The magic of Yucatán lies in discovering and visiting little-known communities that keep current and ancient stories; and cultural, architectural and gastronomic attractions. That is the case of Acanceh, located 28 km from Mérida, which combines elements of three cultures: pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern.
Acanceh welcomes you at the detour along the main road (Mérida - Chetumal) with a stone arch with engravings of deer and the meaning of its name, deer moan. It is a frequent stop for those heading to the cenotes of Cuzamá and Homún, and also as the first point to visit on the Route of the Convents.
Upon reaching its main square you find a scene of contrasts: in front a colonial church dedicated to Our Lady of the Nativity; On one side, on one of the main streets, a Mayan building with masks, the Pyramid; Next door, the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe; and next to the church, the municipal market and contemporary buildings. That's where the name Plaza of the Three Cultures comes from. Today you can take a photo with the name in colorful letters and the pyramid in the background.
The main church is colonial type with Franciscan influences built in the 16th century; It stands out for its yellow color, its two bell towers and a clock in the center. Next door is the market that is frequently visited by walkers who take advantage of enjoying everything known as “appetizers,” as well as fresh fruits and waters.
Crossing the street you can see the chapel: its stairs remind us of the entrance to the Izamal convent; On its interior walls there are illustrations of biblical and religious passages and a small altar with an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. On one side is the Pyramid, which stands out for its large masks located in the corners of the platform of just over a meter that you can access via its metal stairs, with a recovery fee.
This fee also includes access to the Palacio de los Estucos, located a block and a half from the market. Higher in height, it requires a little physical effort to climb since it does not have stairs, but the reward comes when you see the fragments of red hieroglyphics of human figures mixed with animals. It is believed that the entire building had representations and glyphs.
Returning to the park surrounded by six Mayan style arches, in the center there is a replica of the pyramid with a deer. Don't miss some colonial houses that are still preserved on the main streets. Acanceh: a town where you can experience the magic of the past and present.
30 minutes from Mérida on the road to Chetumal. Public transportation: bus at Terminal Noreste (67 x 50 and 52): $23 pesos; combi (69 x 54 and 56, Mercado San Benito): $22 pesos.
Recovery fee and schedule for the archaeological site: $45 pesos, 8 am - 5 pm daily. Sundays free access for Mexicans.
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