Balamka is a small but important archaeological site located in the state of Campeche, Mexico. About 240km from the capital that bears the state’s name, it is in the municipality of calakmul.
One of the impressive things is that these Mayan ruins were discovered only in 1997 by a peasant who caught dozens of thieves looting the place and called the army.
The first records of human life here are from 600 BC Although it is only one square kilometer, the main temple, called the Central Group, is impressive.
Inside this building the park’s greatest treasure is protected, the friso. This is an ornamentation located on the facade of buildings between the frame and the ceiling. Measuring just 12m (four meters were taken by looters), it was made of a kind of fragile plaster and that’s why the Mayans placed it inside the temple.
Balamkú means in the Mayan language “Temple of the Jaguar” and the frieze, which features the figure of this animal, represents two important moments for them: life and the post-death period.
One of the interesting points about visiting Balamkú is the fact that it is such a recent discovery and still off the itinerary for anyone visiting Mexico.
VISIT TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF BALAMKÚ
Tickets: 40 pesos*
Visiting hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm
Address: Escárcega-Chetumal Federal Highway, kilometer 93
More information: Consult the website of INAH
+ More tips for your trip to Mexico
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+ Complete itinerary in Mexico City
* Prices checked in May 2017
** The journalist traveled at the invitation of México Tourism Boardbut all opinions given here are personal and impartial, which reflects their real experience.
Rafael Carvalho
A native of Minas Gerais, a fan of chicken with okra and good beer, he currently lives in São Paulo. He has a degree in Radio and TV, a postgraduate degree in Journalism and has worked with Digital Content for over 16 years. He has worked for companies such as SBT and Jovem Pan FM. Passionate about traveling, he founded Esse Mundo É Nosso and travels around Brazil and the world all year round, always looking for tips to share.
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