the last years of occupation have been recovered in the area.
Gran Basamento (Great Basement)
At the southern end of the plaza, a broad stairway, close-cut from the rock of the nearby hill, leads up to the Gran Basamento (Great Basement), a very high artificial platform featuring the Temple of the Vessels, Temple 1, and a few ruins of the foundations of smaller buildings. This structure was an important site for religious rituals.
Los Gemelos (The Twins)
At the top of these stairs in the Gran Basamento (Great Basement) there are two stone pillars known as Los Gemelos (the twins). In one of them there is a hole drilled through it which focuses the setting sun at the winter solstice on a small area in the Great Plaza. In this same way, the dawn sunlight is focused through the top of Temple 1, during the summer solstice. Archaeologists believe there was once a statue or stele at these two spots which this beam of sunlight would have illuminated.
Templo de las Vasijas (Temple of the Vessels)
In the Templo de las Vasijas (Temple of the Vessels) various cups, pitchers, bowls, and plates were found. This structure is surrounded by a number of remains that probably was a residential area.
Conjunto de las Vías (Temple of the Ways)
The complex has three different parallel rows of low stonework platforms and a temple dedicated to the guardian spirits who assisted each individual through life. An enormous collection of incense burners were discovered inside this temple that is why the scholars think Chacchoben was an important center for pilgrimage, even after the city was abandoned, and that is why between 1200 and 1450 A.D., the settlement regain some importance.
Location
It is located 85 km from Chetumal only 9 km from Lázaro Cárdenas.
Hours
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
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