Chacchoben: The Star of the South

Though very different from Chichen Itza, Chacchoben represents serious competition for the big Mayan celebrity. Not many have heard of it, but it is actually the most popular Mayan ruins south of the Yucatan Peninsula. There has to be a reason, right?

Chacchoben was not a small town by any means

Chacchoben is one of those sites that is more than just its ruins. It’s a whole environment. Though the height of the structures most likely won’t unhinge your jaw, it is still quite an impressive archeological site. That’s because this wasn’t a small town. With an extension of over 170 acres, this was home to 10,000 Mayans. 2,000 of them lived in what is now the archeological site—the wealthiest and most important religious figures.

The structures at Chacchoben

The structures here were mostly government and administrative buildings. However, a few others had other purposes, and really show the difference between classes. Some, for example, were for special events—closed off to the general population.

It used to be that you could enter a few buildings and see the murals within. Due to deterioration, however, this is no longer possible. The next best thing is to visit with a guide, as he or she will give you a detailed rundown of what these murals were like and what they meant.

Toward the end of your visit, you’ll find a pair of temples that are the tallest structures here. Needless to say, they offer an impressive bird’s-eye view of the entire site. You just need to climb the steps. The many, many steps.

The tourists are not the only visitors

The natural inhabitants of Chacchoben complete the experience. Walking around the ruins, you’ll be accompanied by the sound of a wide variety of birds taking flight, or a group of monkeys having a screeching competition. Sometimes, once spotted, they become a bigger attraction than the ruins themselves.