If you are spending some time in Merida or it's surrounding areas,  try a visit to Dzibilchaltun. This Mayan archaeological site less than 10 miles from Merida. The ruins here aren't as grand as Chichen Itza, but the area has much to offer. There is an air conditioned museum on the premises, several old mayan structures including the temple of the seven dolls and the remains of an old church, Mayan gardens, homes, etc to explore and also a beautiful clear, fresh water swimming hole (cenote). The combination of features of this area make for a nice visit any time of day. Even in the heat of the afternoon, you can break up your sightseeing with a dip in the cenote or visit to the air-conditioned museum. If you should happen to be visiting during the Fall or Spring equinox (21st of the month), this is a MUST SEE as the main temple was built so that the sunrise lights up the main corridor. Bring your bathing suit along, you won't regret a swim in the cenote. It is wonderful and WARM. If you are not a good swimmer, bring a tube or float along as the water is very deep in most areas. All this is included in the cost of approx. $6 U.S. Kids under 13 are free. It will cost you an extra $1 to park.

 Actually, the museum on this site is excellant and possibly, one of a kind! The ruins are also top quality if not very large! (as a total site)

A must see. This site can easily be vistied in a half day. You can even reach it buy a #3 bus. The ride itself, is a treat on its own. (You will be dropped off at the road that leads to the site.

 enjoy

HISTORY OF DZIBILCHALTUN

The location of Dzibilchaltun (Place of Inscribed Flat Stones) was first settled around 1500 BC, and is known to be the longest functioning city of the Mayan world.  It was still inhabited at first contact, unlike other abandoned cities that were only visited for ritual and ceremony. This is why missionaries debuilt Mayan temples and began constructing a church, which was left unfinished. 

 Archaeologists have studied nearly 35 sq km of the city, which is believed to have been approximately 85 sq kms.  The area that has been mapped includes over eight thousand structures, though most of these are not able to be seen when visiting due to growth of trees and vegetation.  Depending on how long one spends here, there are some structures to visit that are out of the main central area.

The Temple of Seven Dolls is an observatory, which maps the movement of stars, the sun and moon.  When it was excavated, seven dolls were found in the central room, hence the name of the structure.  These are now on display in the museum.  This observatory was re-built before archaeologists realized that the roof was originally left open, and unfortunately it would be a difficult task to debuild and correct this.  Even so, the Temple of Seven Dolls is an important structure making Dzibilchaltun a site worth seeing, especially during the equinox.

Cenote Xlacah is close to 40 meters deep, and was explored in 1958 by divers who were funded by the National Geographic Society.  Approximately 30 000 Mayan artifacts were recovered, some of which are now housed in the museum on site.  Even during high season, it is rare to find many people swimming in the cenote, making it a lovely place to swim.  Though not a large cenote, it is very deep and the water is clean. (It doesn't look nearly as deep as it is, as the bottom is so clear.)