How to Get by Car to Calakmul, a Maya Site
Mexico, north-america
35 km
45 m
moderate
Year-round
Deep in the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Campeche, lies Calakmul, a massive Maya archaeological site. Picture this: you’re in the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, about 22 miles from the Guatemalan border, heading towards what might have been the biggest city back in the Maya days.
Forget your average tourist traps; Calakmul was a major player, the capital of the Kingdom of the Snake (Kaan), giving Tikal a run for its money. We're talking over 6,000 structures here, including a towering pyramid that stretches 148 feet into the sky, plus tons of stelae covered in ancient carvings.
Now, getting there is an adventure in itself! From Conhuas, off Carretera 186, you’ve got a 40-mile drive ahead. It's all paved, but get ready for a long, winding, and narrow two-way road. There might be a few moments where you hope you don’t meet anyone coming the other way. Keep your eyes peeled for crossing howler monkeys and jaguars – yes, really!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Calakmul, a Maya Site is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 20.4873, -102.4500
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 35 km
- Max Elevation
- 45 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 20.4873, -102.4500
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