Balamkú

The Balamkú Archaeological Zone in Campeche is a fascinating vestige of the ancient Maya civilization. It remains relatively unknown to visitors, but the name, meaning jaguar of the heart, immediately strikes a deep resonant chord. It alsoreflects the symbolic importance of the great cat in the culture of the Maya, and their connection to the surrounding jungle. Despite the remote location, Balamkú is a unique and meaningful experience, far from the crowds and deep in a breathtaking natural scenery.

The area is famous for the well-preserved ancient architecture and impressive, nearly unbelievable 3-d stucco frescoes. The main attraction is the Temple of the Murals, where visitors can gawp at colorful murals dating from around 700 CE. The frescoes, depicting mythological and ritual scenes, are an invaluable window into the spiritual and ceremonial world of the Maya. The Temple of the Murals also features intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions that provide information about the lineages and religious practices of the time.

Balamkú is home to multiple platforms, palaces, and a series of buildings which once served as ceremonial and administrative centers. The architecture, although less well known than that of other larger Maya sites, is equally impressive for its astronomical alignment and construction adapted to a punishing jungle environment.

Getting to Balamkú still requires a walk along jungle paths, and some visitors will which get the sensation of moving deep back into time too. The site is not far from the Tren Maya station of Calakmul, and the little town of Nuevo Conhuás. In fact, Balamkú is a lot closer than than the much more famous archaeological site at Calakmul. Many visitors will take in both sites during a trip and the town of Nuevo Conhuás is increasingly able to look after them. There are a bunch of hotels and eateries in town now for those who will not carry on to the Hotel Tren Maya Calakmul which is about one hour south of the station and the town. 

Travel time on the Tren Maya is about three hours from Chetumal. That route is the one most visitors will want to take as the trip from either Palenque or Campeche require changing trains at Escárcega. The trip after Escarcega is about 90 minutes on the train, and driving would only be roughly 15 minutes faster.