Edzna
NileGuide Expert Says:
Edzna is the #1 Thing to Do in the state of Campeche.Address:
Phone:
+52 (981) 816-8179NileGuide Expert tip:
Location: 61 km from Campeche City, a one-hour drive from Campeche City How to Get There: By Tour: Take a four-hour package tour organized by Viajes Edzná or Monkey Hostel, or ask about other options at the Tourist Information office on Campeche's Main Square. You will have about two hours at the site. By Car: Drive south from Campeche city on Highway 180 and turn onto Highway 261 at Km 45, which leads to the site. By Bus: Autobuses Ejidales departs from Avenida Republica south of the public market and across from the Puerta de Tierra. 60-90 minutes. MX$20/US$2. The last bus departs Edzná between 3:30 and 4:00 pm, which means you can't stay for the Sound and Light Show. By Shared Van (Colectivo or Combi): Take an Edzná colectivo from Avenida Gobernadores north of the public market for about MX$20/US$2. Ask the driver to stop at the entrance to the ruins. For the return trip, you will have to walk about ¼ km to highway and flag down a passing colectivo. Hours of Operation: Open Daily, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission: MX$41/US$4.10 Parking: Free Services: Publications and small reproductions of ceramic figures, soft drinks, restrooms. Restaurant and telephone in nearby Nayaxché village. Medical Services in Bonfil community Additional information: Sound and Light show, Friday and Saturday. Winter, 7:00 pm. Summer, 8:00 pm. Purchase tickets at site or select a package tour that includes the show. Wear light clothes and a hat. Use mosquito repellent. Bring and drink plenty of water.Description:
Edzná, located 61 km south of the city of Campeche, is one of the state's most distinguished archeological sites. Dating back to 600 BC, Edzná, the "House of the Itzáes" in Maya, enjoyed one of the longest periods of occupation in the Mayan world, being abandoned completely only in 1450 AD. Of course, local residents knew of Edzná's existence but archaeologist Nazario Quintana Bello "discovered" it for the rest of us in 1927. On weekend evenings be sure to stay for the entertaining Sound and Light show, The Light of The Itzáes.Main Sights
Patio of the Ambassadors (Patio de los Embajadores) was named for the European ambassadors to Mexico who funded the renovation.
Platform of the Knives (Plataforma de los Cuchillos) was built between 1000 and 1200 AD. Flint knives were found here.
Main Plaza (Plaza Grande) is lined with monumental stone buildings, and was the city's main gathering place, capable of holding thousands of people.
Nohochná (Casa Grande or Big House) will be compared by sports fans to the grandstands in a football stadium, because the four terraces certainly look like bleacher seating.
Ball Court (Juego de Pelota) contains one remaining stone ring, the goal into which the players aimed a heavy rubber ball. Small Acropolis and its 70-meter wide, five-meter high platform contained ceramics dating from 400-250 BC.
Temple of the Masks (Templo de los Mascarones) features images of the rising and setting sun god, which adorn the base and are recognizable by their characteristic jaguar fangs.
Grand Acropolis is graced by a broad stairway where Mayan mythological figures dating from 652 AD can be seen.
House of the Five Stories (Casa de los Cinco Pisos) is Edzná's most famous building, a religious pyramid and residential palace. When you stand at the top of the 35-meter tall structure you have a marvelous view of the entire ceremonial plaza and the hills and valleys of the surrounding countryside.
