Xcaret, pronounced [ʃkaˈɾet] in Mayan, is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization situated on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, within the modern boundaries of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This site, once a bustling port and an important trading center for the pre-Columbian Maya, now partially lies within the confines of a contemporary tourism development known as Xcaret Park.
Historical Places
Jaina Island
Jaina Island, an artificial island located in the Mexican state of Campeche, is a significant pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site. Situated on the Gulf coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, separated from the mainland only by a tidal inlet, Jaina Island is renowned for its role as an elite Maya burial site. The island’s name, translating to “Temple in the Water,” hints at its sacred and ceremonial importance to the Maya civilization.
Comalcalco
Comalcalco is a unique archaeological site located in the present-day Mexican state of Tabasco. This ancient Mesoamerican city is notable for its distinctive architecture, which includes structures made from fired-clay bricks, a rarity in the region. The name Comalcalco translates to “House of the Comals” (a type of cooking pan) in Nahuatl, though its original Maya name is believed to be Joy Chan. The city thrived during the Classic period of Maya civilization and is thought to have been an important trade center due to its strategic coastal location.
Ancanceh
Acanceh, a town and ancient Maya archaeological site, is located in Mexico’s Yucatán State, approximately 21 kilometers from Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. It serves as the seat of Acanceh Municipality. The name Acanceh, derived from the Yucatec Maya language, translates to “groan of the deer”. This site is notable for its continuous occupation from the Preclassic period (around 300 B.C. onwards) to the present day, showcasing a unique blend of modern life with ancient history.
Iximche
Iximche is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the highlands of Guatemala. It was the capital of the late Postclassic Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524. The site includes a series of plazas and palaces, and is known for its well-preserved ceremonial architecture. Iximche was a significant cultural and political center before the Spanish conquest and played a crucial role during the early stages of Spanish colonization. Today, it is a notable historical landmark and a place of cultural importance for the Maya people.
Ixkun
Ixkun, located in the southern Maya lowlands within the Petén Basin region of Guatemala, stands as a significant pre-Columbian archaeological site. Situated north of Dolores in the department of Petén, this site encompasses a vast array of unrestored mounds and ruins, marking it as a prominent archaeological site within the municipality of Dolores.