Merida, Mexico City Guide
For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Merida, Mexico Travel Guide has been your connection to Merida's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Archeological Side Trips
 Izamal is a large site which lies within the present day town. The city was dedicated to the worship of Itzamna, patron of learning, science, and the arts, who was also associated with healing and medicine. Established as a major pilgrimage center for the Mayan, it was converted to a Christian pilgrimage site by the Franciscan order after they arrived in 1549. The most impressive structure is known as the Kinich Kak Moo. From a platform measuring 670 by 670 feet at its base there raises a 57-foot high pyramid. Many buildings are still unexcavated - located mainly in the yards of homeowners!
Mayapán, was one of the last great regional capitals of the Maya during the Post Classic period. The rise of Mayapán to prominence occurred after the demise of Chichen Itzá, some time around 1250 A.D. The city had a population of 12,000 and its buildings occupied 2.4 square miles of land and the core of the town had a protective wall around it. South of Merida
Uxmal means "thrice built" or "thrice occupied" in Mayan. This once magnificent city was one of the major regional capitals of the Maya world. There are many large structures here with Puuc style decorative elements including Chaac masks, feathered serpents, birds, jaguars, Mayan houses and fretwork. Try to arrive before 10:00 to see the birds flying in the Nuns' Quadrangle.
Dzibilchaltun is one of the oldest known sites in Maya world. This city and its surrounding area were believed to be home to over 8000 structures spread over nine square miles. This site has a large ceremonial and administrative core area filled with many large structures. "The Temple of Seven Dolls" has an alignment with the sun during equinox. The sun shines into the chamber on top the temple and lights up into a brilliant star.
Oxkintok This is a Pre Classic site which could date as far back as 300 B.C. It is still under active excavation. It lasted until around 1000 A.D. The Tzat Tun Tzat building contains a labyrinth of tunnels, passageways and stairs. |
