The Mayan Ruins of Edzna are truly an incredible experience like no other that we have seen. There are no other Mayan Ruins that we have visited that come close to this experience. Such as Tulum, Coba, Tikal, Dzibilchaltun, Xcambo, and Uxmal, we have been to all but none compare. Edzna has plenty of beautiful structures that are well preserved and accessible. Furthermore, the Mayan Ruins at Edzna have few tourists, which in itself makes this experience incredible.
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Reasons to Visit Edzna
When visiting Campeche, we had heard of the Mayan Ruin Edzna but didn’t give it much thought in visiting. Having seen other Mayan Ruins, including Tikal, that we had visited earlier in our travels while in Guatemala. Besides, we thought Edzna was just another Mayan Ruin. While visiting Merida, we planned to take an arranged tour to experience Chichen Itza, besides how many Mayan Ruins were enough. I’ll admit that I am uniquely fascinated by the overwhelming thought of life back in ancient times, we would pass on these ruins.
Never the less fate had different plans for us. While relaxing in our hotel by the pool, we found ourselves talking to a couple who had just returned from visiting Edzna. Carol and Larry, Canadians from Golden B.C. Both Carol and Larry couldn’t say enough about the positive experience of visiting Edzna. Consequently, we had to see for ourselves now. Truly an experience like no other we had the whole Mayan site to ourselves.
Transportation To Edzna
Carol & Larry informed us the best way to get to Edzna was to ride the collectivo from Campeche to the ruins, about a 40-minute ride. Also, the cost of the collectivo was 40 pesos each. You can catch a collectivo at 47 Street 56, Barrio de Sta Anahe, easy walking distance from the historic center. Inform the locals there, and they will direct you to the correct van. Further to this, the collectivo does drop you off at the gates of Edzna, return trip pick up is at the gate.
Admittance into Edzna
HOURS: 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
ENTRANCE FEE: 55 Pesos
GUIDES: Inquire at visitor kiosk
SERVICES: Bathrooms, Visitor kiosk, snacks and drinks
ON-SITE MUSEUM: Yes, a small building at the entrance displays some of the stelae and sculpture from the site
This a site map of Edzna, borrowed from “https://www.themayanruinswebsite.com/edzna.html”
Edzna a Mayan Ruin, An Experience Like No Other
Edzna is truly an experience like no other; the grounds are open, structures are accessible and visually impressive while being well preserved. Moreover, there are few tourists on the grounds making it a unique location. Consequently, you have the time to take and explore all of the structures at your leisure. Enabling your mind to drift back into ancient times and place yourself into Mayan culture.
There are incredible ancient buildings that offer amazing picture-taking opportunities and lend themselves as once-in-a-lifetime backdrops for selfies, which is rare.
Edzna Site
Edzna is a mixture of several different Mayan styles of architecture, Peten, Puuc, and Chenes. Believed to be first settled in around 700 B.C., then by the 1500s, Edzna was basically abandoned. While becoming an influential political and economic regional capital between 300 B.C. and 1200 A.D. Rediscovered in 1906, excavation and restoration continue.
Entering the site through the plaza known as the Courtyard of the Ambassadors, this plaza consists of several structures, mostly raised platforms. Continuing, you find yourself at an extremely long structure know as Nohch Na, 140 meters long, 5 meters tall. Running across the top of the platform are two continuous hallways containing 24 entryways.
To the south side of the Great Plaza is bordered by a ball court and The South Temple. The South Temple is a five-tiered pyramidal structure. A central stairway on both the north and south sides of the pyramid leads to the temple that dates from the Late Classic (600-900 A.D.). Pok Ta Pok ball court is oriented on a north/south axis.
Situated behind the ball court is, named for the two stunning masks of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, that flank a small set of steps that lead to a multi-tiered ruined structure. Furthermore, these masks are thought to represent the Sun at dawn and sunset and are bracketed by apparent astronomical elements.
The Temple of the 5 Storeys, the largest structure located at the Great Acropolis, is magnificent. An impressive five-tiered structure with numerous vaulted rooms and a towering roof comb. A broad, steep angled stairway leads up from the plaza to a small temple atop the structure’s west side. 22 rooms make up the Temple of the Five Storeys.
Final Thoughts On Ednza
- We were fascinated by Ednza and very much enjoyed our time there. We definitely recommend visiting.
- Take the time to appreciate Ednza it is truly incredible.
- Similar to Uxmal but a lot less crowded
Our Positives
- The size and openness of this Mayan ruin!
- Very few people affords the time to see everything without having to rushing
- No hawkers selling souvenirs on the grounds
- Inexpensive
Our Negatives
- None I can think of
Would have, Could have, Should have
- Maybe stay longer as we were there for only 4 hrs.
Next Stop
We were staying in Campeche at the time of this visit. But our next stop is Merida for two weeks.
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Recommended Travel Essential
Cindy and I call ourselves nomadic so with this lifestyle, we use certain essentials to make this way of life easier and more comfortable. With this in mind, we have composed a list of what we feel are essentials and some tips you might use to plan or take your next travel adventure.
- Travel Packing Essentials to help organize and make this task less stressful
- Travel Safety Essentials to make your life on the road a little safer, giving you peace of mind
- Living Essentials to make life a little more comfortable, be this resting, working, or playing.
Accommodation Options While Traveling The World
- Booking.com is one of our go to’s when we are looking for a place to stay for a couple of days or longer
- Agoda.com we find is best best to use when in Southeast Asia, but hey you never now what you might find
- Airbnb.com usded to be our go to but some of their cancelation policies are resonable, give them a try as well
Travel Insurance
We always travel with some sort of travel Insurance be it just medical or complete trip coverage. We use Heymondo as we find their costs reasonable. Remember don’t travel and without coverage, the savings are not worth the possible costs.
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