Edzna, Ancient Maya archaeological site in Campeche, Mexico
Edzná is an archaeological site with over 200 structures including pyramids, platforms, and residential buildings arranged around a central plaza. The site spreads across a large area and reveals how Maya builders organized their settlement across the landscape.
The settlement began around 600 BCE as a small community and grew until around 1000 CE, when it became a major regional center in western Yucatan. This long development shows how the population expanded its power and influence over time.
The Temple of the Masks displays two stone carvings at its base showing the God of Dawn and the God of Sunset, reflecting beliefs that were central to people's lives here. These sculptures reveal how inhabitants understood the connection between the sky and their daily world.
The site is open to visitors daily, and it helps to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking quite a lot. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade across the grounds and the heat can be intense.
The inhabitants built a network of canals that served multiple purposes beyond water supply, including transportation and defense. This engineering achievement demonstrates how sophisticated their understanding of hydraulics was and how they adapted the landscape to their needs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
