Backpacking in Mexico: Visiting the Edzna Archaeological Site
August 13 2021 | Tagged: Mexico
Zona Arqueológica de Edzna in the State of Campeche, Mexico. Off the main tourist route and definitely worth your time to go and have a look!
Edzná was one of 4 Mayan cities in Campeche. The other 3 being: Xtampak, Calakmul and Becán.
It was the most important pre-Columbian city in Western Campeche. It was founded in around 600 BC and occupied until the 1500AD when along with most Mayan cities, was simply abandoned for reasons unknown.
It was the most important pre-Columbian city in Western Campeche. It was founded in around 600 BC and occupied until the 1500AD when along with most Mayan cities, was simply abandoned for reasons unknown.
Where exactly is the Edzna Archaeological Site?
The archaeological site of the ancient city of Edzná is 55 km from the Walled City of Campeche in the state of the same name:
Having visited Tikal and Palenque in the last 10 days, which are both superb, I wasn't expecting too much at Edzna. I mean, if they were going to be good, then there would be at least a backpackers hostel in Campeche to cater for the travellers right?
I am always happy to blaze my own trail by visiting the lesser-known sites as well as the most popular ones and make my own comparisons. Draw my own conclusions.
And the Edzna Archaeological Site was quite the surprise.
The Plataforma de los Embajadores:
I am always happy to blaze my own trail by visiting the lesser-known sites as well as the most popular ones and make my own comparisons. Draw my own conclusions.
And the Edzna Archaeological Site was quite the surprise.
The Plataforma de los Embajadores:
Nohochná - The Large House 135m long covering almost the entire eastern side of the site:
It was very common to find buildings decorated with masks. Here, 1 of 2 stucco (similar to plaster) masks found in 1988 which represent the sun god:
The Edificio de Los Cinco Pisos - the five-storey building - main focal point of La Gran Acropolis:
El Templo del Norte - The north temple:
La Gran Acropolis:
El Templo del Noroeste:
La Gran Acropolis - the Great Acropolis:
The Edificio de Los Cinco Pisos:
"Nomadic Backpacker woz ere" August 2021
How to get to Edzná from Campeche using public transportation
Colectivos run, as and when from Chihuahua opposite the main market just outside the walled historic centre.
I left at 9 am and arrived at Edzna at 10 am. Fare is 45MXN.
The driver informed me that a return colectivo comes by at 12:40, which it did. There are others but this one gives ample time to explore Edzná.
The driver informed me that a return colectivo comes by at 12:40, which it did. There are others but this one gives ample time to explore Edzná.
How much does it cost to enter the Edzná Archaeological site?
As of August 2021, the entrance fee is 65MXN
What are the opening hours of the Edzná Archaeological site?
As of August 2021, the opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 9 am until 3 pm:
