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Archaeological site · Villahermosa, Tabasco
Zona Arqueológica de Comalcalco
Maya city of the Classical period on the Tabasco plain, the only major Maya city built with fired-clay bricks, featuring the Great Acropolis and Temple I.
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 Comalcalco
Comalcalco is about 55 km northwest of Villahermosa, on the Tabasco plain, amid cacao plantations. It was a Maya city of the Classical period, peaking between 600 and 900 CE, the westernmost of the major Maya cities.
What makes it unique is the material: because there was no stone on the plain, builders used fired-clay bricks, bonded with mortar made from oyster shells. Many bricks have drawings, marks and inscriptions carved before firing, such as figures of animals, people and temples.
The main complex is the Great Acropolis, a platform with palaces and temples, and the North Plaza, with Temple I, a pyramid about 20 meters high. There are also remains of stucco reliefs and tombs.
A small museum at the entrance displays bricks with drawings and excavation finds. Near the site, cacao farms welcome visitors to show chocolate production.
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 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat. Check opening hours before going.
How to get there
It is about 55 km from Villahermosa and 3 km from the town of Comalcalco. You reach it by car or by regular bus to the town and taxi to the site.
Tip
See the drawn bricks in the site's museum. Combine it with a visit to a regional cacao farm.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Arqueológica de Comalcalco
Why is Comalcalco made of bricks?
Because there was no stone on the Tabasco plain; the Maya used fired-clay bricks.
Is Comalcalco far from Villahermosa?
About 55 km northwest.
What is near Comalcalco?
Cacao farms that receive visitors.