The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is filled with ancient Mayan ruins at almost every turn. Of course, there are sites that are world-renowned such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal. But you would be truly missing out if you passed on visiting the underrated Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún.
These ruins are not only memorable and impressive, but you have the opportunity to have the site to yourself, something that is rare in our overpopulated world of the 21st century.
What is Dzibilchaltún?
Dzibilchaltún is a Mayan archaeological site located 10 miles north of Mérida, the capital city of the Yucatan state. Pronounced “Dzee-beel-chahl-toon”, the site has been continuously occupied for thousands of years, since at least 1,500 BC! Dzibilchaltún in Mayan language translates to “the place where they wrote on stones.”
How do you get to Dzibilchaltún?
From the city of Mérida, you have a few options.
- Bus – this is the cheapest option. You can catch a collectivo/minivan on Calle 61 between Calle 54 and Calle 56. Expect to pay anywhere from 10-25 pesos ($.50 – $1.20).
- Uber/Taxi – Uber is prevalent throughout Mérida, and it’s easy to hire a car when visiting the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún. Expect an Uber to cost you roughly 220 Mexican Pesos ($11 USD).
- Rent a car and drive – The most COVID-friendly option as you don’t have to share a ride with anyone. The drive is only 30 minutes.
The site is open daily from 8 am-4 pm. We recommend getting there early so that you can experience the ruins all to yourself. It’s an incredible feeling to sit there and ponder what life was like when the Mayans inhabited this area without the distractions of selfie sticks and Tik-Tok dances.
How much does it cost to visit Dzibilchaltún?
For non-Mexicans, the entrance fee is 231 pesos ($11.50 USD). For Mexican tourists, entrance is 125 pesos ($6.25 USD)
You can check any backpack or belongings for 30 pesos ($1.50 USD). You can also negotiate a price for a personal guide for anywhere from 200-400 pesos ($10-$20 USD). Or you can eavesdrop inconspicuously behind someone else with a tour guide and absorb a few facts for free. We picked up that the ruins are set up to be an echo chamber, great for playing music and clapping and creating a surround sound effect.
Another budget friendly option is to check out an informative YouTube video before/after your visit to augment your experience visiting the Mayan ruins at Dzibilchaltún.
What is there to see at Dzibilchaltún?
There are numerous buildings, roads and ceremonial shrines on the site of Dzibilchaltún. Below are a few of the main structures.
Temple of the 7 Dolls
Known in Spanish as Templo de las Siete Muñecas, this temple got its name because the archaeologists who discovered the site in the 1950s found 7 small dolls buried at the temple. On the Spring Equinox, the sun rises directly through the temple’s doorways.
Cenote Xlakah
The location of the Xlakah Cenote so close to the site might not be coincidental. The cenote would have provided fresh water for drinking and irrigation to the Mayan population that was settled here. Usually, tourists could take a dip in the cenote, but due to COVID-19, swimming is currently prohibited.
The Spanish Chapel
This open chapel was built by the Spanish in the 16th century after their conquest of the Mesoamerican civilizations. The Spanish were intent on forcing their religion upon the local people and they toppled Mayan structures and repurposed the stones to build this chapel.
The Museum
The museum houses a wide range of Mayan and Spanish artifacts. Along the path on the way in you will also see Mayan pottery, sculptures, drawings, and the original 7 dolls that were found when archaeologists discovered the site.
The Main Pyramid
This 7-level stone structure provides a great overlook of the site from the top. For most of the popular ruins scattered around the Yucatan, climbing up the structures is prohibited. However, when visiting the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún you are allowed to climb a few, including this pyramid.
The Palace
Another structure to climb provideing a sick view. Looking out towards the ballcourt, you can imagine the Mayans all gathering on these steps to watch the game. It’s like a giant set of bleachers for a high school football game!
Should you visit the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún?
Absolutely, YES! It’s rare these days to be able to appreciate historic archaeologic sites without the endless line of tourists. While the masses head to Chichen Itza and Uxmal, you can appreciate the peaceful surroundings without having to wait in line and be surrounded by people. Visiting the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún won’t disappoint anyone traveling the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico looking to explore the Mayan culture.
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Traveling to Mexico or Latin America? Check out our posts on:
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- How to Visit the Yellow City of Izamal for $5
- An Unexpected Mayan Spiritual Experience in Uxmal
- How to Get from Mérida to Chichén Itzá
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