Ancient Mayan city and protected tropical forests of Calakmul, Campeche: A World Heritage Site

Panoramic view of Calakmul — Structure I - Sitio Arqueológico Calakmul

1️⃣ Introduction

Nestled in the vast Mayan Jungle, the municipality of Calakmul is home to two priceless treasures: the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and the Calakmul Archaeological Site . The reserve, the largest protected area of tropical rainforest in Mexico, covers nearly one million hectares and is home to more than 365 species of birds, 94 mammals, 86 reptiles, and 23 amphibians, including the highest density of jaguars in the country. The Calakmul archaeological site is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered, with more than 6,000 structures spread across 35 km² and a history of great political and military influence.

Recognizing its uniqueness, UNESCO granted it the title of World Cultural Heritage Site in 2002 for its archaeological significance. Later, in 2014, it expanded its recognition to a Mixed World Heritage Site , highlighting the unique interaction between the Mayan civilization and its natural environment, officially naming it the Ancient Mayan City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche.

2️⃣ Types of World Heritage Sites

UNESCO classifies sites into three categories:

Cultural Heritage: Sites of historical or artistic importance, such as Machu Picchu (Peru) .
Natural Heritage: Areas of exceptional ecological wealth, such as the Galapagos National Park (Ecuador) .
Mixed Heritage: Places that combine both characteristics, such as Calakmul World Heritage Site.

3️⃣ Calakmul as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage (2002)

In 2002, UNESCO recognized the Calakmul Archaeological Site as a World Heritage Site due to its importance in Mayan history. It was one of the most influential cities of the Classic Period (600-800 AD), with an estimated population of 40,000. Its treasures include:

Structure II , one of the tallest Mayan pyramids at 55 meters high.
120 stelae , the largest number found in a Mayan city.
Frieze of Substructure II-b , 20 metres long, and in an excellent state of preservation despite dating from 400 BC.
Chiknaab Acropolis murals , unique mural paintings depicting daily life in a Mayan market.

Guided tour in Calakmul - Ka'an Expeditions — Guided tour in Calakmul Archaeological Site - Ka'an Expeditions

4️⃣ The expansion to Calakmul as a UNESCO Mixed Heritage (2014)

In 2014, UNESCO expanded its recognition of the site to Mixed Heritage status , incorporating some 331,397 hectares of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve . It highlighted how the Maya modified the environment without destroying it, creating a sustainable ecosystem:

Construction of water catchment systems with artificial ponds, essential in a region without rivers.
Creation of orchards and fruit nurseries , which over time became integrated into the jungle.
The coexistence of monumental architecture with a highly conserved tropical ecosystem.

The mixed site includes 13 major cities, 40 secondary centers, and numerous smaller settlements forming a network of interconnected Maya sites in the Calakmul jungle.

The criteria by which Calakmul was declared a Mixed Heritage Site include:

Criterion (i): It represents an exceptional example of the development of Mayan civilization within a hostile natural environment.
Criterion (ii): Reflects the evolution of Mayan political and cultural structures over time.
Criterion (iii): Evidence of the interaction between the Mayan civilization and the jungle ecosystem.
Criterion (iv): Outstanding example of Mayan monumental architecture and its integration with the environment.
Criterion (ix): The Calakmul jungle shows the historical relationship between man and nature, reflected in the current biodiversity.
Criterion (x): It houses natural habitats of endangered species, such as the jaguar and the tapir.

5️⃣ The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve: An invaluable ecosystem

Part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor , the reserve is part of the second largest forest in the Americas, after the Amazon. Its vast expanse allows for the survival of large mammals such as the jaguar, tapir, and white-lipped peccary, in addition to an extraordinary variety of endemic flora and fauna. Calakmul's vegetation bears witness to the ancient interaction between the Maya and nature, where traditional agricultural management practices have shaped the landscape for millennia.

Ocellated Turkeys in Calakmul — Ocellated Turkeys - Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

6️⃣ Why is this UNESCO recognition important?

The recognition of Calakmul as a Mixed World Heritage Site offers multiple benefits that guarantee its long-term conservation:

International protection: As a UNESCO site, it enjoys protection under international treaties that ensure its preservation, including the special protection granted by the Blue Shield program, which guarantees the safeguarding of cultural heritage in emergency and conflict situations.
Access to financing: Provides access to international funds for the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Research promotion: Promotes archaeological and ecological studies in the area, fostering scientific knowledge.
Promoting sustainable tourism: Increases interest among responsible travelers, benefiting the local economy without compromising the environment.
Continuous monitoring: Evaluation and monitoring protocols are established to ensure the site is maintained over time.

7️⃣ Responsible tourism in Calakmul

To preserve this invaluable site, visitors should follow responsible tourism practices:

Respect marked trails and avoid disturbing the ecosystem, monuments, and structures.
Don't leave litter and reduce plastic use.
Opt for certified guides that promote ecotourism, such as Ka'an Expeditions .

8️⃣ Experience the magic of Calakmul with Ka'an Expeditions

Exploring Calakmul is like immersing yourself in history and nature in their purest form. Ka'an Expeditions offers experiences designed to discover this heritage in a sustainable and authentic way.

If you'd like to experience the majesty of Calakmul , its imposing jungle, and its enigmatic ruins, contact us and book your expedition . Discover the magic of this World Heritage Site with us!