The Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), announces to the public that the Dzibanché Archaeological Zone, located in the south of Quintana Roo, is now open for visits.
The pre-Columbian complex has a new image after being intervened through the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza), implemented by the institute within the framework of the Mayan Train works.
Thus, it now has modern infrastructure in the areas of service to the public: ticket offices, toilets, parking, trails and informative signage. In addition, the recent archaeological conservation works will allow visitors a more pleasant, safe and enriching experience with the new information generated around the site, whose occupation began in the Late Preclassic period (300 BC) and culminated towards the 16th century of our era.
Dzibanché is made up of four complexes of monumental Petén-style architecture. At its peak, during the Classic Period (250-650 AD), it was governed by the Kaan or Kaanu’l dynasty, according to what was deciphered in the abundant hieroglyphic texts depicted on monuments, steles and stairs.
The architectural complexes mentioned are: Dzibanché or Main Group, Central or Lamay Group, Tutil and Kinichná, interconnected by the Mayan sacbe’ob (white roads).
The systematic study of this site began in the 1990s; meanwhile, the works, registered in the Promeza, were led by the archaeologist of the INAH Quintana Roo Center, Sandra Balanzario Granados.
It is worth noting that, as part of recent investigations, in October 2024, the discovery of three facades with stucco reliefs was announced, alluding to the power of the Kaanu’l, through representations of ancestors, mythical animals and other traits of power – such as stone images of snakes -, typical of that dynasty.
The reopening of Dzibanché adds to that of other archaeological zones that can once again be visited in this entity, such as Kohunlich, Oxtankah, Chacchoben and Ichkabal, in the south of Quintana Roo, as well as El Meco, in the metropolitan area of Cancún.
The Dzibanché Archaeological Zone can be visited from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance fee: 80 pesos, except for the payment exceptions contemplated by law. On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican citizens and foreign residents with supporting documentation.
Source: lacapital
