Prehispanic site name is unknown; that of Chakanbakán is a recent name, which in Maya means "surrounded by savannah", which is also the name of a lake north of the archaeological site.Cultural significance In pre-Hispanic times was part of one of the various kingdoms that made up the Maya area where Chakanbakán was possibly under the hegemony of Calakmul during the Late Classic period (600-800 AD). The city has its origins in the Middle Preclassic, and had a long cultural sequence going back to the Colonial era (1546). The archaeological site is important to understand the regional cultural development, its relationship with other settlements that had an outstanding development. Its architectural features place it as a point of overlap of two architectural styles: the Peten, in the Early Classic, and Rio Bec, in the Late Classic. During the Preclassic period (300 BC - 250 AD), he had an important regional role, highlighting its iconographic elements, including architectural masks of early manufacturing and possible Olmec inspiration. The core area of the site is well protected by a lagoon surrounding almost entirely;the residential and agricultural areas are outside of the center and include an extensive system of walkways and white roads. Chakanbakán also known for having one of the larger Acropolis located in the Maya area; another of its important monuments is the Nohochbalam Temple (structure CH-1) containing a sequence of construction stages, highlighting in particular, its huge stone and stucco masks.

Hours Scheduled Visit request Quintana Roo INAH Center.

Quintana Roo INAH Center. Insurgentes 974, Colonia Blacksmiths, Chetumal, Quintana Roo. CP 77025. Tels. 01 (983) 837 24 11 and 837 0796, ext. 318002 and 318003.

Because this is a place not open to the public, the visit must be requested at least five days in advance.

In this archaeological site you are reached through the Federal Highway Chetumal - Escárcega; at km. 81 have to go to the village of Mahogany, cross it, and continue to complete a dirt road 86 kilometers, where the entrance.