Discover the Mexican Caribbean’s Newest Archaeological Site

It isn’t often a new archaeological site is unveiled for visitors to learn about the past, but that is the case in the Mexican Caribbean. Well, new may not be the best word — after all, these structures date back thousands of years and have been undergoing excavation by archaeologists since the 1990s. But Ichkabal, a Mayan ruin located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo along the Mexican Caribbean, is new for family travelers who are finally able to get a glimpse at this spectacular site.

In January, the Mexican government finally allowed the much-anticipated opening of this site for tourists, giving the world a chance to experience impressive Mayan ruins and learn more about this ancient culture that experts still work to understand. The site, in the city of Bacalar (known for its beautiful freshwater lagoon of seven colors), is surrounded by dense jungle and contains structures larger than those at other famous Mayan archaeological sites like Chichén Itsá and Uxmal.

Archaeologists believe the site was inhabited between 400 B.C. to 1500 A.D, which predates the popular site of Chichén Itsá. Its massive size also dwarfs Chichén Itsá, making it a significant find and an incredibly important destination for families teaching their children about the ancient history of the world.

Due to the site’s newness and extremely remote location deep within the jungle, getting there on your own can be tough. Luckily, companies, like Tequila Beach Tours, offer organized excursions to the site, including transportation to and from (from Costa Maya for tours with Tequila Beach Tours), entrance fees, snacks and beverages during the trip, and guided tours of the site itself.