Dzibanché

Dzibanché ruins are about 64 km (40 mi.) w. of Chetumal on Mex. 186 to the well-signed turn-off, then about 19 km (12 mi.) n. of the highway via a paved road. Only open to the public since the mid-1990s, Dzibanché dates to between A.D. 300 and 1200. It receives few visitors despite containing a small but impressive collection of structures. Temples 1 and 6 soar above the wooded site (the ceiba trees that grow here were sacred to the ancient Maya). Just beyond Dzibanché is the smaller Kinichná archeological zone.