DZIBILCHALTUN

Dzibilchaltun (tzee-BEEL-chahl-toon) is the "place where there is writing on the stones," a great Mayan city that is only nine miles from Merida. Here you will find the Museum of the Maya People, one of the best and most comprehensive museums in the Yucatan. We recommend hiring a guide at your arrival so they can explain the archaeological and astronomic wonders of this site.

To reach the ruins, walk the winding path past ancient Mayan stone sculptures. Enjoy the comprehensive and well-designed air conditioned museum, tracing the steps of the Mayans from antiquity to the present. Then follow the ecological path flanked by trees from the region, identified with their names. This will take you to the Temple of the Seven Dolls.

The Temple of the Seven Dolls was named for the seven small sculptures excavated here and now residing in a museum in Mexico City. This temple is situated so that every year, on the 21st of March and September, the spring and fall equinox, the sun shines directly through the doorway as it rises. Many other temples on the grounds have also been rebuilt and restored. Dzabilchaltun is a great place to wander, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, climb the structures and imagine what life must have been like there hundreds of years ago.

Last but not least, head for the Xlacah (ISH-lah-cah) cenote for a refreshing swim. This cenote is open to the public until 4 PM. It tends to get a little busy on weekends. One end of the cenote is very shallow, while the other is over 140 feet deep and continues on into a tunnel.

To get to Dzibilchaltun, take the Merida-Progreso highway north. After seven miles you will see the sign to turn right. Drive for about two more miles. You will see signs directing you to turn right after you pass the village. If you don't have a car, you can hire a combi (collective taxi) on street 69 between 62 and 64 to take you there. This is in San Juan Park where they go directly to Dzibilchaltun. Don't forget to ask what time they pass by to get back to Merida!

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