Ruins of Balamku city description and photos - Mexico: Campeche (Topic)

Ruins of Balamku city description and photos - Mexico: Campeche. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Balamku.

Photo and description

In the vicinity of the large May city of Calakmul in the state of Campeche, on an area of 25 hectares bordering Guatemala, there 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 Garcia-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 on its territory there are well-preserved 15-meter figures.

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 the 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 to touch at least a little the hidden secrets of the ancient Zapotecs.

The city is available to tourists until five in the evening. A walk along its streets will take you less than an hour, so a tour here is often combined with a visit to the neighboring town of Calakmul.

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Topic: Ruins of Balamku city description and photos - Mexico: Campeche.