Guide To Chinkultic Archaeological Park

About Chinkultic

The ancient Maya ruins of Chinkultic, situated on the western edge of the Lakes of Montebello National Park, offer interesting temples and ancient buildings to explore and dramatic views across the areas landscape and jungle. The site is within easy reach of Comitan and a great stop-over on the way to or back from Lakes of Montebello.

The site dates back to as far as 600AD, and was probably one of the western-most outposts of the Maya civilization. The site is not as well excavated as other Maya sites such as Palenque and Chichen Itza, but the location is well worth a visit as it offers good atmosphere and incredible views from the Acropolis at top of the hill.

The site is very much out in the jungle; it's hot and humid so sunscreen, bottled water and insect repellent are essential here.

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Key Attractions

Chinkultic only requires an hour or two at most to visit. As you enter the site, you'll walk past several structures which are still only partially excavated and still covered by extensive vegetation, including the Plaza Hundida (Sunken Plaza).

A small stone bridge crosses the stream and the topography begins to get steeper - a brisk walk up a semi stone pathway leads you up the main area of the site - the Acropolis.

From the top of the hill, you can explore some ruined remains of the site's Acropolis - main temple - and get some great views of the surrounding landscape and jungles. It's very quiet and serene here.

Below and to the left as you look out from the Acropolis, you'll see a cenote - an ancient water reservoir. Cenotes were an important source of water for ancient civilizations and they can be seen across all Mexico, especially near archaeological areas. This cenote is special in that it is the only known one in the state of Chiapas.

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Getting There & Around

To get to Chinkultic from Comitan, follow highway 190 for about 15 Km, turning east at the signpost; this is before you get to the town of La Trinitaria. This road passes the Maya Ruins of Chinkultic and later enters the forest of the National Park of the Lakes of Montebello (Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello).

Tours - Local tour operators include Lakes of Montebello that could include a stop at Chinkultic as part of an arranged itinerary. Check with local agents for current details in Comitan and San Cristobal.

Car Rental - To experience this area at your own pace with the freedom and independence to see precisely what you want, the best advice is to rent a car locally. Public transport is available but very scarce around here. See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Tuxtla Gutierrez / San Cristobal

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8am to 5pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Wear light clothes - it gets very hot and humid here. Insect repellent is essential in Chinkultic as this site is located in the jungle.   See Climate, below.

Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office in Comitan.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)

Colonial Cities: Comitan, Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristobal de las Casas, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Other Archaeological Sites Nearby: Palenque, Tenam Puente, Yaxchilan, Bonampak

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Local Climate

The local climate is similar to nearby Comitan. The lake district enjoys a temperate climate and clean, fresh mountain air. Evenings can be cool, as can winter months - so pack some warmer clothes in case the weather becomes unsettled; which can happen around here. Rain can also be a feature, so pack a waterproof overcoat and hat.

Live Weather Report: (Comitan)

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