EDZNA ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE

HOW TO GET THERE

Campeche is located on the southwestern end of the Yucatan Peninsula. It
borders north with the State of Yucatan , south with Tabasco and the
Republic of Guatemala Republic, and east with Belize and Quintana Roo; to
the west is the Gulf of Mexico. You can arrive to Campeche by air in one
hour and twenty- five minutes flying from Mexico City and by land,
traveling 1,306 kms. from Mexico City as well. Located 50 kms. southeast of
the City of Campeche, you can take federal roads 180 and 261, from
Champoton via Haltunchen or from Campeche through Chin . Edzna does not
have air access.

BACKGROUND

The Maya World is exactly that -the entire world which was once populated
by the ancient Maya. It includes the countries of Belize, Guatemala,
Honduras and El Salvador, as well as the five Mexican States of Campeche,
Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatan each one of them with their own
Archaeological physiographic and ecological personality. There are several
sites in different regions of the state, Rio Bec, los Chenes y Puuc and the
cities of Santa Rosa Xtampac, Becan, Xpujil, Chicanna and Edzna among
others. Ah-Kin-Pech or Can Pech from the Maya Ah-Kin, priest; and Pech,
tick; Capital of the Maya province of the same name, was a state city of
the Maya confederation not only a simple chieftainship as was believed
before. There you have one of the most impressive ancient worlds in the
whole Edzna.The names started to flourish and it contains many of the keys
to the first civilizations such as Hopelchen, Bolonchen de Rejon,
Nochcacab, TabasqueÒo, Santa Rosa Xtampac, Hochob, Iturbide,
Xtacumbilxunaan. There are other zones to the south with different styles
and tall and slender buildings as Rio Bec, Becan and Xpujil. There are
carved constructions in Chicana, Calakmul in the Maya Biosphere Reserve of
Calakmul and La MuÒeca among others of unequalled beauty and rich history.

DESCRIPTION

The Valley dates back to 600 and 300 B.C (Preclassic Period) as a small
community of some one thousand inhabitants dedicated to agriculture. In
general terms, Edzna has 1280 meters from North to South and 960 meters
from east to west, covering a surface of 1229 square kilometers. The
principal constructions are: 1.- The Great plaza. 2.- The Great Acropolis:
a.- Five level building b.- Five level adjacent building c.- The Moon House
d.- Southwest Temple e.- Southwest adjacent building f.- Temazcal g.-
Columns Room h.- Southeast Temple i.- Puuc Platform j.- Northeast Platform
k.- Altar 3.- Knives Platform 4.- Knives adjacent building: a.- Arch b.-
Room c.- Room with columns d.- Rear Rooms 5.- The Great House or Noholna
6.- Temple and south house 7.- South Altar 8.- Sacbe 9.- Small Acropolis:
a.- Stelas Temple The flourishing period of Edzna was during the Late
Classic Period. The five level building had the Puuc style. You can
appreciate a lovely carving on the outside and and the lower part is one of
the most beautiful pieces of prehispanic Monumental Architecture.

ACTIVITIES

Cultural and ecological tourism is soon going to be promoted with tours to
specific sites combined with bird and reptile watching. There is a small
shop where popsicles can be bought and there are guided tours that leave
from the City of Campeche.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Visiting hours are: from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is: 15.00 pesos
for person from Tuesday to Saturday. On Sunday it is free.

Arqlgo. Antonio Benevides, who speaks fluent English,  is currently in
charge of the excavations at Edzna.  His office is in the INAH Campeche
Complex located at Calle 59 Number 30 between Calle 14 and Calle 16.  He
enjoys talking about his work so whenever you are in Campeche sto by and
see him.  There is also a nice museum at the office.  Carlos Vidal is the
Director of INAH Campeche.  Unfortunately Carlos does not speak English.
Coral Zapata is currently working on the Archaeological Atlas of Campeche
and is a good source for inquiring about specific locations of ruins.