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Archaeological site · Progreso, Yucatán
Zona Arqueológica de Xcambó
Small Maya town among salt flats and mangroves east of Progreso, a center for salt production and trade, with a Catholic church built atop one of the platforms.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Zona Arqueológica de Xcambó
Xcambó is about 30 km east of Progreso, near the village of Telchac Puerto, amid the salt flats and mangroves of Yucatán’s northern coast. It was a small Maya center inhabited between 250 and 750 AD, devoted to salt production and coastal trade.
Salt was a highly valued commodity for the Maya and was exchanged for pottery, obsidian and jade. Excavations at Xcambó have found pieces from distant places such as Veracruz and Guatemala, evidence of a wide trade network.
The site features a central plaza surrounded by platforms and small pyramids that can be seen up close. On one of them, local residents built a Catholic church in the 20th century, dedicated to the Virgin of Xcambó, which is still attended.
From the top of the structures you can see the salt flats and mangroves, where flamingos and herons sometimes appear.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat and the wind. Check opening hours before going.
How to get there
It is about 30 km east of Progreso, accessed by the coastal road near Telchac Puerto with a few kilometers of local access. You reach it by car or taxi.
Tip
Combine it with the beaches of Telchac and the region’s salt flats, where birds can be seen.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Arqueológica de Xcambó
What was Xcambó?
A small Maya center for salt production and trade on the northern coast of Yucatán.
Is Xcambó far from Progreso?
About 30 km to the east, near Telchac Puerto.
Why is there a church in Xcambó?
Local residents built a Catholic church atop one of the platforms in the 20th century.