Your next vacation in Chetumal awaits you with one of the best-kept treasures in all of Mexico. Oxtankah, whose name in the Mayan language symbolizes the legend “among ramones,” is one of those places where time seems to stop, where the world stops spinning to offer, for a few moments, a magical box of colors that are difficult to describe. What is certain is that in Oxtankah, the history of the continent, the culture of its ancient peoples, European influence, and architecture come together in a single dreamlike spot, a corner of immense value and unmatched elegance.
Historians believe that here, in this complex of archaeological ruins, the first clan of Mexican mestizos was born, the result of the hybridization between the children of Zazil Sempre, a member of the high Mayan aristocracy, and Gonzalo Guerrero, a relentless Spanish conqueror. There are many traces that support this hypothesis, as in Oxtankah, the European influence on the American population and that derived from pre-Columbian cultures can be combined.
Ancient inhabitants of the City and its surroundings, belonging to different tribes of Mayan origin, built some of the most remarkable structures of the ancient citadel in Oxtankah, including various temples, luxurious palaces, vast plazas, and sunken courtyards. Most of the buildings are in an extraordinary state of preservation, and their elegance and grandeur suggest that a splendid pre-Columbian city flourished here. Since Oxtankah is located just steps away from the bay, the residents of the citadel never had issues with water supply, constructing wells and chultunes that captured natural rainwater.
What is certain is that Oxtankah was undoubtedly an important Mayan city until the arrival of the Spaniards to the American continent, and it probably would have remained anonymous had it not been for European explorers who were captivated by the beauty of its natural landscapes. Upon Gonzalo Guerrero’s arrival in this Chetumal paradise, he began constructing his own temples in communion with what already existed. That is how today, an impressive Christian chapel can be admired, located at the northern end of the site.
Between Mayan deities and Christian chapels, Oxtankah tells the story, at heart, of the complex interweaving of two cultures that, although different in many aspects and even clashing in bloody battles, resulted in what we now know as Mexican identity.
Located 15 kilometers north of Chetumal, this is a must-visit spot for any vacationing family in this region, one of the most incredible attractions in the entire area. A witness to ancient history, Oxtankah still possesses a kind of mysticism that is hard to overlook, captivating its visitors at first sight. Situated in the middle of the jungle, completely surrounded by tropical vegetation, the site of its imposing structures will take you on a journey through time, delighting you with its magic that does not fade. Let yourself be enchanted by its wonders!
Portuguese Versión: Entre divindades maias e capelas cristãs, descobre Oxtankah
