Calakmul without detours: how to get there, where to stay and how to make the most of your trip (Casa Kaan Guide 2025)
- nnfeldman
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
🌿Introduction: Traveling to the heart of the Maya jungle
Traveling to Calakmul is not just another excursion: it is a journey through one of Mexico's most vast, ancient and vivid landscapes. Here, the Mayan past and the jungle of the present coexist in a unique balance.
However, before reaching the imposing pyramids or the trails of the Biosphere Reserve, you must understand something fundamental: Calakmul is not a city, nor a point on the map. It is a complete region, a territory where history, nature and communities form the same ecosystem.
That is why planning how to get there is as important as the visit itself. In this guide we explain -based on Casa Kaan's local experience-how to find your way, choose the best route and arrive with confidence to one of the most authentic destinations in southern Mexico.
🗺️ 2. Where is Calakmul and why is it so special?
The municipality of Calakmul is located in the extreme south of Campeche, bordering Guatemala. It is the largest municipality in the state (more than 13,000 km²) and one of the largest in all of Mexico.
Within this territory there are three different areas that share the same name but represent different things:
The Municipality of Calakmul, which brings together more than 80 rural communities, many dedicated to agriculture, beekeeping and ecotourism.
The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, created in 1989, with more than 700,000 hectares of tropical rainforest and home to jaguars, tapirs, toucans and hundreds of unique species.
The Calakmul Archaeological Site, an ancient Mayan city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the surrounding reserve.
Understanding this geographic structure will help you visualize your route and better organize your timing. The closest logistical base - and the place where everything comes together - is Xpujil, the municipal capital and service center for travelers.
To better understand the relationship between history, jungle and communities, we recommend you read our article "What is Calakmul? A window to the jungle, history and communities of southern Campeche".
🚗 3. How to get to Xpujil: the ideal starting point
Every visit to Calakmul begins in Xpujil, the closest town with tourist infrastructure, gas stations, banks, restaurants and lodging.
Tours, private transportation and the road into the Reserve depart from there.
🚘 By car
Federal Highway 186 (Escárcega-Chetumal) is the main road to reach Xpujil from different points of the Mexican southeast.
Driving tips:
Fill the tank before leaving urban areas (Escárcega or Chetumal).
Download Google Maps offline: there are stretches without signal.
Avoid driving at night, especially between Escárcega and Xpujil.
🏡 If you are driving from Campeche or Bacalar, Hotel Casa Kaan is located just 5 km west of Xpujil, on highway 186 towards the turnoff to Calakmul. It is the last comfortable spot to rest before entering the jungle.
🚌 By bus
ADO and Mayab lines connect Xpujil with the main cities of the southeast. There are routes from Merida, Campeche, Escarcega and Chetumal with daily departures.
Buses are comfortable and safe, although online ticket sales can fail with foreign cards. If you are staying at Casa Kaan, we can help you book them or coordinate your transfer from the terminal.
✈️ By plane
The closest airport is Chetumal (CTM). From there:
You can rent a car directly at the airport.
Or hire a private transport to Xpujil (90 km / 1 h 30 min).
There is also a connection to the Tren Maya ( see next section).
Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris fly from Mexico City on a daily basis.
4. Tren Maya: the new access route
The Mayan Train is a modern and scenic option for those who prefer to avoid long road trips. In the municipality of Calakmul there are two stations:
🚉 Xpujil Station: inside the town, with access to hotels, transportation, food and tours. It is the recommended one.
🚉 Calakmul Station: inside the jungle, with no signal, cabs or services. Only recommended if you travel with confirmed private transfer.
⚠️ Important: The "Calakmul" station is not in the archaeological site. It is 5km from the federal highway in a remote area. Do not travel here unless you have transportation out of the station booked in advance.
🌳 5. From Xpujil to the Archaeological Site: the jungle stretch
Here begins the most memorable part of the trip.
From the center of Xpujil to the ruins of Calakmul, the journey covers approximately 110 km and is divided as follows:
First stretch (50 km): paved road to the entrance of the Biosphere Reserve (point where access fees are paid).
Second stretch (60 km): a narrower road that goes deeper into the rainforest, which takes about an hour.
During this last part of the journey, nature becomes the protagonist. It is common to see toucans, deer, howler monkeys or even jaguars in the distance.
For this reason, the speed limit inside the Reserve is 30 km/h. Drive slowly and enjoy the surroundings: this is one of the most beautiful and quietest stretches in Mexico.
Local recommendations:
Do not drive at night: shadows and fatigue can affect visibility.
Carry enough gas and water.
Make short stops to enjoy the sounds of the jungle.
🏛️ 6. What you will find when you get to Calakmul
The Calakmul Archaeological Site is an ancient Mayan capital with more than 6,000 recorded structures. Its two main pyramids - Structures**I and II -**tower above the green horizon, offering panoramic views of the endless jungle.
To climb to the top is also to climb in time: from the top you will understand why Calakmul was a political power comparable to Tikal or Palenque.
Duration of the visit: between 3 and 4 hours, excluding transfers.
Services: parking, restrooms and rest areas.
If you want a complete experience, book a tour with Ka'an Expeditions. Our certified local guides can accompany you from the hotel, explaining the history, flora and fauna along the way.
💡 7. Practical tips before entering the Reserve.
✅ Buy water and food before leaving Xpujil (there are no stores in the jungle).
✅ Carry cash, as the booths do not accept cards.
✅ Wear light clothing, a hat and comfortable shoes.
✅ Apply biodegradable repellent and sunscreen.
✅ Respect wildlife and avoid loud noises.
✅ Leave early (before 8:00 a.m.) to avoid heat and enjoy with fewer visitors.
If you want more logistical information and honest travel tips, read: 📖 "Hotel in Calakmul: guide to staying, getting around and traveling with confidence."
🛏️ 8. Casa Kaan: your base refuge in Calakmul territory.
At Casa Kaan, we combine modern comfort with the simplicity of rural life. We are a boutique, eco-friendly, family-run hotel, with rooms designed for travelers looking to rest before or after their adventure.
We offer:
Early breakfasts for tours to Calakmul.
WiFi in key areas.
Free parking and peaceful natural surroundings.
Bilingual attention (Spanish / English).
In addition, we work together with Ka'an Expeditions, a team of local guides who promote responsible tourism in the region.
📍 Learn more about our lodging at: casakaan.com/hotel-en-calakmul
🧭 9. Closing: The journey is part of the destination.
Getting to Calakmul is an experience that is gained kilometer by kilometer.
Every bend in the road, every pause in the road and every sound in the jungle are part of the charm.
At the end of the journey, in front of the pyramids covered in history and moss, you will understand why so many travelers say that the adventure begins before arriving.
From Casa Kaan, we want to accompany you on that route: to help you plan, rest and discover the essence of this territory.
👉 Plan your visit with us: casakaan.com
👉 Discover our local tours: kaanexpeditions.com
👉 Learn more about the territory: What is Calakmul? A window to the jungle, history and communities of southern Campeche.
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