Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico, covering 1.8 million acres of forest. You will find the ancient Maya city of Calakmul spread over 10 square miles deep in the tropical forest of the Tierras Bajas of Southern Mexico near the Guatemalan border in Campeche. The well preserved structures here give an insight of life in an ancient Maya

Calakmul pyramid

city. Calakmul was once one of the mightiest cities of the Maya civilization and is believed to have been home to more than 50,000 people who lived around the central religious centre.
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2002, Calakmul is not only a site of great archaeological significance but is also home to more than 230 species of birds, some resident and some migratory, Baird’s tapir, white-lipped peccaries, spider monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, ocelots and pumas which are all protected by the reserve.

Calakmul in Maya means ‘the city of two adjacent pyramids’. The views from the top of these huge pyramids are spectacular, providing fantastic photography opportunties across into Guatemala and the surrounding forest. Four tombs were discovered inside the largest pyramid at Calakmul which stands at over 180ft tall.

Calakmul stelae

So far only a small part of Calakmul has been explored and restored as the site has more than 6500 buildings and more than 120 stelae (tall sculptured stone shafts). However archaeologists have already discovered and restored a ball court and a large pyramid with a burial crypt which contained thousands of pieces of jade and tombs containing jade burial masks, many of which are now on display in Campeche’s Archaeological Museum.

For an experience of a lifetime visit the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and explore this intriguing ancient Maya city when on your direct holidays to Mexico.

You won’t be disappointed on your package holidays to Mexico as there is so much to see, do and discover in this fascinating country that is steeped in culture and history.