These ruins were once a mighty city used on and off from 1000Bc until 1000 AD. It lay dormant for nearly 1000 years and was found by a farmer wanting good land in 1942. It was not until 1972 when archeologist began exploring the ruins and had it listed with the Mexican Government. It began to be restored in 1994 and it was not officially open to the public until 2002. That is a pretty recent opening so you know many have not seen these ruins.
This is a large site encompassing over twenty acres spread out over relatively flat terrain. Tree shaded trails wind through the sub-tropical rainforest making it enjoyable to explore. While the main attractions are the large Sun God masks, the site has numerous other structural groups to explore.
The site dates from the Pre-Classic (300B.C.-250 A.D) through its peak in the Late Classic (600-900 A.D), and was abandoned around 1100 A.D.
Dzibanche & Kinichna ruins are away from the crowds which guarantees a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, just perfect to explore and an enjoy the relaxing sounds of the jungle and if you are lucky, get to see howler monkey families.
Dzibanché means “writing on wood” This name comes from large wooden lintel contained in the Temple of the Lintels that has eight glyphs carved into the quebracho wood. This wooden carving can be traced back to 618 AD. The settlement was occupied from 200 BC to 990 AD. It was the early capital of the Kan dynasty, which later ruled Calakmul. Archeologists found the earliest known use of the Kan glyph within the structures. The Kan family moved to Calakmul around 590 AD.
Located in the second biggest rain forest in the continent, Calakmul latest research have shown that it is the most important city from Mayan Classic, with Tikal and Palenque they led the politic organization of the Maya highlands.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002 for cultural and environmental significance, the city existed for twelve centuries (550 B.C. – 900 A.D.)
