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Things to see Campeche

Edzna Campeche

Much of Campeche’s territory is filled with various archeological sites, almost all of which are Mayan. An early important site is Edzna, located near the city of Campeche in a region known as los Chenes. These sites are far less known and visited than sites to the east such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tulum. It was one of the most important ceremonial centers in the pre Classic Maya period (300-900CE). It is located away from other Mayan settlements on the peninsula and was probably a collection center for the agriculture products grown in the area, reaching its height between 600 and 900 it was discovered in the 1920s and excavated in the 1940s. During the planting season in early May, archeologist Antonio Benavides noticed that the setting sun illuminates a stucco mask hanging one of the pyramid’s rooms. The effect also happens in August, during harvest and it is believed to be related to the asking and receiving of abundant crops. These were sent to the city of Tikal in exchange for ritualistic adornment for the site. Its most important building is the Pyramid of the Five Stories, built as its name implies. Another important find came in the 1990s.

Isla de Jaina campeche

The Isla de Jaina is one of the best preserved archeological sites in the state because of its location on an island on the coast, surrounded by estuaries and mangroves. While most sites are in the interior rainforest of the state, there are fifty five archeological sites on the coast alone, mostly remnants of small villages. These other sites include Can-mayab-mul in Nunkiní, Xculhoc in Hecelchakán, Chunan-tunich, Xtampak, Hochob, Pak-chén and Dzebilnocac in Hopelchén, El Tigre in Candelaria, La Xoch and Chun Cedro in Tenabo and Becán in Calakmul. It requires special permission to visit.