Description of the attraction
In the vicinity of the large May city of Calakmul in the state of Campeche, on an area of 25 hectares bordering Guatemala, are the ruins of Balamco. The city owes its fame to a relatively recent discovery. In 1990, a well-preserved 17-meter wall frieze was discovered here. The original paint also remained practically intact. The frieze depicts lizards. In May mythology, they accompanied a person from the earthly world to the underground world.
The ruins were discovered by the archaeologist Florentino García Cruz. Major work was carried out here between 1994 and 1995, led by archaeologist Ramon Carrasco.
The ruins are divided into four main architectural groups. The central and northern parts are located near water sources. The latter is also notable for the fact that well-preserved 15-meter figures are located on its territory.
The main attraction of the Balamku ruins is the Jaguar Temple. Inside, you will see three statues of jaguar people, about four meters high. The figures are interconnected by bas-reliefs covered with images of parrots, monkeys and crocodiles. Local carving is striking in its detail. Entering inside, in addition to sculptures, you will see the entrance to the depths of the Temple, however, the passage for tourists there is strictly prohibited. But you can take a flashlight with you in order to touch at least a little the hidden secrets of the ancient Zapotecs.
The city is accessible to tourists until five o'clock in the evening. It will take you less than an hour to walk along its streets, so an excursion here is often combined with a visit to the neighboring town of Calakmul.
