A path full of magic took me to the Dzibilnocac archaeological zone, it was one of those wonderful days. I lived Dzibilnocac with a unique landscape, a day gift.


The Dzibilnocac archaeological zone is one of the treasures of Campeche, a state extremely rich in archaeological zones, which are also not as visited as those of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. If you are one of the travelers who like the adventure point, without a doubt Campeche is a gift for you.

Normally, before visiting an archaeological zone, I like to inform myself to enjoy the place more. With Dzibilnocac it was not like that, I was simply working in the area and I went to visit her. So it was an absolute surprise, very wonderful.

Due to some very heavy rains in previous months, I found Dzibilnocac dressed in a radiant green and with a flooded area, something that undoubtedly gave a plus to the landscape of the enclosure. The aguada that forms next to the main structure with the pich trees were pure magic along the way. An enjoyment that I certainly want to share with you.

Part of the magic of the area is that it is very untouristy, there are many Mennonite settlements, which attract the traveler's curiosity and you go through beautiful landscapes of fields and crops. There is much to discover and walk through the interior of Campeche.

dzibilnocac archaeological zone

HOW TO GO TO DZIBILNOCAC ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA

The city of Campeche or Holpechén are the two towns with lodging services and restaurants closest to Dzibilnocac. To get to Dzibilnocac you must want to go, as it is somewhat remote.

  • HOW TO GO TO DZIBILNOCAC BY CAR: From the capital city of Campeche, take Federal Highway No. 262 to the town of Hopelchén (90 km); from there it goes to Dzibalchén (40 km) and later to Vicente Guerrero (Iturbide, 20 km), a community attached to the Mayan archaeological zone of Dzibilnocac. Estimated time: 2 hours 40 minutes from Campeche
  • HOW TO GO TO DZIBILNOCAC BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: It is somewhat complicated to go by public transport to Dzibilnocac. Despite there being public transport that connects the different towns in the area, you have to make different changes and there is not much frequency. 

Mexico state: Campeche

Discover the magical Dzibilnocac archaeological zone in Campeche 1
Open Google Maps to go to Dzibilnocac

HISTORY OF DZIBILNOCAC

Most of the cities of the Chenes used an elevation of the land to build the cities, taking advantage of the geology of the Campeche region. Dzibilnocac does not follow this pattern. It is built on a plain, and the richness of the soil favored agriculture and a sedentary lifestyle since 500 BC.

Over time Dzibilnocac was one of the capitals of the Chenes. Around the year 1000 AD the decline of political and economic power began. This caused the disintegration of the population.

  • APOGEE: from 600 AD to 800 AD Late Classic. The chronology of the Dzibilnocac archaeological zone goes from 500 BC to 1000 AD
  • WHAT DOES THE NAME OF DZIBILNOCAC: painted vault (tsibil-thing or something painted, nokak-boveda) in reference to the paintings that were inside the rooms of the site. It has been known as Dzibilnocac since the late XNUMXth century, when it was reported by explorer John L. Stephens.
  • ARCHITECTONIC STYLE DE DZIBILNOCAC: it was one of the capitals of the Chenes, with an architectural style of the Chenes with an architectural touch of the Bec River. The influences and different architectural stages of the ancient Maya are reflected in Dzibilnocac.
ancient mayan chronology

EXPLORATION OF THE DZIBILNOCAC ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA

The written chronicles include the famous explorer Lloyd Stephens together with the cartographer Frederick Catherwood who visited the site for the first time in February 1842.

In May 1887, the explorer Teobert Maler photographed the main building and the two vault covers that give the name to the Dzibilnocac archaeological zone. A beauty that we show in photography so you don't miss it (it is currently in the National Museum of Anthropology).

The Mayan deity known as K is depicted with Mayan glyphs at the top and bottom.

tapa_dzibilnocac
Source INAH media library ©

After Teobert Maler, several institutions, explorers and archaeologists documented the place: in 1936 the researcher Harry Pollock of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, later the Mexican architect Ricardo Robina, in 1949 George W. Brairned, between 1968 and 1969 Fred W. Nelson, a researcher at the New World Archaeological Foundation, who produced the most complete monograph on Dzibilnocac. Over the next ten years, George Andrews of the University of Oregon recorded and interpreted further architectural and construction details of some buildings. (Source)

Since 1982, the INAH began the work of restoration and consolidation of the Dzibilnocac archaeological zone. In the year 2013 have been the last explorations to date.

Old photos fascinate me. We leave you an image of Teobert Maler of the main structure of Dzibilnocac. I find these journeys through time, whether thanks to paintings, photographs, writings or other representations, fascinating, as they are true windows into our past.

Photo Teobert Maler dzibilnocac
Photography Teobert Maler (Source © )
dzibilnocac_archaeological_zone
Current photo of the main structure

“The one known as structure A-1 or the Building of the Three Towers measures 74 m long by 30 m wide. The towers have an average height of 17 m, not counting the crests when they were complete. On the first level, 8 rooms have been registered and on top of each tower there were two rooms. Two other rooms were added to the south side of the building, one on each side of the central staircase. (Source Ⓒ)


OUR OPINION OF DZIBILNOCAC

It was something fantastic to be in front of this imposing building. Dzibilnocac fascinated me, the fact of enjoying the enclosure totally alone was like being like a little girl with a new toy: the intense green of the place, the water that was formed by the rains. This area of ​​Campeche brings out the best of my smiles.

The INAH of Campeche does an extraordinary job through practical information on social networks and on-site information about the archaeological zones, it feels like a very nice job. Like the workers/custodians of the archaeological zones of the state of Campeche, they welcome you happy, prepared and proud to do their job. Campeche is special for me, an enjoyment.

Dzibilnocac has an area of ​​large Pich trees that is a cool place to enjoy nature.

dzibilnocac archaeological zone

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DZIBILNOCAC

In addition to the main structure, I would highlight what is not seen due to the fact that it is in the museum: the tops of the vaults that we previously showed in the photo.

When we visit archaeological zones we can dress them mentally, project them in our mind with what we know. This is how we see them with different eyes: it is something precious to travel through history thanks to these sites.

dzibilnocac ruins

MAPA DZIBILNOCAC ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA

Dzibilnocac is very easy to visit: from the entrance you head towards the main structure, the most monumental in the place. The manicured lawn makes a wonderful carpet to the main square. Once there you browse and move around.

dzibilnocac map
Map Dzibilnocac INAH

TIPS FOR VISITING DZIBILNOCAC

  • WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: It is an archaeological zone rarely visited as it is removed from towns with tourist services. For those who like these adventures it is perfect.
  • WHAT TO BRING: it is best to go with light and comfortable clothes (the heat can be tremendous), better to go with closed shoes and bring some water (they do not sell there). Especially in the months of June, July and August, bring insect repellent.
  • VISIT TIME: the enclosure is small, so you can visit it in an hour, even less. If you are one of those who likes to be entertained, it is an area to enjoy solitude and the landscape.
dzibilnocac archaeological zone

IPRACTICAL INFORMATION DZIBILNOCAC

As always we give you the updated information of the places so that it is practical for you.

1-Dzibilnocac archaeological zone schedule

From 8 to 5 in the afternoon every day of the year. Arrive an hour before the venue closes.


2-Services

There are toilets at the entrance. The place is very well kept.


3-Dzibilnocac archaeological zone price

It has no cost


dzibilnocac archaeological zone

PLACES NEAR DZIBILNOCAC TO VISIT

  • The closest archaeological zone is Hochob: 34 km/ 40 minutes by car.
  • Campeche (156 km/ 2 hours 35 minutes) and Holpechen (63 km/ 1 hour 10 minutes) are the closest cities.
map campeche and surroundings
Opens Google map of Campeche and surroundings

Good way,

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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.

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