THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONES OF YUCATAN - HISTORY - 2025

The archaeological zones of Yucatan are centers of great cultural importance that refer to the Mayans. Its outstanding pre-Hispanic buildings demonstrate the advancement in construction techniques and their abilities to create decorative sculptures.

In what is currently known as the states of Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco, there is a reservation of 77 archaeological zones, which are within the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO.

Chichen Itza

The state of Yucatán has impressive archaeological sites such as Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, among others.

In these places, several historical events occurred that defined Mexico as the cradle of the greatest pre-Hispanic civilizations.

You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Yucatan or its archaeological sites.

The 5 most important archaeological sites in Yucatán

1- Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza is one of the most imposing ruins of the Mayan civilization, recognized for being one of the new seven wonders of the modern world.

Located east of Yucatan, it was named part of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

The castle is its most important building. It is approximately 30 meters high and is a tribute to Kukulcán.

Twice a year occurs what the natives call the descent of the serpent, a phenomenon of light that occurs during the spring equinox and the autumn solstice.

2- Ek Balam

The Ek Balam buildings are divided into two squares with 45 structures, surrounded by abundant jungle and two stone walls that join the central buildings.

It is 26 km north of Valladolid and 186 km east of Mérida. Its acropolis is one of the most majestic in Mesoamerica.

3- Uxmal

Uxmal was an important political and religious center for the Mayan civilization. In all Mesoamerica it is one of the greatest archaeological sites, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

After Chichén Itzá, it is the second most important archaeological zone in Yucatán, and it is part of the Puuc route, a journey that takes place in Yucatán about the Mayan culture.

Among its buildings are the Temple of Monuments, the Governor's Palace, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the House of the Diviner, the House of the Turtles and the Ball Game.

4- Dzibilchaltún

In its surroundings there are approximately 800 structures. Its most striking building is the House of the Seven Dolls, where the equinox takes place on March 21 and September 21.

In Dzibilchaltún you will find one of the deepest cenotes in Yucatán: the Xlacah cenote. It is suitable for people to swim, but you have to be extremely careful as it is quite deep.

5- Mayapán

It was the center of the Mayan civilization in the middle of the 13th century and its construction is quite similar to Chichén Itzá. It has a great wall and is surrounded by more than 4000 structures.

The castle of Kukulcán is one of the most outstanding structures since it presents a combination of light and shadow during the winter solstice. It is 40 km away from the city of Mérida.

References

1. Andrews, Anthony. (1980). The role of a critical Resource in The Development of Maya Civilization. Tucson, University of Arizona.
2. Bonfil, Guillermo. (1987). Deep Mexico: a denied civilization. Mexico. SEP-CIESAS.
3. Díaz-Berrio, Salvador. (1976). Conservation of monuments and monumental areas. Mexico DF
4. Garcia, Juan. (2010). Yucatecan archaeological heritage. I Congress on Cultural Heritage in Mexico. Mexico, Autonomous University of Yucatán.
5. Pérez-Judge, Amalia. (2006). Archaeological heritage management. The site as tourist resources. Barcelona: Ariel Heritage.