The ancient city of Chacmultún, in the municipality of Tekax, is roughly 120 kilometers southeast of Mérida.
Because of its distance from any large cities, Chacmultún receives very few visitors. But its isolated location and unique geography make it the perfect day trip for archaeology aficionados who want to enjoy exploring ruins without all the hubbub.
The area is also great for people interested in birdwatching, especially if you arrive early. If you want to spend the night in the region you could do so in Tekax or Maní. Maní is also home to a restaurant called Principe Tutul Xiu, which has long been a favorite among people in Yucatán for its regional cuisine.
The name Chacmultún means “mounds of red stone” in the Yucatec-Mayan language. The origin of the moniker clearly comes from the reddish tone of the soil and of many of the stones used in the city’s construction. Its name in antiquity is unknown.
The site was discovered in the 19th century by the famed explorer Teoberto Maler but was not excavated until the 1970s. The habitation of Chacmultún dates back to the 3rd century BC, but the city reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries AD. There is evidence that the city had trade links with other important contemporary centers such as Oxkintok and Uxmal, with which it also shares its dominant Puuc architectural style.
Many of Chacmultún’s most imposing structures were built atop hills. While this practice is very common in other regions of Mesoamerica, it is very rare in the extremely flat northern Yucatan.
When you first arrive at the site you will see a large artificial terrace with several Puuc-style structures atop.
Continuing down the path you will see a prehispanic ball court or pok ta pok, and several other low-lying structures, some of which have been almost entirely reclaimed by the jungle.
You will then reach a large structure belonging to the Cabalpak group. The place resembles structures in other ancient cities such as Labná or Sayil, but only the first story has been restored.
To the left, you will see a large pyramidal structure in the distance. On your way to the structure, you will pass crop fields belonging to the people in the nearby village. Depending on when you visit, you are likely to see squash, corn, or beans growing in the field, much in the same way they have for thousands of years.
Climbing the pyramid and the hill on which it sits can be a bit of a challenge, but is well worth it. Make sure to watch your step, as many of the stones are likely to come loose under your weight. Fortunately, there is a good deal of trees to hang onto and help you keep your balance.
The view from the top is quite spectacular as is the architecture of the Puuc-style construction itself.
If you go
As with all archaeological sites in Mexico, it is prohibited to bring in food or drink — other than water. The entrance fee is 85 pesos Monday through Saturday. And on Sunday admittance is free for Mexican nationals and foreign residents of Yucatán (with ID).
From Mérida, make your way to the town of Tekax, make a right turn on Calle 72, and then again on Calle 70. Continue down the road to the village of Kancab and from there head south for a couple of miles.
Signage to help you find the site is fairly lacking.