Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins Near Merida

For those visiting Merida the Dzibilchaltun ruins are the closest Mayan ruins to visit. This can make for a nice half day trip from the city. Here is more information on them and how to get there.

The name Dzibilchaltun means the “place where there is writing on the stones”. This name was given because of the many stones found with writing when discovered.

The location of Dzibilchaltun  is one of the longest inhabited areas in the peninsula. The area had been inhabited with settlements from 500B.C. and was inhabited up until the arrival of the Spanish in 1540.

Tips for visiting Dzibilchaltun ruins

1. The best time to visit is early morning to beat the heat. Make sure you coordinate your visit so after 9:00am you have a chance to see the museum.
2. Be prepared to walk. These ruins are spread out.
3. You will be happy to know that you climb most of the temples although there is not any as tall as Ek Balam or Coba.
4. Be prepared for the heat of the day. Bring a sun umbrella, hat, or sunscreen. If you plan on getting into the cenote, make sure you wear biodegradable sunscreen lotion.
5. On Sundays the entrance is free for nationals.  For those with a residency visa, only permanent visa holders are allowed in for free on Sundays (most other ruin sites allow both temporal and permanent visa holders in on Sundays for free).
6. Since Sunday is free entrance for nationals, it is better to visit the other days to have more space for yourself.
7. If you are in the area during the spring or fall equinox the ruins open early for the sunrise which lines up with the main temple below. The sun will flood through the center of the building.

Be sure to visit the museum at Dzibilchaltun

What makes this Mayan site different from others is the fact there is a museum with exhibits. Since the price is more expensive to see than some other sites, it is good to get your moneys worth and take a look at what they have. The museum is somewhat air conditioned.

There is a good collection on Mayan artifacts and Spanish colonial era items. As you proceed through the museum it advances in years to tell the story of the Yucatan and it’s history.

Outside of the museum is a traditional Mayan house you can visit.

Cenote Xlakah at Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins

Also at these ruins is a small cenote. This cenote looks like a pond with lily pads in the center. One end of the cenote is shallow, and the other end is deep.

It is open for taking a drip. There is no place around it to change so if you want to take a dip, bring your towel and wear your bathing suit.

What is the entrance cost to Dzibilchaltun ruins?

The cost of entrance is 137 pesos per person. This includes the museum and ruins access. There is no ticket just for one or the other. The entrance includes access to the cenote, and you can swim there is you like.

Where are Dzibilchaltun ruins?

To get to Dzibilchaltun ruins most everyone is coming from the Merida area. These ruins are off the Merida-Progresso Highway (261). Take the exit on your right to Dzibilchaltun and go approximately 3 kilometers. The last turn is not well marked. Look for an entrance to your right after the small the town. At the end of this road is a parking lot. Parking is 20 pesos.

How to take public transportation to Dzibilchaltun ruins

If you are in Merida, you can catch a colectivo taxi from Calle 58 between 59 and 57 in the center.

For more Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, see our guide here.

Have you been to Dzibilchaltun Mayan ruins? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.

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Mr.Yucatan

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