Chicanná retains one of the most beautiful facades in the Mayan world. The visit to this cozy archaeological zone of Chicanná is a pleasant walk through the architectural Mayan art of the Rio Bec style.

In this area between Campeche and Quintana Roo there is pure beauty of archeological zones. In Chicanná you can appreciate the architectural style of the Bec River in a pleasant walk through the jungle.

An hour of walking through the enclosure is great, with the possibility of observing an animal. The archaeological zones are part of a tourism of nature combined with the cultural.

What 5 Mayan archaeological sites you should not get lost in Campeche

chicanna

Structure II Chicanna: the door

Contemplating Structure II is worth the visit to Chicanná. Its relative good state of preservation after so many years exposed to the weather, makes us appreciate one of the most beautiful structures of the Mayan world, beautiful.

chicanna campeche
chicanna campeche
Chicanna archeological zone

If you look closely you can see some glyph and remains of red, yellow and red, usual colors for the beautification of Mayan cities. I never tire of repeating that it would be very good to have models or drawings of what these cities looked like in their times of splendor.

glyph structure ii chicanna
On the right the details of glyphs in red

A brushstroke of the history of Chicanna

Chicanna, with a chronological life of 300 a. To 1100 AD, had its apogee from 500 to 700 AD, within the Late Classic period. It was subject, according to architectural evidence, to the power of the city of Becán, and to its fall in the early XNUMXth century.

El Domino effect it was something constant in the fall of the great Mayan cities with their allies or dependents.

Discover Chicanná en route to Calakmul 1

What does Chicanná mean?

Chicanna It is a word from the Yucatec Mayan language: in Spanish it translates as in the house from the mouth of the snake (-Chi- mouth, -Can- snake, -Na- property). Spout Kaan (written in ancient Mayan without transcribing into Spanish) was one of the great lineages that ruled the area.

Some evidence indicates that he was born in the city of Dzibanché and it was developed in Calakmul, being one of the most powerful lineages of the Mayan civilization, with great dominance and victories over the area. 

Even today, the great Mayan surnames are collected by the blood of current Mayans, the surnames being important when establishing ranks, so it remains, here and in most of the Planet.

zona_arqueologico_chicanna

Chicanna It is not only its Structure II, in the enclosure you will see some of the Rio Bec-type buildings in a better state of conservation. The panels of masks in Structures I, VI and XX are an example of this beauty. You gawk at Chicanná.

zona_arqueologico_chicanna
architecture_maya

It always contributes to continue knowing Mayan cities, you are linking knowledge and valuing places more. This southern area, with hundreds of Mayan settlements, is a place to miss a few days.

You can visit places like Calakmul, Becán, Balamkú, Xpuhil, Hormiguero. Many of them belonging to the architectural style Río Bec. Chicanna It is a very profitable stop.

Discover Chicanná en route to Calakmul 2

Chicaná, archaeological site

LOCATION: Chicanná is located at kilometer 141 of Federal Highway No. 186, Escárcega-Chetumal, 2 kilometers from the highway.
SCHEDULE AND SERVICES: open from 8 a.m. to 17 p.m. daily. They do not sell drinks or food inside. There are services at the entrance.
PRICE ENTRY: 54 mxn. The Sundays the entrance of INAH is free for Mexicans and permanent residents. Access to archaeological zones is free every day to children under 13 years, students, teachers and senior citizens with valid credentials.
HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? A Xpuhil Public transport arrives from Escárcega (2 hours), Chetumal (1'40 "h) and Campeche (4'30" h).  Official Web of the main bus company that operates in the area. With buses or taxi from Xpuhil you can stop anywhere you want on the road.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels near Calakmul
WHAT TO BRING? Light and light clothing, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, closed shoes better and some water always goes well.

Good way,

Travel hacks
the shortest way participate in affiliate program this means that we get a small commission if you buy through these links accessing discounts; in no case does it suppose an additional cost for you and in this way you help us to maintain the blog.

If you prefer, you tell us your idea of ​​the trip and together we organize it.


Sandra Salvadó Training photographer, traveler by vocation and certified tourism guide by the Government of Mexico. We promote natural wonders and contemporary Mayan culture. Great fan of pre-Hispanic history. Author of the blog and co-founder of The Shortest Path Travel, agency that guides you through alternative paths in Mayan lands. Social and sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
I am at your disposal for whatever you need. Let's talk.

error: Content is protected !!