Explore Mérida’s archaeological treasures with us

Saturday, Oct. 26th, 2024

(Starting and ending at La Mejorada Park in Mérida’s Centro)

Mérida’s archaeological past is not just a subject of academic interest. It holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and newcomers. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Yucatán is well known for being home to some of the grandest Maya cities in Mesoamerica.

But aside from sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Ek-Balam, the city of Mérida is home to hundreds of large and small archaeological sites.

Aerial shot of the Xanila ballcourt in Ciudad Caucel, Mérida. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

One of the highlights of the excursion is the recently renovated archaeological park of Dzoyila Granjas, which until recently was extremely difficult to navigate due to thick vegetation.

Ruins of Dzoyila Granjas in Merida Yucatan
Section of the archaeological site known as Dzoyila dating to the 8th century BCE. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Another of the largest concentrations of Prehispanic archaeology in Mérida can be found in the settlement known as Chen Hó — often described as one of the area’s oldest elite suburbs of Maya antiquity. 

One of several large surviving structures in Chen Hó’s and the likely core of the ceremonial center. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Ya’axtal Park, often referred to as Xoclan, features several remarkable structures, including what is likely the largest pyramid within the city’s ring road. 

While today, Xoclán and downtown Mérida are connected via several avenues and streets, during antiquity, a Sacbé (or Mayan road) served as the main artery between these two settlements. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

If all of this sounds interesting to you, email us to join our group on Saturday, Oct 26 for a day trip to several of Mérida’s archaeological highlights guided by Carlos Rosado van der Gracht (yours truly).

The excursion will begin and end at La Mejorada Park in Mérida’s Centro (departure time: 8:00 AM).

Urban Archaeology in Merida Yucatan
Seats for this experience are limited to 15, so if you are interested, please act fast. Get in touch at yesicabenitez@roofcatmedia.com or carlos.rosado@gmail.com

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