ArchaeologyChicanna Archaeological ZoneCampeche

Chicanná which in Maya means “House of the Serpent’s Mouth” (chi-mouth, can-serpent, na-house) possibly alludes to the huge mask facade of the Central Structure II. The earliest occupation of the site dates back to the Late Preclassic era (300 BC - 250 BC), and its height dates from the Late Classic era (550 - 700 BC), when the site was a small center dependent on Becan, and acted as regional capital.

Due to the elegance and decorative richness of its buildings, Chicanna has been regarded by some researchers as the elitist center of the Rio Bec Region. Like Becan, it most likely participated in the trade route that ran through the peninsula from the Gulf of Mexico to the southern coast of what is today Quintana Roo. Chicanná was occupied up until about the years 800-1,100 B.C. 

The archaeological site of Chicanná is located in the southeast of the state of Campeche, 8 km (5 mi) from the town of Xpuhil. 

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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