The recently opened site in Bacalar has structures larger than those of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
After a couple of years of dialogue between the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and local Ejidatarios, an agreement was reached for the opening, which started on January 11, of the archaeological zone of Ichkabal, a new tourist attraction in the magical town of Bacalar.
What is the Ichkabal archaeological zone like?
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Culture, the Ichkabal archaeological zone occupies 113 hectares, although the urban core open to the public is much smaller.
The ruins were discovered in 1995 and registered as an archaeological site in 1996. Its name in Mayan translates as ‘between lowlands’ and it is a city that was inhabited from 400 BC to 1500 AD, according to research by the INAH.
It lived its splendor between 200 BC and 600 AD, making it contemporary with other large ancient Maya cities such as Calakmul (in Campeche) and Tikal (in Guatemala).
Ichkabal has even been nicknamed the ‘Mesoamerican Egypt’ because some of its buildings are over 45 meters high. Three of them, by the way, are larger than the Temple of Kukulkan (aka El Castillo) at Chichén Itzá.
Most of its monumental structures were built between 350 and 50 BC.
These buildings are great examples of Petén style architecture, characterized by high pyramidal bases with superimposed structures, decorated with lintels, crests, and reliefs.
Another of its main characteristics is that many of its constructions were placed in triadic groups.
With Ichkabal, Quintana Roo already has 12 archaeological zones open to the public. Mexico has a total of 194 archaeological sites nationwide.
Where is the Ichkabal archaeological zone located?
Ichkabal is located immersed in the thick jungle of the state of Quintana Roo in the municipality of Bacalar.
From the center of the town, it is a drive of approximately one hour and 20 minutes; from Chetumal, it is 2 and a half hours.
How much does it cost to enter the Ichkabal archaeological zone?
Admission is free. Hours are Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last admission is at 4:30 p.m.
TYT Newsroom
