Ichkabal

Understand

The city was designed with major structures in six different groups. The architecture reflects Peten style. The city is estimated to have had a peak population of about 100,000. It covered an area of 30 square kilometers &emdash; about 3 times larger than Chichen Itza (the most popular Mayan site in Mexico). The most significant structures date from 350 BC to 50 BC. The city was continuously occupied until the time of the Spanish conquest (early 16th century). Unlike most Mayan ruins, no stelae were found at Ichkaban so anthropologists will have to find other evidence before they can say who ruled the city and when. Their initial educated guess is that it was the original home of the Kaanu'l dynasty.

The site is connected to other Maya sites via sacbeob, the elevated paved "highways" of the Maya. One sacbe runs west for 16 km to the ruins of Kinichna and Dzibanche. Another sacbe runs east for 10 km to an archaeological site at Mario Ancona. The city had a sophisticated water system with a large main reservoir that provided year-round supplies, as well as six seasonal reservoirs called aguadas.

History The site became known to western archaeologists in 1994 when a local rancher named Alejandro Cano bumped into two INAH archaeologists who were in the area searching for a site they called Las Higueras. Investigations were launched in 1995 under the direction of INAH archaeologists Enrique Nalda Hernandez and Javier Lopez Camacho. A full-scale site survey took place in 2017, including LIDAR imaging. Investigations will continue for many decades to come, particularly as many mounds remain untouched.

Structures Most of the pyramids, temples, and platforms that have been explored so far are arranged in six clusters, two of which are the primary centers of urban life here: the Main Plaza and the West Plaza. The Main Plaza was the civic and ceremonial center. It is dominated by a huge plaza that covered 7 hectares (17 acres). The plaza is bordered by one of the aguad

Getting there

The nearest airport is Tulum International (TQO IATA), although Cancún International Airport (CUN IATA) may have a better selection of flights. From either airport, you can rent a car or use other ground transportation to Bacalar. Local Mayan guides can be hired at the site entrance. Their fees and services are negotiable. Tips are always appreciated.

By train Use the Tren Maya to the Bacalar station. Ground transportation is available from the station to Ichkabal (and other nearby Maya sites).

By car From anywhere on the Costa Maya or Riviera Maya, use highway MEX-307 to the town of Bacalar. On the north side of Bacalar, turn west onto the road marked El Suspiro / Reforma. Drive west for 18 km where you will find a newly paved park access road marked Ichkabal. The archaeological site is 21 km to the south. As of 2025, the parking lot is not complete, so parking is on the sides of the access road. Driving from Bacalar to Ichkabel will take about 1 hour.

Buy

A site museum and gift shop are expected to open in late 2025.