How to Visit Kabah the Beautiful Site of the Ruta Puuc
The ruins of Kabah impress the traveler in the most astounding way. The Puuc region is mainly known for its crown jewel, the ancient Mayan City of Uxmal. Kabah is the perfect complement.
The archaeological site of Kabah is very close to Uxmal, making it easy to visit both in a single day. If you’re an enthusiast, you’ll also find other gems of the Puuc Route nearby, like Sayil, Xlapak, and Labná. We’ll explore them all in our blog so you can have complete information about this beautiful region of Mexico.
When you arrive at Kabah, the beautiful open area in front of you will immediately leave you speechless. But it’s when you climb the stairs and see the grand building known as Codz Pop that you truly appreciate being there, enjoying such a marvelous city 💛
You already know about our enthusiasm for the Maya civilization, but the Puuc region is a place that will truly surprise you. We’re talking about one of the most beautiful and intricate architectural styles of the ancient Maya.
Kabah may seem small, but there’s so much to see and marvel at. So let’s dig into it. 🙌🏽
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WHAT IS THE PUUC?
The word Puuc refers to two main concepts, which we will explain right away to give you a context.
Geological meaning of the Ruta Puuc
Puuc is a Mayan word that means “hill,” referring to the area north of Campeche and south of Yucatán, between the Sierrita de Ticul and the Bolonchén hills. We’re talking about an elevation of 300 meters, the highest point within the flat Yucatán Peninsula.
Architectural Style
Puuc also refers to one of the ancient Mayan architectural styles. Throughout their history, the Maya developed different styles, each with its own characteristics. Some of these styles include Puuc, Chenes, Río Bec, Costa Oriental, Usumacinta, and central Petén. Each has its own unique architectural features and is grouped by region.
SOME HISTORY OF THE KABAH MAYAN SETTLEMENT
Keep in mind that in this hilly region, where the terrain elevation is higher than the sea, there is no easily accessible water underground.
In other areas of the Peninsula, where cenotes exist, ancient Mayan cities were built near them for easy access to fresh water. Cenotes are natural wells.
This lack of easy and permanent fresh water limited the rapid population growth in the Puuc region. Water collection was crucial in the Puuc, which was still a very prosperous area.
In the Puuc region, the Maya used the area’s topography to build and highlight the main structures. At Kabah, stairways became essential, playing a fundamental role in making plazas either more public or private, depending on their access points.
The most impressive building in Kabah, Codz Pop, has an entrance via stairs. These stairs, which restrict access, are key to the building’s privatization. We’ll explore this further later 😊
CHRONOLOGY:
400 B.C. – A.D. 1100 (Classic period)
PEAK:
A.D. 750 – 900 (Classic period)
The information we provide comes from official INAH sources.
INAH – National Institute of Anthropology and History: a public institution dedicated to researching, conserving, protecting, and promoting Mexico’s prehistoric, anthropological, archaeological, and historical cultural heritage.
👉 Based on evidence found, it’s estimated that Kabah began to take shape around A.D. 400. Before that, it was a small settlement of hunter-gatherers who grew into a community of farmers.
👉 From A.D. 400, we see the first structures built in the Petén style, much more austere than the Puuc. INAH researchers observe a possible major migration from Guatemala and Belize, where the Petén style developed. Among the migrants were likely architects, engineers, and builders who began construction with their knowledge.
👉 Kabah reached its peak between A.D. 750 and 900, along with the nearby city of Uxmal. During this period, some of the main building groups were constructed, all with Puuc-style characteristics. The most notable of these is the building known as Codz Pop.
👉 Archaeological evidence suggests that around A.D. 950, Kabah’s ruling dynasty left the area. Many people remained there, even until 1300, but it ceased to be a great city.
THE CODZ POP OF KABAH
The Codz Pop of Kabah stands out above all other buildings—it is a true work of art of the ancient Maya. After passing the general entrance, it’s the first building you’ll see on your walk after climbing some strategic stairs. The Codz Pop is impressive for its beauty.
Codz Pop means “rolled mat” or “royal mat.” During Kabah’s peak, it was a ceremonial building where priests worked. Later, it was expanded with a new wing of 13 more rooms, likely used as the Council House (Popol Nah).
The Codz Pop had 446 Chaac masks on its four façades. The repetition of these masks beautifies the place with its consistent lines and marked patterns. The thousand faces of Kabah leave no one indifferent.
The building is decorated with hundreds of masks of Chaak, the god of rain. Each mask consists of 30 individually carved pieces, which, when assembled, form one of the most notable sculptural sets in Mayan art.
The complex is topped by a monumental crest, doubling its height.
Did you know? Interesting Facts about Kabah
- Kabah is the site’s original name.
- The Kabah archaeological zone covers 2 km² (Uxmal was 15 km²).
- An 18-km road connects Kabah and Uxmal. The Maya linked their cities through an extensive network of roads. In Mayan, a road is called a sacbé, a word often used in Mayan archaeology.
- Two glyphs were found to connect Kabah to the Uxmal ruler, Lord Chaak.
- Over 1,000,000 ceramic fragments from vessels used to prepare, store, and serve food to the royal family have been found. The ceramics used by the rulers are embellished with paintings and glyphs, something not found in those used by the rest of the population.
Meaning of Kabah
Its name in Maya means “lord of the strong or powerful hand.”
Kabah is the original name of the site, and it was found in the Chilam Balam of Chumayel. The Chilam Balam are texts mostly written in the Maya language, using the Latin alphabet, dating back to the 16th century. They cover a variety of topics, including Maya history, pre-Hispanic calendars, prophecies, herbal remedies, Spanish stories, European astrology, Catholic saints, and more.
They were compiled in the 18th and 19th centuries, but they are copies of earlier manuscripts, some dating back to as early as the mid-16th century.
An Interesting Fact about Kabah
Most people do not visit the part of Kabah that lies on the other side of the road. In this other half, you can walk an ancient path that leads to the Kabah Arch.
This is the old road that connects Kabah with Uxmal. The arch marks the entrance and exit of the 18-kilometer sacbé (Mayan road).
How to Get to Kabah
Once you reach Uxmal, continue to the Kabah ruins via the Umán-Hopelchén Federal Highway. The entrance and parking for Kabah are on the right-hand side at kilometer 16 of this highway.
- 🚗 105 km (65 miles) southeast of Mérida (1 hr 20 minutes by car)
- 🚗 22 km (13 miles) south of Uxmal (20 minutes by car)
- 🚗 139 km (86 miles) from Campeche (1 hr 50 minutes by car)
- 🚗 168 km (104 miles) from Izamal, the yellow village (2 hours by car)
How to Get to Kabah by Car
From Mérida, take Federal Highway 261 Uman – Hopelchén. The Kabah ruins are located in the Puuc Region, 23 km from the Uxmal Archaeological Zone.
Renting a car on the Riviera Maya is a great option if you want the freedom to explore all the amazing sites in the region. Driving here is relatively safe, the roads are good, and the sites are well-marked. So traveling by car is highly recommended.
However, if you rent a car, include full insurance with 0 deductible so you can drive stress-free.
➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.
How to Get to Kabah by Local Bus from Mérida
On Sundays, public transport departs from 69th Street (between 68th and 70th) in downtown Mérida to some of the main stops on the Puuc Route: Uxmal, Sayil, Labná, and Xlapak. The bus leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m.
Check the schedule in advance, as services are sometimes suspended or changed. Here is the phone number for your convenience, though they often don’t answer. It’s always better to visit the bus station the day before. +52 999 924 08 30
How to Get to Kabah by Taxi
You can take a taxi from Mérida, although it’s not a common option. If you choose this, negotiate the price for the driver to wait for you, as there are no return taxis.
We don’t have a price reference, so comparing the cost of going by taxi with booking a tour is a good idea.
How to Get to Kabah by Tour
Several tours from Mérida offer Uxmal and Kabah in one day, sometimes with an additional cultural visit or a stop at a cenote. Going on a tour to Kabah is a very practical option and you will have the advantage of having a knowledgeable local tour guide and a driver taking care of you.
Here below you can find the top-rated tours from Merida
Map of Kabah
Few people know that the Kabah site is divided into two parts. The well-known part is where the ticket booth is located. Across the road, there’s another section you can also visit.
This part of Kabah contains several important buildings under study, and hopefully, more of Kabah’s grandeur will be accessible soon.
MAP OF KABAH:
Do you want to take a virtual tour in Kabah? Kabah virtual tour
Practical Information
Kabah offers free parking at the entrance. As with all archaeological zones in Mexico, smoking, bringing pets, and bringing in food or alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Facilities:
- ✅ Free parking
- ✅ Toilets
- ✅ Certified guide available for hire
Kabah Opening Hours
- Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Kabah Entrance Fee
💲80 MXN
- On Sundays, entrance is free for Mexicans and foreign residents with permanent residency.
- Free entry for kids under 12, students, teachers, and seniors (with ID).
- Special permits are required for entry with a tripod and professional camera. Drone flying is not allowed.
Tips for Visiting Kabah
Wear light, comfortable clothing and shoes. A hat will help with the high temperatures, as there’s not much shade in Kabah.
- Bring water, as food and alcoholic drinks are not allowed inside.
- Big backpacks are not permitted.
- You can hire a certified guide at the entrance.
Time Needed to Visit Kabah
Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours. If you visit the arch across the road, set aside around 2 hours.
Insider Tips
A site museum is projected to open in Kabah soon, which we are eager to visit. One thing often missing in archaeological zones is more information to better understand the greatness of ancient Maya civilization.
The Best of Kabah
Kabah is a hidden gem that charms its visitors. It’s a site with many details to discover, boasting excellent architectural style and the impressive Codz Pop building.
This combination makes it a must-visit place in Yucatán. Uxmal draws most of the tourists, while Kabah remains much less crowded.
The Worst of Kabah
There’s little shade, so protect yourself from the sun. Closed shoes are recommended if you plan to walk to the arch, as there may be insects on the path.
What You Can Visit Nearby
Around Kabah, you’ll find several major Puuc-style archaeological sites. You can do the complete route and stay overnight in the area.
- Uxmal: 22 km / 13.6 miles, 20 minutes by car
- Sayil: 9 km / 5.6 miles, 10 minutes by car
- Xlapak: 14 km / 8.6 miles, 14 minutes by car
- Labná: 17 km / 10.5 miles, 16 minutes by car
- Chunhuhub: 28 km / 17 miles, 30 minutes by car
- Loltún Caves: 37 km / 33 miles, 40 minutes by car
