D eep within Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the nations of Belize and Guatemala, the Ruins of Calakmul ,Two Adjacent Mounds , lies within the immense Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (1.7 million acres) -within the heart of El Mayab.

The ruins comprise what is probably the largest archaeological zone in Meso-America with over 6,700 structures so far identified. Once inhabited by as many as 200,000 people or more, Calakmul had become a grand capitol of the Peten by the time it reached its height between 500 and 850 AD -to reflourish in 900 AD, only to perish in the XV century.

Originally, its 70 or more square kilometers contained many fresh water lakes. Now relative swampland surrounded by medium and high forest, (together internationally designated as a "Model Forest") Calakmul, though discovered in 1930, remained inaccessible to serious research and excavation until 1982.

Twenty-two square kilometers of Calakmul's central core was surrounded by a waterway and stream which were used for the drainage system of the inner city. Within its city limits, city walls, chultunes (underground chambers capable of catching, funneling and storing rain water) and more than 13 pyramids (more than any other site -including pyramids up to 50 meters high and on bases of two hectares each), 120 stele, tombs containing monochrome and polychrome pottery, objects of glass, shell, obsidian and jade (including masks) have, so far, been found. In 1995 a mummy was discovered, the first in Meso-America, approximately 1,200 years old.

Through a wilderness habitat of the peninsula's most recluse fauna and flora, excursions to Calakmul include Chicanná, Becán, Hormiquero, and the Mayan Ejido of Echeverria Castellot .

Venture-Out will undertake excursions to Calakmul during the dry season, November-April, by special request. Gear can include mountain bikes, and horse. Address such serious inquiries only directly to:

"A teepee is a pyramid, isn't it?" And, now:

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