Tabasqueño

The Tabasqueño archaeological site is just northwest of the modern town of Dzibalchen. The site is celebrated as one of the best examples of Chenes style of Maya architecture and design. The Chenes Region is named for the Mayan word ch'e'en, meaning a well for water. The region is known for the water wells that typify the design of cities and settlements. Without ever rediscovering its ancient name in the Mayan language, the site is today named for the caretaker who oversaw the property at the end of the 19th century when it was first surveyed. He was simply a person whose origins lay in the state of Tabasco. 

Today the main Palace Temple on the site is said to resemble the face of the god, Itzamná, with enormous round eyes, stone fangs, and a mouth that looks more like a portal than an entrance. Going inside is to enter a ritual space. Every part is thought to have been part of the overall ceremony. Serpentine columns and geometric details flank the entrance and still pay tribute to Maya artistic ingenuity. 

The main buildings are distributed in three groups dating mostly from 650 to 850 CE. The Palace-Temple has two levels and is enclosed to the south by a magnificent plaza measuring approximately 60 x 40 meters. The sites elevation meant that ancient inhabitants got water from two waterholes located to the east and west of the center of the site. They also maintained a series of underground cisterns which collected 5,000 and 15,000 liters of rainwater. And this helps to explain the connection to the larger Chenes region. 

The site is within the jungle and not easily accessible. The lack of accessibility also makes for an adventurous undertaking for most leisure travelers. From Dzibalchen, transportation is widely available, but visitors should still expect to walk. A drive directly south from Hopelchén takes about 40 minutes but tour groups are recommended to be sure you get the best return in the same day.