Chunchucmil

Chunchucmil is a Maya settlement on limestone terrain in western Yucatán with several pyramids of varying heights and extensive residential areas. Stone pathways connect different sections of the settlement and allow movement through the site.

The site emerged and developed during a period of intense trade and urban expansion in the region. It shows signs of habitation across multiple phases of Maya history before eventually being abandoned.

The name refers to the red color of stones and earth in the area, which has shaped the place for centuries. Residents organized their lives around central gathering spaces where they met and exchanged goods.

The site sits in a dry climate with sparse vegetation, so visitors should bring water and sun protection. Access is best during cooler months since heat can be significant at other times of the year.

Unlike other Maya sites, residents relied less on maize farming and instead focused on trade and wetland resources. This unusual economic strategy made this settlement distinctive in the regional Maya landscape.