Acanceh is a bit of an odd place — but in a good way The town may have a population of just over 12,000 and though it is far from a thriving metropolis its constant buzzing along of trici-taxis and open-air markets make it feel far from sleepy which in the Yucatec-Maya language translates as “deer grunt” is of course best known for the pyramid can only be seen by scaling its ancient staircases five large stucco masks survive in Acanceh though some are in better shape than others A survey of the pyramid also reveals the presence of two ritual burial sites complete with ceramic and jade offerings you can make out a smaller structure directly behind it This smaller pyramid is not open to the public but resembles the Temple of the Masks in its architecture.  Most visitors to Acanceh believe that these two pyramids are all there is to see when it comes to archaeology in the town Three city blocks behind the Temple of The Masks lay a much larger pyramid called the Pyramid of Friezes the Pyramid of the Friezes is remarkable for the stucco figures in its interior depicting animals and anthropomorphic figures The friezes within this structure are covered by metal sheets to protect them from the elements Both the Temple of the Masks and the Pyramid of the Friezes are gated but access can be requested at a kiosk adjacent to the town’s main square but if you give the security guard a tip (at least 100 pesos or so) the guard might show you around and give you some local insight Acanceh also boasts an astronomical complex five city blocks from the main road on which the Temple of the Masks rests folks in Acanceh have complained that the astronomical complex has been virtually abandoned by the authorities who had let the vegetation surrounding it run wild.  The solution to the problem the community came up with was to place a couple of goats on the observatory stands thus taking care of the vegetation and shooing away folks who get too rowdy.  According to archaeological surveys, Acanceh is estimated to have had roughly 600 structures, making it a ceremonial site equivalent to Mayapán Folks in Acanceh are very proud of their town and its Maya heritage don’t hesitate to ask for directions or advice even if your Spanish language skills are modest Getting to Acanceh is easy from Mérida via public transit as this will give you much better flexibility If you are the sort who enjoys long bike rides But be careful when crossing the Periférico Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and translation degrees from universities in Mexico Yucatán’s newest tourist and cultural attraction is the Casa Manzanero Museum dedicated to the 85-year-old Yucatecan singer-songwriter Armando Manzanero which was inaugurated yesterday with the trova star himself has on display information and artifacts relevant to this history of Mexico’s most romantic music poets and memoirists on the Mérida social scene has made author Grant Spradling happy he reconsidered moving away a decade ago Most people who own vacation or retirement homes in Mexico want it to be relaxed and comfortable That’s why one of the decor styles I recommend is “shabby chic.” To me there is nothing better than chilling out in a home where every piece of furniture contributes to making a home soft Avoid scammers and crowds at Chichén Itzá with our 10 essential tips Some of the continent’s oldest ocher mines could explain why ancient skeletons have been repeatedly found in the narrow twisting labyrinths of what became cenotes The finding was reported by the Research Center for the Aquifer System of Quintana Roo (CINDAQ) Since skeletal remains like “Naia,” a young woman who… a park called El Mirador is dedicated to the aluxes Advertise With Us the town of Acanceh re-enacts the Passion of the Christ.. the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico has been home to the Maya indigenous people who built magnificent cities centuries before Columbus draws the tourists — about 5 million last year But the interior of the peninsula offers richer opportunities for going deeper and experiencing more about the life — ancient and modern — of the Maya speak the language of their pre-Columbian ancestors and maintain many of the old ways Tulum and Chichen Itza are probably the peninsula's best-known archaeological sites although lacking the renown of their bigger brethren The early morning fog was just burning off as we parked outside Mayapan the last great political capital of the Mayan world Misty mountains of gray stone started to glow in the early light; silhouettes of pyramids slowly emerged According to the chronicles of Diego de Landa local people claimed that Mayapan was founded by Quetzalcoatl who was worshipped throughout this part of the Americas It's eerie to casually walk around the crumbling stones that remain of this great metropolis of perhaps 14,000 citizens listening to the songs of the same kind of birds who sang for the Maya imagining a civilization that's now vanished like morning mist It was almost noon as we pulled into the central square of hot and dusty Acanceh outside Merida Pedicab drivers snoozed in their canopied vehicles waiting for customers; local merchants sought shelter from the sun inside shady storefronts; and kids played upon a pyramid tucked between a convenience store and a church The ancient city that once stood on this site was founded as early as A.D The area still contains hundreds of ancient structures is crowned with a series of remarkable frescoes of local gods children are at home on the steps of the centuries-old temple and images of the ancient gods still gaze down upon the town Having a pyramid or two in the center of town is not uncommon in Yucatan they set up their cities on top of Mayan cities using old stones to construct their new buildings Izamal was the site of a Mayan city largely leveled by the Spanish who built a big church on top of the central pyramid bringing back the buildings from a past that has never been totally smothered Unlike almost every other archaeological zone we visited we saw people sitting on the huge base of the pyramid having a picnic in the shadow of history that never really went away If you need a break from visiting ruins under the hot Mexican sun a deep well formed when Yucatan's limestone crust breaks Cenotes made it possible for people to live in this part of the world Cenotes were also sacred sites where sacrificial victims and items of great wealth would be flung to appease the gods cenotes are clustered in a semicircular pattern around the Chicxulub crater where an asteroid that crashed into the peninsula wiped out the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago and created cenotes We were warned about questionable locations that charge a lot for little we settled on Santa Barbara Cenotes & Restaurant where you can bike to three on-site cenotes Included in the admission is a respectable lunch prepared by two friendly grandmother-types who tend the fire and pat tortillas in back because they're built on the sites of centuries-old cities Chichen Itza has a particularly lovely and well-maintained cenote that attracts throngs of tourists and locals alike and provides towels and a locker for under $10 we bought a cluster of huaya fruit from a street vendor The juicy and litchi-like fruit has a short growing season and is unlikely to be found anywhere in the States But eating uncooked food raises the understandable concern about animalitos If you're going to eat food on the street or at a public market We made the mistake of eating a tamarind snow cone smashing my face into a stone pillar and breaking my nose I vowed (again!) to never consume anything in Mexico that hasn't been cooked remember that markets provide a wonderful opportunity to discover local specialties you'll find an indoor collection of hundreds of stalls Some were selling food we'd never had before Merida's Plaza Grande is lined with vendors offering some items you might be surprised to see in Mexico you also get the chance to connect with local Maya perhaps the best reason to get away from the Cancun coast and go deep into Yucatan as well as tracking the alignment of the Sun It was discovered in Acanceh in 2002 and was built in the classical Mayan period The researchers involved in the project say it proves ancient civilisations had an intricate knowledge of astronomy was tracked through doors and windows in the structure These windows aligned with the movement of the sun The movement of Venus was also tracked in a series of notebooks that were found in the observatory in which it was represented as a god called Noh Ek Other ancient civilisations are also thought to have tracked the alignment and movement of the stars. In January 2016, a Babylonian tablet was revealed to depict the mathematics behind Jupiter's transit across the sky. A "configuration in a mathematical shape" was applied in an "abstract" way. It was one of the first abstract uses of geometry - something now taken for advantage in modern mathematics. This article was originally published by WIRED UK It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to business The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking The mask has been reburied for its own protection A giant Mayan mask as tall as a person has been revealed at an archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucatán.  The discovery was made in 2017 at the archaeological site of Ucanha and since then researchers with Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have worked painstakingly to restore it Related: In photos: Hidden Maya civilization  a type of brightly-colored painted sculpture carved from a background of stucco The Maya typically placed these masks around stairways with pyramidal bases Archaeologists have found similar reliefs in Acanceh and Izamal The discovery is part of ongoing research into Mayan mounds found at the site.  The mask was temporarily reburied after its discovery so that the structure was protected until it could be properly studied and preserved Samples taken from the structure revealed deterioration and it was re-excavated in 2018 so that archaeologists could restore it Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox — Maya murals: Stunning images of king & calendar — The 25 most mysterious archaeological finds on Earth — Photos: The amazing pyramids of Teotihuacan  During the restoration and conservation process archaeologists reinforced fragile parts of the mask They also moved sections that had been displaced over time back to their original positions They also cleaned the surfaces to highlight the mask's patterns and colors.  The archaeologists completed the work in 2019 before reburying the mask for a final time INAH said the goal of these efforts is to ensure the long-term preservation of the mask at the site Patrick PesterSocial Links NavigationTrending News WriterPatrick Pester is the trending news writer at Live Science His work has appeared on other science websites such as BBC Science Focus and Scientific American Patrick retrained as a journalist after spending his early career working in zoos and wildlife conservation He was awarded the Master's Excellence Scholarship to study at Cardiff University where he completed a master's degree in international journalism He also has a second master's degree in biodiversity evolution and conservation in action from Middlesex University London Patrick investigates the sale of human remains Hårby Valkyrie: A 1,200-year-old gold Viking Age woman sporting a sword Archaeologists discover hundreds of metal objects up to 3,400 years old on mysterious volcanic hilltop in Hungary 1,800-year-old warhorse cemetery held remains of a beloved horse — and a man considered an 'outsider' to Roman society You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience You must be logged in to post a comment 2014 Powered By Wordpress, Goodnews Theme By Momizat Team Yucatán also comes alive at night: 7 Night Tours You Can't Miss in Yucatán Yucatán thrives and beckons to be explored by night As the sun sets and the sky shifts to enchanting shades of yellow offering a myriad of experiences to make the most of the night there are plenty of night tours in Yucatán that let you venture out without worrying about heat and sunburn you need to ensure there’s no moon; this means checking the lunar cycle and choosing a time either before or after the moonrise (remember the moon can rise during the day) or on a new moon night Another factor to consider is the tide: the water in this area isn’t very deep Tip: Make the most of your visit by trying the seafood pizzas at Mareb restaurant; whether you choose lobster Cultural: 0/5Adventure: 5/5Contact with nature: 5/5Family-friendly: 3/5Culinary: 0/5 Acanceh (pronounced ah-kan-KAY) might not be one of Yucatán’s most famous archaeological sites, but that’s because it’s been hidden in plain sight for years. As it happened in Izamal the colonial town grew around the structures making the entire village an archaeological site you can visit the pyramids and even climb them; if you haven’t done this yet But why not add a twist to your visit by exploring Acanceh at night? You can book an ATV tour that takes you to see the sunset over Plaza de las Tres Culturas (flanked by the Great Pyramid you’ll ride through the charming streets and then venture out of the village into the low jungle abandoned hacienda where you’ll be treated to a delicious regional dinner prepared by local cooks this tour costs $900 pesos; if you share with a buddy Cultural: 4/5Adventure: 5/5Contact with nature: 3/5Family-friendly: 3/5Culinary: 5/5 Acanceh ExperienceIG: acancehexperience Izamal is one of Yucatán’s Magical Towns iconic for its unique streets and picturesque yellow-painted buildings Izamal is a delightful destination with plenty to see and do many make the mistake of visiting during the day and not staying overnight missing out on what Izamal has to offer at night One great way to experience Izamal after dark is through Izamal Cuatritours. This tour takes you along the cobblestone streets, past the city’s pyramids during golden hour and allows you to explore various ancient and abandoned sites including a couple of churches and the main house of an old hacienda There’s also a strategic stop to enjoy a snack by a campfire The tour ends with a relaxing regional dinner featuring a variety of Yucatecan snacks Cultural: 4/5Adventure: 4/5Contact with nature: 3/5Family-friendly: 3/5Culinary: 5/5 Izamal CuatritoursFB: Izamal_cuatritours The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO as a wetland of importance for the conservation of aquatic birds is an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts although many are familiar with its bird-watching tours they often overlook the night tour focused on the creatures that give the region its name: the “Lagartos.”These "Lagartos" are actually Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) a species of swamp crocodile found along the Gulf coast known for their compact size (the largest ones typically reach just 3 meters or 10 ft in length) These crocodiles live in the estuary; nocturnal and naturally shy they spend their days sunbathing out of sight from humans and even medium-sized mammals); locals know well how to find them and approach them safely and can take you on an adventure that is as fun as it is educational even for school-aged children.It’s worth noting that while tour operators are skilled in approaching crocodiles safely (knowing which ones to approach and from what distance) it’s crucial to heed their instructions carefully to prevent any accidents Cultural: 3/5Adventure: 5/5Contact with nature: 5/5Family-friendly: 4/5Culinary: 0/5 Did you know that light pollution prevents 80% of the population from knowing what a truly starry sky looks like If you really want to get an idea of what the celestial sphere contains Luckily, Río Lagartos' privileged location in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve makes it an exceptional place. Here, the total darkness will allow your eyes to adapt and see the sky like never before. The best part is that, in the company of certified guides, you will learn about Greek and Maya worldviews the signs and constellations of the Zodiac you’ll see celestial bodies such as the moon Although this tour is very family-friendly it is not ideal for very young children who may get distracted or bored easily; however The tours are private and available for groups of two or more people Book in advance to guarantee the date you are interested in Cultural: 4/5Adventure: 2/5Contact with nature: 5/5Family-friendly: 4/5Culinary: 0/5 Rates start at $400 pesos per personCel. 999 127 4400uriel.natureguide@gmail.com IG: @uriel.natureguide FB: Guía de Naturaleza Uriel Massa Tel. 999 193 0042FB: Rutas de Xcunyá Cultural: 4/5Adventure: 5/5Contact with nature: 3/5Family-friendly: 1/5Culinary: 0/5 Looking for an exciting nighttime adventure right here in Mérida? How about diving into the history (and, of course, the legends) of the Yucatecan capital with "Noche de Leyendas (Night of Legends)" It’s not just a tour—it’s a moving theater experience that everyone can enjoy this is an excellent opportunity to see the historic center of the city from a completely different perspective.One of the most remarkable aspects of this experience is that it includes a visit to the mythical underground tunnels of the city which connect several of the colonial buildings still standing in the area Considered urban legends for a long time (and still laden with countless stories) only this theatrical collective has access to these passageways the visit takes on an additional dimension that surely wouldn’t exist if the tour were offered any other way the tours are only available as private tours due to the remodeling of Plaza Grande but it is expected that they will resume shortly Cultural: 5/5Adventure: 2/5Contact with nature: 0/5Family-friendly: 4/5Culinary: 0/5 Noche de Leyendasnochedeleyendasmerida@gmail.comCel. 999 129 1502FB: Noche de Leyendas Mérida Yucatán Rutas de Xcunyá y Yucatán Today for its use in Yucatán Today it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content we accompany the traveler so that they can experience the authentic essence of Yucatán Several of Yucatán’s archaeological sites remain closed almost two years after shutting their gates to visitors at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic The reasoning given by Mexican authorities that some sites remain closed while others have been open for well over a year has to do with their on-site bathroom facilities this line of reasoning does not stand up to scrutiny as several of the still-closed sites actually do have bathrooms The claims also do not make much sense in the case of attractions that are not part of an archaeological park per se but are ancient monuments found among urban populations Such is the case in both Izamal and Acanceh while the former has had its ancient temples open to the public for well over a year Critics of the government argue that this lack of consistency has much more to do with economics than with safety or COVID-19 protocols.  Earlier: Mixco Viejo — a late-era Mayan city among the clouds “The temples at Acanceh have been closed for almost two years now The town is bustling with activity now that everyone has been vaccinated yet tourists are locked out and we can’t do our job,” said a local tour guide who asked to remain anonymous Adding to the frustration is the fact that one of Yucatán’s most visited archaeological sites, Dzibilchaltún also remains closed due to an ongoing dispute between the federal government and local landowners.  Yucatan — The state attorney general’s office reported the arrest of a man identified only as “Santiago AFL,” for helping a group vandalize a tree in the Plaza Grande He was attempting to burn down a tree in Merida’s main square He also was charged with inciting violence and calling on people to loot supermarkets… You have until midnight to exchange your expired license plates for new ones If you do get fined and your vehicle is seized But you will need to replace your plates first more than 40% of vehicle owners still have… who were apparently stopping motorists between Hunucma and Sisal have been fired and charged with extortion more than eight out of 10 people living in urban areas reported they are happy overall Thousands of ancient artifacts and structures belonging to the ancient Maya civilization have been uncovered along all four stretches of the Tren Maya project Authorities report that specialists have been deployed over 80 times to recover archaeological remains from construction sites details are still unclear regarding the precise nature of these finds and how… President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has expanded pensions for older citizens Since Aké was settled over 2,300 years ago this Maya village flourished into a major center of commerce These days, aside from its archaeological site Aké is best known for its Porfirian-era hacienda of San Lorenzo and colorful Catholic church built atop an ancient Maya temple After arriving in Aké under the blustering noon sun on Palm Sunday carrying the beloved Virgen de Aké began in earnest the religious fervor was palpable with fireworks blazing and crowds cheering the virgin After the icon of the virgin was removed from its altar inside the church the process of carefully carrying it down the long stairway began Waiting was a convoy entrusted to take the virgin to a weeklong celebration in the nearby village of Sahcabá Accompanying the Virgen de Aké on her pilgrimage were another couple of icons including a large statue of the Santo Niño de Atocha Though the icons venerated today in Aké’s church are very different from those of its ancient past it’s hard to shake the feeling that the more things change the more they stay the same.  The symbolism of mostly Maya locals carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary from her altar atop the ruins of a Maya temple is difficult to miss but also raises questions.  An outsider may think that such a display is a sign of disrespect the veneration of the Virgin Mary (in her many forms) is central to identity in Yucatán and Mexico as a whole “Our virgin loves and protects us and we are very proud that she has her home here in Aké We are lucky to have her as she brings us light and hope,” said Aké local Silvia Moo.  Because very little evidence of Aké’s ancient past survives, it is hard to piece together in any sort of definitive way what religious life in this Maya town would have been like. But we do have a few clues. For one, given the close relationship between Aké and Izamal it is logical to infer that they shared in the cult of the sun deity Kín The Virgen of Aké and Kinich Ahau are extremely different religious figures But while it may be a stretch while observing the Virgin of Aké’s bright orange almost blinding gown and radiant gold crown… well just let’s say you could draw at least some speculative parallels.  During the conquest of Mexico, parallels were often drawn between the Mexica deity Tonantzin — referred to as “our venerable mother” — and the Virgin Mary While this parallel was encouraged by Spanish missionaries to ease the conversion of Mexico’s indigenous peoples much in the same way that the archangel Michael came to be associated with the Rain God Chaac in Yucatán Visiting Aké is a great day trip from Mérida Entrance to Aké’s archaeological site costs 75 pesos though several ancient structures can be seen scattered outside the INAH park as well.  While renovations creep along at the old Hotel Mérida a Mayan relic it once displayed will be loaned to the Palacio Cantón for an exhibit At the bottom a newly discovered cenote in Cholul comes another find: Vestiges of sharks that have been extinct for more than five million years Anyone with even the faintest interest in history or archaeology surely knows of Yucatán’s archaeological sites and maybe even some lesser-visited sites like Chacmultún and even entirely unrestored or vaguely documented remains of Prehispanic cities and towns in the bush — archaeology in… represent a Mexican folk-art tradition that has endured since pre-Hispanic times Lol-Tún is a cave and archaeological site located in the municipality of Oxkutzcab will be closed indefinitely for maintenance