MexicGo Archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico by Location: Ake

Midway between Izamal and Mérida on the back road via Cacalchén, the Aké ruins are partially integrated into an inhabited village and working henequen plantation. Aké was probably in alliance with the old city of Izamal, as it is linked to it by one of the peninsula’s largest sacbeob (Maya roads). The most impressive building here is the Edificio de las Pilastras, a large platform topped with more than twenty stone pillars. The henequen hacienda, San Lorenzo de Aké, a fine example of neo-French architecture from the end of the nineteenth century, intermingles with the Maya rubble, and you’re welcome to wander through the antique-looking machinery to see the fibre-making process.

Ake means "vine." Cultural Significance Ake's occupation started from the Late Preclassic (300 BC. BC-300 AD.) and continued until the Postclassic (1300-1450 AD.). Ake city reached a high level at an early time and said relations with sites like Izamal, which he joined through a sacbé 32 km long and its influence reached the Rio Bec region in Campeche and Quintana Roo Coba. Ake has two sectors delimited paths concentric walls. The inner limits the ceremonial area, while the outer housing circumscribes the area of the site. In the central part of the site is Structure 1 or pilasters, so called because at the top has a large pillared hall that probably held one of the largest roofs of their time.

It’s easy enough to come from Mérida on a day trip, but don’t leave before sunset, when the place takes on a perfect golden glow, thanks to the striking ochre-yellow that covers all of the buildings. You may even consider staying a night or two and making this a base for day trips, if you want a break from cities.

Accessed by the Federal Highway 80, which leads to the town of Tixkokob. At this last point it is necessary to deviate northeast direction with the paved road towards the town of Ake. The site is located on the outskirts of this place.

An Auto Centro bus makes the 45-minute trip from Mérida to the ruins six times daily, roughly every three hours; the last bus back is at 8pm.

Ake, Mexico