Edzná is a Mayan archaeological site, located in the state of Campeche in Mexico, which is 1 hour from the city of Campeche.
Due to the type of soil, the valley in which it is located floods in the rainy season and retains high humidity almost all year round. To remedy this problem, the Mayans developed a network of canals that drained the valley and the water was led to a lagoon, which was transformed into a dam, using retaining walls, while other canals were used to irrigate the fields. This provided a degree of humidity in the land, for intensive cultivation, while the canals provided fishing.
Edzná has religious and residential buildings distributed over an area of approximately 25 square kilometers. Its architecture is influenced by the Puuc, Petén and Chenes styles.
Founded in 600 BC. and occupied until the 15th century; Edzná was, in its heyday, an important regional capital, having up to 25,000 inhabitants.
He established an important relationship with the large cities of Calakmul and Piedras Negras (or Yo’ki’b in Mayan) in Guatemala.
But little by little, over the centuries, the city lost its political and economic power until it was completely abandoned around the year 1450.
Why you should visit Edzná on your trip to Mexico
Although the Edzna archaeological site is not nearly as large as Calakmul or Chichen Itzá, it has a unique charm for several reasons.
To begin with, its main pyramid has 4 vaulted floors, a very unusual architectural style among the Mayans, who used to build step pyramids.
Furthermore, Edzná has a certain wild beauty, as not all structures are perfectly clean, which has led to the natural invasion of plants between the stones.
Edzná is considered one of the most interesting Mayan cities due to its technological advance since its inhabitants developed a complex hydraulic system of pipes that were used to irrigate the land throughout the year, as transportation routes and, in some cases, as means of defense.
What to see in Edzná
In its time, Edzná housed several religious, administrative and residential buildings distributed over an area of about 25 km², with a mixture of Puuc, Peten and Chenes styles.
Currently, only a small part is accessible to the public. These are the main buildings of Edzná:
• The Big House: the Nohochná is a large platform that is easy to recognize since it separates us from the Great Acropolis when we arrive at the place. They think that it had an administrative function, or that perhaps it was used as stands for events held in the main square.
• Great Acropolis: it is the main complex of Edzná. It consists of a central square surrounded by several buildings. The most important is the Five-Story Building, a 5-story pyramid, 4 of which contain vaulted rooms, which is unusual for a Mayan site. It is no longer possible to climb the building, but you can get a view from the top of adjacent buildings, such as the House of the Moon or the Northwest Temple.
• The Small Acropolis: it is next to the Great Acropolis, it has 4 buildings that contain some elements that are the oldest vestiges of Edzná.
• The steles: there are a total of 32 steles that represent the rulers who access the throne, or the famous ball game, the conquest of a region, a political alliance, etc. They date from different periods (4 of them were carved between the year 41 and 435, 11 between 633 and 830, and the rest between the 9th and 10th centuries).
• Temple of the Masks: it is easy to find because it is protected under a roof. There you can see the magnificent stucco masks on both sides of the stairs.
• The knife platform
• The ball playing field
Visiting Edzná: practical information
Here you have all the information you need to visit Edzná:
• Entry ticket: 90 pesos
• Optional guide 500 pesos per group
• Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm
• Light and sound show at 7 or 8 p.m., depending on the season of the year
How to get to Edzná
The site is just 1 hour away from Campeche. Unless you have a vehicle, the easiest way to get there is to take a tour from Campeche.
What to bring?
Believe me, it is very hot and humid in Edzná, so don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent (there are a lot of them!), sunscreen, and a cap or hat.
