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
The name means "writing on flat stones," referring to the many memorial stones found at the site.
This archeological site covers 16 km2 (eight square miles) and it includes the remains of various settlements of different periods, from 500 B.C until the Spanish conquest, around 1540 A.D.
Must see Buildings
In the surroundings there are approximately 8,400 structures, and 12 "sacbés" trails, and most of them start from the center of the buildings.
Dzibilchaltún treasures an incredible amount of stone constructions, such as "The Palace" and "The Temple of the Pedestal". However, the most outstanding building is "The House of the 7 Dolls".
Dzibilchaltún
Templo de las Muñecas (Temple of the Dolls)
The name comes from the seven small coarsely made effigy dolls found in the interior of the temple. It is an impressive one-story square building with one short tower on its roof and a stelae in front of the building.
It is also known as the Temple of the Sun because of the phenomenon which takes place twice yearly, at the spring and fall equinoxes when the rising sun is visible through one window and out the other, creating an impressive projection of the mask of Chaac, the Rain God, one of the most important deities of the rich Mayan cosmogony, a confirmation that the Maya astronomical knowledge. In this specific day the site opens at 5:30 in the morning to appreciate this amazing phenomenon. There is a similar phenomenon with the moon between March 22 and April 20.
Structure 38
Some archaeologists consider this group was a residential area with a shrine.
Structure 44
In the central square there are a series of buildings and stelae, as well as the structure 44, a large palace with three chambers, one of the longest in the area, with a length of 130 meters and 35 entrances.
Capilla Abierta (Open Chapel)
Also in the central plaza is the Open Chapel, an unusual arched structure. At the arrival of the Spaniards many buildings disapered because the stones were used to built catholic churches. In the site there is a 16th Century Franciscan church.
Cenote Xlacah
In the central part of the settlement is the cenote Xlacah which means "old town", one of the largest underground rivers in Yucatan, it is 44 meters (144 feet) deep. In this beautiful freshwater pool you can swim surrounded by a surprising variety of plants and animals. During the 50’s when the cenote was explored for the first time thousands of pottery shards and urns were found.
Museo del Pueblo Maya (Museum of the Mayan People)
Within the archaeological zone is the Museum of the Mayan People, one of the best in Yucatan. It has four rooms that exhibit several pieces found in this location like pre-Hispanic sculptures, carved stone tablets and stelae of the entire Yucatán peninsula, as well as ceramic and architectural elements of Chiapas and Campeche. The exhibit also includes maps, old textile machinery, Spanish armors, swords and weapons.
Location
Highway to Chablekal Km. 6.5, Merida Police Station, Yuc. It is 28 km away, approximately half an hour from Mérida.
Hours
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 16:00 hrs.
English 
Español de México 
