"Calakmul: The True Gem of the Yucatan" Calakmul by wilocrek

Calakmul Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 61 photos

Into the Great Wide Open...Under Skies of Blue...

Calakmul remained hidden from the world for many years before it was discovered in the 20th Century, yet for many it still remains a hidden gem. For those who rush to the Yucatan Peninsula to visit Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Palenque it remains a mystery to me why so many pass up the opportunity to visit one of the most stunning Mayan sites in all the world. Calakmul evidences a span of 14 centuries from 550 BC to 900AD. Calakmul is divided up into two sections, the Great Plaza and the Great Acropolis. Calakmul remains in a almost rustic state, completely immersed with the jungle with only paths and the structures themselves to remind you that your in a semi-civilized world. In most cases you will find that you are able to roam the site by yourself with only the sights and sounds of the jungle for company. Calakmul is the one Mayan site that actually gives you idea of what it might of been like to have discovered the site yourself. It would be shame to travel so far and not put Calakmul on your list. Don't live in shame, its just not worth it.

UPDATE: As of June 2008 its looks as though they are doing some major construction near the road entrance to Calakmul. It was hard to ascertain exactly what they were building...visitor center...hotel...gift shop? In any case it appears that Calakmul is slowly starting to come of age from a tourism perspective anyway. My advice is visit soon before mass tourism takes over...enjoy the quiet solitude of Calakmul while you can.

Calakmul: The True Gem of the Yucatan - Calakmul

Last visit to Calakmul: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Jul 1, 2008
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Reviews (21)

Great Acropolis: Structure 8 Things to Do (16)

This is the tallest structure of the Great Acropolis complex. Within this structure was detected a substructure... more travel advice

Great Acropolis: Ball Court Things to Do (16)

The ball court is found in the northern plaza of the public area in the Great Acropolis and is an open court with no... more travel advice

Great Acropolis Things to Do (16)

The Great Acropolis has a variety of different structures arranged around plazas and patios and it also contains a... more travel advice

Structure 4 Things to Do (16)

This architectural complex has twin temples on each side and a central thats preceded by 14 stelae. The monuments which... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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jocheng Jul 10, 2010 at 8:15 AM

i m planning a trip starting from belize city thru calakmul, palenque, merida, isla holbox and ending in Cancun. I thoroughly enjoyed your writing and it's packed with information. Thank you!
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Redlats Apr 15, 2008 at 2:50 PM

Calakmul is quite the place. It is amazing how many ruins there are besides the famous ones. We visited Edzna in Campeche, but it had a lot more people than Calakmul does. We brought our lunch to Edzna as well.
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calcaf38 Jan 20, 2008 at 1:30 PM

Great page. Thank you for sharing. It would appear to be an emergency to go there before the crowds discover Calakmul!