The Maya is one of the first American civilizations. It rose in Mesoamerica around 1000 BC and occupied nearly 300,000 km2 (115,830 Mi.2) territory that extended beyond Mexico's borders and into Central America. For more than 2,500 years, the ecosystems of the Mexican States of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo have housed the Mayan people and their countless material expressions, which reflected their universe.
The interest in Maya history existed since the arrival of Spanish settlers. Excited about the Mayas material remains and the lush environment, the Spaniards occupied the region in the sixteenth century, but they could not disrupt the local culture. In the nineteenth century, the first excavations and discoveries of ancient Maya cities began, encouraged by the national and foreign interest in the young Mexican nation.
Since then and until today, ten of archeological sites have been excavated in the Maya area, discovering not just complex architectural structures but also simple domestic construction. These buildings and their surrounding have kept and preserve hundreds of remains, such as stone stelae, mural paintings, and exquisite jade, shell, and metal pieces, as well as burials, domestic implements and tools. All these objects allow us to know how the ancient Mayas constructed their cities, transformed the landscape, provoked wars, and developed extraordinary knowledge, which arouse admiration all over the world.
The Museo Maya de Cancún displays a selection of remains of the ancient inhabitants of the Maya area, especially those who lived in the modern-day state of Quintana Roo.
The museum is made up of three rooms, of which two are permanent exhibits, which will take you through the first settlements, to the results of investigations that have taken 30 years to be revealed, you will be surprised by the figure of La Mujer de las Palmas, since it is just over 10,000 years old.
In room two, you will discover the different areas that are part of this culture, here you will learn a little more about its constructions, art, worldview, as well as its rulers and the daily life they led, as you will also observe some vestiges found in Chichen Itzá and other nearby sites.
The third room has been used for temporary exhibitions, that is, they will rotate throughout the year; In one of its first seasons, the sample named Faces of the Divinity was placed, in which different masks found in the tombs of the ancient leaders of these cities are appreciated, in which proof of the relationship they had with beings is shown. supreme.
In addition to all of the above, it is worth mentioning that, right next to this museum, are the ruins of San Miguelito, where you can have contact with those old Mayan constructions.
Location of the Mayan Museum of Cancun
The Mayan Museum is located in the hotel zone of Cancun, at kilometer 16. The cost of access is 57 pesos, but students, children under 13 and adults over 60, enter free. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Sundays the entrance does not generate cost for national visitors.
Services available at the Mayan Museum of Cancun
This museum has the following services:
- Cedularios en español e inglés,
- Store-bookstore,
- Coffee shop,
- Educational services,
- Nursing.
- Facilities for disabled people
Recommendations
- Do not introduce food
- Do not introduce drinks
- No Smoking
- Do not take photos with flash