Dzibilchaltún

Each year on March 21 thousands of visitors gather at Dzibilchaltún (The Place of the Stone Writing) to witness the astonishingly accurate integration of Mayan mathematics, astronomy and architecture as the first rays of the rising sun shines right through the central portal of the Templo de las Siete Muñecas or Temple of the Seven Dolls.

The ancient Mayan site of Dzibilchaltún (pronounced tseebeelchaltoon) in the Yucatan, while not as ornate, famous or majestic as the neighboring pyramids of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, is considered by many to be the mother city of the Maya who lived here continuously from around 500 BC until the time of the Spanish conquest around 1540.

Spread over approximately 10 square miles of scruffy landscape only a few of the 8,000 structures have been excavated so far with the Temple of the Seven Dolls, named for the seven clay figurines found buried underneath, being the most prominent.

The cycle of the sun was critical to the Mayans who planted their crops at the Spring equinox and harvested them during the autumn equinox. A visit to this site at any time of year can be a sublime experience.  Just walking along the tree-lined, winding trail leading to the main temple makes you feel you have been transported back in time to a sacred space. You can spend hours exploring the remaining structures including a Franciscan chapel built from the ruins of a temple destroyed by the Spaniards, watch unusual birds and end your visit with a refreshing dip in the Xlacah cenote or sink hole. At the entrance to the site is a fine museum tracing the history of the Mayan People.

Enthusiasts of the equinox can witness the phenomenon of the rising sun at Dzibilchaltún and then get to Chichen Itza before sunset to witness the descent of the Feathered Serpent down the sides of the great pyramid.

Temple Of The Seven Dolls, Photo © Sukanya Rahman

‘Cruces Maya’ photo assemblage © Sukanya Rahman. Crucifix from Museum of the Mayan People at Dzibilchaltún, Yucatan

How to get there from Merida:

To get to Dzibilchaltún, take the Mérida-Progreso highway north. After 11 km. you will see the sign to turn right. Drive for about 3 more km. You will see signs directing you to turn right after you pass the village. If you don’t have a car, you can hire a combi (collective taxi) on Calle 69 between 62 and 64 to take you there. This is in San Juan Park where they go directly to Dzibilchaltún. The entrance fee is $82 pesos, children 5 pesos. The site of Dzibilchaltún has various services to make the visitor comfortable: a restaurant, artisan objects in the gift shop, information booth, medical services, telephone, handicapped facilities, restrooms, and parking.  Hours: 8 am – 4 pm.