Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

Chacchoben (chak-CHO-ben; Maya for "the place of red corn") is the name of a Mayan ruin approximately 7 miles (11 km) from the village from which it derives its name and about a half hour north of Rancho Encantado.

Settlement by the Maya at the site is estimated at 200 BC, and the structures date from 250 AD until 600 AD

In the 1940's a farm was established near the site by the Cohuo family, but the ruins were officially reported to the Mexican government in June of 1972 by Dr. Peter Harrison, an American archaeologist. In 1994 the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) excavated and restored the site, which was closed to the public until 2002.

Visitors to the site today walk a circular path that includes three excavated and restored pyramids, as well as many walls and staircases. Excavation work is continuing on several mounds which are known to contain further buildings. Some structures still bear traces of the red paint they were originally coated with, and the site has set up shaded areas to prevent further degradation of this pigment by the sun. Also notable is a large stone slab called a Stella, containing Mayan glyphs at the base of the largest pyramid.

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Rancho Encantado tours may also be arranged to other sites, including new excavations. To arrange custom tours to any of these sites, please contact us.

Archaeological photos by Luis Tellez