Dzibilchaltun

Dzibilchaltun (tzee-BEEL-chahl-toon) is the "place where there is writing on the stones," a great Mayan city that is only nine miles from Merida. Here you will find the Museum of the Maya People, one of the best and most comprehensive museums in the Yucatan. We recommend hiring a guide at your arrival so they can explain the archaeological and astronomic wonders of this site.

Museum of the Mayan People at Dzibilchaltun, near Merida in the Yucatan.

To reach the ruins, walk the winding path past ancient Mayan stone sculptures. Enjoy the comprehensive and well-designed air conditioned museum, tracing the steps of the Mayans from antiquity to the present. Then follow the ecological path flanked by trees from the region, identified with their names. This will take you to the Temple of the Seven Dolls.

Aerial view of site and cenote

The Temple of the Seven Dolls was named for the seven small sculptures excavated here and now residing in a museum in Mexico City. This temple is situated so that every year, on the 21st of March and September, the spring and fall equinox, the sun shines directly through the doorway as it rises. Many other temples on the grounds have also been rebuilt and restored.

Sunrise on the equinox as seen through the Temple of the Seven Dolls, Dzibilchaltun.

Dzibilchaltun is a great place to wander, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, climb the structures and imagine what life must have been like there hundreds of years ago.

Last but not least, head for the Xlacah (ISH-lah-cah) cenote for a refreshing swim. This cenote is open to the public until 4 PM. It tends to get a little busy on weekends. One end of the cenote is very shallow, while the other is over 140 feet deep and continues on into a tunnel.

The Temple of the Seven Dolls.

Xlacah Cenote at Dzibilchaltun.

How to get there
To get to Dzibilchaltun, take the Merida-Progreso highway north. After seven miles you will see the sign to turn right. Drive for about two more miles. You will see signs directing you to turn right after you pass the village. If you don't have a car, you can hire a combi (collective taxi) on Calle 69 between 62 and 64 to take you there. This is in San Juan Park where they go directly to Dzibilchaltun. We have also heard that you can go to the Progreso station on Calle 62 #524 between Calle 65 and 67 and buy a ticket to Dzibilchaltun for $7 pesos. Don't forget to ask what time they pass by to get back to Merida!

To read more about
 Dzibilchaltun day trip
 Day Trips
 Transportation in the Yucatan.
 Spring Equinox

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 Map of Dzibilchaltun
 Map of Yucatan Peninsula

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