Hotel in Calakmul - Casa Ka'an

Calakmul is not a conventional tourist destination; it's an archaeological site located in the middle of the Mayan jungle and surrounded by a protected natural environment. If you're planning a visit, it's common to have questions about distances, transportation, lodging options, and safety. Here you'll find clear and useful information based on real experience, so you can travel with confidence.

Fast reading

Where to stay in Calakmul? An honest guide to choosing the right place

Visiting Calakmul isn't like a traditional tourist destination. The archaeological site is located within one of the largest protected natural areas in Latin America. There are no hotels, shops, or services within the site. To visit, you'll need to plan your accommodations carefully.

The most practical option for visiting the archaeological site is to stay in Xpujil, as has been the case historically. From here, you'll have access to transportation, food, fuel, ATMs, local guides, and the road leading to the archaeological site.

Xpujil isn't an improvised destination: it's been the original logistical point for visiting Calakmul for decades. It offers essential services before entering the jungle, such as lodging, food, fuel, transportation, and communication.

Actual distances

Xpujil → Entrance to the Reserve: 50 km (30 minutes)
Reserve Entrance → Archaeological Zone: 60 km (1 hour, narrow jungle road)
Approximate total time: 1.5 - 2 hours each way

Exploring Calakmul is an experience that begins long before you reach the ruins. As soon as you enter the Biosphere Reserve, the landscape changes and the road becomes winding, surrounded by deep jungle and wildlife. It's not just a journey: it's an essential part of the adventure, where it's common to see howler monkeys, toucans, deer, and jungle birds.

Should you stay "near" Calakmul? The truth about distances

Some people consider staying "closer" to Calakmul to try to save time on the commute. That's a myth. Although some lodging options are advertised as "inside the jungle" or "just minutes from Calakmul," the reality is that all routes to the archaeological site pass through the same official CONANP access and then travel the same 60 km of inland road to the archaeological site.

There are no lodging options within a few minutes of Calakmul, except for the Hotel Tren Maya Calakmul. The archaeological site is located within a protected area to protect the jungle and wildlife.

However, staying in isolated areas does not reduce travel time and can complicate travel logistics because:

There is no cell phone signal
There is no public transport
There are no gas stations
There are no shops or restaurants
There is no medical care nearby

👉 That's why Xpujil remains the safest and most practical base for visiting Calakmul.

Maya Train and Calakmul: Key information before traveling

In the municipality of Calakmul, there are two Mayan Train stations that are worth knowing about before traveling:

Xpujil Station – Located within the town of Xpujil. ✅ This is the recommended option because it has access to transportation, hotels, and services.
Calakmul Station – Isolated within the Biosphere Reserve, far from any services. ⚠️ Not recommended unless you have a private transfer scheduled.

⚠️ Important warning: Calakmul Station is NOT located at the archaeological site. There is no public transportation, taxis, phone service, or services. If you disembark there without a confirmed transfer, you will be isolated.

👉 The correct season to visit Calakmul is Xpujil.

Hotel Mundo Maya Calakmul: information before booking

The Mundo Maya Calakmul hotel was built within the Biosphere Reserve and is managed by a company linked to the military sector. Although it uses the name "Calakmul," it is located 10 km from the archaeological site and 100 km from Xpujil, in an area with no surrounding services.

Is it a good idea to stay there?

Before you decide, consider the following:

It's isolated: you are totally dependent on the hotel for food and transportation
There are no taxis or public transport nearby.
There is no community around: your spending does not benefit local people
It is not part of the real tourist economy of Calakmul

At Calakmul, we believe in a tourism model in which the local population participates in the tourism value chain and directly benefits. For this reason, many people travel from Xpujil, where there are lodging options operated by local projects linked to the region's economy.

Responsible tourism in Calakmul and community support

When you choose to stay in Xpujil and travel with local operators, your visit contributes to the region's tourism economy:

You support real local jobs
Strengthen community businesses
You promote responsible conservation
You avoid tourism models that exclude the community

Casa Ka'an – Your base accommodation in Calakmul

Casa Ka'an is an independent hotel operated by a local family, with over 15 years of experience hosting travelers from Mexico and around the world. We are located in Xpujil, in a quiet and safe area, surrounded by nature and close to everything you need to organize your visit to the biosphere.

What we offer

Comfortable rooms with air conditioning
Early breakfasts for tours to Calakmul
Restaurant with local and family-friendly options
WiFi in key areas
Free parking
Natural environment and privacy
Attention in Spanish and English

👉 Book directly at Casa Ka'an – Hotel in Xpujil near Calakmul

Tours to Calakmul with local guides – Ka'an Expeditions

Exploring Calakmul on your own can be complicated if you're unfamiliar with routes, schedules, and local regulations. That's why we work with Ka'an Expeditions, our allied team of certified local guides.

👉 Book an official tour to Calakmul with a certified local guide

Important tips before visiting Calakmul

The Calakmul archaeological site is located in a remote area. Be prepared to enjoy it safely.

✅ Buy water and food before entering the Reserve (there are no stores)

✅ Bring cash (entrances do not accept cards)

✅ Limited or no cellular signal

✅ Wear light clothing, a hat, and comfortable shoes

✅ Respect wildlife: do not feed animals and do not make excessive noise.

✅ Arriving early avoids heat and improves the experience

Access costs (August 2025)

Ejido/Community: $60 MXN
INAH Archaeological Site: $95 MXN
CONANP Biosphere Reserve: $150 MXN for nationals / $250 MXN for foreigners 💰 Approximate total: $300 MXN for Mexicans / $405 MXN for foreigners

How to get to Calakmul from the main routes?

Calakmul is located in a protected jungle area. There is no public transportation to the archaeological site, so the most convenient way to get there is by car from Xpujil.

Route Time

Chetumal → Xpujil 2 h

Bacalar → Xpujil 2 h 10 min

Campeche → Xpujil 4 h 30 min

Mérida → Xpujil 5–6 h

Xpujil → Entrance to Calakmul 50 km – 30 min

Entrance → Archaeological zone 60 km – 1 hour

📚 Complete route guide and tips here
🔗 Link to the original Ka'an Expeditions blog