| |
Calakmul and
Champoton
Far inside the jungle of the southern part of the state of Campeche,
explorer Cyrus Longworth Lundell discovered the ancient Mayan City
of Calakmul in 1931. He called it 'the city of two adjacent mounds'.
Calakmul comes from the Mayan words CA (two) LAK (nearby), and MUL
(mound).
You will find this incredibly impressive site in the biosphere reserve
of Calakmul about 200 miles from the City of Campeche and 20 miles
from the border of Guatemala. The reserve was created in 1989 and
covers an area of approximately 180,000 acres, which is almost 13
percent of the total state territory.
In this area jaguars, howler monkeys, deer, pumas, wild cats and
many other mammals make their home. The jungle also houses many
kinds of spiders, reptiles, insects and more than 800 plant species.
Some of the plants found there include the Ramon (Brosimun
Alicastrum), a plant that was a important source of food for the
Mayas, and the Zapote (Achras Zapota), a tree that provided
Mayans with wood, fruit and chicle.
While you are driving through the 37 mile road that leads from Escarcega
down the Chetumal highway to the archaeological site, pull over
for a minute or two and enjoy the sounds of the jungle. Few things
can deliver such a stark realization about how far you are from
modern civilization.
The archaeological zone covers an area of
44 square miles and has more than 6000 structures, the majority
of which are still well hidden inside the jungle. The structures
that are already revealed seem to suggest that Calakmul used to
be the largest Mayan city of its time.
To reach Calakmul from the city of Campeche take
highway 261 south towards Champoton and Escarcega. In Escarcega
take highway 186. After 59 miles you will pass a village called
Congas. Look for the signs for the road to Calakmul on the right.
In March of 1517, Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba and his troops
stopped at Champoton, and you might want to also. They were forced
onshore by a storm, and just when they were coming onto land, they
were attacked by native troops led by
|
Above: Some of the many fishing boats along the shore at Champoton.
Moch Cuouh for a famous triumph
of Mayans over the Spaniards. The battleground in Champoton where
this all happened has been called "the bay of the bad fight"
ever since.
Nowadays, Champoton is a town where the main occupation is fishing.
It is located 65 KM south of Campeche and about 150 KM north of
Ciudad del Carmen.
Just south of Champoton, you will see lots of seafood restaurants
or 'cocktelerias'. These restaurants are situated along the water,
so you can eat and enjoy the cool sea breeze and sunshine. The fresh
fish and shellfish are delicious. Enjoy!
Read more about the State of Campeche
 City of Campeche
Edzna Archaeological Site
Campechan Cuisine
Transportation in the Yucatan
Visit our maps
Map of Campeche State
Map of Campeche City
Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.
Promotions & Discounts
Click here to get the best deals for your visit in the Yucatan.
To read in Spanish
Click here 
|
