#archaeologicalsite #visited > [!failure] Closed > Mayapán is closed indefinitely due to a disagreement over the price of land expropriation between INAH and the *ejidatarios* (communal land rights holders) of Telchaquillo. > > As of September 29, 2024, [negotiations are stalled](https://www.poresto.net/yucatan/2024/9/29/zona-arqueologica-de-mayapan-seguira-cerrada-ejidatarios-de-telchaquillo-exigen-64-mpd-al-inah-para-reabrirla.html). ## History Mayapán (Mayapan for search purposes) was the last great Maya city, and the political and cultural capital of the Maya civilization during the late Post-Classic period, from the 1220s to 1440s. Often described as a mini [[Chichén Itzá]], Mayapán features a smaller Kukulcán Pyramid and Observatory among the 57 structures in the central plaza and ~4000 in the overall archaeological site. ## Review Mayapán is located about 1.5 hours southwest of Mérida, and can be toured the same day as a visit to [[Cenotes Santa Bárbara]]. (We recommend going to Mayapán before Santa Bárbara as archaeological sites are more pleasant in the cool hours of the morning, and cenotes are better when it's hot out.) The site was deserted when we went – it was nice to have it all to ourselves. Unlike the Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá which has been closed for climbing since 2008, we were able to climb the Pyramid at Mayapán which provided a gorgeous view of the whole site. ## Photos  *(September 4, 2023) The Kukulcán Pyramid at Mayapán.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF24-70mm f2.8L II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM</a> @ 44mm, f/8, 1/320s</small> *(September 4, 2023) Mayapán archaeological site, with the Observatory and the Kukulcán Pyramid visible in the background.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF24-70mm f2.8L II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM</a> @ 26mm, f/11, 1/500s</small> ## Further Reading > [!tip] 365 Días en Yucatán: [#109 Ciudad amurallada de Mayapán](https://yucatan.travel/experiencia/no-109-ciudad-amurallada-de-mayapan/)