In the Yucatec-Maya language, Sacbé translates as “white road,” and apart from being the name given to the sophisticated road network which crisscrossed the Maya world, Sacbé is also the name of a rarely visited Puuc site between Uxmal and Kabah.
The famous explorer and Mayanist John Lloyd Stephens was the first person to document Sacbé’s existence, noting the presence of a particularly large Mayan road roughly eight feet wide and 10 inches tall. This is presumably how the site earned its modern name, though the name given to the site by the Maya of old has been lost to time.
At the time of Stephens’ discovery, Sacbé’s were not unknown, but just how large and interconnected they were was still a mystery that continues to unfold to this day with new discoveries.
Stephens reported correctly that this particular Sacbé ran between Uxmal and Kabah. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
Like many unrestored sites in the low-lying brush of the Yucatán, Sacbé is surrounded by corn fields belonging to collective farms, so it’s important to be mindful, though I have never heard of anyone being denied access.
When turning south on the road between Uxmal and Kabah towards Sacbé, we see a handful of reconstructed structures by the side of the road. It is unclear if these structures belong to Sacbé proper or another nearby settlement, though during antiquity, they all probably answered to the same regional governor.
After continuing south along winding dirt roads, it becomes impossible to continue by car without having the surrounding vegetation severely scratch it up.
After a leisurely hike, the ruins of Sacbé will start to become visible through the thick vegetation.
The most impressive construction found at the site is a remarkably preserved south-facing three-room structure known as Structure 1.
In typical Puuc fashion, the lower section of the facade is bare, especially when contrasted with the intricate designs found above.
Though there are no real surprises to be had at Sacbé, its secluded environment combined with the grace of its buildings is a site to behold, and in many ways, resembles Xlapac to the south.
When entering the structure, it’s difficult not to feel enthralled with romantic notions of exploration and discovery. Our guide Abel certainly seemed to feel that way.
Structure 2 closely resembles the residential complex but has not received any restoration.
Structures 3 and 4 are extremely damaged, though the remains of their once-sturdy walls are still visible.
As the Puuc region is known for not having much in the way of cenotes, multiple artificial cisterns known as chultunes can be found in the area. That being said, the Maya of the Puuc were still very reliant on predictable rain, thus their particular adoration of Lord Chaac.
While the Puuc valley is home to several archaeological sites open to the public, including Kabah, Labna, Sayil and Oxkintok, the mysterious site of Sacbé lay virtually forgotten by all but the most enthusiastic explorers.
