The Mexican government opened this year to the public the archaeological zone of Ichkabal, a city older than Chichén Itzá and discovered three decades ago by a group of Mexican archaeologists hidden in the Mayan jungle, in the Mexican Caribbean.
The place, in the state of Quintana Roo, attracts hundreds of tourists and residents of nearby communities who want to know the secrets and the pyramids of more than 40 meters high.
The ancient Mayan city is 40 kilometers from the Laguna de los 7 Colores, a tourist destination in full growth in the region, triggered by the beauty of the area, its natural resources and the Mayan Train, built by the Government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024).
During an EFE tour of the area, archaeologist Luis Joaquín Venegas de la Torre, head of the site, explained that the history of Ichkabal dates back to 600 BC, but after centuries of abandonment, a team of archaeologists led by Enrique Nalda rediscovered it in 1996.
The specialist explained that “they are structures, they are monumental cities that were built in a very early period, with an architectural style of the Petén (ecosystem of the Mayan area) that resembles the structures that exist in Guatemala.”
“And with triadic groups and groups that are very particular structures for the oldest period of the Mayan groups in this region of Quintana Roo,” he added.
Archaeologist Luis Joaquín Venegas highlighted that, throughout these years, there have been intense excavations at the site and restorations that, finally, allowed its opening to the public in January.
Venegas de la Torre explained that the main structure of Ichkabal, Structure 4, reaches 42 meters in height.
This, he described, is one of the most significant groups, along with the Plaza Poniente and other findings from recent excavations, and from the highest part you can see the Mayan jungle.
In addition, the archaeologist highlighted the Ichkabal waterhole, a water reservoir with the capacity to supply a resident population and where crocodiles live, as it is interconnected with other bodies of water.
For now, access to the area is free for nationals and foreigners, and the rates that will be charged have not yet been revealed.
Rosa Rojas Quezada lives near the archaeological zone, the most recent one opened to the public in Mexico. She had heard about the place, but was surprised when she saw it and returned again.
“I imagined it would be less pretty, but when I arrived, I was surprised by how well they have it, it is impressive. Come with comfortable shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and water, because the heat is intense,” she said.
During her visit, they saw toucans and hares that were in their natural environment, while other tourists reported seeing a panther, spider monkeys and foxes.
Source: quepasamedia
