Edzna, or Itzana, is an ancient Mayan word that means “House of the Itza.” The story begins in the year 400 B.C., at which time a community settled in the Edzna Valley to give rise to the Itza lineage, being of Chontal roots. Other indications suggest that Edzna could also mean “House of the Echo” due to the acoustic phenomenon that occurs between some of the main buildings on the site, or “House of Gestures” for the stucco mask thought to exist in the crest of the tallest building in the area.

It was the local capital in which its residents built an intelligent system of canals that measure up to six kilometers (3.7 mi) long, and use deposits to capture, store and distribute water. The site is formed by several structures such as the Main Square, the Platform of Knives, the “Nohochna” (Large House), South Temple, the Ball Court, Temple of the Masks, the Small Acropolis and the Great Acropolis, the North Temple, and others.

Located 61 kilometers (38 mi) southeast of the city of Campeche, to get there take the federal Highway 180, and at Km 45 take the turn off to Highway 261, which leads to the archaeological site. The site is open every day from 8:00 to 5:00. Admission fee: $55.00 pesos. Entrance is free on Sundays for nationals with I.D.

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