Becán

Information

The Becán Archaeological Zone is an ancient Maya settlement located in the state of Campeche in Mexico. It stands out for its large structures surrounded by a natural environment and abundant vegetation.

To get there, you take an access road that branches off from Route 186 about 7 km from the town of Xpujil. From that point you travel 750 meters along a path that leads directly to the site entrance. There are buses that reach Xpujil from various parts of the country such as Bacalar and Playa del Carmen (among others), which makes visiting easier. To enter the ruins area it is necessary to pay an entrance ticket.

Becán was a regional Maya capital that held control over other smaller settlements, such as Chicanná. Its peak splendor occurred between the years 600 and 1000 AD, and one of its most striking features is that it was completely surrounded by a moat, something quite uncommon among Maya cities.

The site is extensive, offers plenty to explore and a full visit can take between two and three hours. It includes several residential complexes, plazas and a ball court, typical of Maya culture. The largest structure is number IX, a 32-meter-high pyramid with a wide central staircase that makes an impression when seen from afar. Other notable buildings include structure I which reaches 23 meters and features two towers at the top; structure IV; structure VIII which also has two towers at its summit; and structure X which stands out for its multiple chambers visible on one of its sides.

For those interested in wildlife watching, this is a place where a great variety of birds can be observed. Many species can be spotted even near the site entrance, especially early in the morning. Among the most striking species frequently seen are the keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), brown jay (Cyanocorax morio), golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons), Baltimore oriole (Icterus gálbula), orange oriole (Icterus auratus) and many more. Yucatan squirrels (Sciurus yucatanensis) are also commonly seen by visitors.