Why 2025 is the perfect time to visit Xcambó
Xcambó is one of the lesser-visited archaeological sites of the Yucatán, which makes it an ideal spot for visitors wanting to take in Maya history without the crowds.
The archaeological site on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, near Telchac Puerto, is roughly an hour from Mérida and 30 minutes from Progreso. This ancient city was founded as a strategic trading post sometime in the 2nd or 3rd century.
Recent improvements in the region’s infrastructure and archaeological restorations mean there has never been a better time to visit this magnificent site. There are even more fascinating structures to check out, even before one officially enters the archaeological park. Bring a hat and bug repellant.
Xcambó far predates other important ancient ports like Tulum and Tankah by roughly a millennium, as these much more famous archaeological sites date to the Postclassic period.
Chronology aside, the architecture of Xcambó is also radically different from that of later sites on Yucatán’s coast, being far similar to that of its “mother city,” Izamal. That said, it’s likely that Xcambó fell under the control of Dzibilchaltún or T’ho later in its history.
Unlike most sites in the region whose names are derived from the Yucatec-Maya language, the name Xcambó is believed to be derived from the Contal-Maya language, meaning “the place where deals are made.”
When entering the site, one is likely to notice the first structure, which is a large pyramid behind a chapel built in the early 20th century. Though seeing a Christian cross atop a pyramid may at first seem a little “off,” it’s an example of the cultural and religious syncretism that characterizes the region.
Towards the south of the site, a particularly interesting structure is adorned with stucco masks and glyphs that have braved the ravages of time, far from pristine after so many centuries.
Xcambó was also known as a salt production center. Due to its relatively stable value, tightly pressed salt disks, along with other items such as cacao beans, were even used as a form of currency among the Maya of the region.
The site’s proximity to the coast made it an important hub for exchanging goods such as salt, fish, and other marine resources with inland Maya cities.
Like many Maya sites, Xcambó was purposefully built near several cenotes (natural sinkholes), which were crucial sources of fresh water and held religious significance. The presence of cenotes likely contributed to the site’s particularly long period of occupation.
Despite the impression visitors often walk away with, Xcambó was large, though only its core and a handful of other structures have been restored. It is also important to remember that the vast majority of its population did not live in stone structures but rather homes made out of perishable materials, not unlike those seen in Yucatán’s rural communities to this day.
Flocks of pink flamingos can often be seen flying over Xcambó, but if you want to get a closer look, you will have to make your way around the surrounding mangroves (being as quiet as you can) to get a good glimpse. Don’t forget your binoculars.
If you would like to visit Xcambó or any other of the many amazing archaeological sites in Yucatán, send us an email at info@roofcatmedia.com
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
