Chichen Itzá, Mexico’s most popular archaeological site, now faces competition from Ichkabal, known as the “Mesoamerican Egypt” due to its grand structures. With three pyramids larger than Chichen Itzá’s Temple of Kukulcán, Ichkabal covers 30 square kilometers and features buildings over 40 meters tall, making it one of the largest and oldest Mayan sites. Scheduled to open in September, Ichkabal aims to draw in numerous visitors, becoming one of Mexico’s top archaeological destinations.
A giant in Mayan history
Located 58 kilometers southwest of the Magical Town of Bacalar, Ichkabal was hidden under jungle until its discovery in 1995. The site, occupied from 400 B.C. to 1500 A.D., played a vital role in early Mayan civilization and features monumental structures rivaling Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. With temples, pyramids, and advanced water systems, Ichkabal showcases its past glory.
Ichkabal’s opening is tied to the Maya Train project, linking it to other significant sites like Kinichna and Kohunlich. The site represents a revitalization of cultural heritage and archaeological tourism, aiming to shed light on the beginnings of the Mayan civilization.
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