Archaeological site 25 km north of Motul
A Maya salt-trading port near the coast, with a small colonial chapel on its plaza and flamingos often in nearby lagoons.
Xcambó is a Maya site about 2 kilometers inland from the Gulf coast, in the municipality of Dzemul, a few kilometers west of Telchac Puerto. It was built on a raised island of dry land in the coastal swamp and was, in its time, the main port of the northeastern coast of the peninsula and a center for gathering and trading sea salt. Its great period was the Early Classic, roughly between 300 and 550, when it was linked by causeways to towns that depended on Izamal.
The restored center has stepped pyramids and platforms around plazas, including the Temple of the Cross, a stepped base with a cross on top, and the Temple of the Sacrifices. Burials excavated here contained offerings of imported pottery, including painted vessels from Guatemala and figurines from the island of Jaina in Campeche, evidence of how far its trade reached.
Xcambó is still a place of devotion. A small Catholic chapel stands on top of one of the ancient platforms, where, according to local tradition, the Virgin appeared, and people from Dzemul come here on pilgrimage. Flamingos and other waterbirds often feed in the salt flats and lagoons along the access road.
What to see and do
Climb the stepped platforms for a view over the swamp and toward the sea.
Visit the chapel of the Virgin of Xcambó on top of an ancient platform.
Look for flamingos and herons in the salt flats along the access road.
Combine it with lunch and the beach at Telchac Puerto.
Getting there
From Motul, drive north to Telchac Puerto (about 30 minutes) and then west a few kilometers along the coastal road to the signed turnoff for Xcambó. It is an INAH site with limited services; bring water and repellent.
25 km north of Motul
Directions from Motul on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Xcambó
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Photos
Weather warm
Xcambó shares the climate of Motul, 25 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Motul your base
Xcambó is an easy trip from Motul, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.